New life for historic Halifax home where Sir Sanford Fleming lived

Every time a Canadian checks their watch, sees a train go by or mails a letter, they are being influenced by the work of Sir Sanford Fleming. This Scottish emigrant to Halifax in the mid-1800s invented standard time, designed the first Canadian postage stamp and was a key figure in the building of the Intercolonial and Canadian Pacific Railways.

Now, more than a century after his death in 1915, the Georgian revival-style house where he lived from 1866-73 on Brunswick Street is enjoying new life after a major renovation. Since 1983, his former home has served as a community residential facility for men transitioning from incarceration into the community operated by Shelter Nova Scotia (formerly the St. Leonard’s Society).

“Sir Sanford Fleming House has 20 beds,” Linda Wilson, the executive director of Shelter Nova Scotia, says. “Men who stay here, depending on their release conditions, stay for a few months to up to a year.”

According to statistics kept from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016, 46 per cent of residents were employed and 6,714 bed nights were provided for 70 men. During this period, Shelter Nova Scotia continued its partnership with Dalhousie University which provided occupational therapy support to the men for six months of the year.

As with many older homes, the Fleming House was well built. However, the electrical systems, plumbing, bathrooms, entryway, and gutters needed repairs, after a period of neglected maintenance.

The Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) through the locally mandated partner Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia (AHANS) have funded this important renovation.

“Shelter Nova Scotia has had the great fortune to receive significant support for this project,” Wilson said. “The work when completed will further ensure the dignity of residents’ experience with us. What made this so special was that this entire project epitomized good will, commitment, and creativity when the need was recognized. The last phase we need help with is securing new furniture.”

Wilson says the renovation had brought back the elegance of the home, especially bringing one of the architectural joys, a beautiful skylight over the front staircase, back to life.

Stacey Dort, Shelter Nova Scotia’s Director of Community Corrections, worked with Gantline Inc. Project Management and SP Dumaresq Architect Limited to bring this project to life. Gantline generously donated its expertise and time so the project could be accomplished. Wilson describes the partnership between the government and the private partners on this project as ideal — because everyone worked together.

“Moreover, we finished under budget and ahead of schedule,” Wilson adds.