Halifax Court House National Historic Site of Canada

Halifax Court House was designated a national historic site of Canada in 1969 because:

• it is part of a significant complex of historical buildings handsomely situated;
• the building's importance is reflected in the imposing façade with its classical pediment and Tuscan columns;
• it is representative of the judicial institution in Nova Scotia.

The heritage value of this site resides in its location, setting and physical illustration of the judicial system in an architecturally imposing manner. The Halifax Court House is located in the heart of downtown Halifax, near several other historic buildings, including Government House, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Old Burying Ground, all national historic sites of Canada.

Designed by Toronto architect William Thomas, the Halifax Court House is an imposing sandstone structure conceived in the Classical Revival manner with Italianate detailing. The selection of Thomas, then a major architect in Canada, is indicative of the county’s desire to erect a handsome building worthy of the city, province, and judicial institution it would represent. Built from 1858 to 1860, the Halifax Court House provided permanent space for the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, with two courtrooms, judges’ chambers, registry offices, and a law library. When county courts were established in 1875, an additional wing, completed in 1881, was added to accommodate the Halifax County Court. Further wings were added in 1908 and 1930 to provide additional courtroom and office space. When new Law Courts were built in 1971, the building became a Provincial Government library. In 1985 it was restored to serve as a courthouse for the Nova Scotia Provincial Court.