Post-tropical storm Fiona shut down the Pictou Lodge in 2022. It's back in business

The Pictou Lodge Beach Resort is officially back in business after the nearly century-old business was severely damaged by post-tropical storm Fiona in September 2022.

On Monday, Brad Hartlin, who owns the 99-year-old resort with his brother Mark, confirmed the news to CBC's Mainstreet Halifax.

"It's been a long process, but we're very excited about the opportunity and I'm very thankful to be part of it," he said.

In 2023, the previous owners concluded they couldn't continue to operate the business. The damage from Fiona included roofs being blown off cabins.

Hartlin said he and his brother created a business plan to revive the lodge. The first step was talking to longtime staff with knowledge of the property to see what was possible.

Some buildings were removed and some were sold by the previous owner. Hartlin noted Pictou Lodge will be a smaller operation.

Previously, the lodge had 80 to 100 rooms, he said. This season, it will be operating with 41 rooms.

"There's lots of room to grow in the future if we think that it can warrant it and we can pull it off. This year will be a learning curve for us," Hartlin said.

"It's been three months now getting everything together and we're going to do it in baby steps. We're not going to reinvent the wheel or think that we can do anything much better than previous owners before, but smaller and then we'll grow into it."

Some of the repairs have included redoing the roof on the main lodge, its chimney and the floors inside.

Hartlin said the pool, which was completely redone, has reopened. There's also a beach, pond and trail on the property.

"What we offer is nature. That's the No. 1 thing ... it's going to be a place that people can go and really relax and enjoy themselves," said Hartlin.

Some former staff rehired

Hartlin said people in the area have been very receptive to the lodge reopening. He said they were able to give some of the previous staff their jobs back.

The kitchen will reopen next year, but Hartlin said it will operate as a taphouse this year.

"The main lodge has been completely redone inside. It's got a very cool atmosphere and nostalgia that when people come in, they can sit and relax and have the memories of the Pictou Lodge — what it was and what it will be in the future," he said.