FIONA’S FURY AND OUR THANKS

When post-tropical storm Fiona, the most-costly extreme weather event ever recorded in Atlantic Canada in terms of insured damages, ripped through the region on Sept. 24, 2022, it knocked out power, toppled trees, and le extensive ooding and property damage—its fury certainly touching down in StFX and Antigonish. At StFX, the storm caused infrastructure damage estimated at over $6 million, says VP Finance & Administration, Monica Foster. Nearly every building sustained some damage and at Marguerite Hall (Mount Saint Bernard), the roof was destroyed, leading to water damage to the residence and to half of the Rankin School of Nursing.

Student Services VP Elizabeth Yeo says over 100 on-campus students were relocated in the middle of the storm. ey’ve been accommodated in other residences while repairs continue. Nursing faculty and sta were also displaced, with the hope of returning for the winter term.

Additionally, J. Bruce Brown’s roof had to be replaced, 50 mature trees were uprooted and had to be removed, and repairs done at Crystal Cli s and West Street.

Fiona knocked out power for over ve days in many areas. Cell service and other telecommunications were also interrupted in Antigonish.

Many campus buildings, including residences, were without power and hundreds of o -campus students went days—some over a week—without power. Flooding temporarily displaced about 50 o -campus students. About 10 were let out of their leases as damage was so extensive.

“Care for students’ wellbeing was paramount as some had to cope with damage and loss as well as displacement from their homes and regular community support. Flexibility with academic accommodations were provided for those who experienced signi cant disruptions,” says Ms. Yeo.

StFX knew the gi of giving and receiving in the hurricane’s a ermath. “Alumni graciously stepped up and donated over $15,000 to an emergency fund distributed by our Students’ Union, providing meal tickets and grocery cards to students in need,” she says. “We were fortunate to receive assistance from residents of the town and county, with many opening their homes to students. e United Way Pictou County also provided funding for meal tickets and grocery cards. Faculty, sta and students supported each other in so many ways.

“We express huge gratitude for the rst responders and those who secured the safety of campus and students – Safety, Security and Risk Management teams, Facilities Management, Housing, Residence Life professional and student sta , and those who supported students during the closure and transition back to full operations such as the Sodexo team, the cleaning sta , Health and Counselling Center, advisors for Black, Indigenous, International students, academic advisors, student and academic services and support sta .” e Students’ Union executive team convened an emergency meeting to determine immediate and longer-term needs, says president Brendan Roberts, including having the Drive U van assist Marguerite residents moving to their new buildings. He says the university got Morrison Hall Meal Hall open as soon as possible and began accepting cash so that o -campus students could get a warm meal. e Students’ Union fully restocked Kevin’s Corner Food Resource Centre with non-perishable foods that did not need to be cooked. Additionally, with the help of Tim Hierlihy (Sodexo) and Bob Hale (Ancillary), they distributed nearly 1,000 meal hall passes to students.

Ms. Yeo says the support from so many allowed StFX to continue to help a ected students. “ ere were many lessons learned, which is being factored into planning and preparation should such an event happen in the future.”