'Shocking' erosion of sand dunes in Prince Edward Island National Park due to Fiona
The scale of sand dune erosion in Prince Edward Island National Park due to post-tropical storm Fiona is "shocking" and has dramatically changed the landscape of some beaches, Parks Canada says.
Jennifer Stewart, external relations manager with Parks Canada in P.E.I., said the storm has caused the most severe coastal erosion she's seen since she began her career in 2000.
The erosion is particularly significant at Dalvay Beach, she said, where dune systems used to block the view of the water from the nearby roadway.
"There was a dune system. It's completely gone, and now the road is eroding away," Stewart said in an interview.
"It is shocking. It completely changed the look of the landscape in this area."
The post-tropical storm left a trail of destruction across Atlantic Canada, stretching from Nova Scotia's eastern mainland to Cape Breton, P.E.I. and southwestern Newfoundland.
Stewart said the loss of dunes is troubling because they act as a natural barrier in protecting shoreline from the impact of storms and ocean swells.
"Luckily, coastal ecosystems are very dynamic," Stewart said. As sediment is washed back on the beach, vegetation, such as marram grass, will catch the sand to develop new dunes.
"As this happens, marram grass will spread its roots under the surface of the sand, creating a living web to hold the sand in place," she said.
While sand dunes are likely to reform, this process takes years, Stewart said. In order to encourage growth, she said, people should avoid the area where the dunes were to avoid disturbing the vegetation.
Another victim of erosion caused by Fiona was the frequently photographed sea-stack rock formation known as the Teacup Rock at Thunder Cove Beach.
Bruce Stewart, who lives a short drive away from where the teacup once sat in New London Bay, has been an avid photographer of the distinctive rock structure.
"Unfortunately all that's left there now is a bit of the pedestal," Stewart said. "The saucer, if you like."
On his countless visits to Thunder Cove Beach, Stewart said he's met photographers and tourists from all over the world snapping shots of the teacup.
Stewart said the loss of the landmark doesn't compare to Fiona's destruction of homes in Atlantic Canada, but he said it's still "devastating."
"What was so special about the teacup is that it was a natural formation. It wasn't something that somebody went and crafted," he said.
The lamented teacup joins the former Elephant Rock, which drew thousands of tourists over the years to Norway, P.E.I., on the Island's northwestern tip until it also fell victim to the elements in the late 1990s.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 27, 2022 and was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87
Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries 'Roots,' has died. He was 87.