Some children in P.E.I. will experience a delayed Halloween celebration due to an anticipated severe weather system heading towards the Island on Friday, as per a special weather advisory from Environment Canada. Charlottetown, Cornwall, and Stratford collectively announced the postponement of trick-or-treating to Saturday, citing concerns over the expected inclement conditions. Summerside also confirmed the rescheduling of Halloween activities to Saturday in light of the weather forecast. All four municipalities reiterated that the 8 p.m. curfew would remain in effect on Saturday.
Corey Frizzell, Cornwall’s town councillor and chair of municipal and emergency services, emphasized prioritizing caution based on the weather predictions. Many residents, like Danielle Jesso from Cornwall, supported the decision to postpone trick-or-treating for the safety and enjoyment of the children. Jesso, planning to take her 10-month-old daughter Chloe out for her first trick-or-treating experience on Saturday, expressed readiness for the change in plans.
Similarly, Warren Grove decided to move trick-or-treating to Saturday to ensure a better experience for the children, reflecting Mayor Noémie Wheatley’s sentiment that safety and enjoyment are paramount. Despite some internal debate, the ultimate goal remains the well-being of the kids.
Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations rescheduled their trick-or-treating to Thursday evening ahead of the projected severe weather. Environment Canada’s warning highlighted the expected heavy rainfall and strong winds starting Friday morning, with gusts up to 70 kilometers per hour and rainfall reaching 30 to 40 millimeters. The possibility of localized significant rainfall prompted the issuance of the special weather statement.
CBC meteorologist Jay Scotland anticipated the heaviest rain on Friday afternoon but suggested a more favorable outlook for Saturday, albeit with cooler temperatures and a strong westerly wind. The weather patterns are influenced by Hurricane Melissa’s recent activity in the Caribbean. Islanders were advised by Environment Canada to prepare for the storm by clearing drains and securing outdoor items.
While some smaller communities on the Island opted to proceed with Halloween on Friday, others followed the lead of larger municipalities in rescheduling the festivities to Saturday. Islanders were encouraged to verify the Halloween plans with their local municipal council for updates.
