Dalhousie’s graduate student residence at 5231 Morris Street on Wednesday. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentHalifax is looking to bulk-register 22 Dalhousie University-owned buildings for municipal heritage status.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThree years ago, staff started a process to bulk-evaluate properties owned by universities (mostly Dal) to balance long-term preservation goals with the university’s need to expand.Article contentArticle contentConsultants Stantec were hired to provide heritage research reports, which were delivered earlier this year.Article contentArticle contentCity staff have since sorted university buildings into two categories: those with high likelihood of getting municipal heritage status and low likelihood. While all university heritage properties were considered, the 22 on the “high likelihood” list are all Dalhousie-owned properties.Article content Dalhousie’s Forrest Building on Morris Street on Wednesday. Photo by Ryan Taplin /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentStaff recommended that the heritage committee, which met Wednesday, approve a phased approach for heritage approvals on the high list and forget about the low list. There are over 20 heritage applications in the queue in addition to these university ones; about nine to 12 are completed in a year. If approved by Halifax regional council, the university heritage registrations are expected to be done through 2026-27.Article contentAt oddsArticle contentThe university and the municipality have been at odds over heritage protection for years. In 2022, Dalhousie University launched legal action against HRM over the heritage registration of a property on Edward Street that they wanted to demolish. A judge sided with Dalhousie and ordered HRM to remove heritage designation in 2023.Article contentArticle content The Dalhousie University-owned home at 1245 Edward St. in this file photo from July 15, 2022. Photo by Eric Wynne /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentRepresentatives from the university said they need to take down some older, unused structures that are in bad shape to make better use of their properties for the university’s growth.Article contentIf a building is granted municipal heritage status, it doesn’t mean the house is off limits to the wrecking ball forever. According to the Heritage Property Act, Dal would just face a more complicated process to get to demolition, or it can simply wait three to four years to undergo the usual permitting process for demolition.Article contentThat’s a maybeArticle contentAt the heritage committee meeting Wednesday, Coun. David Hendsbee (Lawrencetown – The Lakes – Chezzetcook – Eastern Shore) asked staff if Dalhousie had issued any applications for new builds that would impact these heritage properties.Article contentJesse Morton, a planner, said that while there is collaboration happening, he couldn’t share if there was any information like that because the heritage committee is dedicated to heritage homes, not new developments.
Halifax looking to give heritage status to 22 Dalhousie-owned buildings
