Halifax Public Gardens National Historic Site of Canada Conservation Project – Victoria Jubilee Bandstand Renovation

HRM must protect, conserve and rejuvenate our cultural
and historic resources. We are pleased the National
Historic Sites of Canada Cost-Sharing Program is
providing funding to the Public Gardens. This support will help HRM ensure this much-loved treasure is enjoyed by future generations.

The Federal Government and the Municipality will match
funds so a total of $500,000 will be spent on the Victoria
Jubilee Bandstand in the Public Gardens for structural
stabilization which will ensure its continuous and safe use
as a working bandstand.

Replacement materials and methodology used during a 1970's restoration have radically altered the appearance and character defining elements of the structure. These renovations, by skilled artisans, will not only ensure a structurally sound bandstand but will return its form and material to a more appropriate time-frame.

The 16 acre Public Gardens, one of the finest examples of
a formal Victorian Garden in North America, has been
receiving visitors since 1867. Since that time it has hosted
visiting royalty and dignitaries and has become a backdrop for countless family, wedding, and prom photographs. It is a lush oasis in the heart of the downtown that many people and organizations have worked very hard to protect.

The Friends of the Public Gardens will use this funding as
a platform to honour a bequest to the Society from the late
Mary Margaret Jarvis of Halifax. The bequest has been
held in trust while a suitable capital project within the
Gardens was identified. The restoration of the bandstand
has been deemed a suitable project.

This work must be completed by March 2011 to receive
the Federal Government funding.

2009 Victoria Jubilee Bandstand - Cultural Asset Study

2009 Victoria Jubilee Fountain - Cultural Asset Study

For more information on these projects and other updates on the Public Gardens check out these two links: