Demolition of St. Patrick’s Steeple Announced

Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia has just learned of a plan by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth to demolish the steeple of St. Patrick’s Catholic church on Brunswick Street in Halifax by the end of June 2024.

St. Patrick’s is a municipally and provincially registered heritage property. Though the current church building was opened for services in 1885, the parish has served its parishioners and the larger community since 1843. In addition to its many character-defining architectural details, St. Patrick’s is home to a registered heritage organ, one of the first 100 organs built by the venerable Casavant Frères of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec. St. Patrick’s is a significant heritage property and should be protected.

As a provincially registered heritage property, any substantial modifications, including demolition, require permission from the Governor in Council. To our knowledge, the Archdiocese has not secured such permission. Until such permission is granted, no permit to demolish or substantially alter may be issued by the Halifax Regional Municipality. Contravening the process laid out under the Heritage Property Act is subject to prosecution.