PORT HILFORD — The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has approved a lease of Crown land for the American non-profit Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP), clearing the way for construction of a coastal refuge for retired marine park beluga whales on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore.
The approval was announced on Oct. 21 through an Order in Council to issue a 20-year lease for 83 hectares of submerged and terrestrial Crown land, with an option to renew for another 20 years. If built, the sanctuary would be the first of its kind anywhere in North America.
The decision for the Port Hilford-based project’s shoreline facility in nearby Wine Harbour followed a cabinet shuffle by Premier Tim Houston that same day, which saw Kim Masland replace Tory Rushton as minister of natural resources. Rushton had recommended cabinet approve the lease on Oct. 10.
In an interview with The Journal last week, WSP executive director Charles Vinick stated that with the approval of the Crown land lease, the project is “ready to move ahead... The team is thrilled.”
The organization plans to raise $20 million in private funding for construction and expects annual operating costs of about $2 million. “We are ready to raise that money and help belugas,” Vinick said.
The project had faced delays over the government’s previous position that all nine property owners with land along the sanctuary’s perimeter of the ocean must give consent to the Crown land lease. Some had expressed concern about losing access to the water once sanctuary nets are installed, though the WSP said those concerns had been addressed in its design plan.
But at least two property owners are not happy with the provincial government’s decision to proceed with the Crown land lease, according to a report by Canadian Press, which quotes a letter it says was sent last week to Premier Tim Houston from Tracy Burns-Gagnon and her sister Maureen Fraser, area landowners who are affected.
“You have lost the trust of Nova Scotians by putting the interests of a U.S. (organization) ahead of property owners in this province,” the letter reportedly states. “The reversal from ‘unanimous consent’ is unreasonable and procedurally unfair... Please tell me how many Nova Scotian landowners would freely give up their water rights for 20 years?” The CP report states that the two women say they have consulted a lawyer.
Echoing earlier comments from Houston to news organizations last week, Department of Natural Resources communications advisor Alicia Doyle said in an email to The Journal that “full consensus across any group on any issue is pretty difficult and we needed to get to a realistic place.”
Confirming that the Order in Council – OIC 2025-288 – has given the department executive council approval to issue a Crown land lease for the WSP, she noted, “A marine sanctuary has the potential to create jobs and attract visitors to Guysborough... By leasing Crown lands to the WSP, we are helping facilitate this unique project.”
She added: “There’s an incredible amount of support for the project in the area and across the province, and we thought there was enough to move forward with the lease.”
On its website, the WSP said in the coming days the sanctuary team will issue updates on the three primary aspects of their work going forward, including information on the whales who are prospects for coming to the Nova Scotia sanctuary; recent progress at the sanctuary and how people can support the capital costs of construction; health and behaviour evaluations and medical care of the whales at their present locations; transportation and introduction to their new home; as well as information regarding their continuing care at the sanctuary.
Of the Crown lease, a planned 40-hectare in-water enclosure is designed to house as many as 10 whales from marine parks such as the now-closed Marineland in Niagara Falls, where 30 belugas are being held.
The WSP noted on its website that more information will be shared about how the growing collaboration among non-profit organizations, marine parks and aquariums, and governments at all levels is paving the way for a global effort to bring an end to the captivity of whales and dolphins.
Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s Warden James Fuller said the sanctuary project aligns with municipal goals for sustainable development, conservation and environmental education.
“St. Mary’s welcomes the latest development that ensures the whale sanctuary can now become a reality,” Fuller said. “These developments are promising in ensuring improved health and well-being of these magnificent creatures who will be coming to our pristine natural environment of Nova Scotia’s coastal waters.”
St. Mary’s River Association (SMRA) President Scott Beaver said the project represents a broader shift toward environmental leadership in the region. He praised the decision, calling it a “major milestone” that will provide “an ethical alternative to captivity, while supporting local economic growth through science, education and eco-tourism.
“This is more than just a win for whales, it’s a win for all of us who believe in a more compassionate and sustainable relationship with nature,” he said. “Our community is showing the world that small rural districts can lead on big global issues.”
Launched in 2020, the WSP chose Port Hilford as the site for its marine refuge, noting a host of advantages over other locations it had investigated – including environmental and logistical considerations and widespread community support.
In a statement on its website last week, the organization said it is grateful to the Nova Scotia government and the minister of natural resources. “This is a great day for the whales. We look forward to pressing ahead in every way to establish the Whale Sanctuary.”
