A home in the south end that survived the Halifax Explosion, might also avoid the wrecking ball.
Halifax’s heritage advisory committee has given the property a score of 64, well above the 50 point mark required to be considered.
Members of the committee held a special meeting on Friday afternoon to weigh its merits and determine if it was worthy of heritage designation.
“I’m so relieved that the City was able to have this emergency Heritage Advisory Committee meeting. Staff’s research about the historic importance of this house, its architectural significance and important place in our city came shining through,” said local resident and advocate Peggy Walt. “It’s not the end of this process, but an important victory and I couldn’t be happier!”
The home is located at 1245 Edward Street and is owned by Dalhousie, they want to tear it down due to water damage and mould. Officials deemed it unliveable due to these issues [among others], but it’s not clear what might be put in its place if it meets the wrecking ball.
Residents have been fighting to preserve it because of its connection to the explosion in 1917. A petition has nearly 6,000 signatures in favour of saving the home.
Peggy Walt has been fighting to save a historic home, built in 1897, after finding out Dalhousie University has plans to tear it down. Photo: Peggy Walt
The city slapped Dal with violations and fines last week after they started to tear up the inside without proper permits.
Peggy Walt came outside Thursday morning to find Dalhousie University had been granted a demolition permit, and the historic home she’d tried to save, was being torn apart. Photo: Peggy Walt.
A public hearing will need to take place and council will have to review and debate the recommendation from the committee.
The decision buys the home, and people fighting to save it, some time before any further demolition work can be done.
