Islanders share fond and not so fond memories of 2008 ice storm

Jan. 31, 2008, was a day that many Islanders will never forget.

A major ice storm swept through the regionand left 22,000 homes without power.

• Troops ready to help powerlessP.E.I.

Ten years later, we asked what people peopleremember from the storm.

Manyresponded on our Facebook page with memories ofspending days in the dark, going to relief stations and waiting as powercrewsworked around the clock to get the lights back on.

Days without power

"I remember the power being out so long we had to go toSummersidefor a bit since they had power again and we all were finally able to go shower and have a decent cooked meal," saidVanessaYeo.

IlonaBerzinsBatchelorsaid their home wentwithout power for a week.

"We were fortunate in that we had a generator but it didn't make our water pump operational. So we showered elsewhere," she said.

LizanneGallantThorneremembered her family of five having to sleep on the floor at herbrother's house.

Ice everywhere

"I remember taking a bat to my car to get to work," saidApril DawnMedlock.

Pat Day said in the aftermath of the storm, huge branches had fallen off trees in their backyard and were frozen to the ground until spring.

'It was the best week without power'

As difficult as it was for many to go without power, some Islanders remember the time fondly.

"I remember going around with my parents to all the nice electricians giving them hot meals, tea, coffeebiscuits, all cooked on a wood stove," saidTreinaLockhart.

"They were sogratefulfor the warm food and polite gesture. Especially the ones from off Island," she said. "To be honest, it was the best week without power."

KerryPaughsaid she remembers her neighbourcoming over with his tractor and generator.

"[It gave us]power for a few hours to all enjoy a hot shower, and a cooked meal for supper," she said. "Also saved our deep freezer full of meat for us. Was such an amazingly kind gesture."

April Ramsay said the amount of appreciation shown to everyone helping out stuck with her.

"From MaritimeElectricto first responders toneighbours.Everyone pitching in to help out any way and any where they could," she said.

'We will never forget the ice storm'

Christian Southgatesaid the ice storm made quite the first impression on them.

"This ice storm happened when I first arrived in Canada. I assumed it was normal," Southgate said.

For Diana Carver, the 2008 ice storm is a memory she'll cherish forever for another reason.

"My beautiful daughter Audrey born at 3:50 a.m. Feb. 1, 2008," Carver said. "We will never forget the ice storm at our house!"

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |Air show returning to Summerside, this time with jets
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |Government should do more for Black History Month, says P.E.I. woman