A U.S.-based organization aiming to establish a shelter for retired marine park whales in Nova Scotia has finalized a 20-year lease for Crown property on the province’s Eastern Shore. The non-profit Whale Sanctuary Project disclosed the agreement on Friday, noting that the lease encompasses 83 hectares of Crown land and coastal waters near Wine Harbour, a small community.
Following approval from Premier Tim Houston’s cabinet in October, the lease deal was officially sealed. However, critics of the initiative had previously raised concerns about the unsigned document. In June, the project organizers held a groundbreaking event at the location, which is privately funded.
Efforts are already underway to upgrade a wharf that will host the sanctuary’s facilities for whale care. Additionally, the wharf will serve as a base for the installation of a large floating enclosure, expected to be the size of approximately 50 football fields.
The CEO of the Whale Sanctuary Project, Charles Vinick, initially outlined the concept for a 40-hectare saltwater pen over six years ago.
