Dec. 8, 2003

With final damage assessments complete, clean-up and restoration work is now underway in Halifax's Public Gardens. HRM had waited to allow a heritage assessment team from Parks Canada and a volunteer group from the Nova Scotia Archeological Society to finish their work in the Gardens.

"The Public Gardens is a national historic site. As part of maintaining that designation, and ensuring that it is carefully restored, we needed Parks Canada to conduct a detailed site inspection. With their report now in hand we can proceed with undoing the damage brought on by Hurricane Juan," Mayor Peter Kelly said.

In the next number of days the fallen and damaged trees in the Gardens will be cleaned up. Other work planned includes restoration of the main gates and surrounding area as well as conservation and repair of damaged bridges and brick work. More extensive projects will follow in the coming months.

The work will be supported by the recently formed Halifax Public Gardens Restoration Foundation. The Foundation was formed to manage the more than $1 million raised through a radio-thon hosted by the Maritime Broadcasting Group.

Robert Pace, Chairman of Maritime Broadcasting and Chairman of the new Foundation, welcomed the start of clean-up and restoration work. "The huge outpouring of support, and the ongoing generosity of our community shows how highly we all value the Public Gardens," Mr. Pace said.

"While the damage to the Gardens was devastating, when restoration is complete the Public Gardens will be as beautiful as ever. I look forward to next spring when it is re-opened to the community," Mr. Pace said.

"Since 1837, generations of Halifax residents have enjoyed the Public Gardens, said Mayor Kelly. This restoration process will ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the beauty and history it offers."

Donations to the Halifax Public Gardens Restoration Foundation are welcome and can be made at any branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) or by mail to The Halifax Public Gardens Fund c/o Maritime Broadcasting Systems PO Box 400, Halifax, N.S. B3J 2R2