Bedford Row Engine House (1861–1969)
The Bedford Row Engine House was a significant fire station in Halifax, serving for over a century. Originally established in 1861 in the basement of the City Hall/Courthouse at the corner of George Street and Bedford Row, it was later relocated to Prince Street and Bedford Row in 1906, where it became one of the city's most advanced firehouses.
Early History (1861–1904)
-
In February 1861, Halifax City Council appointed a committee to find a location to house the city's first steam fire engines. The basement of the City Hall (Courthouse) on Bedford Row was selected.
-
The № 1 steam fire engine "Victoria" was housed here starting in 1863.
-
By the 1880s, Halifax acquired more steam fire engines, and Division #4, known as “The Waterfront Protection Boys,” was stationed in a small section of the Market Building near Bedford Row and George Street.
-
The Market Building, no longer used for its original purpose, was in poor condition, yet it remained home to Engine #4, the steamer "Halifax", until a more suitable location could be built.
Construction of the New Bedford Row Station (1904–1906)
-
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.
-
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.
-
The station housed:
-
The Steamer "Halifax"
-
Horse-drawn chemical engines
-
Hose carts
-
Canada’s first motorized aerial ladder
-
Operations and Improvements (1906–1969)
-
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.
-
A concrete floor was poured in 1931 to accommodate the newly motorized fire apparatus.
-
The station remained one of Halifax's most essential firehouses, covering the waterfront and downtown core.
Closure (1969)
-
The Bedford Row Engine House closed on May 1, 1969, due to the opening of the West Street Fire Station.
-
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.