Dalhousie University Buildings May Achieve Heritage Status

Dalhousie University in Halifax could see several of its historic buildings gain protected heritage status. A recent staff report presented to the Heritage Advisory Committee identifies 22 properties on the university’s campus that demonstrate “high heritage registration potential.” The committee is set to discuss this recommendation during their upcoming meeting.

In a report published in 2022, staff members outlined the potential for municipal heritage registration of various university buildings in Halifax. Among the properties examined, 37 belonged to Dalhousie, while others included four from the University of King’s College, two from the Atlantic School of Theology, and one from St. Mary’s University.

Heritage Property Program and Evaluation Process

The Heritage Property Program aims to protect significant heritage resources, such as buildings and sites that reflect the cultural richness of local communities across the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). The report states, “One way to achieve this goal is by recognizing significant heritage properties through inclusion in the Municipal Registry of Heritage Property.” When a property is successfully registered, it receives protections under the Nova Scotia Heritage Property Act.

To qualify for heritage status, a property must score at least 50 points on a 100-point evaluation scale, which is divided into six categories. Notable Dalhousie buildings that have scored well include Shirreff Hall (1921), the Provincial Archives Building (1929), the Henry Hicks Building (1949), the Forrest Building (1887), and the MacDonald Memorial Library (1914).

Recommendations and Next Steps

The 2025 staff report indicates that there are currently more than 20 heritage registration applications awaiting review, with an average of nine to twelve processed each year. It recommends prioritizing the Dalhousie properties with a strong chance of achieving heritage status to expedite the registration process.

“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, and subsequently to Regional Council for heritage hearings,” the report outlines. The specific timeline for these registrations will be determined in the upcoming months.

It is important to note that this recommendation does not affect buildings owned by the University of King’s College, the Atlantic School of Theology, or Saint Mary’s University.

For updates on heritage status and other news from Nova Scotia, readers can visit the dedicated provincial news page.