News Release

Councillor Issues Appeal for Return of Historic Plaques

(Thursday, May 31/07)-- North end Halifax Councillor Patrick Murphy today issued a public appeal for the return of two commemorative plaques removed from historic Fort Needham recently.

Councillor Murphy said one of the plaques was removed from the Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower and the other, commemorating the achievements of Captain James Cook, the British explorer, navigator and cartographer, was taken from a nearby site.

“We have made many improvements at Fort Needham in the past few years, and I find this very disturbing and disappointing,” he said. “I am looking for cooperation from the
community and urge anyone who may have seen something or have any information related to this theft to come forward.”

Councillor Murphy also issued a special appeal to scrap metal dealers in the area to be on the lookout for these commemorative brass plaques in the event thieves may try to sell them.

“The vandalism and theft is an attack on the memory of the more than 2,000 residents who lost their lives when the Halifax Explosion levelled the north end of the city in 1917,” he said.

Councillor Murphy said Fort Needham has seen a new paved walkway, installation of flower beds and other improvements, such as a new interpretation plaque and new signage, during the past year.

Persons with any information related to the theft or the missing plaques are encouraged to contact Halifax Regional Police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)

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Councillor Patrick Murphy
476-2238