Nova ScotiaBusinesses that rely on the outdoors are feeling the effects — both good and bad — of Nova Scotia’s hot, dry weather.Some businesses have had to halt part of their operations, while others are seeing more people come throughDerek MacKinnon, the head professional at KenWo Golf Club in New Minas, says business has been good due to the lack of rain. (Richard Woodbury/CBC)Businesses that rely on the outdoors are feeling the effects — both good and bad — of Nova Scotia’s hot, dry weather.Daniel Booth, the owner of White Rock Rentals in Wolfville, says water levels in the Gaspereau River are so low that he’s had to shut down his tubing rentals, which make up over half of his annual revenue.Booth’s business relied solely on tube rentals when it first opened six years ago, but he began renting kayaks as well because of the impact river conditions often had on his operation. Kayakers can paddle in a nearby pond when water levels in the river get too low.That’s something that is happening with greater frequency and for longer stretches of time, said Booth, who grew up in the area.”But this year, it seems to be a little bit extended just due to the lack of rain,” he said. According to the Canadian Drought Monitor, most parts of the province are seeing moderate drought conditions, with some sections of central Nova Scotia and Cape Breton experiencing severe drought, as of July 31.Derek MacKinnon, the head professional at KenWo Golf Club in New Minas, said the dry summer has meant no “slow, rainy days” for the course, which has been “packed pretty well non-stop” from morning to evening. The only negative effect has been on the grass, which has been brown and crispy for a few weeks, MacKinnon said.But cooler weather this week has helped and the grass is slowly bouncing back, he said. “When it comes to the game, you’re certainly getting some bounces that you might not see,” said MacKinnon, referring to the effect of dry conditions on play. “People are certainly hitting it further. So I’d say that every level of player is enjoying that quite a bit.”He said he hopes a little more rain can bring the grass back to its full colour before the club hosts the Canadian senior men’s championship next month.Dry, brown grass at KenWo Golf Club on Aug. 12. (Richard Woodbury/CBC)Steven Ells, a vineyard owner in Canning, told CBC News the drought is making his grapes smaller, but that is a good thing for winemaking. He said that while other crops have been severely affected by the drought, grapes thrive under hot, dry conditions. “I think we are looking for an absolute banner year for quality,” said Ells. “The quality of this year with the smaller grapes … impacts the flavour, and it’s gonna be great.” Hot, dry summer great for local wine, says N.S. vineyard ownerSteven Ells owns Ellslea Vineyard and says the berries are smaller this year because of the heat, but it’s a good thing for wine. Watch his interview with Amy Smith.ABOUT THE AUTHORGiuliana is a journalist originally from Lima, Peru. She is interested in stories about rural Nova Scotia, science, the environment and more. If you have any story tips, you can reach her at giuliana.grillo.de.lambarri@cbc.ca.
Why the drought is good or bad news for some Nova Scotia businesses
