NEWS RELEASE

PUBLIC GARDENS CLOSES FOR THE SEASON IN TIME FOR BANDSTAND RESTORATION

(November 12, 2010) The Halifax Public Gardens will close its gates for the 2010 season on Monday, November 15.  The day after, work will begin on a project to restore the Victoria Jubilee Bandstand.

The Bandstand, located in the heart of the Gardens, will be renovated to reinforce the structure and restore some façade elements to their original Victorian appearance.

“The restoration of Horticultural Hall several years ago greatly enhanced the experience of park goers,” said district 12 councillor Dawn Sloane. “I’m eager to see another important feature of the park restored.”

The bandstand, an iconic park fixture, was built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. A renovation in the 1970s resulted in some dramatic changes including the current red fiberglass roof. This restoration will replace the red roof with copper, a material in keeping with its original era. The gingerbread detail will also be replaced with Victorian patterns and lighting fixtures similar to those on the original structure as seen in archival photographs.

“We’re happy to move forward with this project with the help of our partners,” said Peter Bigelow, manager of real property planning for HRM. “Wherever possible, we seek to protect, conserve and refresh our cultural and historical treasures.”

The work will begin on November 16th and be complete before the Gardens reopen in spring 2011.
Partners are Parks Canada, HRM and private donations (including a special bequest from the late Mary Margaret Jarvis of Halifax).

“This restoration is the realization of years of hard work by our membership on behalf of the Gardens,” said Judith Cabrita, member of The Friends of the Public Gardens. “We couldn’t be happier to see this work begin.”

The Halifax Public Gardens is one of the finest examples of a Victorian Garden in North America. Officially opened in 1867, the Gardens retain much of their Victorian charm thanks to the hard work and dedication of concerned citizens and The Friends of the Public Gardens.

The Friends of the Public Gardens is a group committed to raising public awareness and funds for the Halifax Public Gardens.

For more information visit halifaxpublicgardens.ca or halifax.ca/IAM/NationalHistoricSitesFunding.html

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Contacts:
Judith Cabrita
The Friends of the Public Gardens
440-3621

Dawn Sloane
District 12 Councillor
490-4752

Peter Bigelow
HRM, Real Property Planning
476-4016