News Release
The Public Gardens and Memorial (Dingle) Tower Receive Funding
(Friday June 4, 2010) Today Federal Minister Jim Prentice announced $675,000 of funding for two of Halifax’s National Historic Sites, the Public Gardens and the Memorial (Dingle) Tower. The Municipality will match the restoration funds.
Mayor Peter Kelly welcomed the announcement, noting the need to protect, conserve and rejuvenate HRM’s cultural and historic resources. “We are pleased the National Historic Sites of Canada Cost-Sharing Program is going to provide funding to both the Memorial Tower and the Public Gardens,” he said. “This support will help us ensure these much-loved treasures are enjoyed by future generations.”
The Federal Government and the Municipality will match funds so the Memorial Tower will receive $850,000 in total for the refurbishment of its exterior masonry, as well as the stabilization and restoration of plaques inside the tower and the lions. “The funding will ensure that this prominent landmark on the North West Arm is preserved, and will continue to serve as a symbol of democracy and history for future generations,” said Councillor Linda Mosher. She thanked the federal government for their contribution to ensuring preservation of these century old symbols of local, national, and international recognition of the 150th anniversary of representative government. “I have worked on this for 7 years, first to receive the National Historic Site Designation, and then for the grant once we had achieved Historic Status."
An additional $500,000 will be spent on the Victoria Jubilee Bandstand in the Public Gardens for structural stabilization to 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 will not only ensure a structurally sound bandstand but will return its form and material to a more appropriate time-frame. “The Public Gardens is a big draw for residents and visitors alike. Everyone enjoys the Summer Concert Series from the beautiful Bandstand so these renovations are most welcome”, said councillor Dawn Sloane.
The Friends of the Public Gardens, who are committed to raising public awareness and funds for the Gardens, are also pleased with this funding announcement as it provides a platform to honour a bequest to the Society from the late Mary Margaret Jarvis of Halifax. “This bequest has been held in trust while a suitable capital project within the Gardens was identified. How fitting that the restoration of the iconic Bandstand, which was built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, and the Jubilee Fountain erected in 1897 to celebrate Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, should commence in this year when the current Queen of England, Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be visiting the City”, said the Friends.
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Contact:
Mayor Peter Kelly, Halifax Regional Municipality, 902-490-4010
Councillor Linda Mosher, 902-477-8618, linda.mosher@halifax.ca
Councillor Dawn Sloane, 902-490-4752, sloaned@halifax.ca
Terry Gallagher, Infrastructure and Asset Management, HRM, 902-476-4067 gallagt@halifax.ca
Friends of the Public Gardens, Dulcie Conrad, 902-422-3094, dulcieconrad@hfx.eastlink.ca
