Advocates push to preserve home of Nova Scotia's first Black doctor amid Halifax transit project
Community members and politicians are urging the Halifax Regional Municipality to protect the former North Street home of Dr. Clement Ligoure, Nova Scotia's first Black doctor, as the city advances a $149-million plan to widen Robie Street for dedicated transit lanes.
Advocates in Halifax are calling on the city to preserve the former North Street home of Dr. Clement Ligoure, Nova Scotia's first Black doctor, as municipal plans to widen Robie Street for a $149-million transit project move forward.
Dr. Ligoure treated hundreds of victims of the Halifax Explosion at his clinic located at the property. Beyond his medical work, he edited the Atlantic Advocate, Nova Scotia's first Black newspaper, and recruited soldiers for Canada’s No. 2 Construction Battalion. The former Ligoure home is currently registered as a municipal heritage property.
The Halifax Regional Municipality acquired the Ligoure property in September. The municipality has stated that the building is not within the Robie Street transportation reserve and will not be affected by the planned bus priority lane. However, an adjacent grey building with a matching turret, also owned by the city, sits within the transportation reserve and has been boarded up.
Sharon Brown Ross, an Order of Canada recipient, is advocating for the preservation of the site. She argues that demolishing the adjacent structure would be disrespectful to African Nova Scotians and would isolate the Ligoure property beside a major roadway. Brown Ross is seeking provincial heritage designation for the site. Historian William Breckenridge has supported applications for heritage designation, citing Ligoure's critical role during the Halifax Explosion.
Local MLA Suzy Hansen called the property a vital part of Black Nova Scotian history and is pushing for answers regarding its future. Community groups and politicians have suggested alternative uses for the standing buildings, such as affordable housing or health care services. The community group Friends of Halifax Common launched a petition to pause the Robie Street widening project, calling it unnecessary during a housing crisis.
Municipal staff are preparing a report for council outlining options to recognize the Ligoure property's historical significance, which is expected in early 2027. Home demolitions for the Robie Street project are not expected before 2027, with construction scheduled for 2028 at the earliest.