The Maitland Street Engine House, also known as No. 4 Engine House, was located on the grounds of St. George’s Church.
Establishment (1851)
The second engine house at this location was authorized in 1851 when the City Council received a proposal from the vestry of St. George’s Church. The vestry allowed the city to erect an engine house on church property, between Reverend Uniacke’s barn and the singing school, for a rental fee of five pounds per year. The agreement allowed the building to remain on the grounds for 21 years.
Equipment and Operations
-
In 1858, the Maitland Street Engine House (Division 4) received a hand-pumped fire engine, the “Resolute,” manufactured by Messrs. Perry of Montreal.
-
Gas lighting was installed in the engine house following a request from the Union Engine Company on November 20, 1851.
Destruction by Fire (1871)
On November 3, 1871, a fire broke out in No. 4 Engine House. The blaze spread rapidly, consuming the entire building along with the fire equipment, including hose reels, a significant amount of hose, and a hand engine valued at approximately $800. A neighboring hay barn owned by Mr. Uniacke was also partially destroyed, along with three tons of hay. The fire caused substantial damage to a nearby house.
The Halifax Citizen reported on January 11, 1872, that everything in the station, including the bell, was completely lost. That same day, the City Council discussed the fire and appointed a committee to investigate its cause. Their findings were presented to the Council on November 17, 1871.
Reconstruction
After the No. 4 Engine House on Maitland Street was destroyed by fire on November 3, 1871, the Halifax City Council took steps to secure a replacement. Initially, on March 24, 1872, a joint committee of Aldermen, Firewards, and Captains recommended leasing a stone building owned by Thomas Boggs on Wallace Street. However, the Council later accepted a tender from William Bayfield for the construction of a new engine house and belfry in Ward No. 5.
This new engine house was completed by August 7, 1872, with the bell being installed in the belfry shortly afterward. The keys were officially handed over to the Firewards on August 9, following a month's delay due to the bell needing to be imported from London. The cost of the new engine house was £77 (approximately $18,700 in modern currency).
Present-day research has determined that Wallace Street was later renamed Bishop Street. During the 19th century, it was colloquially known as "Government House Lane".