Five things about Nova Scotia’s decision to approve Whale Sanctuary Project
Global News
The Nova Scotia government has approved plans for construction of North America’s first coastal refuge for whales and dolphins retired from marine theme parks.
The Nova Scotia government has approved plans for construction of North America’s first coastal refuge for whales and dolphins retired from marine theme parks. Here are five things you need to know about the project.
MONEY — Charles Vinick, CEO of the U.S.-based Whale Sanctuary Project, said it will cost about $15 million to build a 40-hectare underwater enclosure near Wine Harbour, N.S., which will hold up to 10 whales. Another $1.5 million will be required for annual operations.
Publicly available financial documents show that as of 2023, the non-profit group had US$1.8 million in revenues, US$1.9 million in expenses and US$1.7 million in cash.
Now that the project can move ahead, Vinick said private fundraising will go into high gear. The group is not seeking government money.
“Having approval of the Crown lease is a critical step, not only for us, but for all of our donors,” he said in an interview Wednesday from his home in Arizona. “Until we had a project that was real, it’s very difficult for donors to make a commitment. (And) we have a number of seven-figure donors.”
NEXT STEPS — Money has already been set aside to buy 12 hectares of land around a wharf, where some buildings and other infrastructure will be assembled. A floating net will be installed to create an enclosure about the size of 40 football fields, next to a cove at the southern end of Port Hilford Bay.
But before the project can bring any whales or dolphins to the site, organizers will be required to get a permit from Transport Canada under the Navigable Waters Act, and transfer licences from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Those licenses will be required for each whale or dolphin.
Vinick said Transport Canada has told him the department has all the information it needs. “I met with Transport Canada last week … and they have no issues with our project,” he said.
The statement from Global Affairs Canada comes a day after U.S. intelligence leaders unanimously testified that reports denying foreign involvement should be retracted.
It may be the first day of spring, but Ontario’s long winter isn’t over, with more snow and icy conditions expected before a full warm-up arrives
The policy is something of a reversal from a government that killed a similar idea shortly after taking power. Back in 2019, the province said the policy would be unenforceable.
The recall states that 'the ovens in the ranges can experience a delayed ignition of the oven's bake burner, which can create a potential risk of burns.'
U.S. President Donald Trump is widening the cracks between the United States and European NATO members with his calls for allies to help him finish the war he started with Iran.
The legislation from U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker would launch a U.S. Trade Representative investigation into whether the Canadian law unfairly burdens American commerce.
The New York Islanders plan on moving their American Hockey League affiliate from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Hamilton, Ont., for next season.
Mayor Michael Prue said Diageo appeared to lose steam in its attempts to quickly sell a facility in his town as soon as Doug Ford stood down his threat to ban Crown Royal.
Dillon Whitehawk has been found guilty of first degree murder in killing of Keenan Toto, but not guilty in killing of Jordan Denton.
Waterloo’s police chief says snipers may continue to be used at large events as needed, following their deployment during a St. Patrick’s Day street party.
Parents and students in Nova Scotia and Manitoba are dealing with the aftermath of what could have been two deadly school attacks, after FBI intel leads to arrests.
The Toronto Police Association and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both called on the judge who suggested police witnesses may have colluded to apologize.
Most Canadians want the government to ban or regulate the use of algorithms to set prices, a new poll suggests — with half of respondents saying the practice is unfair.