1962 - A Pivitol Year

A livingroom in Africville. Though many homes were clean and well-furnished by 1962 (most owner-occupied dwellings had refrigerators and telephones), some Africville residents could not get car insurance because of where they lived – a so-called “undesirable area.”

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 the north shore of Bedford Basin: a limited-access expressway, development of industrial sites and outward expansion of the Bedford Basin shoreline

In mid-1962, an “Africville” report estimated costs of acquisition and clearance would range from $40,000 to $70,000, with alternative housing accommodation to be offered in unsegregated, subsidized rental projects; residents without legal title would receive gratuitous payment of $500 for quitclaim deed and vacant possession of their property, while residents with legal title could claim compensation through the courts or in negotiation with the city.

Africville residents – considered “disadvantaged citizens” – were not consulted in the initial relocation terms or the planning process. Real estate values did not take into consideration the length of residence, emotional attachment to friends and relatives, distinct values or lifestyle.

By August 1962, Africville residents were encouraged to organize and continue to meet to discuss their rights by A. Alan Borovoy, a lawyer with the Canadian Labour Congress and Ontario Labour Committee for Human Rights. He visited and met with a number of Africville residents, resulting in the organization of a white-black political alliance – the Halifax Human Rights Advisory Committee.

Unofficial representatives of Africville on this committee were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Edwards and Mr. MacPherson. After an August 8, 1962 meeting of nearly 100 people at the Seaview African Baptist Church, a local Halifax newspaper reported that the desire to remain in the community was unanimous – Mail Star, August 9, 1962.

In October, the paper reported that a local leader had talked to many residents in the community and reached the following conclusions:

“The residents have resigned themselves to the fact that they must relocate.”

“It is no problem for those who have a deed as long as they can get enough for their property, because they can look after their own relocation.”

“Many people don’t want to live in public housing, but prefer single family dwellings.”

“The residents do not want segregated public housing.”

– Mail Star, October 16, 1962.

October 25, 1962 – One day after Africville residents were “assured” by the Mayor that they would be involved in relocation dialogue before any final decision, City Council met and adopted the following recommendations:

That the blighted housing and dilapidated structures in the Africville area should be removed;

That the full legal authority of the city be used to accomplish this removal;

That the use of legal authority should be tempered with understanding and natural justice on matters of housing and matters of compensation for the apparent owners of land and buildings within the Africville area; and

That this policy be implemented with the utmost dispatch after its implications are fully conveyed to the residents affected and/or their representatives in consultation with church and welfare organizations.

– Minutes of Halifax City Council, October 25, 1962.

It was decided that residents with “paper” or “possessory” title would receive full market value for their property, while those with no “apparent legal claim title” would receive a gratuitous payment of $500.

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