THE SANCTAURY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is an updated concept for the installation of a perimeter barrier composed of floating HDPE pipes (High Density Polyethylene) with 8” mesh dyneema netting attached to the pipes at the top, and attached at the bottom on the sea floor to HDPE sinker tubes with additional anchor blocks.   Anchors and lines on the outside of the netting will stabilize the perimeter pipes.  We have eliminated the attachments to the islets with piers and removed the building on the islet found in the previous plan, which is far better and less impactful on the islets and the environment.  If needed, small structures could be built on the dock for storage and supplies.  Access to the dock by staff will be by boat through a gate in the barrier net in the space between the dock and the islet.  Electric powered boats for noise reduction highly recommended.  The floating dock includes a feeding station, slide out and medical lift for medical exams and veterinary care. The barrier net with a fence added will keep boat traffic away, prevent any physical contact with Corky (and possible pathogen transfer), and prevent any marine mammals or other possible animals from jumping into or climbing into the enclosure. 

Here is the Sanctuary facility plan laid out on an aerial shot from June 2023, featuring four newly remodeled cabins for Corky Care Team staff, a wing of rooms dedicated to Sanctuary operations, and 12 guest rooms for staff and visitors.  Final remodel and finish work is underway in the cabins, and additional exterior coats of paint are being applied. 

A Better Quality of Life

The former fishing lodge, Pacific Outback Resort, was purchased in October, 2018, by Michael Reppy to be converted into the infrastructure for a whale sanctuary for the Northern Resident Orca, Corky.  

For the past seven years, Michael has been directing the rebuild of the facility, that is nearly ready to house a SeaWorld team of vets, trainers, and staff.  Corky will continue to receive the same hand feeding and medical care she has received all these years.  This is the best of both worlds, to give Corky a better quality of life, with the commitment to care for her at the sanctuary for the rest of her life.   And there is enough room for a companion orca, so Corky would not have to be alone.

Two members of Corky’s A5 Pod pass by entrance to Double Bay Sanctuary:  A79 Current on the left and A66 Surf on the right, unfortunately now deceased.  Photo: Jared Towers

Removal of one of the old septic tanks that was discharging into the bay

Rebuilding the Former Fishing Lodge

2025

  • Secured the purchase of 55 acres of adjoining coastal forest surrounding Double Bay.
  • Installed a new wastewater disposal system.
  • Built a custom-milled yellow cedar deck attached to the front lodge.
  • Levelled and structurally reinforced the front lodge.
  • Implemented a stormwater runoff and drainage system to protect site infrastructure.
  • Installed a larger wood stove in the main lodging area and constructed a new fire pad.
  • Upgraded the recycling program.
  • Re-anchored, redesigned, and rebuilt key dock infrastructure.
  • Initiated commercial kitchen renovations: new flooring, updated appliances, and fresh wall paint.
  • Completed underwater dock assessments and identified priority zones for debris cleanup.
  • Performed maintenance and upgrades across a fleet of four boats

2024

  • Completed construction of the Processing Shed to support ongoing site operations.
  • Re-welded 20 dock planks and installed new railings — reinforcing structural integrity and ensuring safe marine access.
  • Installed wood stoves in Care Team Cabins 2 & 3 to support off-grid, year-round living.
  • Built secure kayak stands on the dock, painted dock railings, pressure-washed all decks, and applied galvanized paint to dock surfaces for improved safety.
  • Removed 1,100 lbs. of Styrofoam from Double Bay’s shoreline — a significant step in marine habitat restoration.
  • Upgraded the freshwater drinking system to better manage clean, sustainable water access.
  • Created a dedicated Boat Shop within a Sea Can — fully equipped for regular vessel maintenance
  • Installed overhangs on Care Team cabins for improved weather protection and durability.

2023

  • Renovated three full-size cabins —each outfitted with hot water on demand, full kitchens, and private bedrooms.
  • Transported and hand-poured 963 bags of concrete to build a solid foundation for the processing shed and create an accessible sidewalk for future maintenance needs.
  • Removed over 8 tons of derelict fishing gear from Double Bay, significantly improving marine habitat health.
  • Removed two rusted septic tanks in preparation for the new wastewater treatment system.
  • Established an on-site food garden. 

2022

Rebuilding of the facility continues, featuring:

  • Addition of 5.5 kW of solar panels to the 10kW of solar with battery storage already installed.
  • Completion of the remodel of two one bedroom care team staff cabins with new kitchens.
  • Repainting of the entire facility.

The facility will shine like new, provide comfortable living quarters and infrastructure space for Corky’s care team, and is well on the way to becoming a model of sustainability being totally solar powered. 

2021

A larger crew was brought in to repaint the entire facility.  Major repairs of the dock were completed by welders, and the sunken end was refloated with addition of more floatation.  The entire dock was repainted.  A new kitchen and wood stove was installed in the staff cabin, and Lisa Larsson painted a beautiful orca mural.

 

2020

Remodeling of two cabins to become staff quarters for the Corky Care Team was begun, a kitchen was installed in the owners cabin, and the addition of a bedroom was begun. The repainting job continued.

 

2019

Repairs continued on foundations, decks, and buildings.  And a major accomplishment was the installation of 38 solar panels in three arrays with battery storage by the Viridian Energy Cooperative.  The facility was now almost totally solar powered, with the large diesel generator that had powered the fishing lodge and ran almost constantly, only needed for occasional back-up bulk charging.

 

2018

On October 12, Michael Reppy closed the deal on the purchase of the Pacific Outback Resort on Double Bay, Hanson Island, British Columbia.  Work was begun immediately repairing rotted foundations and decks.