‘One of the most unique facilities’: Halifax aquarium set to open this fall seeks municipal funds

Halifax’s first research aquarium, the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity, is set to open this fall and is seeking financial support from the municipality to help cover operational costs. Dov Bercovici, president of the Discovery Centre, provided an update to Halifax’s community planning and economic development standing committee regarding the exciting new venture. The facility, located at Dalhousie University’s Steele Ocean Sciences Building, will be operated by Discovery Centre International in partnership with the university.

The Beaty Centre will serve as a showcase for the work of ocean scientists, PhDs, and researchers in Halifax, a city known for having the highest concentration of these experts per capita globally. Bercovici emphasized the unique opportunity the facility provides to access a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of marine biodiversity.

The aquarium will house approximately 25 live animals, displayed in three large tanks representing different marine ecosystems such as the deep sea, rocky reefs, and seagrass meadows. A highlight of the exhibits will be an 18-metre skeleton of a blue whale that washed up in Nova Scotia in 2017. The displays will be presented in English, French, and Mi’kmaw languages to cater to a diverse audience.

Margaret Campbell, lead designer at the Discovery Centre, highlighted the center’s focus on inspiring youth to engage with ocean science through educational programs, class trips, and student work placements. The goal is to encourage young people from various backgrounds to pursue careers in marine science.

Thanks to generous donations and fundraising efforts, including an $8.2 million contribution from entrepreneur and conservationist Ross Beaty, the capital costs for establishing the Beaty Centre have been covered. However, ongoing operational funding is still needed. Bercovici requested approximately $200,000 in annual operating funds from Halifax for the next five years to support the center’s $653,000 yearly expenses.

Deputy Mayor Tony Mancini expressed support for the project, noting its alignment with the recommendations of the Ivany report to leverage Nova Scotia’s ocean resources. The committee acknowledged the value of the Beaty Centre but raised concerns about the financial strain on the city, particularly amid a proposed property tax increase. Despite the challenges, the committee agreed to consider requesting a staff report on the funding request for the center in future council meetings.

The Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity promises to be a valuable addition to Halifax’s scientific and educational landscape, offering an immersive experience in marine conservation and research. Stay tuned for updates as the aquarium prepares to open its doors to the public this fall.