ANTIGONISH: The province cleaned up a beached whale following requests from local residents.
Last week, Antigonish Municipal Councillor Gary Mattie said the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) buried a whale which beached itself on Tracadie Island facing St. George’s Bay.
“They considered it, and with all the people that were calling in, they decided to remove it and it’s done,” said Mattie. “It’s been removed and buried.”
Previously, the municipality asked the province for a permit to clean up the whale carcass. The province said the beach was a protected space and refused the permit.
Antigonish County clerk/treasurer Glen Horne previously said staff received word of the carcass on November 7, and Mattie brought up the issue of the whale during the November meeting of council. The community responded to the province’s initial reaction with disappointment and concern, with year-round residents living nearby and other community members who use the beach recreationally speaking up.
During the council meeting, Mattie said some residents are concerned the carcass will bring predators to the area. After learning of the province’s response, council voted to stay in contact with DNR.
“I’m very pleased,” said Mattie. “I’m glad everybody worked together and got it done. Glen [Horne] called me. He got notification it would be removed. The residents are happy. They’ve got no smell so it’s all good.”