Halifax Common - History

History

The Halifax Common was originally a lightly forested swampy area which formed the source of Freshwater Brook which flowed into Halifax Harbour near the site of today's Pier 21. The Common was created by surveyors following the settling of Halifax in 1749. The Halifax Common was created to serve three purposes. The first was to provide pasturage for horses and livestock, both by the military garrison and the citizens of Halifax. The second was to create a large area in which regiments stationed and in transit through Halifax could set up camps. The third and final reason was to provide clear fields of fire for the garrison of the Halifax Citadel, so that invading forces would have no cover in the event of an assault on the fort.

Originally, the Halifax Common stretched from Cunard Street, the current northern boundary of the North Common, south to the southern edge of the Saint Mary's University campus, with its eastern boundary at North Park, Ahern, Bell Road, and South Park, and Robie Street in to the west. During the 1800s, the city expanded in all directions, and some of this development encroached on the Common. Residential development spread up Spring Garden Road, cutting the Common in half. In addition, civic institutions were established on the Common, in keeping with its use as a public space. The Common became home to the Public Gardens, Camp Hill Cemetery and Camp Hill Hospital, Saint Mary's University, Dalhousie University, the Civic, Victoria General, IWK and Grace hospitals, Citadel High School, Gorsebrook Junior, and Inglis Street schools, as well as other parks, play sets, ball diamonds and fountains.