“Is It the start of a Demolition Derby in the Old West End of Halifax?”
1245 Edward Street, currently under threat by its new owner, Dalhousie University.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 11-22 - Halifax, NS
Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia (HTNS) is increasingly disturbed by the razing of late Victoria and Edwardian houses in what could be a future Heritage Conservation Area or a series of heritage streetscapes in Halifax. “Is It the start of a Demolition Derby in the old West End?” asks HTNS President Sandra Barss. The most recent building at risk is an intact – if recently neglected – late Victorian house at 1245 Edward Street.
Dalhousie University bought the building in July 2021 and has “no plans” for it. However, the water has been disconnected, plantings transplanted by Dalhousie staff, and a demolition permit obtained from HRM in the last few days. This is a substantial, heritage registration-worthy building. Its ties, through ownership, include well-known Halifax businesses such as Kelly’s Luggage and an outstanding home on Young Avenue (the Hobrecker mansion/ “Lindola”). Its social history links generations of Halifax pre-schoolers and female university students.
In this period of increasing shortages of affordable housing and the replacement of family housing on the Peninsula, a building such as 1245 Edward Street should remain in active use. It should not become a parking lot, even as an interim use, or fodder for the landfill.
Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia advances the public knowledge of the historical and architectural importance of heritage buildings and sites in Nova Scotia by conducting research in this matter and by disseminating the results of such research.
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HRM Committee Chair: Andrew J Murphy (902)830-6430
Media Contact: Kim Dickson - communications@htns.ca or (902)759-3716
