HRTG-2026-01841 - Halifax Forum (2901 Windsor Street, Halifax)

Request

Application by Pomerleau Inc., on behalf of the property owner (HRM), requesting to demolish the building on the municipally registered heritage property at 2901 Windsor Street, Halifax (PID 00004010).

Background

2901 Windsor Street, Halifax, also known as the Halifax Forum, was registered as a municipal heritage property in 2003. The property was registered due to the original Halifax Forum building, which was constructed in 1926. The building was designed by architect Andrew Cobb in the Georgian architectural style, and features a low-pitched roof, balanced proportions, and central doorways on each wall. Other defining elements include, but are not limited to, its exterior detailing and remaining features of the original arched windows.

Proposal

The applicant has applied to demolish the existing Halifax Forum building to facilitate the construction of a modern recreation & community facility. The new facility would incorporate some new architectural details that are intended to commemorate the 1926 Forum building and reflect historic elements, though the entire original structure and all character-defining elements would be lost. This application for demolition of the registered heritage property is being made in accordance with Sections 17 and 18 of the Heritage Property Act. 

This application is being requested, in part, due to the Halifax’s Forum’s structural limitations and accessibility deficiencies. Their rationale letter (see below) also stated that “the existing Halifax Forum building, in its current state, cannot be converted into a modern recreation facility that meets contemporary operational, regulatory, and environmental standards.” 

The applicant’s heritage impact statement (see below) says that “Overall, the existing conditions show that while there are localized issues, the heritage building fabric still retains its original integrity, and with repairs, can continue to function in the next foreseeable future.”

Process

Applications for the demolition of a registered heritage property require Regional Council approval to proceed, as per the Heritage Property Act. 

Before Regional Council can make any decision about the demolition request, details of the application shall be published to the municipal website, a sign(s) shall be posted on-site, a mail-out shall be sent to residents within an 80m radius of the site, and a public information meeting shall be held. The mail-outs will be distributed once the public information date has been set.

Status

Staff are currently reviewing the application. Once the intake review is complete, staff will move onto the public consultation stage. Demolition applications made under the Heritage Property Act require a public information meeting so residents can learn about the application and ask questions and/or provide comments. The public information meeting hasn’t been scheduled at this time; please monitor this website for further details. 

Following public consultation, HRM staff will prepare a staff report with a recommendation for the Heritage Advisory Committee and Regional Council to consider.

Documents Submitted for Evaluation

The applicant has submitted a rationale letter and a heritage impact statement to properly evaluate the application. The details of this application may change before consideration or approval by Regional Council. Updates or changes to the application will be posted on this website. 

A - Rationale Letter

B - Heritage Impact Statement