February 22, 2026
Construction is officially moving forward on Nova Scotia’s long-planned seaside whale sanctuary – and it could soon play a role in one of the most significant orca relocations in recent years.
The Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) has entered the construction phase of its coastal sanctuary in Nova Scotia, transitioning from years of planning into on-site implementation. The organization says construction will begin when weather permits, with a staged build targeting initial occupancy in late 2026.
The facility is designed to provide a protected ocean habitat for whales retired from marine parks and aquariums.
A Turning Point for Captive Whales
Unlike traditional marine enclosures, the Nova Scotia whale sanctuary will allow retired beluga whales and orcas to live in a semi-natural ocean environment with sea currents, depth, and significantly more space.
“This is a milestone we’ve worked toward for years,” said Charles Vinick, CEO of the Whale Sanctuary Project. “A coastal sanctuary offers something fundamentally different: a safe, protected environment designed for lifelong care.”
The announcement comes amid a broader international shift away from whale captivity. Canada banned the captivity and breeding of whales and dolphins for entertainment in 2019 under Bill S-203 (Government of Canada, 2019).
France’s Orcas May Relocate to Canada
At the same time, discussions continue in France regarding two orcas – Wikie and Keijo – currently held at Marineland Antibes.
According to the Whale Sanctuary Project, France’s Ministry of Ecological Transition views the Nova Scotia sanctuary as the most credible and welfare-focused retirement option that aligns with French legal requirements.
Before any transfer could occur, the whales would require detailed health assessments conducted by independent veterinary experts. Any relocation would involve extensive planning, regulatory coordination, and international oversight.
If approved, the move could mark one of the most high-profile whale retirements in Europe.
Construction Timeline and Funding
Initial construction will focus on essential marine infrastructure, utilities, and long-term operational systems needed to support whale care. The organization continues fundraising to secure full capital for the project’s build-out and long-term sustainability.
Supporters say each construction milestone moves the sanctuary closer to welcoming its first residents – and signals a new era in marine animal welfare.
If completed as planned, the Nova Scotia sanctuary could become one of the world’s first permanent seaside facilities dedicated to whales retired from captivity.
References
Government of Canada. (2019). Ending the captivity of whales and dolphins (Bill S-203). https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/bill/S-203/royal-assent
Whale Sanctuary Project. (2026, February 17). Whale Sanctuary Project set to enter construction phase. https://whalesanctuaryproject.org
Whale Sanctuary Project. (n.d.). About the Whale Sanctuary Project. https://whalesanctuaryproject.org
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