Halifax starting plan for Memorial Library site that will honour forgotten burial ground

More than a decade after the closure of the old Halifax library, the city is now looking towards the future of the site, which may involve the demolition of the municipal heritage building. The decision comes as the Halifax Regional Municipality has allocated $100,000 in this year’s budget to hire a consultant to create a plan for the Memorial Library property. This plan will involve public input and thorough research.

The Spring Garden Road library, which opened in 1951 as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars, has been a significant part of the city’s history. Over the years, it has served as a beloved gathering place for Haligonians, offering a wide array of books and serving as a popular spot for community events.

However, the library’s closure in 2014 has left the building vacant, prompting discussions about the best way to utilize the space. It was recently revealed that the library was built on top of the Poor House Burying Ground, where an estimated 4,500 individuals, including marginalized members of society such as orphans, people with disabilities, and the homeless, were laid to rest between the 1760s and mid-1800s.

Jonathan Fowler, an anthropology professor at Saint Mary’s University, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the forgotten lives buried beneath the site. He expressed the need to remember and honor these individuals who have been long overlooked in the city’s history.

Local historian William Breckenridge, along with Emma Lang, the executive director of the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia, have been advocating for the preservation of the library building. They believe that the structure holds architectural significance and should be repurposed into a museum or community space that tells the entire story of the site, including its historical context.

Despite calls for the preservation of the building, municipal staff have deemed the demolition of the library as the best option due to the complex nature of the site. The consultant’s plan for the property will explore the possibility of complete or partial demolition to make way for a park with historical interpretation.

The decision to demolish the building has raised concerns among community members, particularly regarding the respectful treatment of the burial ground beneath the site. An archeological report from a previous excavation nearby revealed the presence of Mi’kmaw ancestral remains, highlighting the cultural sensitivity of the area.

Moving forward, it will be crucial for the city to engage with the wider community, including Mi’kmaw elders and experts, to determine the best course of action for the site. The final decision on the future of the Memorial Library property is expected to be made by regional council in the summer of 2026.