Phase I - Halifax Regional Municipality
Phase I - Halifax Regional Municipality Phase I - Halifax Regional Municipality
PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT PIDs 40258964, 00077875 & 00077438 5515 CLYDE STREET & 1452 QUEEN STREET HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA B3J 2H7 February 17, 2009 SLR PROJECT NO.: 210.05696.00
- Page 3 and 4: Colliers International Phase I ESA
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- Page 24: FIGURES Phase I Environmental Site
- Page 31 and 32: Scope and Limitations This Phase I
- Page 33: APPENDIX B PROPERTY TITLES ABSTRACT
- Page 44: APPENDIX C AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS Phase
- Page 51 and 52: PRE-DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT OF SPRIN
PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT<br />
PIDs 40258964, 00077875 & 00077438<br />
5515 CLYDE STREET & 1452 QUEEN STREET<br />
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA<br />
B3J 2H7<br />
February 17, 2009<br />
SLR PROJECT NO.: 210.05696.00
Colliers International<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA - 5515 Clyde St 1452 Queen St, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
i SLR Project Ref No. 210.05696.00<br />
February, 2009<br />
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY<br />
Work Objectives<br />
Key Information Summary<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment to:<br />
• assist Colliers International in identifying potential environmental issues on<br />
the subject properties<br />
• identify potential areas of concern through historical searches<br />
• identify and document the potential sources of contamination<br />
• provide a report documenting the activities of the work completed and its<br />
findings.<br />
Work Location<br />
• Parking lots<br />
• 5515 Clyde Street, Lot 15-D Dresden Row and 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>,<br />
NS<br />
• Land area approximately 7,129 m 2<br />
• Property Identification Numbers (PID) 40258964, 00077875 & 00077438<br />
Executive Summary continued on next page . . .<br />
SLR
Colliers International<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA - 5515 Clyde St 1452 Queen St, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
ii SLR Project Ref No. 210.05696.00<br />
February, 2009<br />
Potential Environmental Concerns<br />
VOCs<br />
• Dry cleaning operations are often responsible for the introduction of VOCs<br />
into the environment. A laundromat/dry cleaner is located across the street<br />
from the subject properties. A laundromat was formerly located in the<br />
southwest corner of the Queen Street property.<br />
Regulated Building Materials<br />
• Due to the age of the buildings, it is possible that the multi-unit residential<br />
dwelling and the pay stations buildings may contain regulated building<br />
materials. Prior to building demolition, a Regulated Building Materials<br />
Survey should be completed to assess the potential health risks for<br />
construction workers during demolition and to determine disposal options of<br />
the materials<br />
PCB-Containing Materials<br />
• There are several pole-mounted transformers on the streets surrounding the<br />
subject properties. No leaks were noted, however regular inspections should<br />
be conducted.<br />
Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODSs)<br />
• The pay stations on both subject properties house small air conditioners that<br />
are likely to contain ODSs. The units should be inspected prior to their<br />
removal and any hazardous materials must be property disposed.<br />
Petroleum Leaks<br />
• The subject properties are currently in use as public parking lots and are<br />
therefore susceptible to impacts caused by vehicular leaks or spills.<br />
Past Site Uses<br />
• Former buildings on the subject properties were demolished and buried onsite.<br />
If any building materials are uncovered during site excavations, they<br />
must be tested for regulated materials to determine proper disposal.<br />
• Several service stations were formerly located in the general area of the<br />
subject properties. Impacts due to historic service station activity may still be<br />
present on-site.<br />
Radon<br />
• The subject property is in an area that is mapped as having moderate<br />
uranium content. The decay of uranium produces radon gas that is harmful<br />
to human health. Testing for indoor radon gas should be conducted in<br />
existing buildings and considered in the design of any future buildings.<br />
Bedrock<br />
• Acid-generating bedrock could be present on this site. Future development<br />
at the site should address potential acid-generating issues.<br />
Executive Summary continued on next page . . .<br />
SLR
Colliers International<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA - 5515 Clyde St 1452 Queen St, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
iii SLR Project Ref No. 210.05696.00<br />
February, 2009<br />
Conclusion<br />
The work objectives were successfully completed.<br />
Potential areas of environmental concern were identified.<br />
Recommendations<br />
SLR recommends a <strong>Phase</strong> II Environmental Site Assessment be conducted on the subject properties to confirm the presence or absence<br />
of contaminants related to historic land use.<br />
Closure<br />
This Executive Summary has been included to provide a general overview of the work completed and resulting conclusions and<br />
recommendations. The work was completed to achieve the required objectives as outlined in <strong>Phase</strong> I ESA.<br />
This Executive Summary and the associated <strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment are intended for the sole and exclusive use of<br />
Colliers International and its authorized agents for the purpose(s) set out in the report. Any use of, reliance on, or decision made based<br />
on this report by any person other than Colliers International for any purpose, or by Colliers International for a purpose other than the<br />
purpose(s) set out in the report, is the sole responsibility of such other person and/or Colliers International. A full statement of conditions<br />
relating to the work completed is included in the <strong>Phase</strong> I ESA.<br />
End of Executive Summary<br />
SLR
Colliers International iv SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street &<br />
1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...............................................................................................................I<br />
1.0 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................1<br />
1.1 MANDATE AND OBJECTIVES............................................................................................1<br />
2.0 PROJECT METHODOLOGY AND SUMMARY OF WORK.............................................2<br />
3.0 SITE DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS ............................................................3<br />
3.1 LOCAL POTABLE WATER SUPPLIES ................................................................................3<br />
3.2 PRESENCE OF POTABLE WATER WELLS WITHIN ONE KILOMETRE OF THE SITE................3<br />
3.3 GEOLOGY/HYDROGEOLOGY............................................................................................3<br />
3.3.1 <strong>Regional</strong> Topography................................................................................................3<br />
3.3.2 <strong>Regional</strong> Geology .....................................................................................................4<br />
3.3.3 <strong>Regional</strong> Hydrogeology.............................................................................................4<br />
4.0 HISTORICAL REVIEW OF SITE ......................................................................................6<br />
4.1 INTERPRETATION OF AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS...................................................................6<br />
4.2 DOCUMENT RESEARCH ...................................................................................................7<br />
4.2.1 Summary of Property Titles ......................................................................................7<br />
4.2.2 Fire Insurance Plans ................................................................................................7<br />
4.2.3 Access to Information Requests ...............................................................................8<br />
4.3 PREVIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES..............................................................................8<br />
4.4 GEOLOGICAL AND GEOTECHNICAL REPORTS ..................................................................9<br />
5.0 SITE VISIT SUMMARY...................................................................................................10<br />
5.1 SOURCES OF AIR EMISSIONS ........................................................................................10<br />
5.2 WATER SUPPLIES AND WASTEWATER DISPOSAL...........................................................10<br />
5.3 WASTE AND REFUSE MANAGEMENT..............................................................................10<br />
5.4 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS/CHEMICAL PRODUCTS MANAGEMENT .....................................10<br />
5.5 MATERIAL THAT MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS ...................................................................11<br />
5.6 MATERIAL/EQUIPMENT CONTAINING POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBS) ................11<br />
5.7 LEAD BASED PAINT ......................................................................................................11<br />
5.8 OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES .................................................................................12<br />
5.9 MERCURY.....................................................................................................................12<br />
5.10 RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL ...............................................................................................12<br />
5.11 BACKFILLING MATERIALS .............................................................................................12<br />
5.12 RADON .........................................................................................................................12<br />
5.13 PESTICIDES ..................................................................................................................13<br />
5.14 TANKS AND OTHER OIL COMPANY INFRASTRUCTURES ..................................................13<br />
5.14.1 Aboveground Tanks ...............................................................................................13<br />
5.14.2 Underground Tanks................................................................................................13<br />
5.15 SPILLS OR PRESENCE OF STAINS/ODOURS....................................................................13<br />
5.16 IMPACTS ON ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RECEPTORS ................................................13<br />
6.0 CONCLUSIONS..............................................................................................................14<br />
7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................................................................15<br />
8.0 REFERENCES................................................................................................................16
Colliers International v SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
LIST OF APPENDICES<br />
APPENDIX A:<br />
APPENDIX B:<br />
APPENDIX C:<br />
APPENDIX D:<br />
APPENDIX E:<br />
APPENDIX F:<br />
Scope and Limitations<br />
Property Titles, Abstract of Zoning Regulations<br />
Aerial Photographs<br />
Responses to Information Access Requests, Records of<br />
Communication, Previous Reports, Fire Insurance Plans<br />
Photographic Reporting<br />
Qualifications of Project Personnel<br />
LIST OF FIGURES<br />
FIGURE 1:<br />
FIGURE 2:<br />
FIGURE 3:<br />
FIGURE 4:<br />
FIGURE 5:<br />
Site Location Map<br />
Surrounding Land Use Plan<br />
Site Plan<br />
Areas of Potential Environmental Concern<br />
Site Photographs<br />
SLR
Colliers International 1 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
1.0 INTRODUCTION<br />
SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. (SLR) conducted a <strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment<br />
(ESA) at 5515 Clyde Street, Lot 15-D Dresden Row, and 1452 Queen Street in <strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova<br />
Scotia, on February 3, 2009 (Drawing 1). The properties are owned by <strong>Halifax</strong> <strong>Regional</strong><br />
<strong>Municipality</strong> (HRM) and are identified by Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations as<br />
property identification (PIDs) numbers 00077875, 40258964 & 00077438 respectively.<br />
Together, these three parcels comprise the “subject properties” as discussed herein.<br />
The <strong>Phase</strong> I ESA has been prepared to provide Colliers International (Colliers) with a<br />
professional opinion of the potential for environmental liabilities associated with the property.<br />
Based on a review of historical records, it is likely that the area was developed during the initial<br />
settlement of <strong>Halifax</strong> in the late 1700’s for commercial/residential purposes. Historical aerial<br />
photographs and city directories indicate that the adjacent properties and surrounding areas<br />
were developed prior to the publishing of the detailed records and plans typically reviewed for<br />
such an assessment. At the time of the <strong>Phase</strong> I ESA, the subject properties were occupied by<br />
parking lots, each with a small pay station building, and one multi-unit residential dwelling.<br />
The <strong>Phase</strong> I ESA was conducted and prepared by Raissa Collicutt, Environmental Technologist,<br />
and reviewed by Craig Chandler, Senior Project Manager. Both are experienced in the field of<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESAs and related environmental investigations. Qualifications of project personnel are<br />
presented in Appendix F.<br />
Ms. Collicutt completed the site reconnaissance on the subject properties on February 3, 2009.<br />
The properties are in use as public parking lots. Site access was unlimited with the exception of<br />
the multi-unit residential dwelling, which was viewed from the exterior only. Ms. Collicutt was not<br />
escorted during the assessment.<br />
1.1 Mandate and Objectives<br />
The purpose of the site reconnaissance was to confirm the current site conditions and identify<br />
any current or historic land uses, which may have or may cause actual and/or potential<br />
environmental impacts to the subject properties.<br />
SLR
Colliers International 2 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
2.0 PROJECT METHODOLOGY AND SUMMARY OF WORK<br />
This <strong>Phase</strong> I ESA was performed in accordance with the Canadian Standards Association’s<br />
(CSA) standard Z768-01 <strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment and the statement of work<br />
(SOW) provided by the <strong>Halifax</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Municipality</strong> (HRM) to Colliers International.<br />
The purpose of the <strong>Phase</strong> I ESA was to identify and document the current and historical<br />
environmental conditions of the subject property, and the presence of substances which indicate<br />
an existing, past, or potential adverse impact to the air, soil, groundwater, or surface waters as a<br />
result of operations on the subject property and adjacent surrounding properties, and which<br />
indicate further investigation may be necessary to evaluate the potential environmental liabilities<br />
with the subject property.<br />
The scope of work for this ESA included: a records review; a historical review; a review of<br />
available municipal and provincial records; a review of previously completed environmental site<br />
assessments of the surrounding area; a site reconnaissance and preparation of this report.<br />
There were no exceptions to, or deletions from the CSA standard.<br />
The conclusions presented in this report are professional opinions based on data described<br />
herein. These opinions are subject to the limitations outlined in Appendix A.<br />
SLR
Colliers International 3 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
3.0 SITE DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS<br />
The site is identified by Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations as civic #5515 Clyde<br />
Street, Property Identification (PID) Number 00077875, Lot 15-D Dresden Row, PID 40258964<br />
(attached to PID 00077875) and civic #1452 Queen Street, PID 00077438 and is currently<br />
owned by <strong>Halifax</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Municipality</strong>. It comprises a total area of approximately 0.72 ha<br />
(7,194m 2 ) and is currently in use as parking lots. Clyde Street is located south of the site, which<br />
includes both residential and commercial properties. Along the eastern property boundary of<br />
PID 00077438 is Queen Street with residential and commercial buildings.<br />
A multi-unit residence is located on the east side of PID 00077438. To the west of the subject<br />
properties is Dresden Row and commercial properties. Located north of the subject properties<br />
are commercial properties, with Spring Garden Road further north. Birmingham Street runs<br />
between the subject properties and is perpendicular to Clyde Street. A Surrounding Land Use<br />
Plan is included as Drawing 2.<br />
The properties are accessible through driveways located on Dresden Row and Birmingham<br />
Street. The majority of the site is occupied by paved parking lots, with small pay station<br />
buildings on the west side of each lot. A Site Plan is included as Drawing 3.<br />
3.1 Local Potable Water Supplies<br />
The subject property is located in a residential/commercial area of the <strong>Halifax</strong> <strong>Regional</strong><br />
<strong>Municipality</strong> in <strong>Halifax</strong> County, Nova Scotia. Municipal potable water services are provided to<br />
the site and adjacent properties.<br />
3.2 Presence of Potable Water Wells Within One Kilometre of the Site<br />
A records search of the Nova Scotia Well Log Database on February 3, 2009 showed no wells<br />
in the vicinity of the subject property. All properties adjacent to and surrounding the subject<br />
property are provided potable water by the <strong>Halifax</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Municipality</strong>.<br />
3.3 Geology/Hydrogeology<br />
3.3.1 <strong>Regional</strong> Topography<br />
The topography of the subject property is relatively flat, although the general topography of the<br />
area slopes gently towards the south. Topographic maps note that the subject property is at an<br />
approximate elevation of 40 metres above mean sea level (amsl). <strong>Regional</strong>ly the area is sloped<br />
east towards <strong>Halifax</strong> Harbour.<br />
SLR
Colliers International 4 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
3.3.2 <strong>Regional</strong> Geology<br />
The subject property is located within the <strong>Halifax</strong> Formation of bedrock. The <strong>Halifax</strong> Formation<br />
consists of slate, siltstone and minor sandstone. This bedrock is overlain with till that is stony<br />
with a sandy matrix, which is derived from local bedrock, with siltier till due to glaciation.<br />
3.3.3 <strong>Regional</strong> Hydrogeology<br />
Based on the topography of the area, the regional groundwater flow direction is suspected to be<br />
predominantly east towards <strong>Halifax</strong> Harbour. Local groundwater flow close to the surface is<br />
likely influenced by the presence of subsurface services and utilities.<br />
3.4 Current Land Use and Zoning<br />
The subject property is currently the site of two parking lots. Commercial properties followed by<br />
Spring Garden Road binds the subject properties to the north; residential and commercially<br />
owned and operated land borders the subject property to the east and west. Land to the south is<br />
occupied by Clyde Street. Birmingham Street runs in between the properties, perpendicular to<br />
Clyde Street.<br />
SLR reviewed the <strong>Halifax</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Municipality</strong> Land Use By-Law for the <strong>Halifax</strong> Peninsula<br />
(September 1978) and determined that the subject property is coded as an RC-2<br />
Residential/Minor Commercial zone (page 85). A copy of the document is provided in Appendix<br />
B. Property boundaries and adjacent properties are shown on Drawing 2.<br />
3.5 Existing Structures<br />
The subject property on Clyde Street has one building with an approximate floor area of 2 m 2 .<br />
The building is used as a pay station for the parking lot. The Queen Street property contains a<br />
building similar in size and used for the same purpose, as well as a residential building with<br />
several units. The latter building was not entered at the time of site reconnaissance, however it<br />
is estimated that the building covers approximately 125m 2 of the subject property. The Nova<br />
Scotia Environmental Registry search did not return any information on existing surface work on<br />
the subject properties or adjacent properties.<br />
3.6 Existing Underground Installations<br />
SLR observed no evidence of USTs, such as unaccounted for vent/fill pipes, on the subject<br />
property at the time of the site reconnaissance. Environmental Registry documents reviewed did<br />
not show any evidence of USTs located on the subject properties currently or in the past.<br />
SLR
Colliers International 5 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
3.7 Surrounding Land Use<br />
The adjacent properties surrounding the subject property are described below:<br />
• North – Commercial/residential properties followed by Spring Garden Road<br />
• South – Clyde Street followed by commercial/residential properties including laundromat/dry<br />
cleaner<br />
• East – Queen Street followed by commercial/residential properties<br />
• West – Dresden Row followed by commercial properties<br />
3.8 Presence of Petroleum Facilities in Vicinity of Site<br />
There are no petroleum facilities currently in the vicinity of the subject properties.<br />
3.9 Surveying and Levelling<br />
No surveying or levelling was completed.<br />
SLR
Colliers International 7 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
4.2 Document Research<br />
SLR reviewed documents from Nova Scotia Environment’s Environmental Registry, Service<br />
Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Property Online, the Nova Scotia Registry of Deeds and<br />
the Public Archives of Nova Scotia. The findings are outlined below.<br />
4.2.1 Summary of Property Titles<br />
Property titles for the site were recovered from Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.<br />
Documents reviewed included property deeds and site plans.<br />
Date Document Content<br />
August 28, 1963 Deed Constantine and Mary Manolopoulos, restaurateurs of the city of <strong>Halifax</strong>,<br />
turn their land (current PID 00077875) over to the city of <strong>Halifax</strong>.<br />
January 7, 1964 Deed Matthew and Elizabeth Scanlan turn their property (current PID<br />
00077438) over to the city of <strong>Halifax</strong>.<br />
November 10, 1982 Plan The property of Lot 15-D Dresden Row (PID 40258964), then known as<br />
Lots 15-A and 15-B, was occupied by Lanny’s Restaurant (<strong>Halifax</strong>)<br />
Limited<br />
June 6, 1983 Plan Former property known as Lots 15-A and 15-B as observed in 1982 plan<br />
have been changed to Lots 15-C and 15-D and have changed ownership.<br />
Property unit 15-C is now occupied by Winchester Investments Limited.<br />
Lot 15-D is not marked.<br />
The documents reviewed for the acquisition of this information are included in Appendix B.<br />
4.2.2. Fire Insurance Plans<br />
DAC recovered and SLR reviewed fire insurance plans from 1899, 1911, 1914, 1918, 1949,<br />
1951 and 1971 for the City of <strong>Halifax</strong>. The following information was obtained from the plans:<br />
• 1899: The subject properties are covered with small, residential buildings. A laundromat<br />
is present in the southwest corner of the Queen Street property and there is a building<br />
located in the current location of the multi-unit dwelling. Present-day Clyde Street was<br />
then known as Rottenburg Street.<br />
• 1911: Several small buildings have either been demolished or altered since the 1899<br />
plan. No other major changes are observed.<br />
• 1914: No changes are observed since the 1911 plan.<br />
• 1918: Most buildings on the subject properties have been renovated since the 1914<br />
plan. Building shapes and sizes vary from previous plans and additional buildings are<br />
visible. No labels are present on any of the buildings.<br />
• 1949: Minimal changes are observed since the 1918 plan. Several buildings on the<br />
Queen Street property have been altered, and the laundromat noted in the 1899 plan<br />
is still present.<br />
• 1951: No changes are observed since the 1949 plan.<br />
• 1971: The former Rottenburg Street has been renamed Clyde Street. The majority of<br />
the small buildings present on the Clyde Street property have been removed and<br />
replaced with a parking lot. The Queen Street property is still covered by buildings,<br />
however some have been removed.<br />
SLR
Colliers International 8 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
The fire insurance plans are included on pages 35-38 in the report supplied by DAC (Appendix<br />
D). The fire insurance plans included in the report do not show the adjacent properties<br />
immediately south, west, and east of the site; therefore, SLR did not review the historical<br />
property usage in these directions.<br />
4.2.3 Access to Information Requests<br />
SLR contacted Nova Scotia Environment (NSE) to perform a search of the Environmental<br />
Registry for information regarding the subject properties. This information includes Petroleum<br />
Storage Tank Registration information, as well as records of any incidents of potential<br />
environmental concern.<br />
Documents returned from the Registry search provided information on a nearby property on the<br />
corner of Spring Garden Road and Dresden Row (civic address 5524 Spring Garden Road).<br />
This property was formerly used as an Esso gas station and had five (5) USTs installed in 1980.<br />
Three (3) USTs had capacities of 22,700 L and contained gasoline, while the other two (2) had<br />
2,270 L and 4,500 L capacities and contained used oil and fuel oil, respectively. All five (5)<br />
USTs were removed in 1991 and a total area of 2,180m 3 was reported as impacted. <strong>Phase</strong> I, II,<br />
and III ESAs were conducted on this property, however the reports and related documents were<br />
not reviewed due to time restraints, as they must be requested through Freedom of Information<br />
and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP). The Environmental Registry documents are included in<br />
Appendix D.<br />
Several properties of interest were previously searched as part of a due diligence review for the<br />
former <strong>Halifax</strong> Infirmary site on Queen Street and for the former Bellevue House site. The only<br />
issue uncovered through these searches was a former fuel oil spill at 5466 Spring Garden<br />
Road. Documentation for this incident is only available by request from Freedom of Information<br />
and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP). The responses for these are included in Appendix D.<br />
NSE has indicated that no records were located through the Environmental Registry with regard<br />
to the subject properties.<br />
4.3 Previous Environmental Studies<br />
No previous environmental studies were conducted on the subject properties, however several<br />
reports completed for nearby and adjacent properties were available to SLR for review. The<br />
reports were written between May and August of 2007 and include two environmental due<br />
diligence reports: one for the “former <strong>Halifax</strong> Infirmary” site and one for the “former Bellevue<br />
House” site. The <strong>Halifax</strong> Infirmary site is located east of the subject property on Queen Street<br />
and is identified as PID No. 00077099. The Bellevue House site is located immediately north of<br />
the Infirmary site and is identified as PID No. 40576829. A <strong>Phase</strong> II ESA was also conducted on<br />
the Bellevue House site.<br />
A review of these reports showed areas of potential environmental concern surrounding the<br />
subject properties in all directions, and also on the subject property at Queen Street. In the<br />
southwest corner of the property, a former laundromat is indicated. Based on the groundwater<br />
flow direction indicated on the Potential Historic Environmental Concerns figure, areas of<br />
SLR
Colliers International 9 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
concern outside the property boundaries that could potentially impact the subject properties<br />
include a former service station immediately north of the subject property at Clyde Street, a<br />
former service station located west of the subject properties on Dresden Row, a former UST<br />
immediately north of the subject property at Queen Street, and a historic fuel oil spill at a<br />
property north of the subject property at Queen Street and located on Spring Garden Road. A<br />
plan outlining these areas of potential environmental concern is included as Drawing 4.<br />
4.4 Geological and Geotechnical Reports<br />
No known geological or geotechnical reports were conducted on the subject properties of 5515<br />
Clyde Street and 1452 Queen Street.<br />
SLR
Colliers International 10 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
5.0 SITE VISIT SUMMARY<br />
The site reconnaissance for the properties of 5515 Clyde Street and 1452 Queen Street was<br />
completed by Raissa Collicutt on February 3, 2009. Weather conditions during the visit were<br />
poor with an ambient air temperature of approximately -5 degrees Celsius and moderate<br />
snowfall. Access to the subject sites was unlimited, with the exception of the multi-unit dwelling,<br />
as they are currently in use as public parking lots. The multi-unit dwelling was observed from the<br />
exterior only. A small pay station building on each property was observed but not entered as<br />
they were occupied by parking lot attendants. Ms. Collicutt was unescorted during the<br />
reconnaissance.<br />
The subject properties were relatively flat with many swells and bulges in the pavement due to<br />
cold and heat stress. The area in general has a slight slope towards the east. <strong>Halifax</strong> Harbour,<br />
located approximately 800 m to the east of the subject property, is the nearest down gradient<br />
surface water body. A general description of the subject property’s exterior features was<br />
provided in Section 3.2. Site photographs are provided in Drawing 5 and Appendix E.<br />
Additional observations and site features noted during the site reconnaissance are described in<br />
further detail in the following sections.<br />
5.1 Sources of Air Emissions<br />
The only sources of air emissions on the subject properties are the vehicles that use the parking<br />
lots on a daily basis.<br />
5.2 Water Supplies and Wastewater Disposal<br />
Potable water for the areas surrounding the subject property is obtained from the <strong>Halifax</strong><br />
<strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Municipality</strong>’s municipal distribution system, which originates from Pockwock Lake and<br />
the J. Douglas Kline Water Supply Plant. Wastewater in the area is discharged into the<br />
Municipal sewer system. Catch basins were observed on site and in the right-of-ways of<br />
adjacent streets.<br />
5.3 Waste and Refuse Management<br />
Waste disposal bins were observed around the properties to deal with solid waste materials. No<br />
staining was observed surrounding these receptacles. Waste Management removes waste on<br />
a regular basis.<br />
5.4 Hazardous Materials/Chemical Products Management<br />
SLR did not observe any hazardous materials on the subject property at the time of site<br />
reconnaissance, nor are any expected to be generated by the current site activities.<br />
SLR
Colliers International 11 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
5.5 Asbestos-Containing Materials<br />
Most asbestos containing building materials were phased out in the 1980s. However, ACMs<br />
can be found in buildings constructed as late as 1990 (Environment Canada, 2005). One of the<br />
main problems with asbestos comes from sprayed or "friable" (easily broken up) amphibole<br />
asbestos used in buildings until the 1970s. People working in construction, maintenance or<br />
renovation of older buildings should be particularly careful when handling this asbestos. Items<br />
such as floor tiles, ceiling tiles/panel, pipe and pipe elbow wrap, wallboard, and shingles, may<br />
contain ACMs. The regulations governing the handling and disposal of ACMs are located in the<br />
Nova Scotia Environment Act, Asbestos Waste Management Regulations, N.S. Reg. 53/95<br />
Due to the age of the buildings, it is possible that ACM may be present. Health risks associated<br />
with exposure to ACMs is considered low, as long as the suspected ACM containing material<br />
remains in good condition. Caution should be taken during regular maintenance in the vicinity<br />
of potential ACMs to prevent the potential ACMs from becoming damaged. Sampling of<br />
potential asbestos-containing materials should be completed prior to any site renovations or<br />
demolition.<br />
5.6 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)<br />
From the 1930s to the 1970s, PCBs were used to make coolants and lubricants for certain kinds<br />
of electrical equipment, including transformers and capacitors, and were widely used in a<br />
number of industrial materials including sealing and caulking compounds, inks, and paint<br />
additives. PCBs are an environmental concern as they do not readily degrade and have been<br />
identified as bioaccumulative. In Canada, the federal Environmental Contaminants Act (1976)<br />
prohibited the use of PCBs in heat transfer and electrical equipment installed after September 1,<br />
1977, and in transformers and capacitors installed after July 1, 1980. In addition, the storage<br />
and disposal of PCB waste materials is regulated.<br />
Several pole-mounted transformers were observed during the site reconnaissance. These units<br />
or their predecessors may contain PCBs; however, no leaks were noted.<br />
5.7 Lead Based Paint<br />
Under the federal Hazardous Products Act, the lead content in interior paint was limited to 0.5%<br />
by weight in 1976. After 1980, lead was not used in interior paints; however, exterior paints may<br />
have still contained lead. All consumer paints produced and imported into Canada were<br />
virtually lead-free as of 1992.<br />
There is one small building on each of the subject properties, as well as a multi-unit residential<br />
dwelling on the Queen Street property. Due to the age of the buildings, lead-based paint may<br />
have been used.<br />
SLR
Colliers International 12 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
5.8 Ozone-Depleting Substances<br />
Ozone-depleting substances are generally found in equipment such as air conditioners,<br />
refrigerators and freezers. Both pay station buildings on the subject properties house small air<br />
conditioners; other ozone depleting substances are also assumed to be present in the multi-unit<br />
dwelling. Ozone-depleting substances could pose environmental concern for the subject<br />
property.<br />
5.9 Mercury<br />
No mercury-containing instruments or appliances were observed at the time of site<br />
reconnaissance. The buildings on the subject properties should be inspected for any appliance<br />
or instrument containing mercury prior to their demolition. Any mercury encountered must be<br />
properly disposed.<br />
5.10 Radioactive Material<br />
No radioactive materials were observed during the subject property reconnaissance.<br />
5.11 Backfilling Materials<br />
No documentation regarding excavation of the subject property was available for review by<br />
SLR; however, during discussions with site personnel it was discovered that former buildings on<br />
each property were demolished and the debris was buried on-site. If any building debris is<br />
encountered during excavation, it should be tested for regulated materials to determine proper<br />
disposal procedures.<br />
5.12 Radon<br />
“Radon (Rn-222), a radioactive gas associated with an increased incidence of lung cancer, is<br />
formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium. Geological mapping of rocks and soils with<br />
a potential for high uranium content can be used to interpret regional variations in the<br />
concentration of radon in homes. Because of its effects on human health, radon is considered a<br />
potential "geochemical hazard" where it occurs at high concentrations.” (Geological Survey of<br />
Canada: Environmental geochemistry and geochemical hazards – Radon. R.D. Knight and R.A.<br />
Klassen)<br />
Based on a uranium map of Nova Scotia, it was determined that the subject property is in an<br />
area with moderate uranium content, however uranium mapping alone can not predict<br />
corresponding radon concentration in buildings. No radon testing was completed as part of this<br />
assessment.<br />
SLR
Colliers International 13 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
5.13 Pesticides<br />
It is unlikely that pesticides are used on the subject properties as they are used as parking lots.<br />
Given the current and historical land use, it is unlikely that significant pesticide use would have<br />
been undertaken at the subject property.<br />
5.14 Tanks and Other Oil Company Infrastructures<br />
5.14.1 Aboveground Tanks<br />
Nova Scotia Environmental Registry documents reviewed did not provide any evidence of ASTs<br />
on the subject properties or surrounding properties presently or in the past; however fill/vent<br />
pipes were observed on the exterior of the multi-unit residential dwelling on the east side of the<br />
Queen Street parking lot. This indicates that a fuel oil AST is likely present inside the building.<br />
5.14.2 Underground Tanks<br />
There are no known underground tanks located on the subject properties or on the adjacent<br />
properties. A search of the Nova Scotia Environment Environmental Registry did not return any<br />
documentation of registered tanks on the subject property or properties immediately adjacent.<br />
Documents related to underground tanks returned from the Registry search are provided in<br />
Section 4.2.3.<br />
5.15 Spills or Presence of Stains/Odours<br />
No spills, stains or odours were observed on the subject properties at the time of site inspection.<br />
5.16 Impacts on Environment and Natural Receptors<br />
Several catch basins were observed on and around the subject property at the time of site<br />
investigation. It is unlikely that any potential contamination on surrounding properties be<br />
associated with the subject property.<br />
SLR
Colliers International 14 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
6.0 CONCLUSIONS<br />
SLR has performed a <strong>Phase</strong> I ESA in conformance with the scope and limitations of the CSA<br />
Standard Z768-01 and <strong>Halifax</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Municipality</strong>’s Request for Proposal (HRM RFP) #08-<br />
359 of the properties located at 5515 Clyde Street and 1452 Queen Street in <strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova<br />
Scotia. There were no exceptions to or deletions from the CSA Standard Z768-01.<br />
Based on the results of the <strong>Phase</strong> I ESA, SLR identified the following potential environmental<br />
concerns associated with the subject property:<br />
• A laundromat/dry cleaner is located across Clyde Street, southeast of the site.<br />
• Due to the age of the buildings, it is possible that the multi-unit residential dwelling and<br />
the pay stations buildings may contain regulated building materials.<br />
• Several pole-mounted transformers are located around the subject property on Dresden<br />
Row, Clyde Street and Birmingham Street.<br />
• A small pay station building is located on the west side of each parking lot. Each building<br />
contains a small Danby air conditioner.<br />
• Minor spills and leaks from vehicles may impact the subsurface via the cracks observed<br />
in the parking lots.<br />
• A laundromat was formerly located in the southwest corner of one of the subject<br />
properties (1452 Queen Street).<br />
• Former buildings located on each of the subject properties were demolished and buried<br />
on-site.<br />
• Several former service stations were located on surrounding properties and could<br />
potentially impact the subject properties.<br />
• The subject property is in an area that is mapped as having moderate uranium content<br />
The decay of uranium produces radon gas that is harmful to human health.<br />
• Acid-generating bedrock may be present on this site.<br />
SLR
Colliers International 15 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS<br />
Based on the above-mentioned conclusions, SLR provides the following recommendations for<br />
further investigation:<br />
• Prior to building demolition, a Regulated Building Materials Survey should be completed<br />
to assess the potential health risks for construction workers during demolition and to<br />
determine disposal options of the materials.<br />
• Transformers containing PCBs and should be regularly inspected for leaks.<br />
• Ozone-depleting substances and should be examined and properly disposed of prior to<br />
site redevelopment.<br />
• Based on current and historical information regarding land use of the site and<br />
surrounding area (former service stations, dry cleaner), we recommend that a <strong>Phase</strong> II<br />
Environmental Site Assessment be conducted on the subject properties prior to their<br />
redevelopment. Drilling and installation of monitor wells should be completed to asses<br />
potential contaminant distribution across the subject properties.<br />
• If any building debris is encountered during excavation, it should be tested for regulated<br />
materials to determine proper disposal procedures.<br />
• Testing for indoor radon gas should be conducted in existing buildings and considered in<br />
the design of any future buildings.<br />
• Future development at the site should address potential acid-generating issues. This<br />
should include sampling the bedrock for acid generating potential and disposing of acidgenerating<br />
material in accordance with the Nova Scotia Sulphide-Bearing Material<br />
Disposal Regulation, N.S. Reg. 57/95.<br />
No other issues of significant environmental concern were identified during the course of this<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA. It is SLR’s professional opinion that the potential for environmental liabilities to be<br />
realized by the borrower or lending institution is considered to be low.<br />
SLR
Colliers International 16 SLR Ref.: 210.05696.00<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA February 17, 2009<br />
5515 Clyde Street & 1452 Queen Street, <strong>Halifax</strong>, NS<br />
8.0 REFERENCES<br />
Carson, J.M., Ford, K.L., Grant, J.A., Holman, P.B., Shives, R.B.K. and J.A.Y. Pratt Earth<br />
Sciences Sector Information Division (ESS Info). Airborne Gamma Ray Spectrometry<br />
Compilation Series: <strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova Scotia-New Brunswick-Prince Edward Island. Geological<br />
Survey of Canada. Scale 1:1000000. 2003<br />
Davis Archaeological Consultants Ltd. Pre-Development Assessment of Spring Garden<br />
Road/Queen Street Public Lands Plan: Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment. January<br />
2009.<br />
Government of Nova Scotia. Property Online. Retrieved on January 16, 2009 from<br />
<br />
Government of Nova Scotia. Property Online. Retrieved on January 16, 2009 from<br />
<br />
Keppie, J.D. (compiler). Geological Map of the Province of Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia<br />
Department of Natural Resources, Minerals and Energy Branch. Map Me 2000-1. Scale<br />
1:500000. 2000<br />
Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Land Registry Office: Aerial photograph review<br />
and collection. January 7, 2009.<br />
Nova Scotia Environment. Environmental Registry Search: no documentation recovered.<br />
Response received February 10, 2009.<br />
Nova Scotia Environment and Labor. Well Log Database. Information obtained February 3,<br />
2009.<br />
Stea, R.R. et al. 1992. Surficial Geology of the Province of Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia<br />
Department of Natural Resources. Mines and Energy Branches. Map 92-3. Scale 1:500000<br />
SLR
FIGURES<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment<br />
Colliers International<br />
5515 Clyde Street and 1452 Queen Street<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova Scotia<br />
SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Project 210.05696
APPENDIX A<br />
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment<br />
Colliers International<br />
5515 Clyde Street and 1452 Queen Street<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova Scotia<br />
SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Project 210.05696
Scope and Limitations<br />
This <strong>Phase</strong> I ESA was performed in accordance with the Canadian Standards Council standard<br />
Z768-01 “<strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment”.<br />
The purpose of the <strong>Phase</strong> I ESA was to identify and document the current and historical<br />
environmental conditions of the subject property, and the presence of substances that indicate<br />
an existing, past, or potential adverse impacts to the air, soil, groundwater, or surface waters.<br />
The potential impacts documented reflect past and present operations on the subject property<br />
and adjacent surrounding properties, and indicate further investigation may be necessary to<br />
evaluate the potential environmental liabilities associated with the subject property.<br />
The scope of work for this ESA included: a records review; a historical review; a review of<br />
available municipal, provincial, and federal agency records; a site reconnaissance and<br />
preparation of this report.<br />
The conclusions presented in this report are professional opinions based on data described<br />
herein. These opinions are subject to the limitations discussed below.<br />
This report has been prepared and the work referred to in this report has been undertaken by<br />
SLR for Colliers International. It is intended for the sole and exclusive use of Colliers<br />
International and its authorized agents for the purpose(s) set out in this report. Any use of,<br />
reliance on or decision made based on this report by any person other than Colliers<br />
International for any purpose, or by Colliers International for a purpose other than the<br />
purpose(s) set out in this report, is the sole responsibility of such other person or Colliers<br />
International. Colliers International and SLR make no representation or warranty to any other<br />
person with regard to this report and the work referred to in this report. They accept no duty of<br />
care to any other person or any liability or responsibility whatsoever for any losses, expenses,<br />
damages, fines, penalties or other harm that may be suffered or incurred by any other person as<br />
a result of the use of, reliance on, any decision made or any action taken based on this report or<br />
the work referred to in this report.<br />
Any conclusions or recommendations made in this report reflect SLR’s judgment based on the<br />
following limited investigations: visual site inspection(s) on the date(s) set out in this report;<br />
examination of public records; and interviews with individuals having information about the site.<br />
While efforts have been made to substantiate information provided by third parties, SLR makes<br />
no representation or warranty as to its completeness or accuracy.<br />
This report has been prepared for specific application to this site. Unless otherwise stated, the<br />
findings cannot be extended to previous or future site conditions; portions of the site which were<br />
unavailable for direct investigation; subsurface locations which were not investigated directly; or<br />
chemical parameters, materials or analysis which were not addressed. Substances other than<br />
those addressed by the investigation described in this report may exist within the site; and<br />
substances addressed by the investigation may exist in areas of the site not investigated or in<br />
quantities not ascertained. The assessment was limited to this property as requested by<br />
Colliers International.
As the evaluation and conclusions reported herein do not preclude the existence of other<br />
chemical compounds and/or variations of conditions within the site that may be possible, this<br />
report should be used for informational purposes only and should absolutely not be construed<br />
as a comprehensive hydrogeological or chemical characterization of the site. If site conditions<br />
change or if any additional information becomes available at a future date, modifications to the<br />
findings, conclusions and recommendations in this report may be necessary.<br />
Nothing in this report is intended to constitute or provide a legal opinion. SLR makes no<br />
representation as to the requirements of or compliance with environmental laws, rules,<br />
regulations or policies established by federal, provincial or local government bodies. Revisions<br />
to the regulatory standards referred to in this report may be expected over time. As a result,<br />
modifications to the findings, conclusions and recommendations in this report may be<br />
necessary.<br />
Other than by Colliers International and as set out herein, copying or distribution of this report or<br />
use of or reliance on the information contained herein, in whole or in part, is not permitted<br />
without the express written permission of SLR.<br />
Colliers International may submit this report to Nova Scotia Environment and Labour and/or<br />
related Nova Scotia environmental regulatory authorities or persons for review and comment<br />
purposes.
APPENDIX B<br />
PROPERTY TITLES<br />
ABSTRACT OF ZONING REGULATIONG<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment<br />
Colliers International<br />
5515 Clyde Street and 1452 Queen Street<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova Scotia<br />
SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Project 210.05696
RC-2 ZO N E<br />
RE S I D E N T I A L /M I N O R CO M M E RCI A L ZO N E<br />
48BA(1 ) T h e fo llo w in g u s es s h all b e p erm itted in an y R C -2 Z o n e:<br />
(a) R -1 , R -2 an d R -2 T u s es ;<br />
(b ) R -2 A u s es in th e " S o u th E n d A rea " ;<br />
(c)<br />
(d)<br />
(e)<br />
m in o r co m m ercial u s es as s et o u t in th e C -2 A Z o n e, S ectio n 5 9 A(1 )(b ) to<br />
(m ) in clu s iv e, exclu din g (la) (b illb o ards ), p ro v ided th at s u ch u s es are<br />
lo cated at grade o r b elo w grade;<br />
a lo u n ge in as s o ciatio n w ith a res tau ran t in th e " S p rin g Ga rd en Ro a d<br />
A rea " ;<br />
p ark in g lo ts o n th e p ro p erties k n o w n as th e C ly de S treet p ark in g lo ts an d<br />
iden tified b y th e L R IS n u m b ers 0 0 0 7 7 87 5 an d 0 0 0 7 7 43 8 in th e " S p rin g<br />
Ga rd en Ro a d A rea " ;<br />
(f) u s es acces s o ry to th e fo rego in g u s es .<br />
(g)<br />
In n s<br />
48BA(1 A) D eleted<br />
48BA(2 )<br />
48BA(3 )<br />
N o p ers o n s h all in an y R C -2 Z o n e, carry o u t o r cau s e o r p erm it to b e carried o u t, an y<br />
dev elo p m en t fo r an y p u rp o s e o th er th an o n e o r m o re o f th e u s es s et o u t in<br />
S u b s ectio n s (1 ) an d (1 A).<br />
N o p ers o n s h all in an y R C -2 Z o n e, u s e o r p erm it to b e u s ed an y lan d o r b u ildin g in<br />
w h o le o r in p art fo r an y p u rp o s e o th er th an o n e o r m o re o f th e u s es s et o u t in<br />
S u b s ectio n s (1 ) an d (1 A).<br />
RE Q U I RE M E N T S<br />
85
APPENDIX C<br />
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment<br />
Colliers International<br />
5515 Clyde Street and 1452 Queen Street<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova Scotia<br />
SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Project 210.05696
APPENDIX D<br />
RESPONSES TO INFORMATION ACCESS REQUESTS<br />
RECORDS OF COMMUNICATION<br />
PREVIOUS REPORTS<br />
FIRE INSURANCE PLANS<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment<br />
Colliers International<br />
5515 Clyde Street and 1452 Queen Street<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova Scotia<br />
SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Project 210.05696
PRE-DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT OF SPRING<br />
GARDEN ROAD/QUEEN STREET PUBLIC LANDS PLAN:<br />
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE IMPACT ASSESSMENT<br />
Heritage Research Permit A2009NS12<br />
January 2009<br />
Submitted by:<br />
Davis Archaeological Consultants Ltd.<br />
109 John Stewart Drive<br />
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia<br />
B2W 4J7<br />
Submitted to:<br />
Colliers International Realty Advisors<br />
Cogswell Tower, Suite 1304<br />
2000 Barrington Street<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova Scotia
PRE-DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT OF SPRING<br />
GARDEN ROAD/QUEEN STREET PUBLIC LANDS PLAN:<br />
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE IMPACT ASSESSMENT<br />
Heritage Research Permit A2009NS12<br />
Category C<br />
Davis Archaeological Consultants Limited<br />
Principal Investigator: April D. MacIntyre<br />
Report Compiled by: Matthew J. Munro, Laura DeBoer &<br />
April MacIntyre<br />
Cover: Bellevue House circa 1870-1885.
Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment<br />
Pre-development Assessment<br />
Spring Garden Road/Queen Street Public Lands Plan<br />
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
Page<br />
LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................ ii<br />
LIST OF PLATES ............................................................................................................. iii<br />
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................ 1<br />
1.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................... 2<br />
2.0 DEVELOPMENT AREA......................................................................................... 2<br />
3.0 METHODOLOGY................................................................................................... 5<br />
3.1 Maritime Archaeological Resource Inventory ............................................. 5<br />
3.2 Historical Background.................................................................................. 5<br />
3.2.1 Area A: The Infirmary Property....................................................... 5<br />
3.2.2 Area B: The <strong>Halifax</strong> Memorial Library Property........................... 25<br />
3.2.3 Area C: The Clyde Street parking lots. .......................................... 31<br />
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ............................................................................ 39<br />
5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS................................................. 39<br />
6.0 REFERENCES....................................................................................................... 40<br />
PLATES............................................................................................................................ 43<br />
APPENDIX A: HERITAGE RESEARCH PERMIT ....................................................... 50<br />
Davis Archaeological Consultants Limited<br />
i
Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment<br />
Pre-development Assessment<br />
Spring Garden Road/Queen Street Public Lands Plan<br />
LIST OF FIGURES<br />
Page<br />
Figure 2.0-1: Properties bordering on Spring Garden Road and Queen Street, as proposed<br />
for pre-development by HRM.................................................................... 3<br />
Figure 2.0-2: Nova Scotia Natural Theme Region #833 (highlighted). ............................. 4<br />
Figure 3.2-1: Spring Garden Road and Queen Street study areas on Google Maps........... 6<br />
Figure 3.2.1-1: Jackson’s 1945 map of <strong>Halifax</strong> in 1749..................................................... 7<br />
Figure 3.2.1-2: Unidentified map of <strong>Halifax</strong> circa 1760s................................................... 8<br />
Figure 3.2.1-3: Modern redrawing of a 1762 Crown Lands Grant..................................... 9<br />
Figure 3.2.1-4: Blaskowitz 1784 Map of <strong>Halifax</strong> showing location of Area B................ 10<br />
Figure 3.2.1-5: The Commandant’s Quarters, 1830. ........................................................ 10<br />
Figure 3.2.1-6: The Commandant’s Quarters, 1838. ........................................................ 11<br />
Figure 3.2.1-7: Sketch of Military Ordinance Property in <strong>Halifax</strong>, 1851......................... 11<br />
Figure 3.2.1-8: Dundonald Street, 1850............................................................................ 12<br />
Figure 3.2.1-9: Clark’s Map of <strong>Halifax</strong>, 1869. ................................................................. 13<br />
Figure 3.2.1-10: Panoramic View of <strong>Halifax</strong>, 1879, showing Bellevue and Dundonald<br />
Street. ....................................................................................................... 13<br />
Figure 3.2.1-11: Hopkin’s Land Atlas for <strong>Halifax</strong>, 1878. ................................................ 15<br />
Figure 3.2.1-12: Plans for a new Drill Shed, 1892. .......................................................... 17<br />
Figure 3.2.1-13: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1895. ..................................................... 18<br />
Figure 3.2.1-14: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1911. ..................................................... 19<br />
Figure 3.2.1-15: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1914. ..................................................... 20<br />
Figure 3.2.1-16: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1918. ..................................................... 21<br />
Figure 3.2.1-17: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1949. ..................................................... 22<br />
Figure 3.2.1-18: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1951 ...................................................... 23<br />
Figure 3.2.1-19: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1971. ..................................................... 24<br />
Figure 3.2.2-1: An 1845 reproduction of a 1762 map showing the burial grounds.......... 25<br />
Figure 3.2.2-2: Panoramic View of <strong>Halifax</strong>, 1878, showing the Asylum and cemetery .. 27<br />
Figure 3.2.2-3: E. H. Keating’s ornate walkway plan for Grafton Park. .......................... 29<br />
Figure 3.2.2-4: E. H. Keating’s plans for walls and ornamentation in Grafton Park. ...... 29<br />
Figure 3.2.2-5: A 1934 plan of Grafton Park.................................................................... 30<br />
Figure 3.2.2-6: A plan of the <strong>Halifax</strong> memorial Library, 1949. ....................................... 31<br />
Figure 3.2.3-1: Modern drawing of a Crown Lands Grant, 1762. .................................... 32<br />
Figure 3.2.3-2: The 1784 Blaskowitz map showing Area C............................................. 33<br />
Figure 3.2.3-3: Hopkin’s Land Atlas, 1878 ...................................................................... 34<br />
Figure 3.2.3-4: Panoramic View of <strong>Halifax</strong>, 1879, showing Schmidtville....................... 35<br />
Figure 3.2.3-5: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1899. ....................................................... 35<br />
Figure 3.2.3-6: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1911. ....................................................... 36<br />
Figure 3.2.3-7: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1914. ....................................................... 36<br />
Figure 3.2.3-8: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1918. ....................................................... 37<br />
Figure 3.2.3-9: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1949. ....................................................... 37<br />
Figure 3.2.3-10: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1951. ..................................................... 38<br />
Figure 3.2.3-11: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1971. ..................................................... 38<br />
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LIST OF PLATES<br />
Page<br />
Plate 1: Photograph of the General’s Residence, circa 1830s. Photo by Clarke. ............. 44<br />
Plate 2: Bellevue house, circa 1870-1885. Photo by the Royal Engineers. ...................... 44<br />
Plate 3: Bellevue house, March 11th 1885 after being gutted by fire. Photo by the Royal<br />
Engineers........................................................................................................................... 45<br />
Plate 4: Dundonald St. from the roof of Bellevue, 1872, photo by the Royal Engineers. 45<br />
Plate 5: Dundonald St. from the roof of Bellevue, 1896, photo by the Royal Engineers. 46<br />
Plate 6: Aerial Photo of Bellevue and Dundonald Street, 1921........................................ 46<br />
Plate 7: Bellevue house before demolition, 1955. ............................................................ 47<br />
Plate 8: Bellevue house during demolition, 1955. ............................................................ 47<br />
Plate 9: Aerial photo of Grafton Park, 1921. .................................................................... 48<br />
Plate 10: Memorial Library in 1955.................................................................................. 48<br />
Plate 11: Schmidtville, 1888. Photo from the Notman Collection. .................................. 49<br />
Plate 12: Aerial Photo of Schmidtville, 1921. .................................................................. 49<br />
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY<br />
In January 2009, Davis Archaeological Consultants Limited conducted an archaeological<br />
resource impact assessment as part of the Pre-development Assessment of Spring Garden<br />
Road/Queen Street Public Land Plan. The assessment included a historic desktop study<br />
of the pre-development area in order to determine the potential for archaeological<br />
resources within the area under investigation. Four properties in metropolitan <strong>Halifax</strong><br />
were included in the assessment. Among these properties were:<br />
• the existing Spring Garden Road Memorial Library bounded by Brunswick Street,<br />
Spring Garden Road, Grafton Street, and<br />
• the old <strong>Halifax</strong> Infirmary property bounded by Morris Street, Queen Street,<br />
Spring Garden Road, and Dalhousie University Sexton Campus;<br />
• an existing parking lot bounded by Birmingham, Clyde, and Queen Streets; and<br />
• an existing parking lot bounded by Birmingham and Clyde Streets and Dresden<br />
Row.<br />
Consultation of historic maps and manuscripts at the Nova Scotia Archives and Records<br />
Management and the <strong>Halifax</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Municipality</strong> Archives showed that these<br />
properties have all been used, beginning from the late 18 th to early 19 th centuries, for a<br />
number of cultural activities including military occupation, burial for the poor, and<br />
residential settlement. These areas have been determined to be of high archaeological<br />
potential for historic period resources and recommendations for further assessment and<br />
mitigation have been recommended should these areas be disturbed by development or by<br />
pre-development assessment ground disturbing activities.<br />
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1.0 INTRODUCTION<br />
In December 2008, Davis Archaeological Consultants (DAC) Limited was contracted by<br />
Colliers International (Atlantic) Realty Advisors, on behalf of <strong>Halifax</strong> <strong>Regional</strong><br />
<strong>Municipality</strong> (HRM), to conduct a phase I archaeological resource impact assessment of<br />
the Spring Garden Road/Queen Street Public Lands Plan. In 2005, <strong>Halifax</strong> <strong>Regional</strong><br />
<strong>Municipality</strong> and the Province of Nova Scotia entered into a memorandum of<br />
understanding to jointly prepare plans for public land use in the vicinity of Spring Garden<br />
Road and Queen Street. As a result, <strong>Halifax</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Municipality</strong>, through <strong>Regional</strong><br />
Council approval, is currently negotiating with the Province of Nova Scotia to transfer<br />
ownership of those lands previously occupied by the <strong>Halifax</strong> Infirmary to HRM in<br />
exchange for two parcels of land bounding Birmingham and Clyde Streets. In addition,<br />
HRM has requested that a functional assessment of the commercial redevelopment<br />
potential of the Spring Garden Road Memorial Library be conducted.<br />
The purpose of the archaeological assessment was to determine the potential for<br />
archaeological resources within those land parcels under consideration and/or which have<br />
been approved to redevelopment and to provide recommendations for further mitigation<br />
if deemed necessary. This assessment included consultation of the Maritime<br />
Archaeological Resource Inventory in the Heritage Division of the Nova Scotia Museum<br />
as well as historic maps, manuscripts and published resources.<br />
This assessment was conducted under Category C Heritage Research Permit A2009NS12<br />
issued by the Nova Scotia Heritage Division. This report conforms to the standards<br />
required by the Heritage Division under the Special Places program.<br />
2.0 DEVELOPMENT AREA<br />
The proposed project is a multi-disciplinary assessment of the development potential for<br />
municipally-owned lands near Spring Garden Road and Queen Street in <strong>Halifax</strong>. The four<br />
development areas are contained within approximately 28,500 square meters, and for this<br />
report, have been divided into three distinct study areas (Figure 2.0-1), intercut primarily<br />
by Spring Garden Road and Queen Street. The four parcels included in the study area are:<br />
• the existing Spring Garden Road Memorial Library bounded by Brunswick Street,<br />
Spring Garden Road, Grafton Street, and<br />
• the old <strong>Halifax</strong> Infirmary property bounded by Morris Street, Queen Street,<br />
Spring Garden Road, and Dalhousie University Sexton Campus;<br />
• an existing parking lot bounded by Birmingham, Clyde, and Queen Streets; and<br />
• an existing parking lot bounded by Birmingham and Clyde Streets and Dresden<br />
Row.<br />
Only that portion of the Spring Garden Memorial Library property from the diagonal<br />
walkway that cuts through the front of the Library property (from Spring Garden Road to<br />
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Figure 2.0-1: Properties bordering on Spring Garden Road and Queen Street, as proposed for<br />
pre-development by HRM.<br />
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Grafton Street) north to the Library itself. Under the current assessment of this property,<br />
consideration is to be given to maintaining the existing façade of the Library.<br />
The old <strong>Halifax</strong> Infirmary property is currently occupied by a pay parking lot at the north<br />
end (at the corner of Spring Garden Road and Queen Street) as well as a leased parking<br />
lot at the south end (at the corner of Queen and Morris Streets). The old nurses’<br />
residence for the <strong>Halifax</strong> Infirmary stills sits on the southeast corner of the property. The<br />
area between the two parking lots was extensively excavated in 2005 during demolition<br />
of the old Infirmary.<br />
The development area is located in an urban setting within provincial natural theme<br />
region #833 – Eastern Shore Beaches (Figure 2.0-2). The coastal region is characterized<br />
by an indented submerged coastline and is divided into headlands separated by long<br />
inlets, most of which are drowned river estuaries. The underlying soils of peninsular<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong> are predominantly slate-derived shaly loam Bridgewater soils. Historically, the<br />
slate that characterizes bedrock outcrops in this area was used as building material and<br />
can still be seen in many of the extant nineteenth century constructions such as Alexander<br />
Keith’s Brewery on Lower Water Street. Because of continued urban expansion and<br />
development since the mid-eighteenth century, many aspects of the natural history of this<br />
region including floral and faunal sustainability, no longer apply.<br />
Figure 2.0-Error! Style not defined.2: Nova Scotia Natural Theme Region #833 (highlighted) 1 .<br />
1 Davis and Browne, 1996.<br />
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3.0 METHODOLOGY<br />
A historic background study was conducted by DAC Ltd. between the January 6 - 20.<br />
Historical maps, manuscripts, and published literature were located and consulted at<br />
Nova Scotia Public Archives and Records Management in <strong>Halifax</strong> as well as at the<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong> <strong>Regional</strong> <strong>Municipality</strong> Archives. The Maritime Archaeological Resource<br />
Inventory, held at the Nova Scotia Museum’s Heritage Division, was also consulted to<br />
understand any prior archaeological research and known archaeological resources<br />
neighbouring or within the study area.<br />
3.1 Maritime Archaeological Resource Inventory<br />
Using facilities at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, a search was conducted<br />
for archaeological sites in the study area through the Maritime Archaeological Resources<br />
Inventory (MARI) forms. One site, named Winchester’s Midden, was identified within<br />
the study area. During a structural renovation to the rear of Winchester’s clothing store<br />
on Queen Street in the mid-1990s, a privy was accidently disturbed and archaeologists<br />
were called to investigate. Though most of the structure was gone, many artifacts were<br />
recovered and dated to the mid to late nineteenth century.<br />
3.2 Historical Background<br />
The following historical background is divided into the three study areas as delineated by<br />
the HRM. These include the site of the former <strong>Halifax</strong> Infirmary bounded by Spring<br />
Garden Road, Queen Street, and Morris Street (A), the <strong>Halifax</strong> Public Library property<br />
on the corner of Spring Garden Road and Grafton Street (B), and two half-blocks of<br />
property bounded by Clyde Street, Queen Street, Birmingham Street, and Dresden Row<br />
(C) (Figure 3.2-1).<br />
3.2.1 Area A: The Infirmary Property<br />
The site of the former <strong>Halifax</strong> Infirmary has a long and detailed history extending at least<br />
to the founding of <strong>Halifax</strong> in 1749. There are two distinct portions of Area B which have<br />
archaeological potential and these include a long-standing residence on the corner of<br />
Spring Garden Road and Queen Street, and the buildings associated with Dundonald<br />
Street, which were closed to facilitate the growth of the <strong>Halifax</strong> Infirmary.<br />
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B<br />
C<br />
A<br />
Figure 3.2-1-1: Spring Garden Road and Queen Street study areas on Google Maps.<br />
The earliest mention of the former Infirmary site comes from several 20 th century<br />
reconstructions. The first, Jackson’s 1945 map of <strong>Halifax</strong> in 1749, shows the property<br />
belonging to Charles Morris and Richard Blakeley and referred to as the ‘Governor’s<br />
Farm’. Though only Spring Garden Road is named, it’s likely that the street running<br />
parallel to Spring Garden is Morris Street, and the two streets starting at the top of the<br />
map are Queen and an early rendition of Dundonald Streets respectively. No known<br />
buildings exist on the Governor’s Farm lot during this period; however, evidence does<br />
exist for a series of house lots facing Queen Street, complete with the names of the<br />
respective tenants (Figure 3.2.1-2).<br />
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Figure 3.2.1-2: Jackson’s 1945 map of <strong>Halifax</strong> in 1749.<br />
The notion of this land originally being a farm continues into the 1760s. On an unnamed<br />
map from the period (Figure 3.2.1-3), what was previously assumed to be Dundonald<br />
Street, separating the Governor’s Farm from the estates of Henry Newton and Michael<br />
Franklin, is absent. It’s likely that the redrawn map in 1945 included Dundonald Street<br />
erroneously, yet it holds more detail for the owners of the house lots facing Queen Street<br />
whereas the 1760s map does not, questioning the accuracy of both. A redrawing of a<br />
1762 Crown Lands Grant adds further evidence for the existence of Dundonald Street at a<br />
mid-18 th century date, although it’s more likely to be a throughway on the Governor’s<br />
Farm at this time (Figure 3.2.1-4).<br />
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Figure 3.2.1-3: Unidentified map of <strong>Halifax</strong> circa 1760s.<br />
The first evidence for buildings being present on the site comes from a 1784 map drawn<br />
by army surveyor Charles Blaskowitz (Figure 3.2.1-5). Four distinct lots are visible,<br />
likely representing the properties on Morris Street, the two lots belonging to Michael<br />
Franklin and Henry Newton, and a new lot on the corner of Queen Street and Spring<br />
Garden Road. The earliest stages of this lot on Jackson’s map and the 1760’s map seem<br />
to suggest it belongs to the Governor’s Farm or is immediately associated, yet by 1784<br />
this land is distinctly separate.<br />
In 1830, the area around the Governor’s farm begins to see a sharp population increase as<br />
the surrounding area began to develop residentially. Two maps, one from 1830 and one<br />
from 1838, show both the new urban sprawl and details of the farm, now named the<br />
Commandants Quarters, to its greatest detail yet (Figures 3.2.1-6 and 3.2.1-7). These new<br />
maps compliment the rough sketch found on the Blaskowitz map, and can also be<br />
referenced by the earliest known photograph of the Commandant’s Quarters, which was<br />
also taken during this period (Plate 1).<br />
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Figure 3.2.1-4: Modern redrawing of a 1762 Crown Lands Grant.<br />
Due to the scarcity of maps depicting <strong>Halifax</strong> in the early 19 th century, the property does<br />
not appear again until an 1851 sketch of ordinance property in <strong>Halifax</strong>. This provides the<br />
most detailed account of the historic buildings on the site, all labelled as part of the Field<br />
Officers Quarters (Figure 3.2.1-8). Clearly identified is the main house along with all<br />
privies, outhouses, and stables on the property. A guardhouse is also identified along the<br />
southern boundary of the property, and a barn, aiding in the upkeep of the property, is<br />
located on the corner of Queen and Morris Streets.<br />
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Figure 3.2.1-5: Blaskowitz 1784 Map of <strong>Halifax</strong> showing location of Area B.<br />
Figure 3.2.1-6: The Commandant’s Quarters, 1830.<br />
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Figure 3.2.1-7: The Commandant’s Quarters, 1838.<br />
Figure 3.2.1-8: Sketch of Military Ordinance Property in <strong>Halifax</strong>, 1851.<br />
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The detail of the ordinance sketch does not reveal any throughway or rudimentary road<br />
representing Dundonald Street to compliment Jackson’s map or the 1762 Crown Lands<br />
map, but this is not surprising since the artists may not have viewed such a feature as<br />
ordinance property.<br />
The first definitive depiction of Dundonald Street comes from the 1850 plan of the land<br />
owned by John Strachan, complete with numbered lots (Figure 3.2.1-9). This is followed<br />
by Clark’s 1869 map of <strong>Halifax</strong>, showing the Field Officer’s Quarters, named the<br />
General’s Head Quarters, without the level of detail shown in the ordinance sketch of<br />
1851 (Figure 3.2.1-10). Dundonald Street also figures prominently in Ruger’s 1879<br />
panoramic view of <strong>Halifax</strong> (Figure 3.2.1-11).<br />
Along with showing the position of Dundonald Street and what are potentially its first<br />
residents, the panoramic view of <strong>Halifax</strong> shows an artistic depiction of the<br />
Commandant’s Quarters and the associated stables. The Drill Room, designated number<br />
84, is outside the study area.<br />
Figure 3.2.1-9: Dundonald Street, 1850.<br />
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Figure 3.2.1-10: Clark’s Map of <strong>Halifax</strong>, 1869.<br />
Figure 3.2.1-11: Panoramic View of <strong>Halifax</strong>, 1879, showing Bellevue and Dundonald Street.<br />
Hopkin’s 1878 Land Atlas of <strong>Halifax</strong> provides the most accurate depiction of the<br />
Commandant’s Quarters associated with Dundonald Street (Figure 3.2.1-12). The<br />
residences of Dundonald Street are well defined on this map and clearly show the<br />
presence of Gordon and Keith’s Furniture Factory, an adjacent building owned by them,<br />
and the names and addresses of other residents in a mixture of brick and wooden homes.<br />
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According to a 1931-1932 report by the Provincial Museum of Nova Scotia, by the time<br />
the Hopkin’s Atlas was published, the Commandant’s Quarters were already at least three<br />
quarters of a century old. Those researchers believed the house, now referred to as<br />
‘Bellevue’ or the ‘Bellevue House’, was erected around 1800-1801 to serve as a<br />
residence for the commander of the army. The property was purchased in 1800 by the<br />
Duke of Kent from Captain Robert Duport for £900, likely the resident of the site as<br />
depicted on the 1784 Blaskowitz map. That property, however, appears to contain a<br />
larger house than Bellevue, suggesting the original residence was either destroyed or<br />
modified to meet the needs of the military. 1885 newspaper journalists believed the house<br />
was 120 years old 2 , suggesting the existing Bellevue House was indeed a modified<br />
version of the property seen on the Blaskowitz map. Every commander-in-chief of the<br />
army resided in Bellevue from 1801 to 1906 when the last Imperial forces were<br />
withdrawn from <strong>Halifax</strong> 3 .<br />
In 1878, the state of Bellevue was poor, prompting General McDougall to request a<br />
different accommodation, noting its deserted appearance and its history as “probably the<br />
only whole building now standing which was built by the Duke of Kent”, and “what was<br />
thought an almost palatial residence having been little altered or improvised is now [an]<br />
old fashioned inconvenient box” 4 . A photo taken by Royal Engineers sometime between<br />
1870 and 1885 depicts Bellevue as the General would have seen it (Plate 2).<br />
Less than a decade after General McDougall’s comments, the house was converted into<br />
officer’s quarters, and subsequently, Bellevue was gutted by fire on the night of March<br />
10 th 1885 (Plate 3). The two-alarm fire did more damage than it should have due to the<br />
slow-acting local fire boxes, and though the fire started at 11:30pm, it took several hours<br />
into the following morning to control it. The fire was believed to have started from a<br />
faulty flue, originating on the second floor in the room of Lieutenant Fox Strangways 5 .<br />
Bellevue was rebuilt during 1886-1887 6 , along with a new addition shortly after 7 , and by<br />
1894 the house was receiving guests, including Lord Aberdeen, then Governor-General<br />
of Canada 8 . Photographs of Dundonald Street in 1872 and 1896, taken from the roof of<br />
the old and then-new Bellevue house, show the atmosphere of the city (Plates 5 and 6).<br />
Beginning in the late 19 th century, this city block saw significant changes which ceased<br />
abruptly. After 1892 and the destruction of the Drill Shed next to the study area (Figure<br />
3.2.1-13), remarkably few new buildings were erected or removed until the construction<br />
of the Infirmary. Figures 3.2.1-14 to 3.2.1-17 illustrate the stable environment of the<br />
block through a series of fire insurance plans dating from 1895, 1911, 1914, and 1918,<br />
while Plate 6 shows an aerial view of the block in 1921.<br />
2 Morning Chronicle 11 March 1885 p.3<br />
3 Report of the Provincial Museum of N.S., 1931-32, p. 43<br />
4 Citizen and Evening Chronicle 3 June 1878 p.3 col.1<br />
5 Morning Chronicle 11 March 1885 p.3<br />
6 <strong>Halifax</strong> Mail Star 23August 1955 p.6<br />
7 Report of the Provincial Museum of N.S., 1931-32, pg.44<br />
8 <strong>Halifax</strong> Herald 21 August 1894 p.8<br />
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Figure 3.2.1-12: Hopkin’s Land Atlas for <strong>Halifax</strong>, 1878.<br />
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After World War II, Dundonald Street and the Bellevue property began to undergo<br />
significant changes. In 1948 the Bellevue property was turned over to the city of <strong>Halifax</strong><br />
as military surplus, and subsequently sold to Maritime Telegraph and Telephone<br />
Company 9 . In 1955 the property was expropriated by the Nova Scotia Technical College<br />
and Bellevue house was torn down 10 to make way for a parking lot (Plates 7 and 8).<br />
Significant changes also occurred in this block with the construction of the New <strong>Halifax</strong><br />
Infirmary on Queen Street. In 1886, the Sisters of Charity opened a Home for Aged<br />
Women on the corner of Barrington and Blower Streets, a building which would later be<br />
known as the <strong>Halifax</strong> Infirmary 11 . This was the first of three buildings built by the Sisters<br />
of Charity, with the second building built in 1903 and the third, on Queen Street, in<br />
1933 12 . In the late 1920s, architectural plans for the New Infirmary were created by S.P.<br />
Dumaresq, and by 1936 the building dominated the lot from the top of the northern<br />
Dundonald Street buildings to the bottom of the Bellevue lot 13 . Fire insurance plans from<br />
1949, 1951, and 1971 detail the growth of the Infirmary property (Figures 3.2.1-18 –<br />
3.2.1-20).<br />
In 1959 the infirmary was given the right to expand their property onto the former<br />
Bellevue property, which was not extensive, and down into Dundonald Street, which<br />
caused the eventual closure of the street in 1966 14 . A notable property which was<br />
destroyed by the closing of Dundonald Street was the Gordon & Keith furniture factory, a<br />
property which appears on the 1879 panoramic view of <strong>Halifax</strong>, Hopkin’s Land Atlas for<br />
1878 (Fig. 3.2.1-12), and the 1892 plans for a new Drill Shed (Fig. 3.2.1-13). The factory,<br />
known for producing furniture in good style and of lasting quality, was burnt down twice<br />
and rebuilt each time until the turn of the century 15 , when it appears on an 1895 fire<br />
insurance plan as ‘ruins’ (Fig.3.2.1-14).<br />
9 <strong>Halifax</strong> Mail Star 16 January 1948 p.1 c.7-8<br />
10 <strong>Halifax</strong> Mail Star 4 August 1955 p.1, 23 August 1955 p.6<br />
11 <strong>Halifax</strong> Chronicle-Herald 26 April 1986 p.4-7.<br />
12 NSARM Scrapbook #42 pg. 63.<br />
13 The Catholic Diocesan Directory of Nova Scotia 1936 p.63.<br />
14 Mail Star 1966 March 7 pg.31.<br />
15 Mail Star 1966 March 7 pg.31.<br />
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Figure 3.2.1-13: Plans for a new Drill Shed, 1892.<br />
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Figure 3.2.1-14: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1895.<br />
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Figure 3.2.1-15: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance plan of 1911.<br />
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Figure 3.2.1-16: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1914.<br />
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Figure 3.2.1-17: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1918.<br />
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Figure 3.2.1-18: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1949.<br />
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\<br />
Figure 3.2.1-19: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan<br />
of 1951.<br />
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Figure 3.2.1-20: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1971.<br />
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In 1973, the Infirmary ownership and management was transferred from the Sisters of<br />
Charity to the Province, sparking more renovations, additions, and new facilities on the<br />
property 16 . In 1998, the Infirmary was closed, and due to concerns by the <strong>Halifax</strong><br />
<strong>Regional</strong> Fire and Emergency Service, it was demolished in 2005. Currently, almost all<br />
of Area A is reserved for parking.<br />
3.2.2 Area B: The <strong>Halifax</strong> Memorial Library Property<br />
Located at the northwest corner of Spring Garden Road and Grafton Street, the land<br />
where the <strong>Halifax</strong> Memorial Library sits today was used for the burial of soldiers and the<br />
poor as early as 1762, only thirteen years after the founding of <strong>Halifax</strong>. 17 The surviving<br />
document pointing to this date is unfortunately an 1845 copy of the 1762 map, but<br />
nevertheless some weight should be given to the map’s depiction of the cemetery so early<br />
in <strong>Halifax</strong>’s history (Figure 3.2.2-1).<br />
Figure 3.2.2-1: An 1845 reproduction of a 1762 map showing the burial grounds.<br />
16 <strong>Halifax</strong> Mail Star 1976 January 19 th pg.21.<br />
17 Spry, William. Lands Adjoining or Near the Governor’s Farm, Spring Garden Road. NSARM Map<br />
Collection V6/240-1762.<br />
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The Journal of Assembly reported in 1845 that the cemetery had been in use in 1780 or<br />
1781 for the interment of paupers and Hessian soldiers. 18 In 1778, a Hessian regiment<br />
was stationed at the “Great Barrack,” probably the South Barrack at the south end of<br />
Albemarle (Market) Street. 19 The Poor House Cemetery was almost immediately adjacent<br />
to this barrack, and would be a logical choice for conveniently burying a large number of<br />
soldiers. The city’s poor house was adjacent the cemetery at Spring Garden Road, Queen<br />
and Doyle Streets (Figure 3.2.2-1).<br />
Around 1818, the burial ground was reportedly a “standing nuisance in consequence of<br />
the want of drainage and the careless manner in which bodies of paupers were interred.<br />
After the law for closing all places of burial in the city had been carried into operation,<br />
this open space was planted with trees and the ground carted in to fill up hollow places,<br />
and a substantial wall built around it.” 20<br />
The manner of burial of the poor is not clear at this time. The above passage seems to<br />
indicate they were not carefully interred, but beyond that it is a mystery. None of the<br />
expenses associated with burial are listed in mid-19 th century account books for the Poor<br />
House, but Mitchell (1999) notes that in England and Germany the burden of burial<br />
expenses was placed on the community or on the parish. 21 She also notes that in Europe<br />
the poor were often buried in a simple shroud or in a shared “communal” coffin. 22<br />
A. E. Marble estimates the number of burials in the cemetery to be an extraordinary 4,500<br />
people. 23 He postulates that the 1833 statute passed in <strong>Halifax</strong>, preventing burials inside<br />
the town, 24 did not take effect in this particular case. An 1845 petition on the subject of<br />
the cemetery supports this hypothesis: it makes reference to the land, which “now is used<br />
and occupied for the purpose of the Burial ground for the said Asylum.” 25 The purpose of<br />
the letter is to request permission to continue to use the land as a burial ground. The<br />
petition also mentions that the cemetery, along with St. Paul’s Cemetery (now commonly<br />
known as the Old Burying Ground at the corner of Barrington and Spring Garden), was<br />
transferred to the Church Wardens and the Vestry of St. Paul’s in 1793. At this time, the<br />
land the cemetery occupied was listed as “somewhat more than an acre.”<br />
18 Journal and proceedings of the House of Assembly. <strong>Halifax</strong>, N.S.: s.n., 1845, Appendix 66.<br />
19 Marble, Alan Everett, Surgeons, smallpox and the poor : a history of medicine and social conditions in<br />
Nova Scotia, 1749-1799. Ontario: McGill-Queen's University Press 1993 p.27<br />
20 Akins, T. B. History of <strong>Halifax</strong> City. Belleville:Mika Publishing, 1973 (reprinted from 1895 edition).<br />
21 Mitchell, April D. An Anthropological Analysis of Burial Practices in <strong>Halifax</strong> Between 1749 and 1833 as<br />
Reflected in Two <strong>Halifax</strong> Parishes, 1999 p.13.<br />
22 Mitchell 1999 p.13<br />
23 Marble, Allan Everett, Physicians, pestilence, and the poor : a history of medicine and social conditions<br />
in Nova Scotia 1800-1867. <strong>Halifax</strong>: Trafford Publishing, 2006 p.217<br />
24 Whidden, John and James F. Gray, Esquires 1835 Chapter XXXI. The Statutes of the Province of Nova<br />
Scotia, Volume 4, p.207–211.<br />
25 Unknown (signature illegible). Petition to the House of Representatives of Nova Scotia, from the<br />
Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. NSARM Microfilm Collection #15623, RG5 Series P Vol. 82<br />
#56, 19 February 1845.<br />
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In 1853 the cemetery land was conveyed to the City of <strong>Halifax</strong> and its successors to be<br />
held as a public square. 26 Little appears to have been done to the property for several<br />
decades, as an 1879 panoramic view of <strong>Halifax</strong> illustrates (Figure 3.2.2-2). On this map,<br />
number 23 is labelled as the Old Poor House Cemetery, while 39 is the Deaf & Dumb<br />
Asylum.<br />
Figure 3.2.2-2: Panoramic View of <strong>Halifax</strong>, 1879, showing the Asylum and cemetery.<br />
In 1882, the Acadian Recorder and G. G. Gray reported that at least 800 people had been<br />
buried in the cemetery – significantly less than Marble’s estimate. The burials included<br />
paupers, Hessian soldiers, and some men from other military regiments like the 84 th , who<br />
had been in <strong>Halifax</strong> during and after the American Revolutionary War and had died of an<br />
unnamed disease. The soldiers apparently died so quickly that coffins could not be made,<br />
and so their bodies were laid out in a mass grave in the form of a long trench. During this<br />
time, “[t]he cart came one morning with a load of the dead, and returned for anther, and<br />
during their absence, one poor fellow, who had been thrown in, supposed to be dead,<br />
recovered sufficiently to crawl out of the trench, and was found sitting on the bank when<br />
they returned. He was taken back to the hospital and recovered, it was said at the time.” 27<br />
In 1872, a meeting of the board of commissioners was held, and it was decided that the<br />
wall around the cemetery would be lowered to two feet above the ground, and a<br />
26 Bates, George T. First Settlers in <strong>Halifax</strong>. 1749. NSARM Map Collection V/6-240.<br />
27 Acadian Recorder, 9 December 1882, p. 2 col. 4.<br />
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“handsome railing” would be added. 28 Gravelled walks and benches would be added, and<br />
trees had been planted a while ago. For this work, $2000 would need to be raised.<br />
The plans of the Board of Commissioners does not seem to have been made a reality until<br />
ten years later. In 1883 the Morning Herald reported, “The old poor’s burying ground<br />
[…] is at last to be converted into a public park. The doubts respecting the title have been<br />
set at rest and the local government has granted it to the city on condition that it shall be<br />
maintained forever as an open square. It is understood that some public spirited citizens<br />
intend to solicit subscriptions, and have the ground opened up at once. The old stone wall<br />
will be torn down and replaced by a neat iron railing.” 29<br />
One possible architect or planner for the park at this time was E. H. Keating, known for<br />
his designs of many exhibition ground structures at the time. His plan includes an<br />
elaborate walkway system (Figure 3.2.2-3), which appears to have been only partially put<br />
in place, and designs for an iron fence and lanterns (Figure 3.2.2-4).<br />
To what extent Keating’s Plan was used is not known. By 1921, as seen in an early aerial<br />
photograph (Plate 9), only a few simple paths can be seen. Other than some trees, the<br />
only thing occupying the land is the engine house noted as early as 1878 on Hopkin’s<br />
Atlas. 30 A plan of the park from 1934 confirms that only a few simple paths crisscrossed<br />
the park in the early 20 th century (Figure 3.2.2-5).<br />
By the time the <strong>Halifax</strong> Memorial Library was constructed, the significance of the land as<br />
a cemetery seems to have faded. The Library was opened on November 12 th , 1951.<br />
Newspaper articles discussing the opening of the building made no mention of the park’s<br />
former life as a cemetery. The media refers to the cemetery as “historic Grafton Park,”<br />
and further states: “Already landscaped, the park in which the library stands has been<br />
enclosed with a stone wall, and the old benches have been put back so that Haligonians<br />
can still sit under the trees.” 31<br />
Don Crowdis, who was the chairman of the committee to construct the library, confirmed<br />
that the land was no longer known as a cemetery, expressing surprise when he learned of<br />
its previous use. 32 He recalled that the city council had given permission to construct the<br />
library in Grafton Park after his committee had gained the financial support of thirty to<br />
forty businesses and sponsors for the project. He also mentioned that the paved walkways<br />
in the park were moved southeast before construction plans were finalized to make room<br />
for the building.<br />
28 Acadian Recorder, 20 June 1872 p. 3 col. 1<br />
29 Morning Herald, 5 October 1883 p. 3 col. 1<br />
30 Hopkins, H.W., 1878. Hopkin’s Land Use Atlas for <strong>Halifax</strong> City. NSARM Microfilm Collection #958.<br />
31 Mail-Star, 2 November 1951, p. 2<br />
32 Don Crowdis, personal communication, 19 January 2009.<br />
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Figure 3.2.2-3: E. H. Keating’s ornate walkway plan for Grafton Park.<br />
Figure 3.2.2-4: E. H. Keating’s plans for walls and ornamentation in Grafton Park.<br />
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Figure 3.2.2-5: A 1934 plan of Grafton Park.<br />
The Memorial Library was built, as the name suggests, in memory of the dead from both<br />
world wars. The building was designed by Leslie R. Fairn and built by Standard<br />
Construction Company Limited. As Figure 3.2.2-5 illustrates, the Library rests squarely<br />
in the middle of the cemetery, so it is surprising that no human remains were reported<br />
during construction of the building. The plan in Figure 3.2.2-6 also confirms Don<br />
Crowdis’ report that the concrete walkway was moved forward to make way for the<br />
building.<br />
An extension was added to the building in 1975, to allow more space for the library’s<br />
growing book collection. 33 A postcard from two years after the opening of the library<br />
shows that little has changed in the past 55 years on the library property (Plate 10).<br />
33 Mail-Star, 25 November 1975.<br />
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Figure 3.2.2-6: A plan of the <strong>Halifax</strong> memorial Library, 1949.<br />
3.2.3 Area C: The Clyde Street parking lots.<br />
In 1749, like the rest of the study area, the Clyde Street parking lots fell outside the main<br />
fortification. The first evidence for direct ownership of these fields begins in 1762 with a<br />
series of Crown Land Grants, indicating Richard Bulkeley to be the owner of Area C<br />
(Figure 3.2.3-1).<br />
The area appears again on the 1784 Blaskowitz map, which does not indicate any<br />
significant buildings on the property. The area remains void of habitation until the early<br />
19 th century, during which it is referred to as ‘Pedley’s Fields’ in an 1836 Assessment<br />
List 34 . The entire area was characterized by about 62 properties and a number of vacant<br />
fields, in which the Clyde Street parking lots are located.<br />
34 PANS Poll Books and Assessments of 1836<br />
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Figure 3.2.3-1: Modern drawing of a Crown Lands Grant, 1762.<br />
In 1837, quoted in an article appearing in the Novascotian, soon-to-be Premier Joseph<br />
Howe spoke of the area candidly, stating that<br />
“A few years ago, there was not a single house in Schmidtville – it was then a<br />
decent sort of pasture, as we came to school, driving a solitary cow to feed on its<br />
clover and buttercup – had we told him or had he told us that in 1837 it would have<br />
contained nearly as many houses as Irish-town did then, a suspicion of insanity<br />
would have been induced by the remark, and no doubt, when Mr. Tidmarsh and<br />
others commenced laying off the lots north and west of the Parade Ground by the<br />
Barracks, it would have been even more difficult to convince any of the believers<br />
in the property of the world’s standing still, that they would in a few years contain<br />
nearly as many buildings as Dutch Town could then boast of.” 35<br />
35 The Novascotian, October 18 th 1837, p.38 c.1<br />
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Figure 3.2.3-2: The 1784 Blaskowitz map showing Area C.<br />
During a short time, Pedley’s Fields began to disappear as new streets were laid, and that<br />
which was bounded by Spring Garden Road, South Park Street, Queen Street, and Morris<br />
Street, was know as Schmidtville. By 1862, the entire area was becoming densely<br />
populated and had residents on every street 36 . The 1878 Hopkin’s Land Atlas confirms<br />
this trend only a decade later, with homes and outbuildings covering every lot (Figure<br />
3.2.3-3). The panoramic view of <strong>Halifax</strong> drawn in 1879 shows homes completely<br />
dominating the study area, including a curious building which appears to be sitting in the<br />
middle of Rottenburg Street, later renamed Clyde Street (Figure 3.2.3-4). Schmidtville<br />
contained a high proportion of skilled craftspeople during the height of its popularity<br />
from the 1830s to the 1860s, and these included coopers, sailmakers, and carpenters 37 .<br />
By the early 20 th century, Schmidtville was considered a slum. In 1947, residents of<br />
Rottenburg Street were sensitive of their streets name considering the neighbourhood and<br />
36 PANS Card catalogue, <strong>Halifax</strong> 31.<br />
37 Historical Houses 1980.<br />
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petitioned for it to be renamed 38 . Eventually Clyde Street was chosen but perhaps not<br />
immediately implemented as indicated by the use of Rottenburg in the 1951 fire<br />
insurance plans (Figure 3.2.3-8). Sometime between the 1950s and 1970s, the end of the<br />
block bounded by Clyde, Birmingham, and Dresden Row was demolished to make way<br />
for a parking lot, with the second block bounded by Clyde, Birmingham, and Queen<br />
Streets, demolished shortly after.<br />
Figure 3.2.3-3: Hopkin’s Land Atlas, 1878.<br />
38 <strong>Halifax</strong> Mail, October 15 th 1947, p.3<br />
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Figure 3.2.3-4: Panoramic View of <strong>Halifax</strong>, 1879, showing Schmidtville.<br />
Figure 3.2.3-5: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1899.<br />
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Figure 3.2.3-6: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1911.<br />
Figure 3.2.3-7: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1914.<br />
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Figure 3.2.3-8: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1918.<br />
Figure 3.2.3-9: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1949.<br />
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Figure 3.2.3-10: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1951.<br />
Figure 3.2.3-11: <strong>Halifax</strong> Fire Insurance Plan of 1971.<br />
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4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION<br />
The study areas have all been used, beginning from the late 18 th to early 19 th centuries,<br />
for a number of cultural activities. Area A (the Old Infirmary property) remained pasture<br />
from the founding of <strong>Halifax</strong> in 1749 until the late 18 th century, when the corner of<br />
Spring Garden Road and Queen Street became military property and remained so until<br />
the 1950s. The southern part of the property became residential shortly after 1800 and a<br />
street – Dundonald Street - cut through the property. When Dundonald Street closed in<br />
the 1960s to make way for the New <strong>Halifax</strong> Infirmary, all the houses were destroyed. The<br />
buildings on the Old Infirmary property were demolished in 2005 and all cultural soils<br />
beneath the building were extensively disturbed and/or removed from the site and<br />
therefore, the likelihood of recovering in situ (undisturbed) archaeological resources in<br />
that area which was excavated is negligible. However, in situ resources may exist<br />
beneath the adjacent sidewalks, under standing buildings (such as the old nurses<br />
residence on Morris Street), and beneath the pay parking lot at the north end of the<br />
property where the Commandant’s Quarters once stood.<br />
Area B (the <strong>Halifax</strong> Memorial Library property) was originally used as a cemetery<br />
beginning in 1762, and as its origins faded in the eyes of the public, it later became the<br />
grounds for a public library. As many as 4500 people may have been buried here in the<br />
18 th and 19 th centuries. Burials undoubtedly remain on the <strong>Halifax</strong> Memorial Library<br />
property. Due to the possibility that many of these burials, particularly in times of war<br />
and epidemics, were shallow, some burials may have been disturbed during construction<br />
of the wall around the property in the late 19 th century as well as during construction of<br />
the pathways when the property was converted to Grafton Park. Although there have not<br />
been confirmed reports, it is highly probable that burials were disturbed during<br />
construction of the Library building and it is not known what was done with any remains<br />
that may have been disturbed throughout the centuries. It is possible that disturbed<br />
burials exist around the foundation of the library and, although disturbed, would require<br />
the same level of care and attention as any in situ burials.<br />
Area C (the Clyde Street parking lots) was also a pasture from the founding of <strong>Halifax</strong><br />
until development occurred in the early 19 th century. These buildings became part of an<br />
area known as Schmidtville, and they were subsequently turned into parking lots after<br />
1951. Previous excavation in the parking lot bounded by Clyde, Birmingham, and Queen<br />
Streets revealed remnants of historic 19 th century occupation here.<br />
5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS<br />
While the construction of the Infirmary may have destroyed all archaeological resources<br />
beneath it, historic mapping and documentation of 18 th , 19 th , and 20 th century land use for<br />
the Clyde Street parking lots, the old Bellevue property, and the Memorial Library<br />
property, suggests these areas are of high potential for archaeological resources.<br />
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Should these areas be slated for development at any time, it is recommended that<br />
archaeologists be present during any soil disturbance, including any geotechnical testing<br />
and demolition activities associated with the standing buildings which may result in<br />
ground disturbance (i.e. removal of the foundations). Furthermore, it is recommended<br />
that archaeologists monitor, assess, and record any archaeological resources which may<br />
be present.<br />
6.0 REFERENCES<br />
Acadian Recorder. 1882. “G.G. Gray recounts…” 9 December 1882, p.2 col.4.<br />
Akins, T. B. 1895. History of <strong>Halifax</strong> City. Belleville: Mika Publishing (1973 Printing).<br />
Bates, George T. 1749. First Settlers in <strong>Halifax</strong>. NSARM Map Collection V/6-240.<br />
Blaskowitz. 1784. Map of <strong>Halifax</strong>. V6/240-1784.<br />
Citizen and Evening Chronicle. 1878, June 1 st . “Bellevue House”. p.3, col.1.<br />
Clark. 1869. Map of <strong>Halifax</strong>. V6/240-1869.<br />
Crowdis, Don. 2009. Personal telephone interview, 19 January 2009.<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong> Chronicle Herald, 1986, April 26 th . “The <strong>Halifax</strong> Infirmary... ‘A Special Place’”. p.4-7.<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong> Herald. 1894, August 21 st . List of guests at Bellevue. p. 8.<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong> Mail. 1947, October 15 th . Rottenburg Renamed. p.3.<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong> Mail-Star. 1948, January 16 th . Bellevue sold to MT&T. p.1, col.7-8.<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong> Mail-Star. 1951. History Made as New Library Opens. 2 November, p. 2.<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong> Mail-Star. 1955, August 4 th . “Bellevue Sold”. p.1.<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong> Mail-Star. 1955, August 23 rd . “Razing Old Residences of Commanding Offiers”. p.6.<br />
NSARM microfilm collection #7439.<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong> Mail-Star. 1955. March 7 th . “End of Dundonald Street Shows How Times Change”. p.31.<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong> Mail-Star. 1975. November 25 th . New Extension to Library.<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong> Mail-Star. 1976. January 19 th . 2 Million addition to the infirmary. p.21.<br />
House of Assembly. 1845. Journal and proceedings of the House of Assembly. <strong>Halifax</strong>, N.S.: s.n.,<br />
1845, Appendix 66.<br />
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HRM Municipal Archives Map Collection B-3-173.<br />
HRM Procurement Section. 2008. Pre-Development Assessment of Spring Garden Road/Queen<br />
Street Public Lands Plan. p. 16.<br />
Jackson map. <strong>Halifax</strong>, 1749. NSARM V6/240-1749/1945.<br />
Keating, E.H. 1873. Plan and Details of proposed walks, fence, and gates at the old Poor House<br />
cemetery. HRM Municipal Archives Map Collection B-3-173.<br />
Marble, Allan Everett. 1993. Surgeons, Smallpox and the Poor : a History of Medicine and Social<br />
Conditions in Nova Scotia, 1749-1799. Ontario: McGill-Queen's University Press.<br />
Marble, Allan Everett. 2006. Physicians, Pestilence, and the Poor : a History of Medicine and<br />
Social Conditions in Nova Scotia 1800-1867. <strong>Halifax</strong>: Trafford Publishing.<br />
Mitchell, April D. 1999. An Anthropological Analysis of Burial Practices in <strong>Halifax</strong> Between<br />
1749 and 1833 as Reflected in Two <strong>Halifax</strong> Parishes. Honours Thesis, Saint Mary’s University.<br />
Morning Chronicle. 1885, March 11 th . “Fire at Bellevue House”. p. 3. NSARM microfilm<br />
collection #5,453.<br />
National Air Photo Library. 1921. Aerial Photograph of Downtown <strong>Halifax</strong>. Roll K2.<br />
NSARM Microfilm Collection: Hopkin’s Land Use Atlas for <strong>Halifax</strong> City. 1878. MFM#958.<br />
NSARM Microfilm Collection: Fire Insurance Plans: <strong>Halifax</strong> City 1895. MFM#955<br />
NSARM Microfilm Collection: Fire Insurance Plans: <strong>Halifax</strong> City 1911. MFM#961<br />
NSARM Microfilm Collection: Fire Insurance Plans: <strong>Halifax</strong> City 1914. MFM#959<br />
NSARM Microfilm Collection: Fire Insurance Plans: <strong>Halifax</strong> City 1918. MFM#960<br />
NSARM Microfilm Collection: Fire Insurance Plans: <strong>Halifax</strong> City 1949. MFM#959<br />
NSARM Microfilm Collection: Fire Insurance Plans: <strong>Halifax</strong> City 1951. MFM#962<br />
NSARM Microfilm Collection: Fire Insurance Plans: <strong>Halifax</strong> City 1971. MFM#23130<br />
NSARM Scrapbook on Nova Scotia Vol. II, pg.63.<br />
Poll Books and Assessments. 1836. Located in NSARM card catalogue, <strong>Halifax</strong> (31), “Pedley’s<br />
Field”.<br />
Report of the Provincial Museum. 1931-1932. “Bellevue House”. pg.43-44. NSARM microfilm<br />
collection #3,928.<br />
Royal Surveyors. 1851. Plan of Bellevue, the Commandant’s Headquarters on Spring Garden<br />
Road. NSARM V6/240-1851 <strong>Halifax</strong>.<br />
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Ruger Albert. 1879. Panoramic View of the City of <strong>Halifax</strong>. Library of Congress Online Map<br />
Collection, .<br />
Spry, William. 1762. Lands Adjoining or Near the Governor’s Farm, Spring Garden Road.<br />
NSARM Map Collection V6/240-1762.<br />
The Catholic Diocesan Directory of Nova Scotia. 1936. pg.63.<br />
The Novascotian. 1837, October 18 th . pg.38, col.1.<br />
Unknown.1760s. Unidentified map of <strong>Halifax</strong>. NSARM V6/240-1760<br />
Unknown. 1830. Plan of <strong>Halifax</strong>, north and south suburbs. NSARM V6/240-1830.<br />
Unknown. 1838. A Plan of the Ground in the vicinity of the <strong>Halifax</strong> Citadel. NSARM V6/240-<br />
1838.<br />
Unknown (signature illegible) . 1845. Petition to the House of Representatives of Nova Scotia,<br />
from the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners NSARM Microfilm Collection #15623, RG5<br />
Series P Vol. 82 #56, 19 February 1845.<br />
Unknown. 1860. Property of John Stranach. V6/240-1860.<br />
Unknown. 1892. Plans for a new Drill Shed. V6/240-1892.<br />
Unknown. 1934. Plan of Grafton Park. HRM Archives Map Collection BB-2-7672.<br />
Whidden, John and James F. Gray, Esquires. 1835. Chapter XXXI. The Statutes of the Province<br />
of Nova Scotia, Volume 4:207–211.<br />
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PLATES<br />
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Plate 1: Photograph of the General’s Residence, circa 1830s. Photo by Clarke.<br />
Plate 2: Bellevue house, circa 1870-1885. Photo by the Royal Engineers.<br />
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Plate 3: Bellevue house, March 11th 1885 after being gutted by fire. Photo by the Royal<br />
Engineers.<br />
Plate 4: Dundonald St. from the roof of Bellevue, 1872, photo by the Royal Engineers.<br />
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Plate 5: Dundonald St. from the roof of Bellevue, 1896, photo by the Royal Engineers.<br />
Plate 6: Aerial Photo of Bellevue and Dundonald Street, 1921.<br />
Davis Archaeological Consultants Limited 46
Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment<br />
Pre-development Assessment<br />
Spring Garden Road/Queen Street Public Lands Plan<br />
Plate 7: Bellevue house before demolition, 1955.<br />
Plate 8: Bellevue house during demolition, 1955.<br />
Davis Archaeological Consultants Limited 47
Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment<br />
Pre-development Assessment<br />
Spring Garden Road/Queen Street Public Lands Plan<br />
Plate 9: Aerial photo of Grafton Park, 1921.<br />
Plate 10: Memorial Library in 1955.<br />
Davis Archaeological Consultants Limited 48
Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment<br />
Pre-development Assessment<br />
Spring Garden Road/Queen Street Public Lands Plan<br />
Plate 11: Schmidtville, 1888. Photo from the Notman Collection.<br />
Plate 12: Aerial Photo of Schmidtville, 1921.<br />
Davis Archaeological Consultants Limited 49
Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment<br />
Pre-development Assessment<br />
Spring Garden Road/Queen Street Public Lands Plan<br />
APPENDIX A:<br />
HERITAGE RESEARCH PERMIT<br />
Davis Archaeological Consultants Limited 50
Archaeological Resource Impact Assessment<br />
Pre-development Assessment<br />
Spring Garden Road/Queen Street Public Lands Plan<br />
Davis Archaeological Consultants Limited 51
APPENDIX E<br />
PHOTOGRAPHIC REPORTING<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment<br />
Colliers International<br />
5515 Clyde Street and 1452 Queen Street<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova Scotia<br />
SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Project 210.05696
Photo 1:<br />
5515 Clyde Street, facing northwest. Photo taken by Raissa Collicutt, February 3,<br />
2009.<br />
Photo 2:<br />
1452 Queen Street, facing northeast. Photo taken by Raissa Collicutt, February 3,<br />
2009.<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment<br />
Parking Lots at 5515 Clyde Street and<br />
1452 Queen Street<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova Scotia<br />
SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Job No: 210.05696.00
Photo 3:<br />
Adjacent properties, southeast of subject properties. Green and brick building on left<br />
is dry cleaners. Photo taken by Raissa Collicutt, February 3, 2009.<br />
Photo 4:<br />
Catch basin in southeast corner of 5515 Clyde Street. Photo taken by Raissa<br />
Collicutt, February 3, 2009.<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment<br />
Parking Lots at 5515 Clyde Street and<br />
1452 Queen Street<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova Scotia<br />
SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Job No: 210.05696.00
Photo 5:<br />
Multi-unit residence on east side of 1452 Queen Street property. Photo taken by<br />
Raissa Collicutt, February 3, 2009.<br />
Photo 6:<br />
One of four pole-mounted transformers surrounding the property at 5515 Clyde<br />
Street. Photo taken by Raissa Collicutt, February 3, 2009.<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment<br />
Parking Lots at 5515 Clyde Street and<br />
1452 Queen Street<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova Scotia<br />
SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Job No: 210.05696.00
Photo 7:<br />
Pay station building at 1452 Queen Street. Photo taken by Raissa Collicutt, February<br />
3, 2009.<br />
Photo 8:<br />
Cracks in pavement at 1452 Queen Street. Pavement in both parking lots is<br />
significantly cracked. Photo taken by Raissa Collicutt, February 3, 2009.<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment<br />
Parking Lots at 5515 Clyde Street and<br />
1452 Queen Street<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova Scotia<br />
SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Job No: 210.05696.00
APPENDIX F<br />
QUALIFICATIONS OF PROJECT PERSONNEL<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessment<br />
Colliers International<br />
5515 Clyde Street and 1452 Queen Street<br />
<strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova Scotia<br />
SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Project 210.05696
ICRAIG CHANDLER, M.Sc., P.Eng<br />
Senior Project Manager<br />
Biography<br />
Craig Chandler is an Environmental Engineer and Senior Project Manager with SLR’s <strong>Halifax</strong><br />
office. With 14 years of professional and project management experience, he has been<br />
responsible for over 100 projects ranging from detailed contaminated site investigations,<br />
groundwater monitoring, risk-based remedial strategies, and supervision of large-scale<br />
remediation projects.<br />
Professional Accreditations: Professional Engineer, NS, NB, PE, NL<br />
Achievements, Awards,<br />
Accomplishments:<br />
Keynote Speaker at Environmental Services Association<br />
of Alberta REMTECH Conference, 2005. Gave<br />
presentations on SYSCO work at five NS conferences<br />
2004-2008.<br />
Relevant Experience And Role:<br />
2003-2008 Project Manager for Environmental Management Consultant (EMC)<br />
overseeing <strong>Phase</strong> II and III ESA of SYSCO property (Sydney, NS). Design of<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> II ESAs, third party review, design and implementation of groundwater<br />
monitoring plan, data management, preparation of environmental management<br />
plans. Project includes 18 ESA studies/100,000 analytical data.<br />
1999-2001 Project Engineer for the decommissioning of chemical processing facilities at<br />
Canso Chemicals Limited in Abercrombie Point, Nova Scotia. Work included<br />
an extensive groundwater monitoring program as part of the operating approval<br />
from regulator. Mercury impacts were monitored for potential discharge to<br />
aquatic environment.<br />
2004-2006 Project Manager for environmental assessment and remediation of the 200-<br />
hectare Dartmouth Crossing commercial development. Review of industrial<br />
activities and permits, third party review of ESAs, groundwater monitoring, site<br />
permitting, liaison with regulators, and provision of expert advice.<br />
2004-2005 Project Manager and Field Supervisor for Designated Substances Survey of<br />
11 fuel storage tanks with volumes between 6 and 13 million L at 5 Wing<br />
Goose Bay, NL.<br />
2001 Project Engineer conducting site investigations, QA/QC, reporting, technical<br />
reviews and coordination of <strong>Phase</strong> I/II & III Environmental Site Assessments<br />
of approximately 100 Department of Fisheries and Oceans sites in Nova Scotia<br />
and New Brunswick for Public Works and Government Services Canada.<br />
2000 Lead Auditor conducting Environmental Audit of Southside Canadian Coast<br />
Guard Base in St. John’s, NF. Audit augmented existing information in<br />
preparation for Environmental Management System (EMS) for the base.<br />
Included wastewater effluent monitoring, reviews of hazardous materials and<br />
petroleum storage tanks.<br />
2000 Lead Auditor conducting Environmental Compliance Audits for DND at the<br />
Civilian Aviation Area of the Goose Bay Airport. Activities included project<br />
administration, performance of Compliance Audits in relation to ISO 14001<br />
(EMS) criteria, and preparation of detailed audit reports including<br />
recommendations.<br />
1999 Project Engineer designing various components the Otter Lake Waste<br />
Management Facility near <strong>Halifax</strong>, Nova Scotia. Field inspection work<br />
included the collection of leachate and effluent runoff samples from.<br />
1999 Project Manager preparing pre-design for proposed chemical storage building<br />
at Bedford Institute of Oceanography. Criteria included physical constraints,<br />
facility chemical inventories, and National Fire Code of Canada requirements.<br />
• EDUCATION<br />
• M.Sc., Environmental<br />
Engineering,<br />
University of Guelph,<br />
1994<br />
• B.Eng., Civil<br />
Engineering, Technical<br />
University of Nova<br />
Scotia, 1992<br />
• Certificate of Applied<br />
Science, Acadia<br />
University, 1989<br />
• MAIN SPECIALTY<br />
• Remediation Planning<br />
and Site<br />
Decommissioning<br />
• AREAS OF<br />
EXPERTISE<br />
• Environmental Site<br />
Assessments<br />
• Risk-based EMPS<br />
• Remedial Action Plan<br />
Development<br />
• RELEVANT<br />
INDUSTRY<br />
EXPERIENCE<br />
• Government<br />
• Industrial<br />
• Institutional<br />
• Manufacturing<br />
Last Revised: 2-Apr-08 1/1
IRAISSA COLLICUTT<br />
Environmental Technologist<br />
Biography<br />
Ms. Collicutt is a recent graduate of the Nova Scotia Community College’s two year<br />
Environmental Engineering Technology – Water Resources program. Over the course of<br />
her two years spent at NSCC, Ms. Collicutt gained an understanding of such areas as<br />
limnology, contaminant hydrogeology, surface and groundwater hydrology, wastewater<br />
treatment and disposal, and groundwater evaluation including aquifer analysis. She<br />
successfully completed a four-day geology field school course, two courses in Computer<br />
Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) and a week long surveying course. Her education with<br />
NSCC also included a four week work experience component that was spent with SLR<br />
Consulting (Canada) Limited. This work experience led to full time employment with SLR.<br />
Project Experience<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I Environmental Site Assessments<br />
• Project Team Member – Ms. Collicutt was involved in the completion of a <strong>Phase</strong> I<br />
ESA for Ultramar Limited in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia. She took part in the initial<br />
interview and inspection and also had a large part in the reporting process.<br />
• EDUCATION<br />
• Diploma in Environmental<br />
Engineering Technology –<br />
Water Resources, Nova Scotia<br />
Community College, 2008<br />
• MAIN SPECIALTY<br />
• <strong>Phase</strong> I ESAs<br />
• RELEVANT INDUSTRY<br />
EXPERIENCE<br />
• Surface water sampling<br />
• Aquifer testing and analysis<br />
• Surveying<br />
• Water classification<br />
• Soil classification<br />
• HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING<br />
• Emergency First Aid and CPR<br />
Level A<br />
• WHMIS<br />
• TDG<br />
• Project Team Member – Raissa helped to conduct a <strong>Phase</strong> I ESA for Lockheed-<br />
Martin and was responsible for conducting interviews with personnel associated with<br />
the subject site. She was responsible for writing, editing and report completion.<br />
• Project Team Member – SLR, with Ms. Collicutt as part of the field staff, undertook a<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> I ESA completed in Kentville, NS. Ms. Collicutt conducted historical research<br />
of the property and aided in property observation.<br />
• Project Team Member – Raissa conducted a <strong>Phase</strong> I ESA on a former service<br />
station in St. Andre, New Brunswick.<br />
<strong>Phase</strong> II Environmental Site Assessments<br />
• Project Team Member – Raissa was involved in the preparation and completion of<br />
the <strong>Phase</strong> II ESA conducted for Ultramar Limited in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia. She<br />
prepared the health and safety plan for the project and was responsible for ensuring<br />
that all health and safety protocols were followed over the course of the project. She<br />
was present for the drilling and installation of five monitoring wells, and aided in their<br />
development and sampling.<br />
• Project Team Member – Ms. Collicutt took part in a test pit program completed on a<br />
vacant property in Kentville, Nova Scotia. She was responsible for observing the work<br />
completed, sampling, and recording test pit stratigraphy.<br />
Remediation/Decommissioning<br />
• Project Team Member – Ms. Collicutt was involved with the environmental site<br />
assessment completed on CTAS #067 in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. She took part<br />
in planning the decommissioning of five monitoring wells on site with respect to<br />
adequately sealing potential contaminant pathways, and helped to enforce health and<br />
safety procedures. She was also responsible for aiding in the decommissioning of an<br />
additional monitoring well at the end of the program.<br />
Last Revised: 02-Feb-06 1/2
IRAISSA COLLICUTT<br />
Environmental Technologist<br />
• Project Team Member – Ms. Collicutt was a large contributor in the completion of<br />
two reports written for Ultramar Ltd. regarding the decommissioning of two former<br />
service stations in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.<br />
Hazardous Materials Surveys<br />
• Project Team Member – Raissa helped to conduct a hazardous materials survey on<br />
a former service station building in St. Peter’s, Nova Scotia. She was responsible for<br />
identifying and sampling various types of potentially asbestos-containing material and<br />
sampling all types of paint found in the building.<br />
• Project Team Member – Ms. Collicutt conducted a hazardous materials survey of a<br />
former service station building in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She was responsible for<br />
recording all observations on building materials, paints, light ballasts, and appliances<br />
and helped to sample all the different types of materials identified in the building.<br />
Other Project Experience<br />
• Project Team Member – Raissa aided in the process of mapping and scheduling for<br />
an Atlantic province-wide project dealing with water sampling. She then took part in<br />
the sampling of various government buildings in towns across Nova Scotia.<br />
• Project Team Member – SLR undertook the task of completing general chemical<br />
inventories on ten different Department of Fisheries and Oceans locations across<br />
New Brunswick. Raissa identified and recorded all potentially hazardous materials<br />
and units containing ozone-depleting substances in all ten buildings.<br />
• Project Team Member – Raissa conducted groundwater monitoring at a former<br />
service station in St. Andre, New Brunswick. Purging and sampling was completed<br />
using disposable bailers.<br />
• Project Team Member – Ms. Collicutt conducted low-flow sampling from one<br />
monitoring well at a Department of Fisheries and Oceans small crafts harbor in New<br />
Brunswick. She was responsible for recording parameters, observing their<br />
stabilization, and sampling.<br />
• Project Team Member – Ms. Collicutt conducted groundwater monitoring at an<br />
active service station in Sydney, Nova Scotia. She was responsible for purging and<br />
sampling using bailers from ten wells on the property, and also for the replacement of<br />
sorbent socks in four of the wells.<br />
• Project Team Member – Raissa helped in monitoring groundwater using low-flow<br />
method in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The property is heavily impacted and has been<br />
undergoing remediation for several years.<br />
Last Revised: 02-Feb-06 2/2