Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look back at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week's list ...
HALIFAX — A U.S.-based group that wants to build a seaside refuge in Nova Scotia for whales retired from marine theme parks has signed a 20-year lease for Crown property on the province’s eastern shore.
The non-profit Whale Sanctuary Project made the announcement today, saying the provincial lease covers 83 hectares of Crown land and coastal waters near the tiny community of Wine Harbour.
In October, Premier Tim Houston’s cabinet granted approval for the lease, but critics of the project called attention to the fact that the document had not been signed.
In June, organizers behind the privately funded project held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site.
Work has already begun on refurbishing a wharf that will be used for the sanctuary’s whale-care facilities.
The wharf will also serve as a staging area for installation of a huge, floating enclosure that is expected to be the equivalent of 50 football fields.
Charles Vinick, CEO of the Whale Sanctuary Project, first announced plans for a 40-hectare, saltwater pen more than six years ago.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 21, 2026.
The Canadian Press
