Georges Island & NS Power Lower Water Street Relocation

Just a quick update today with three photos from downtown Halifax.

This first is Georges Island. I've blogged about Georges several in the past and had the opportunity to visit the island drumlin in June 2008.

Some background on Georges Island...

The island was first fortified in 1750, shortly after Halifax was founded in 1749. During the Acadien Explusion from 1755 through 1763, those facing deportation were kept on the island, which doubled as a prison.

Defenses on the island were strengthened during the American Revolution, throughout the 1790s, and again during the War of 1812 and American Civil War. After 1850, with advances in technology, the fort was again overhauled, building the modern Fort Charlotte on the island.

Georges Island played a small role in Halifax's defense during both World Wars I and II, notably anchoring a submarine net protecting the inner harbour during World War 1 and housing an anti-aircraft unit throughout World War 2. Military service on the island ended with the war and it was declared a National Historic Site of Canada some twenty years later.

Unfortunately, Georges Island is not normally open to the public. Parks Canada continues to work to restore the island to allow public visitation in the future.

Source: Parks Canada - Georges Island National Historic Site of Canada

Nova Scotia Power's relocation to a former Lower Water Street generating station pushes on. The building's exterior appears mostly complete and the interior has some lighting. The power corporation plans to move into this location in the Spring of this year.

The utility boasts that the redeveloped building will reduce it's environmental footprint. The building's list of key features includes (among many others) LEED platinum certification, sea-water heating, rainwater irrigation, and the glass interior, or 'curtain-wall,' designed to maximize natural light.

Source: NS Power - Lower Water Street Relocation

NS Power redevelopment, Seaport Farmers' Market + Boats!

Some brief updates on development (and redevelopment). The Nova Scotia Power (NSP) redevelopment of the former power station at Lower Water Street and Marginal Road remains on schedule for completion March 2011.

Next door to the NS Power construction is the new Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market, scheduled to open next month (July 2010).

Tall Ships.. Another tall ship is in port this week. The French schooner Rara-Avis is at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Like the Roald Amundsen earlier this month, the vessel is protected by a security perimeter and twenty-four hour guard.

I would imagine they are doing periodical public tours of the boat.

Some photos from the June 9th:

1. NSP's redevelopment of the former Lower Water Street thermal power station.


2. Glass now being installed on side facing Georges Island.


3. Glass on the north side of the build has been installed for several months.


4. Construction of the new Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market is progressing.


5. Rara-Avis and CSS Acadia.

Quick Update

Progress is being made on the retrofitted Nova Scotia Power HQ on Lower Water Street.

Helicopter drills involving multiple Canadian Forces choppers were underway today above CFB Shearwater and across the harbour. Sea King helicopters were taking off, circling, and landing. As one would take flight, another would land. This went on for quite some time.

Link: Canadian Forces - CH-124 Sea King

1. Retrofitting of the NS Power building in progress.


2. Helicopter drills above CFB Shearwater.



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