Whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia stalled by property consent issues

Plans for North America's first whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia are facing significant challenges. The Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP), a non-profit organization, has not received approval from all five property owners near its proposed site. The sanctuary is meant to provide a home for belugas and orcas that were retired from marine parks. Documents reveal that unless the property owners unanimously consent, the WSP cannot secure a Crown lease for 81 hectares of land and water. Charles Vinick, the executive director, expressed concern about the project's future, emphasizing that just one owner could stop the entire plan. Currently, WSP has support from two property owners, but two others have not agreed. One landowner firmly stated they would not consent, and another has not responded. Vinick has urged the Nova Scotia government to change its rules to help move the project forward. The Natural Resources Minister, Tory Rushton, has indicated that he will not alter the rules or provide exemptions. He noted that there are legitimate concerns among landowners about potential impacts on their properties. Originally announced in 2020, the sanctuary's opening has faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and regulatory issues. While the project was initially expected to open in 2022, it now may not start until 2026. The project aims to relocate captive whales from various marine facilities, but it has faced skepticism from some community members, and allegations of fundraising fraud have emerged, which the WSP has denied. Despite these challenges, Vinick remains hopeful, stating that the project is important for the whales and has received support from the public, as well as local Indigenous groups. The WSP is currently awaiting additional approvals from federal authorities to proceed.