Grand Parade Engine House (1837–1871)
The Grand Parade Engine House, also known as the Parade Engine House, was the first central fire station in Halifax, built in 1837 after years of petitions from firefighters for a dedicated space. It stood at Grand Parade, facing Argyle Street, in front of St. Paul’s Church.
Background and Construction (1830s–1837)
-
Prior to its construction, Halifax firefighters lacked a space to service equipment or hold meetings.
-
In 1830, the Union Engine Company requested larger engine houses to work on fire engines indoors, as they previously had to use blacksmith shops, which disrupted local businesses.
-
In 1833, discussions began on a new engine house in Grand Parade, but various land disputes delayed the project.
-
Tenders were called in 1836, and the final structure measured 45 feet by 30 feet, costing between £300 and £400.
Operations and Firefighting Equipment
-
The station housed multiple hand-pumped fire engines over the years.
-
In 1858, Division 1 of the Union Engine Company received the "Rapid," a new hand-pumped engine from Messrs. Perry of Montreal.
-
By 1861, Halifax introduced steam-powered fire engines, and a steam hose-drying apparatus was installed at Grand Parade.
Fire at the Engine House (1861)
-
On December 12, 1861, a fire broke out in the Grand Parade Engine House, caused by the hose-drying furnace malfunctioning.
-
The fire damaged the building and destroyed 350 feet of cotton hose, valued at $350.
-
The insurance covered most of the damage, and the fire engines were temporarily relocated to Spring Garden Road Engine House and the Water Commission building.
Closure and Demolition (1871–1872)
-
The Grand Parade station closed in 1871 when the Brunswick Street Engine House opened.
-
The Association for the Improvement of the Condition of the Poor used the building temporarily for helping impoverished women find employment.
-
Halifax City Council approved the sale and demolition of the Grand Parade Engine House in 1872, and no other structure was built in its place.
The Grand Parade Engine House was a key fire station in Halifax’s early firefighting history, marking the transition to a more organized fire service with dedicated stations and modern equipment.