Includes engineering and construction of the wharf, where future sanctuary buildings will be constructed, along with boat launch and slipway.
PORT HILFORD BAY, N.S. – Sept. 22nd, 2026
Construction is underway on the next major phase of the Whale Sanctuary Project in Port Hilford, Nova Scotia, marking another significant step toward creating North America’s first seaside sanctuary for whales retired from entertainment and public display.
Building on construction progress already underway at Port Hilford Bay, the Whale Sanctuary Project has now moved into its next major stage of site development, with more than $1.4 million CAD in advancing the shore-side infrastructure that will be essential to building and eventually operating the sanctuary.
This latest phase had been scheduled to begin earlier but work in the wharf area was temporarily delayed after nesting barn swallows were discovered at the site. Following Canadian Wildlife Service procedures, the project adjusted its construction schedule to protect the birds and allow the nesting period to conclude.
Members of the construction crew at work on the barn swallow loft.
And with that process now complete, work is moving ahead. It includes geotechnical engineering and re-construction of the wharf, boat launch and slipway; installation of core and armour stone to establish and protect the shoreline infrastructure; and preparation of the ground and footing base where future sanctuary buildings will be constructed.
The area being developed will provide the staging area for the major in-water work still to come.
“Every stage of construction brings us closer to the day when we can open these waters to whales in need of sanctuary,” said Charles Vinick, Chief Executive Officer of the Whale Sanctuary Project. “This work creates the foundation for the marine infrastructure and facilities we need to operate, and it is enormously rewarding to see that progress taking shape. We’re also proud that this investment is supporting Nova Scotia contractors and using materials sourced here in the province, ensuring that as we build the sanctuary, we’re investing in the community and Canadian expertise that are helping make it possible.”
The area being developed will provide the staging area for the major in-water work still to come, including installation of the sanctuary’s nets and bay pen.
With construction progressing, the Whale Sanctuary Project is now focused on securing the funding required to maintain that momentum and advance the next stages of sanctuary development.
The project is engaging with individual philanthropists, foundations, corporations, and other potential partners in Canada and around the world to raise the capital funds to complete the sanctuary. The funding will support the next stages of the project’s construction plan as work continues toward making the sanctuary ready to receive and care for whales.
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About the Whale Sanctuary Project
The Whale Sanctuary Project is establishing a seaside sanctuary at Port Hilford Bay, Nova Scotia, for whales retired from entertainment and public display. The sanctuary will provide a natural ocean environment where whales can live with greater space, autonomy and choice while continuing to receive lifelong human care, including specialized feeding and veterinary support.
The Project is developing the infrastructure, expertise and partnerships required to provide a responsible alternative for whales who cannot be released into the wild but can experience a dramatically different quality of life in a seaside sanctuary.
Media Contact:
Kari Vierimaa
Vierimaa Consulting Inc.
kari@vierimaaconsulting.com