(Halifax) This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Common, 2013-1763. Establishment of the Halifax Common began in 1760 when the governor of Nova Scotia, Jonathan Belcher directed Charles Morris, the Chief Surveyor of Land in the province to lay “unto the inhabitants of the peninsula of Halifax 235 acres…for a perpetual Common…for the sole use and benefit of the said inhabitants.”

In 1763 King George III created the Halifax Common, Canada’s oldest, when he officially granted the 235 acres + 5 acres for roads bordered today by Cunard and South Streets on the north and the south and by Robie Street and North Park/South Park streets on the west and east “to and for the use of the inhabitants of the Town of Halifax as Common forever.”
 

On October 3, 4, 5 & 6, Friends of Halifax Common (FHC) will commemorate this gift with Celebrate the Common 250. Plans include a series of public walks & talks; theatre, circus & dance performances; exhibitions, sculptures & installations by artists; and food, music & fun- all to celebrate this significant 250th anniversary.
 

Two books will be published to highlight the history and place of the Common in the everyday lives of the people of Halifax. Gaspereau Press and FHC will launch a special 250th anniversary anthology of original poems inspired by the Common. And a commemorative collection of archival images and maps contrasted with present day photos by Alvin Comiter documenting 250 years of the Common will be exhibited and printed.

Source: Release