Services

Few urban services existed in Africville. The community had no paved roads, public transportation, sewerage, water, garbage collection, city recreational facilities or adequate police protection. Fire was serious hazard due to isolation and lack of water facilities in area.

In 1947, the City of Halifax rezoned and Council approved the designation of Africville as industrial land; seven homes were destroyed by fire the same year, bringing up the question of extending water and sewerage services to this area.

An alderman stated at this time that “the property could be cleared in case some industry might want to go there.” Africville residents were consulted and expressed a strong desire to remain in the area and to work with the city in developing it as a residential area. City Council approved the borrowing of funds to provide water and sewer services, but these were never installed.

By 1962, projected development plans for Africville land reached a new plateau of sophistication – City Council’s Planning Board approved engineering and cost studies for development of north shore of Bedford Basin. This plan called for a limited-access expressway, development of industrial sites and outward expansion of the Bedford Basin shoreline. Urban renewal at its worst.

The Africville Genealogy Society gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Department of Canadian Heritage for this project.
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