Fire destroys Whale Interpretive Centre on Vancouver Island, investigation underway

A fire on New Year’s Eve destroyed the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove, British Columbia, along with the boardwalk and nearby businesses. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The museum, which opened in 2002, housed the largest collection of marine mammal skeletons in the province and attracted about 10,000 visitors annually. The collection, valued at over $2 million, was built over decades by volunteers. The museum's co-founders, Jim and Mary Borrowman, are considering rebuilding. They have received significant support from the community and plan to start the process, despite the challenges ahead.