Bedford Row Engine House (1904–1969)
The Bedford Row Engine House was located at the corner of Prince Street and Bedford Row, where it became one of the city's most advanced firehouses.
Construction of the New Bedford Row Station (1904–1906)
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On April 2, 1904, the city purchased "The Little Fuel Yard" on the Southeast corner of Bedford Row and Prince Street to construct a new firehouse.
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Construction began in late 1905, and by May 1906, the new Bedford Row Engine House was officially opened. It was considered the finest station in the city.
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The station housed:
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The Steamer "Halifax"
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Horse-drawn chemical engines
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Hose carts
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Canada’s first motorized aerial ladder
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Operations and Improvements (1906–1969)
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The architect, Richard Arthur Johnson, originally agreed to a $500 fee, provided the station was built for under $10,000. However, after costs nearly doubled, an additional $441.70 was paid after debate.
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A concrete floor was poured in 1931 to accommodate the newly motorized fire apparatus.
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The station remained one of Halifax's most essential firehouses, covering the waterfront and downtown core.
Closure (1969)
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The Bedford Row Engine House closed on May 1, 1969, due to the opening of the West Street Fire Station.
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The newer fire station and modern fire engines provided faster response times to downtown Halifax, making the Bedford Row station obsolete.
This firehouse played a key role in Halifax's firefighting history, evolving from housing horse-drawn steamers to motorized fire engines and ladders, before finally closing its doors after more than 100 years of service.