Home / Disasters and Accidents / Northern lights shine on rebuilding efforts after Telegraph Cove fire
Northern lights shine on rebuilding efforts after Telegraph Cove fire
1 Jan
Summary
- A New Year's Eve fire destroyed Telegraph Cove's Whale Interpretive Centre.
- Community support has poured in with donations of marine mammal skeletons.
- Rebuilding efforts aim for a May 1, 2026, reopening of the resort.
A massive New Year's Eve fire on December 31, 2024, ravaged the quaint tourist resort of Telegraph Cove, British Columbia, destroying the Whale Interpretive Centre, a local pub, and the Prince of Whales whale-watching firm's office. Residents Mary and Jim Borrowman, founders of the center, found solace in the spectacular northern lights that graced the sky on January 1, 2025, viewing it as a sign to persevere.
The community has responded with incredible support, with offers and donations of marine mammal skeletons flooding in from across Canada. This includes a rare Bryde's whale found in Port McNeill, now undergoing cleaning by Cetacea Contracting. Institutions like Pearson College and the University of Victoria have also contributed valuable specimens, showcasing a united front in the rebuilding process.
Resort owner Gordie Graham, who meticulously rebuilt the community over decades, shared that the fire consumed over a century's worth of history. Despite the immense loss, the community is focused on the future, with a target reopening date of May 1, 2026, for the museum and other facilities. The rebuilding aims to retain the unique aesthetic and magical charm of Telegraph Cove, ensuring its spirit endures.
