Whale Sanctuary Project shares plans for Ocean’s Day celebration in Sherbrooke
By Joanne Jordan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SHERBROOKE – The Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) is preparing for St. Mary’s first World Oceans Day celebration, as part of Ocean Week Canada (June 1-9), which will take place here on Saturday, June 1.
In an interview with The Journal, Amy Simon – WSP community liaison officer and coordinator – shared preliminary plans for the upcoming event.
“For the last two years, the Whale Sanctuary Project has taken part in [World] Ocean Day events in both Lunenburg and Halifax,” Simon explained. “The events are wonderful and the turnout amazing, but it left us feeling like Sherbrooke was missing out on having something just as great. So, this year during Ocean Week, we decided to co-host with the municipality to hold our own [World] Oceans Day event on June 1.”
Warden Greg Wier told The Journal in an email that the municipality is “truly excited” to have the celebration in St. Mary’s.
“We are a coastal community and are touched by the ocean in many ways, including the many family livelihoods earned from the ocean, enjoyment of ocean recreation and appreciation of the ocean’s power and beauty. We deeply value the diversity of life that makes its collective home in the ocean,” he said.
Wier added that St. Mary’s is “pleased to support” the World Oceans Day event being organized by the WSP.
The Port Bickerton Lighthouse Association will also be joining the WSP to celebrate World Oceans Day.
“I am excited to be creating St. Mary’s first [World] Oceans Day event,” Simon shared. “We are still in the early days of what will be a full month of planning and preparing, but what I can share is that it will be an event for all ages.”
The St. Mary’s celebration is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. on June 1 at the Whale Sanctuary Visitor and Operations Centre.
World Ocean Day is an internationally recognized event, and the St. Mary’s celebrations will be part of a global effort to promote ocean knowledge, connection, conservation, and sustainable use of marine resources.
“Through these events and learning activities, we recognize the important role the ocean plays in our everyday lives and how local waterways connect us all with the ocean,” said Simon.
There will be games for the children, face painting, refreshments and tours of the WSP centre.
“Our free, family-friendly event is open to all ages and will feature a variety of engaging activities and exhibits from partnering organizations,” Simon offered. “Explore different booths, try your hand at ocean-themed crafts, tour the centre and play some games.”
WSP representatives will be attending World Oceans Day events in Halifax and Antigonish, along with Sherbrooke.
Simon encouraged people to stay tuned for updates.
“It’s still a bit too early for the full line up,” she said.
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Joanne Jordan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Guysborough Journal
