The Last Hurrah (S07E12)

Jasper returns from England to discover that Olivia has welcomed Lottie, a young woman recently let go from the Carmody cannery, along with her baby. Meanwhile, Eulalie Bugle and Archie Gillis are pushing for Avonlea to merge with Carmody, prompting Alec, Bert Potts, and Stuart to launch a fierce counter-campaign. An impassioned speech from Jasper helps the anti-amalgamation group secure a win, but their fortunes take a turn when lightning strikes the Dale Cannery, causing it to catch fire and burn down. With no job left, Lottie leaves her baby in the care of the Dales and vanishes.