Shorter Green Gables hours upset tourism industry

The Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. is fighting to change a recent Parks Canada decision to reduce hours at the Green Gables historic site.

The site was the home of the aunt and uncle of Lucy Maud Montgomery, and was the inspiration for the setting of her landmark novel Anne of Green Gables.

As part of cost-cutting measures across Parks Canada, the hours at the historic site were cut in the shoulder season. It was closed Sundays and Mondays in May and June, except for advance bookings of cruise ship visitors. The same is planned for September and October.

For 12-year-old Charlotte Reeson, her visit to Green Gables was a significant part of her P.E.I. experience.

"It's just it's amazing," she said.

"It's very fun, very energetic, there's so much to learn. It's very historical and interesting."

But not every child visiting this year has had that opportunity.

Sandi Lowther, owner of Fairways Cottages in Cavendish, had a child crying in her office this spring because she couldn't get into Green Gables.

"I get frustrated, and I got a little angry," said Lowther.

"The expectation was when you come to Prince Edward Island you're going to experience Anne's home. To have it closed any day is unacceptable."

Don Cudmore, executive director of the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I., said with tourism every interaction is important. He has arranged to meet with Parks Canada this week to discuss a plan for the fall and next spring.

"We hope to at least try and work towards a suitable solution for the fall season," said Cudmore.

"We need those very important facilities open spring and fall."

Parks Canada said the reduced hours during shoulder seasons aren't set in stone, and changes could be made based on future analysis.

For mobile device users: Should Green Gables house be open Sundays and Mondays in the shoulder season?