Overview
- A cabinet order approved a 20-year lease covering 83 hectares of Crown land and coastal waters near Wine Harbour, with an option to renew for another 20 years.
- The Whale Sanctuary Project says the approval creates a clear path to begin construction and ramp up private fundraising for an estimated $20 million build and about $2 million in annual operations.
- Plans call for a floating net enclosure of roughly 40 hectares that could accommodate up to 10 belugas retired from marine parks such as Marineland.
- No whales or dolphins will be relocated until Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada issue required permits.
- The order followed an Oct. 10 recommendation from former natural resources minister Tory Rushton, and organizers say next steps include evaluating candidate animals, transport logistics and public engagement, while disputing environmental and feasibility concerns raised by Marineland.