HRM Release:
(November 12, 2010) The Halifax Public Gardens will close its gates for
the 2010 season on Monday, November 15th. The day after, work will begin
on a project to restore the Victoria Jubilee Bandstand.
The Bandstand, located in the heart of the Gardens, will be renovated
to reinforce the structure and restore some façade elements to their
original Victorian appearance.
“The restoration of Horticultural Hall several years ago greatly
enhanced the experience of park goers,” said district 12 councillor
Dawn Sloane. “I’m eager to see another important feature of the park
restored.”
The bandstand, an iconic park fixture, was built in 1887 to commemorate
Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. A renovation in the 1970s resulted in
some dramatic changes including the current red fiberglass roof. This
restoration will replace the red roof with copper, a material in keeping
with its original era. The gingerbread detail will also be replaced with
Victorian patterns and lighting fixtures similar to those on the
original structure as seen in archival photographs.
“We’re happy to move forward with this project with the help of our
partners,” said Peter Bigelow, manager of real property planning for
HRM. “Wherever possible, we seek to protect, conserve and refresh our
cultural and historical treasures.”
The work will begin on November 16th and be complete before the Gardens
reopen in spring 2011.
Partners are Parks Canada, HRM and private donations (including a
special bequest from the late Mary Margaret Jarvis of Halifax).
“This restoration is the realization of years of hard work by our
membership on behalf of the Gardens,” said Judith Cabrita, member of
The Friends of the Public Gardens. “We couldn’t be happier to see
this work begin.”
The Halifax Public Gardens is one of the finest examples of a Victorian
Garden in North America. Officially opened in 1867, the Gardens retain
much of their Victorian charm thanks to the hard work and dedication of
concerned citizens and The Friends of the Public Gardens.
The Friends of the Public Gardens is a group committed to raising
public awareness and funds for the Halifax Public Gardens.
For more information visit halifaxpublicgardens.ca or
halifax.ca/IAM/NationalHistoricSitesFunding.html
