'Our mission is to spark curiosity for marine life': New aquarium proposed for Dartmouth waterfront
A group looking to build an aquarium on the Dartmouth waterfront says their plans are gaining momentum.
Though still in the early stages, The Back to the Sea Society is looking to raise public and private funding to support the project.
Magali Grégoire founded the Back to the Sea Society in 2016.
"Our mission is to spark curiosity for marine life," said Grégoire, who is the society’s executive director.
Grégoire said she wants to inspire people to protect the ocean. In addition, she has bigger plans in place.
“Our ultimate goal is to open a community aquarium along the Dartmouth waterfront," said Grégoire.
She hopes to have the aquarium built by 2025. It would house a variety of ocean species.
"No mammals, said Grégoire. “All animals that can fit within a collective ‘hold and release’ philosophy."
Grégoire has already set up a pilot-project touch tank along the Dartmouth waterfront that allows visitors to see invertebrates such as sea stars, urchins, and crabs. Grégoire wants interest in the facility to spark government and corporate support needed to help build an aquarium within the next four years.
"We have started those conversations and so far the response has been very positive," said Grégoire.
For the aquarium idea to become a reality, Grégoire will request funding from the federal and provincial governments, as well as private donors.
Tim Rissesco from the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission said a possible aquarium would bring tourist revenues to the Dartmouth side of the harbour.
"As well, it will provide another community asset,” said Rissesco. “It would be a place for the community to gather and for schools to visit."
Both Grégoire and Rissesco suggest the aquarium would be a modest-sized building.
"We are looking at about an 8,000 square-foot facility,” said Grégoire. “About 2,000 square feet dedicated to exhibit space."
Grégoire also said a new aquarium would likely not have huge scale tanks, like those found in bigger aquariums around North America.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.