Polar bear habitat in Cochrane exploring a new direction
A shakeup in late 2020 transferred responsibility for the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat to the town. A year later, Mayor Denis Clement said the team is looking to develop a new strategic plan to make it self-sustaining.
The habitat's three resident polar bears - Inukshuk, Ganuk and Henry - are enjoying winter, blissfully unaware of the pandemic and last year's operational issues that left the future of the research facility in jeopardy.
"We're looking at a long-term plan, a sustainable plan," Clement said.
"Something that's going to be more focused than it has been."
While the facility is seeing lower turnout numbers, Clement said there's been little difference in the habitat's day-to-day operation since the township took over. Four team members maintain its tourism and research duties, he said.
However, Clement noted that keeping the habitat running comes at a higher cost to the taxpayer and that it's crucial to find a way to make it financially independent.
That was a key topic of discussion at a recent meeting, Clement said, including looking at possible ideas for the future of the facility.
"Certainly looking at an ability to expand, that's yet to be defined," Clement said.
"We're certainly going to be targeting and promoting eco-tourism."
Meanwhile, the habitat's animal care team leader, Amy Baxendell-Young, said the polar bears are being well cared for.
She said one of the bears, Ganuk, recently celebrated his 12th birthday.
"Ganuk is a little bit more solitary nowadays, but he seems to be enjoying that. He's spending a lot more time interacting with the staff now, which is really fun," said Baxendell-Young.
She said the bears recently received their annual vaccinations.
"Inukshuk and Henry are still housed together and they're getting along great. They've all been super active."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.