Halifax Public Libraries

In the early 1860’s, the Halifax Post Office was located in rented accommodations at the Dalhousie College on Grand Parade. A new Post Office was urgently needed, as the existing space was too small, damp and dimly lit to function properly.

The Government of Nova Scotia contracted a new Provincial Building which would house the Post Office, a Customs’ House and the Railway department. At the time of Confederation, the building was still under construction, but the offices that were set to occupy it were suddenly transferred to the Dominion of Canada. The Government of Nova Scotia refused to transfer the building upon its completion in 1868. The building did not change hands until 1871 when Nova Scotia accepted $70,000 for half the cost of the building along with $10,000 in interest. The building was then renamed the Dominion Building and was used by Canadian government for the Post Office and Customs’ House.

Date: 1912

Reference: Halifax Public Libraries Postcard Collection Halifax Central Library HPL-PC-0103

For more information, please contact the Local History Room at the Halifax Central Library.