Court ruling saves century-old Halifax heritage home from the wrecking ball

A recent court decision in Halifax has garnered praise from a heritage preservation group for halting the demolition of a historic 128-year-old house that was designated as a heritage site. The Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia commended the ruling, emphasizing the significance of preserving heritage properties.

The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal’s decision comes after Dalhousie University’s attempt to demolish the house, located at 1245 Edward Street, was challenged by a community group. The group successfully convinced Halifax’s municipal council to grant heritage status to the property following the university’s acquisition of it in July 2021.

Initially, Dalhousie University contested the council’s decision in the province’s Supreme Court, arguing that only the property owner should have the authority to apply for heritage registration. However, the court ruled in favor of the municipality, stating that the council’s decision was just and reasonable.

The Court of Appeal upheld the previous ruling, emphasizing that Halifax council has the authority to designate heritage status to a property at the request of a third party, not just the owner. This landmark decision underscores the importance of heritage preservation and the role that community groups can play in safeguarding historic properties.

The house at 1245 Edward Street stands as a testament to Halifax’s rich history, and the court’s decision ensures that its legacy will be protected for future generations to appreciate. This case sets a precedent for future heritage preservation efforts in Nova Scotia and serves as a reminder of the value of recognizing and safeguarding our architectural heritage.