Mary Borrowman will always remember the breathtaking sight of the northern lights illuminating the sky on New Year’s Day 2025 from her home in Telegraph Cove, British Columbia. The stunning display of red, green, and purple auroras was a sign of hope after a devastating fire on New Year’s Eve destroyed the Whale Interpretive Centre, the local pub, and other establishments in the area.
With determination and community support, Mary and her husband, Jim, are leading efforts to rebuild the Whale Interpretive Centre, which housed a remarkable collection of marine mammal skeletons. Despite the loss of most exhibits in the fire, donations of skeletons from across the country have poured in, including a Bryde’s whale skeleton gifted by the Namgis First Nation.
Cetacea Contracting on Salt Spring Island is assisting in the meticulous process of cleaning and rebuilding the whale skeletons, ensuring the iconic centre will rise again. The restoration efforts have garnered overwhelming support, with individuals and organizations contributing both financially and through donations of marine mammal remains.
The community of Telegraph Cove, led by resort owner Gordie Graham, is coming together to restore the vibrant ecotourism hub to its former glory. The reconstruction process, marked by solidarity and hard work, aims to preserve the unique charm and history of the town.
As they work towards reopening the museum and revitalizing Telegraph Cove by May 1, 2026, Mary Borrowman and Gordie Graham remain optimistic about the future. Their resilience and dedication reflect the unwavering spirit of a community determined to rebuild and preserve its treasured heritage.
Keyphrase: Telegraph Cove rebuild effort