Grand Parade, Halifax

The Grand Parade has been at the center of Halifax since the city was founded in 1749. When British settlers arrived that June, Chief Surveyor Charles Morris laid out the new settlement as a grid of rectangular blocks, reserving this open space as a military parade ground. From the beginning, the square was designed as an important civic space, with a church at its southern end and public buildings planned for the north.

Standing near City Hall at the northern end of the Grand Parade, look across the square toward the white façade of Saint Paul’s Church. The church opened for worship in 1750 and is the oldest surviving building in Halifax. Its position was part of the original plan for the town.

Before moving farther into the square, look for the large modern arch close to City Hall. This is the Nova Scotia Fallen Peace Officers Memorial, unveiled in 2010. The arch commemorates peace officers from across Nova Scotia who died in the line of duty. Continue toward the center of the square and you will come to its most prominent monument, the Halifax Cenotaph. Unveiled in 1929, it was originally created to commemorate those who served and died in World War I. The tall granite monument was designed by sculptor J. Massey Rhind. On its front is a bronze female figure representing Nova Scotian motherhood, holding a shield bearing the arms of Halifax.

From the Cenotaph, continue looking south toward Saint Paul’s Church, which closes the view at the far end of the square. Behind you is City Hall, while Barrington Street runs along the eastern side. Together, the church, City Hall, the Cenotaph, and the Peace Officers Memorial tell much of the Grand Parade’s story.