Dalhousie University Buildings Considered for Heritage Status

Dalhousie University, a prominent institution in Halifax, is on the verge of having several of its historic buildings designated with protected heritage status. A recent staff report prepared for the Heritage Advisory Committee identifies 22 properties affiliated with the university that demonstrate “high heritage registration potential.” The committee is set to discuss this recommendation in its upcoming meeting on March 15, 2024.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to recognize and preserve significant heritage resources within the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). A previous report from 2022 highlighted numerous buildings in the area that could be eligible for municipal heritage registration. Of those, the majority were associated with Dalhousie University, alongside properties from the University of King’s College, the Atlantic School of Theology, and St. Mary’s University.

The Heritage Property Program aims to safeguard important heritage elements, including buildings and sites that reflect the cultural history of local communities. According to the staff report, “One way to achieve this goal is by recognizing significant heritage properties through inclusion in the Municipal Registry of Heritage Property.” Successfully registered properties receive protections under the Nova Scotia Heritage Property Act.

To qualify for heritage status, properties must achieve a score of at least 50 points on a 100-point evaluation scale, which assesses six specific categories of heritage value. Notable Dalhousie properties that scored high include Shirreff Hall (built in 1921), the Provincial Archives Building (built in 1929), the Henry Hicks Building (built in 1949), the Forrest Building (built in 1887), and the MacDonald Memorial Library (built in 1914).

The 2025 staff report mentions that there are currently over 20 heritage registration applications pending, with an average of nine to twelve processed each year. To expedite the process, it recommends prioritizing the Dalhousie properties with strong potential for achieving heritage status.

“Staff will continue to collaborate as appropriate with Dalhousie University and bring the registration requests to the Heritage Advisory Committee in batches for recommendation throughout 2025-2026,” the report states. The specific timeline for the registrations will be established in the coming months.

Importantly, this recommendation does not extend to buildings owned by the other institutions mentioned, namely the University of King’s College, the Atlantic School of Theology, and St. Mary’s University. The focus remains firmly on the Dalhousie properties, highlighting their significance within the historical fabric of Halifax.

This potential heritage designation could significantly impact how these structures are preserved and appreciated in the future, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of Halifax is maintained for generations to come.