Lack of consent stalls plans for North America’s first whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia

The ambitious plan to build North America’s first coastal refuge for captive whales in Nova Scotia may be facing a major setback. The Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) has encountered difficulties in securing approval from all five property owners adjacent to the proposed site where a floating net enclosure for belugas and orcas is planned.

According to documents obtained through Nova Scotia’s freedom of information law, the WSP will not be granted a Crown lease for the 81-hectare site near Wine Harbour unless unanimous consent is given by all landowners. Executive director Charles Vinick expressed concerns that the $20-million project, which has been in the works for five years and is supported by private donations, could be in jeopardy.

Vinick revealed that while the WSP has obtained consent from two of the property owners, two others have expressed reluctance, and one has refused to agree. The fifth landowner, a woman from Montreal, has not responded to the group’s outreach efforts.

In a letter sent to Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources in August, Vinick requested a change in rules to address the unanimous consent issue. However, Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton stated that there are concerns about the impact on waterfront properties and emphasized the importance of transparency with landowners.

The potential delays in the project have raised concerns about the well-being of the animals awaiting relocation to the sanctuary. Vinick emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for clarity on how the consent issue can be resolved.

Despite the challenges, Vinick remains optimistic about the project’s future, highlighting the support from Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaw First Nations and the community. He emphasized the importance of the sanctuary for the whales and the progress made so far, including environmental reviews and risk mitigation plans.

While allegations of fraud have surfaced, Vinick dismissed them, stating that the project is not a fundraising scam. He emphasized that both he and Lori Marino, the president of WSP, are being paid less than their previous roles at other non-profit organizations.

Moving forward, the project still requires approvals from the federal Fisheries Department and Transport Canada. Vinick confirmed that the governments are closely monitoring the situation with the adjacent landowners but expressed confidence in the project’s importance and viability.

The proposed sanctuary could potentially accommodate up to nine belugas, with construction expected to commence once landowner consent is secured. Vinick remains committed to seeing the project through, believing it to be a crucial initiative for the well-being of captive whales.