News release

Demolition Planned for Old Halifax Infirmary

Transportation and Public Works (to Oct. 2007)

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Demolition Planned for Old Halifax Infirmary


The province will begin dismantling the Old Halifax Infirmary this year.

Asbestos and other material will be removed from the inside of the building in 2004 followed by demolition of the building's shell in 2005, said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works.

"This project is going to free up a large, prime piece of real estate in the heart of the capital city," said Mr. Russell. "It's time to get on with the job and make way for the future.

"The age of the building and the materials inside it make this a complicated project that needs to be carefully planned," added Mr. Russell. "We're now looking for a consultant to develop an approach that's cost-effective and will minimize disruption to area residents and businesses."

Mr. Russell said that once the consultant's cleanup plan is developed, a tender will be called to begin removing any hazardous material from the inside of the old hospital site. "The cleanup itself will start by the end of the summer."

The Old Halifax Infirmary is on a 3.5-acre site that has frontage on Queen Street, Spring Garden Road and Morris Street. The site includes a parking lot now being used by Dalhousie University. Dalhousie has a long-term lease on the Gerard Hall residence, which will not be demolished.

Government has not made a decision on the future of the site following the demolition and all options remain open.

The hospital was closed by the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in 1998 and the land was transferred to the province.