Halifax

Halifax was formally founded on June 21, 1749, by Edward Cornwallis, a British naval officer and member of Parliament. The establishment of Halifax marked the beginning of a major British settlement in the region, intended to counterbalance the presence of the French at Louisbourg. The choice of the site for Halifax was strategic, providing a fortified naval station with a well-protected harbor.

On December 6, 1917, the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, was devastated by a massive explosion when the French cargo ship SS Mont-Blanc, laden with high-explosives, collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo. The explosion killed approximately 2,000 people, injured 9,000, and destroyed much of the city's north end. It remains one of the largest artificial non-nuclear explosions.

On December 9, 1918, a parade organized in Halifax to celebrate the end of World War I with the sale of Victory Loan bonds turned into a riot. Soldiers, angry about poor post-war conditions and job prospects, clashed with local police, leading to looting and destruction in a tumultuous event that revealed significant tensions in the city after the war.

The VE Day riots in Halifax occurred on May 7, 1945, when news of Germany's surrender in World War II led to widespread celebrations that devolved into riots. Amid victory festivities, looting and vandalism overtook downtown Halifax, resulting in millions of dollars in damages and highlighting post-war social tensions and inadequate planning by authorities for managing civilian celebrations.

Dalhousie University's Killam Library in Halifax was officially opened on November 11, 1969. Named after Canadian businessman Izaak Walton Killam, whose estate contributed significantly to its funding, the library became the largest academic library in the Maritime provinces. It symbolizes a commitment to educational growth in the region and continues to serve as an essential resource for students and faculty.

The Halifax Metro Centre, now known as the Scotiabank Centre, officially opened on July 25, 1995. Located in downtown Halifax, this multi-purpose arena has hosted a variety of events, including sports, concerts, and exhibitions. Serving as a major cultural and economic hub, it plays a vital role in the community, attracting visitors and contributing to the local economy.

On the night of September 29, 2003, Hurricane Juan made landfall near Halifax as a Category 2 hurricane, causing significant destruction throughout the city and surrounding areas. It resulted in widespread power outages, damage to structures and landscapes, and several fatalities. Juan was one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit Canada, causing extensive damage to Halifax's parks and infrastructure.

From November 13, 2008, Halifax, Nova Scotia, hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This major international conference brought together leaders from Commonwealth nations to discuss global economic, social, and political issues. Hosting CHOGM was a significant event for Halifax, showcasing its ability to facilitate for high-profile diplomatic gatherings and foster international cooperation.

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax officially opened on January 18, 2014. This national museum is located at the historic Pier 21 site, known as the gateway to Canada for nearly one million immigrants from 1928 to 1971. The museum explores Canadian immigration history, personal stories, and the crucial role of immigration in shaping Canada's cultural identity.

The Halifax Central Library officially opened on September 11, 2015, and quickly became an architectural landmark in the city. With a modern design and state-of-the-art facilities, the library offers a wide array of public services, community spaces, and educational resources. Its opening represented a major cultural investment in Halifax, emphasizing the importance of public access to knowledge and community engagement.

The Halifax Convention Centre, part of the Nova Centre complex, officially opened on August 3, 2019. As a modern facility designed to host conferences, trade shows, and events, it plays a significant role in Halifax's economy by attracting national and international events. The Centre enhances Halifax's status as a cosmopolitan city capable of hosting large-scale gatherings with state-of-the-art amenities.