Sunday, February 16, 2025

Whale Sanctuary Project almost ready to welcome first residents

Representatives make presentation to St. Mary’s council

  • January 22 2025
  • By Joanne Jordan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter    

SHERBROOKE — After five years of work, the first whale and orca sanctuary in North America Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) is almost ready to welcome its first whale residents.

During the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s committee of the whole (COTW) meeting Jan. 15, WSP chief executive officer Charles Vinick and Nova Scotia project manager Alexandra Vance updated council on its progress. Marino and Amy Simon – WSP community liaison officer and coordinator – took part via Skype.

“It has been a long road,” Vinick said, “[but] we are finally ready to move forward expeditiously.”

He explained that the WSP team is focusing on bringing a mother and son to the site – Wikie and Keijo – whales living at Marineland in Antibes, France, which closed on Jan. 5.

Vinick outlined where the WSP stood, when it comes to required provincial and federal applications and approvals. He confirmed that no further agency approvals are needed for on-site work, while no agency has raised any questions regarding their submissions. Noting they also have letters of support from First Nations, he pointed out that consultation with them will continue every step of the way.

He explained that design engineering on the site’s bay pen is in the final stages, while the design process for two buildings that will be located at the whale sanctuary – ones focused on depicting the spirit of a fishing community – is also winding down.

Vinick noted that septic and water infrastructure work is expected to take place by February or March.

“We are working very hard to see how we can help them, and which ones can come to our sanctuary,” Marino said of other whales in need around the world, while noting that an application must be made to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) for each one that the project wants to bring to the sanctuary.

Noting that the WSP has been working diligently with the French government regarding Wiki and Keijo, Vinick described it as a “very tricky situation.” Although they consider the WSP’s proposal to be the best one, they cannot mandate what the owners do with the mother and son. Describing it as a “challenge under French law,” he added that they are not exactly sure how to proceed.

“We need the community support, and we’ve had it in tremendous percentage,” said Vinick of the WSP, explaining that, within WSP’s lease terms, ongoing support from neighbours is required for project approval. Adding it is a practice – and not legislated – he said that it will be a decision of the provincial natural resources minister, if support falls short.

Noting that not everyone is in favour of their project, he added, “It’s not perfect, but we’ve had a level of support that I don’t know we could have found anywhere else.”

“Because that’s the commitment we make to their welfare,” Vinick said of sustaining funding for the long-term care of whales living in the sanctuary, adding “it is a multi, multi-million dollar investment, and will continue to be as it goes forward.”

Along with an existing $5-million pledge, the WSP representatives noted that – upon project approval – there are other donors in line to contribute similar amounts.

Vinick said, based on traffic at the WSP’s visitor centre in Sherbrooke, there is “tremendous interest” in the project and seeing the whales.

He explained that there will be no on-site interaction with the whales due to, in part, a compromise with community members who were concerned with increased traffic on Barachois Rd. Anticipated to happen as the proposed second phase of the WSP, they are looking at locating a lookout and interpretation centre on property along the Eastern Shore of the bay.

“We’ll have cameras below water, cameras above water, hopefully, beaming into schools everywhere what we’re doing and what the whales are doing.” said Vinick, noting the WSP envisions having boat tours – which would stay at least 100 metres from the nearest net – as well as educational programs.

With nets running from Barachois Island around to Rocky Point, he explained that the water site between Port Hilford and Wine Harbour is “excellent” in providing the whales with a natural environment.

Noting that the WSP looked at more than 130 sites, Vinick said, “Selecting this site was the right decision,” as it meets the criteria for providing an excellent home for retiring orcas, cetaceans and belugas – a decision supported by their extensive studies.

That in-depth assessment includes a marine ecological risk assessment conducted by a third party, which concluded that there is no negligible risk to the whales and no need for mitigation.

“It’s critically important that we complete this project and be a symbol and a proof of concept that this can be done, and that’s really what we want to do here,” Vinick said, considering how the global attitude towards keeping whales and dolphins captive has changed.

He added, “I cannot underscore how important it is.”

Simon outlined the WSP’s commitment to hosting and volunteering for local activities, noting that they have contributed more than 1,400 hours to events in and around Sherbrooke and across Nova Scotia. She added the team looks forward to having an even greater cultural and economic engagement with the community when the sanctuary is operational.

By continuing their community contributions, job creation and bringing in specialists who will support the local economy, she added, “We’re excited to see what we can accomplish together in 2025.”

St. Mary’s Warden James Fuller told The Journal that Vinick and the WSP team “have been working for years to make this a reality,” noting that they still have to clear a few hurdles.

“But,” he added, “if they are successful, it will be a wonderful day for these creatures to finally have a natural home.”