Marine Biodiversity Centre to open at Dal in December

    Marine Biodiversity Centre to open at Dal in December
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    From Springboard Content Lab and Dalhousie News

    Guests got a sneak peek of the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity at Springboard member Dalhousie University this week. 👇

    The centre’s star attraction is its 18-metre blue whale skeleton suspended in the atrium of the Steele Ocean Sciences Building. The whale’s remains were discovered off the coast of Nova Scotia several years ago and the display was assembled by MARS and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.

    The marine museum will feature more than 30 marine exhibits and tanks, will officially open in December.

    Donation of $8.2M by Beaty family supported centre

    The centre was made possible by an $8.2 M donation by Ross Beaty and his family who made the gift to Dalhousie in 2023.

    “This is a big day for me and my family. It’s gone from an idea to reality, and I’m really hopeful that it’s going to be well received here in Nova Scotia and something you can be proud of as a Canadian centre that’s relevant to the world today.”

    – Ross Beaty, donor

    L-R: Halifax South Downtown Councillor Laura White, donor Ross Beaty, Biology Professor Dr. Boris Worm, Dean of Science Dr. Chuck Macdonald, Elder Ann LaBillois, and Discovery Centre International President & CEO Dov Bercovici.

    Inspiring next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs

    Dalhousie is known globally for its ocean research but often has limited opportunities to showcase its work at home, said biology professor Dr. Boris Worm, who served as MC during the ceremony. 

    “This is changing now. Dozens of Dalhousie researchers and staff have worked for years to make the Beaty Centre a success and we are thrilled to welcome our community into this space that we hope will inspire the next generation of ocean scientists, guardians, and entrepreneurs.”

    – Dalhousie Biology Professor Boris Worm

    Indigenous themes throughout centre

    The museum uses Indigenous knowledge and themes are incorporated throughout the Beaty Centre, with exhibits and displays exploring the importance of marine species in Mi’kmaq culture. Concepts such as Netukulimk emphasize sustainable living and respect for the ocean’s resources. Mi’kmaw is also one of three languages, along with English and French, represented on exhibit displays throughout the centre.

    Other supporters

    While the Beaty family’s gift represented the largest contribution, the centre would not be possible without the support of other donors who made significant investments:

    • The Stevens Family Foundation
    • The Garron Foundation
    • J&W Murphy Foundation
    • The Hewitt Foundation
    • The Crabtree Foundation
    • The Walker Wood Foundation
    • Jerry & Rui Nickerson
    • The George W. Wilson & Teresa Madelyn (Merriam) Wilson Foundation
    • The Five B Family Foundation

    Official opening planned for December

    The Beaty Centre is in the final stages of getting ready for its public opening in December, with DCI staff putting the finishing touches on the space and Aquatron manager John Batt and his team getting the remaining marine species acclimated to their new homes. 

    When it opens, Dalhousie students, staff, and faculty will be able to visit free of charge with a DalCard. Visit the Beaty Centre website to learn more.