Halifax UrbEx

Occupy Nova Scotia Grand Parade Rally

2011-11-12T17:05:00.000-04:00

Earlier today at Halifax's Grand Parade:

View Larger Map

Occupy Nova Scotia Eviction at Victoria Park

2011-11-12T14:53:00.002-04:00

Shortly before noon yesterday, Remembrance Day, an eviction order was issued to Occupy protesters at Halifax's Victoria Park.

The order was enforced immediately on the holiday despite a driving rain storm.

Fourteen arrests were carried out by regional police when protesters sat on their downed tents to prevent their removal.

View Larger Map

HMCS Charlottetown

2011-03-02T12:12:00.005-04:00

While at Fort Ogilvie, Point Pleasant Park this morning I caught the HMCS Charlottetown, a Halifax-class patrol frigate, leaving Halifax for sea trials prior to their departure later this evening. The ship will travel from Halifax to the coast of Libya in the Mediterranean Sea.

McNab's Island is in the background.

Link: HMCS Charlottetown (Canadian Navy)

HMCS Cormorant

2011-02-01T23:55:00.002-04:00

Former Canadian Forces diving support vessel docked at Bridgewater, NS. Purchased in 1975 and commissioned in 1978, the vessel remained in service until it was decommissioned in 1997. After some time in Shelburne, NS, the Cormorant was brought to Bridgewater in 2002.

As of January 2011, the ship remains in Bridgewater, NS.

View Larger Map

Georges Island & NS Power Lower Water Street Relocation

2011-01-26T15:20:00.006-04:00

Just a quick update today with three photos from downtown Halifax.

This first is Georges Island. I've blogged about Georges several in the past and had the opportunity to visit the island drumlin in June 2008.

Some background on Georges Island...

The island was first fortified in 1750, shortly after Halifax was founded in 1749. During the Acadien Explusion from 1755 through 1763, those facing deportation were kept on the island, which doubled as a prison.

Defenses on the island were strengthened during the American Revolution, throughout the 1790s, and again during the War of 1812 and American Civil War. After 1850, with advances in technology, the fort was again overhauled, building the modern Fort Charlotte on the island.

Georges Island played a small role in Halifax's defense during both World Wars I and II, notably anchoring a submarine net protecting the inner harbour during World War 1 and housing an anti-aircraft unit throughout World War 2. Military service on the island ended with the war and it was declared a National Historic Site of Canada some twenty years later.

Unfortunately, Georges Island is not normally open to the public. Parks Canada continues to work to restore the island to allow public visitation in the future.

Source: Parks Canada - Georges Island National Historic Site of Canada

Nova Scotia Power's relocation to a former Lower Water Street generating station pushes on. The building's exterior appears mostly complete and the interior has some lighting. The power corporation plans to move into this location in the Spring of this year.

The utility boasts that the redeveloped building will reduce it's environmental footprint. The building's list of key features includes (among many others) LEED platinum certification, sea-water heating, rainwater irrigation, and the glass interior, or 'curtain-wall,' designed to maximize natural light.

Source: NS Power - Lower Water Street Relocation

Public Service Commission Power Plant at Conquerall Mills

2011-01-17T14:07:00.006-04:00

I've passed by the former Public Service Commission Power Plant in Conquerall Mills, Nova Scotia thousands of times in my life. For nearly twenty years, I drove by 'the power dam' daily. Over those twenty years, the only thing to change at the dam was the 'For Sale' sign. It has been privately owned for decades and was rumoured to be on and off the real estate market at various times throughout.

The former hydroelectric power plant is situated on the Petite Riviere, or Petite River, at Conquerall Mills. It was the only dam built on the Petite Riviere explicitly for power generation. Operations ceased in 1971. In 1974, the Town of Bridgewater abandoned the dam. The dam was breached in 1977.

I visited and photographed the exterior of the power plant in January 2007 and again in June 2010. In that short span, only the boards covering the windows had changed. The area grows in considerably in the summer months.

Between visits to the power plant I was given a few historical photos of the dam. The photos were courtesy of my father who was scanning a collection of family photos. Among the scans were several newspaper clippings and two very grey photographs. The photographs show the power plant on the day it became operational some time around 1940.

1. Public Service Commission Power Plant on the day it became operational.

2. A second photo from the same day. To the left is my great-grandfather's 1939 Packard.

3. Newspaper clipping, October 18, 1961.

4. Photo from 1961 newspaper.

5. January 2007. To the right is my old 1989 Toyota.

7. June 2010.

8. June 2010.

9. June 2010 - Lumber stored inside the power plant.

10. June 2010 - Looking up inside the power plant.

Downtown Halifax Tunnels

2011-01-11T15:02:00.010-04:00

Source: National Resources Canada

For decades construction crews have been bumping into passageways beneath Halifax's downtown core. The tunnels under Halifax have been written about and discussed for decades. The official line was that they were not actually passageways, but sewers.

They're definitely not sewers.

Photographs taken in 1976 show rock walls with arched ceilings, approximately six feet high, and wooden floors.

Rumours suggest that many of the older buildings that did, and still do, stand downtown could access these tunnels from their basement level.

We know there are, or were prior to development, stone passageways under many streets in the core. What we can't seem to agree on, or confirm true, is the existence of other tunnels branching out from the downtown. Some believe a tunnel connects Brunswick Street to the Halifax Citadel. Others suggest a tunnel connects the Halifax Citadel to the Halifax Armoury at the corner of North Park and Cunard Street. Both make sense, but I have yet to encounter anyone who can confirm or deny they're actually there.

Then there is the tunnel that allegedly runs from somewhere near the harbour, presumably near Sackville at Lower Water Street, and then beneath the harbour floor, eventually surfacing on the once militarized George's Island.

The George's Island under-water passage has been debunked but some of the mystery still remains in the words of 19th century mason John William Cameron. Cameron, although sworn to secrecy, claimed to have built two tunnels under Halifax- the tunnel to the Citadel as well as the tunnel to the island.

Over time I've built a map to illustrate where the tunnels might potentially lie. To my knowledge, none of them are at all accessible.

View Downtown Halifax Tunnel System in a larger map

Link: Natural Resources Canada: Busting Harbour Myths

Rehabilitation Centre Video

2011-01-08T01:58:00.004-04:00

Filmed in October 2009.

Follow the camera through the halls and wards of a former county rehabilitation centre abandoned in 2002.

Shoreline Erosion at York Shore Battery

2010-12-11T22:13:00.008-04:00

While out walking earlier a few weeks ago we walked around the perimeter fence at York Shore Battery, below York Redoubt, to check things out. I hadn't been to the World War II era anti-submarine station in several months.

Not surprisingly, very little has changed at York Shore Battery since my previous visit. We did, however, notice that the erosion of the shoreline below the battery is rapidly deteriorating. Much of the reinforcements have failed.

The missing soil makes accessing the three adjacent light emplacements difficult and we didn't attempt it. You'll need to travel through the brush over unstable earth to make the trip.

York Shore Battery itself is not yet in danger of falling into the harbour. That shouldn't happen. However, the foundation of at least one of the light emplacements is being washed out on a regular basis. There will come a day when it, or they, will topple, depending on how well they're anchored to the hillside.

View York Redoubt in a larger map

Stabilizing Fort McNab

2010-10-11T12:41:00.013-03:00

As part of the federal government's economic action plan $1 025 000 (actionplan.gc.ca) was earmarked for the "stabilization of selected historic assets within the Fort McNab." Fort McNab was and is falling to pieces and many parts of the cannot be considered safe for unguided public access. The result of the stabilization should provide safe unguided public access to the fort. The work began during in September 2010. I became aware when Friends of McNabs announced via Twitter (Friends of McNabs @Twitter) that the fort would be upgraded, getting a "$1.6 million facelift," and would be closed to the public for the remainder of the year.

It was my assumption that major aspects of the fort's stabilization would include repairs to the crumbling building facades and the limiting of access to areas determined to be unsafe. Most of the access to underground areas was sealed years ago, I assume the remaining tunnels will be closed off as part of efforts to stabilize the fort.

When I visited Fort McNab with a group of close friends late in September 2010 work was already underway. My assumption that work would be done on crumbling building exteriors was confirmed by scaffolding. We were all pleasantly surprised to see much of the brush and overgrowth cut back revealing all kinds of new views.

1. Signs on Garrison Road.

2. The first building you see when approaching Fort McNab from Garrison Road.

3. The second building in. It was the Oil Stores and Artificer’s Shop. Like the first, much of the brush has been cut back.

4. Inside the above building.

5. The Casemates building at Fort McNab.

6. Scaffolding erected at the Casemates building Fort McNab.

7. Crumbling exterior.

8. Exposed roof of the Casemates building.

9. Fort McNab from a gun mount. Battery Command Post at left, Crew Shelter building at centre and Radar Building at right.

10. Crew Shelter building at left, Radar Building at centre and a gun emplacement to the right.

11. This is underground.

12. Also underground.

We had a great time on the island again this year. Everytime we visit we find something new or previously overlooked. I still haven't figured out an effective way to carry all of my gear and I have yet to learn how much water is enough. Apparently I need more than three litres for a twenty-four hour stay. We spent the night in tents after hiking through the interior, to McNabs Pond Trail to Strawberry Battery and back out through the Cliff Trail.

Taylor Made Tours ferried us to and from the island.

Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Parade Finale

2010-07-02T11:17:00.001-03:00

HMS Liverpool and HMS Sutherland

2010-06-30T12:05:00.004-03:00

Photos from Royal Navy guided missile destroyer HMS Liverpool and frigate HMS Sutherland at the Tall Ships Quay in Halifax during International Fleet Review public tours.

1. HMS Sutherland (left) and HMS Liverpool (Right).

2. Royal Navy helicopter art.

3. Royal Navy helicopter artillery.

4. HMS Sutherland's 'Merlin' helicopter.

5.

6. American guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg and frigate USS Robert G. Bradley.

7. Sea Dart surface-to-air missiles aboard HMS Liverpool.

8. Sea Dart surface-to-air missile.

9. Anti-submarine torpedo.

Halifax International Fleet Review - Helicopter Fly-By

2010-06-29T17:24:00.001-03:00

Tuesday, June 29, 4:45pm at Purdy's Wharf, Halifax.

Halifax International Fleet Review - QEII Motorcade

2010-06-28T17:24:00.002-03:00

Monday, June 28, 4:15pm. Cogswell Street at North Park Street.

Halifax International Fleet Review Arrivals - HMCS Toronto

2010-06-25T13:39:00.005-03:00

I've been following as much of the Halifax International Fleet Review (IRF) as I possibly can.

Ships are now arriving regularly. Many of them will be open for public tours beginning as soon as tomorrow at 10am.

At approximately the same time this morning the Canadian frigate HMCS Toronto came into port and moored at the Nova Scotia Power redevelopment. Like all the other IFR ships to come to port this week, HMCS Toronto was escorted into the harbour by half a dozen small crafts. The boat closest to me was occupied by two sailors - the pilot carried only a sidearm, the other an assault rifle.

Prior to the Toronto's arrival the Glen-class naval tugs were busy installing a temporary dock for the frigate.

HMCS Toronto is moored just south of two American ships, the USS Robert G. Bradley, a general purpose escort vessel and USS Gettysburg, a guided-missile cruiser.

At the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic the Canadian Navy's flag-ship HMCS Athabascan is awkwardly moored in front of HMCS Sackville, the last remaining corvette, and CSS Acadia, a refitted science vessel that served in both world wars.

Some photos from this morning's walk.

1. HMCS Toronto

2. HMCS Toronto

3. HMCS Toronto successfully moored.

4. HMCS Athabascan (and just a bit of CSS Acadia)

5. USS Robert G. Bradley and USS Gettysburg

6. CFAV Glenside

Update: Purcell's Cove Foundation

2010-06-19T23:25:00.006-03:00

It turns out that the foundation in Purcell's Cove I wrote about on May 28 was a military installation as suspected.

Built in 1942 this foundation was once the 18th Anti-Aircraft Battery.

1.

2.

Theodore, Silva and MS Maasdam

2010-06-17T13:43:00.007-03:00

While Theodore Too departed the harbour tall ship Silva arrived at the Nova Scotia Power redevelopment to meet passengers who arrived last night on the cruise ship MS Massdam.

Navy Vessels Leaving Port

2010-06-14T13:13:00.005-03:00

Kingston-class Canadian Navy coastal defence vessel HMCS Moncton left port today just minutes after USS Boone, an American Perry-class guided missile frigate, departed at about 11am this morning.

USS Boone was in port with several other NATO ships and was one of the last to depart. Both vessels departed with small craft escorts.

1. HMCS Moncton

2. USS Boone

Link: CBC News: Major Naval Tests Planned for NB, NS

South Shore Trip

2010-06-13T19:38:00.003-03:00

We traveled about 100km on Highway 103 to Bridgewater where we followed Nova Scotia's Lighthouse Route, Highway 331, to the ocean. Along the way we ventured back several unmarked back roads. We knew the road would lead us to the ocean or a gravel pit depending on the side of the road we picked.

After forty-five minutes of gravel pits we chose an ocean drive. The drive through the brush to the ocean was tedious at times but was easily accomplished in the Rav 4. The road ended at an intersection with an old trail called Bear Trap Road. The Bear Trap has not been maintained in many years and large portions of it have been reclaimed by the beach. It is nearly impassible.

At the Bear Trap Road we happened upon two significantly damaged cabins. Destruction can be attributed to major storms including 2003's Hurricane Juan, as well as significant damage done by vandals.

We weren't able to drive any distance on the Bear Trap Road so we turned back toward the 331. Shortly after returning to civilization we experienced car trouble resulting in the procurement of a new battery in nearby West Dublin.

On the return trip to Halifax we stopped at a former hydro electric power plant that has been dormant for decades. We discovered a hole in the front of the building large enough to poke our heads in. I was able to snap a few quick pictures of the interior for the first time.

As expected, the power plant is largely filled with stored lumber.

1. Bear Trap Road

2. Small Cabin - Exterior

3. Small Cabin - Interior

4. Large Cabin - Exterior

5. The former contents of the large cabin found outdoors.

6. Large Cabin - Interior

7. Hydro Electric Power Plant

8. No longer in operation, water now flows freely.

9. Lumber stored inside the power plant.

10. Looking up inside the power plant.

NS Power redevelopment, Seaport Farmers' Market + Boats!

2010-06-13T09:04:00.006-03:00

Some brief updates on development (and redevelopment). The Nova Scotia Power (NSP) redevelopment of the former power station at Lower Water Street and Marginal Road remains on schedule for completion March 2011.

Next door to the NS Power construction is the new Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market, scheduled to open next month (July 2010).

Tall Ships.. Another tall ship is in port this week. The French schooner Rara-Avis is at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Like the Roald Amundsen earlier this month, the vessel is protected by a security perimeter and twenty-four hour guard.

I would imagine they are doing periodical public tours of the boat.

Some photos from the June 9th:

1. NSP's redevelopment of the former Lower Water Street thermal power station.

2. Glass now being installed on side facing Georges Island.

3. Glass on the north side of the build has been installed for several months.

4. Construction of the new Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market is progressing.

5. Rara-Avis and CSS Acadia.

Roald Amundsen

2010-06-03T23:29:00.002-03:00

Brig Roald Amundsen is in port at Halifax this week near the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

The pier Roald Amundsen is moored to has been closed and is blocked by both temporary chain-link fence and two private security guards.

Roald Amundsen is here from Eckernförde, Germany on a scheduled stop before departing soon to central Canada, through the Great Lakes, to the United States and then back, first to Montreal and then Halifax by the end of September 2010.

1. Moored.

2. Guarded.

Link: Roald Amundsen

PBS Oil Leak Widget

2010-05-29T17:54:00.004-03:00

I just happened across this widget on the PBS News website when looking for an update on the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of northeastern United States.

I thought it did a good job demonstrating all of the different opinions on the actual amount of oil being leaked into the ocean. US Geological Survey shows the most conservative estimate at 500 000 litres per day while "experts" suggest the leak may be almost ten times worse, at nearly 4.5 million litres per day.

Link: PBS Newshour: Gulf Oil Spill Coverage

Purcell's Cove Foundation

2010-05-28T00:12:00.005-03:00

Near Purcell's Cove Road lies an odd foundation in the middle of the forest.

I know next to nothing about it.

My best guess is that it was built and utilized by our military but has been unoccupied, perhaps even totally abandoned since World War II, at the absolute latest. The area is entirely grown in however it is easy to tell where roads and clearings once existed. It has been growing unchecked for a very long time, at least sixty-five or more years in my opinion.

Unfortunately, I can't share this location's coordinates as its condition is pristine and I'd hate to see it vandalized because of something I wrote here.

1. On Approach.

2. Inside.

3. Nearby.

If you happen to know a thing or two about this structure and would like to share, I encourage you to contact me through this website or any of my links on the right.

Ships in the Harbour

2010-05-25T02:05:00.001-03:00

I noticed two large ships in the harbour while passing through the waterfront this week.

1. Dredger IT INTREPID.

2. Canadian Coast Guard SAR vessel EARL GREY.

Urban Explorers: Into the Darkness

2010-05-23T17:01:00.008-03:00

On Friday night I sat down with the two friends I explore with most often to watch a documentary on our hobby.

We all thoroughly enjoyed the film which followed urban explorers like ourselves into both some of the most disgusting places I've ever witnessed to one of the most spectacular urban exploration finds that I'm aware of... the world's largest rocket launcher, left behind deep within a hole in the Florida Everglades.

The film spends a considerable amount of time in Europe, both in Paris, France and parts of Scotland. It is during the film's Paris footage that explorers go through obscure parts of catacombs and in Scotland where a good friend of mine leads a partially successful expedition to a former asylum that is interrupted by a caretaker... and a police helicopter.

If you're at all interested in what I write about on this blog, you should really try to track down this film and watch it yourself!

Link: Official Website for Urban Explorers: Into the Darkness

Cover:

Trailer:

Inside York Shore Battery

2010-05-21T17:05:00.007-03:00

Yesterday while dog walking at York Redoubt we walked down to the York Shore Battery at the bottom of the cliff. The area remains closed and the roof remains very dangerous. Even though the area is fenced off, every time we've gone down there recently we've encounter others behind the enclosure.

The building with the failing roof has had it's door sealed preventing easy access. With the exception of this sealed door, all other rooms remain open.

While at York Shore Battery we noticed an watch tower filled with pigeons and observed a Canadian Coast Guard vessel leaving port. On the towers- If you're interested in climbing up there, it really isn't worth it. Broken glass, rocks and pigeon crap. All that and the roof it's situated on is failing.

Link: Canadian Coast Guard: Maritimes Region

1. The failing roof at York Shore Battery.

2. Watch tower.

3. Rusting ladder providing risky roof access.

4. Graffiti continues to pop up. Chain-link won't stop vandals.

5. Canadian Coast Guard vessel leaving port.

6. Pigeon Tower.

7. Keep Off: Structure Unsafe, Roof Might Collapse.

8. York Shore Battery

View York Redoubt in a larger map

Through the Sally Port at York Redoubt

2010-05-16T20:32:00.004-03:00

While at York Redoubt today we found the 'sally port' doors open allowing visitor access to a preserved part of the 200-year-old fortification that spends most of the year sealed off.

Like some of the other areas at York Redoubt that are closed to the public, the sally port is equipped with functioning lights.

The doors are closed daily at 6pm cutting off access from below to the upper parking lot and vice-versa.

1. Lower passageway.

2. Lower passageway.

3. Stairwell.

4. Upper passageway and stairwell.

5. York Redoubt's Artillery Store (built 1870).

View York Redoubt in a larger map

Cambridge Battery at Point Pleasant Park

2010-05-13T20:52:00.003-03:00

Earlier in the spring it was reported that crews were cutting back some of the brush at Cambridge Battery at Point Pleasant Park. This work was deemed necessary to prevent trees from falling on and doing damage to the fortifications at Cambridge Battery and nearby Fort Ogilvie.

This was my first trip through the US Civil War era battery since March 2007.

1. By the end of the 1860s the battery was fully manned complete with living accommodations.

2. All entrances are sealed, some more recently than others.

3. Much of Cambridge Battery is below ground and inaccessible.

4. Clearing of trees completed February 2010.

5. Sealed entrance to the battery.

6. Cambridge Battery's guns were capable of defending both the harbour entrance as well as the Northwest Arm.

7. Mount for a 12 or 18-ton gun.

View Point Pleasant Park in a larger map

Link: Point Pleasant Park, Halifax, NS

The Roof at Spion Kop (and York Shore Battery)

2010-05-12T19:12:00.006-03:00

Earlier this evening I spent some time walking the paths at York Redoubt. While most paths lead to the harbour, or a steep cliff overlooking it. One of the last paths walked lead us to a well established party spot complete with a log-bench and well-used fire pit built of small stones.

We walked as far as Spion Kop and than back down through the unmarked footpaths to York Shore Battery. Along the way took interest in one of the concrete foundations. Like many of the other foundations around York Redoubt, the upper level has been removed leaving a sealed foundation. This particular foundation had a large hole permitting a good view of its interior. The ceiling has collapsed and the room is slowing being filled with scrap wood.

York Shore Battery remains closed to the public. It may only be a matter of time before some of the roofs collapse down into the battery. I don't recommend spending much, if any, time on the rooftops at York Shore Battery.

1. On the rooftop at Spion Kop.

2. Base Command Post from Spion Kop.

3. The path leading to Spion Kop.

4. Unknown foundation on road to York Shore Battery.

5. Inside the unknown foundation.

6. Just across the road from the unknown foundation is a second, larger, unknown foundation.
I believe this one is accessible through an open door.

7. Left to right: York Shore Battery's searchlight emplacements (Searchlights #690, #691 and #692), Georges Island, the community of Eastern Passage, and McNabs Island.

Alice Oldendorff

2010-05-07T22:09:00.003-03:00

Liberian cargo vessel 'Alice Oldendorff' idled in the harbour for the better part of today.

Link: MarineTraffic.com - Alice Oldendorff

Ships of Halifax Harbour - Part Two

2010-05-06T15:00:00.004-03:00

When I was at the waterfront last week taking pictures (29 April 2010: Ships of Halifax Harbour - Part One) in the rain I managed to miss the real tugboats. The weather yesterday morning was great so I was again at the waterfront for my caffeine fix. I not only saw the tugs, but the regional police boat as well.

View Ships at Halifax Harbour in a larger map

1. 'Point Valiant'

2. 'Svitzer Bedford'

3. 'Point Chebucto'

4. 'Point Halifax' (Photo: 03/22/10)

5. Halifax Regional Police Patrol Boat

Satellite Earth Station 2005

2010-05-05T11:52:00.004-03:00

I first visited the satellite earth station while on Spring Break in 2005. I was really interested in the place and ended up leaving with hundreds of snapshots.

I've returned to the station annually since. Currently, the building sits open to the elements with a wrecking ball almost certainly in it's future. Anything of value has been removed from the site. I assume many components of a satellite earth station can be sold as scrap.

The massive dishes- In 2005, one dish stood upright while the other laid on its side. Since then, the standing dish has been cut, pulled down and mostly removed along with the other dish.

The whereabouts of my pictures from February 2005 were unknown for the longest time. I assumed I'd lost them before finding them on a burnt DVD destined for the shredder. I'd only had low resolution copies with an awful watermark to share until the discovery.

1. The first dish located at the station's main building.

2. Dish, again.

3. Inside the station below the dish.

4. Inside the station below the dish, looking up.

5. Again, computers inside the station.

6.

7. Manuals and guides for station operation.

8. More computers inside the station.

9. At the rear of the station is a garage and a number of derelict vehicles.

10.Inside the rear garage was a suspicious car complete with slashed tires and no windows.

11. The rear dish lying on it's side.

12. Close-up of the rear dish.

13. Entering the base of the rear dish is not recommended.

14. From the rear dish looking toward the front dish.

15. Leaving the facility, we walked through the long hallway and looked back at the first dish.

York Redoubt Powder Magazine & Spion Kop

2010-05-04T19:08:00.006-03:00

I thought I'd seen just about everything there was to see at York Redoubt. I was wrong.

Today I was introduced to a magazine built in 1870 to accomodate the gunpowder required by the then new rifled muzzle-loading guns you can still find at York Redoubt today.

The magazine isn't very exciting in its current state however it is open to the public. It should be noted that the lightbulbs inside the magazine are all intact suggesting they may be operable. Unless lightbulbs are maintained, they're usually found broken.

Following the brief trip though the powder magazine, we headed down the hill to the path to Spion Kop, the Redoubt's former command post. Spion Kop is also known as Practice Battery.

1. Outside the powder magazine, the passage on the left was reserved for the moment of gunpowder.

2. Magazine Entrance Passageway

3. Magazine Entrance Passageway from inside.

4. Inside the Powder Magazine.

5. Rifled Muzzle-Loading (RML) Gun

6. At Spion Kop, I assume this was guard post.

7. Spion Kop (Rear)

8. Inside Spion Kop's largest room.

View York Redoubt in a larger map

Ships of Halifax Harbour - Part One

2010-04-29T17:26:00.012-03:00

Before it started to rain this afternoon I enjoyed a cup of coffee on the waterfront beside the museum ship CSS Acadia. Before I moved on, I snapped a few photos of the Acadia and some of the other vessels that are staples along Halifax's waterfront.

The ship icons on the map below are click-able. Clicking on a ship will display info about the vessel.

View Ships at Halifax Harbour in a larger map

1. HMCS Sackville

2. CSS Acadia

3. Tall Ship 'Mar'

4. Tall Ship 'Silva' (Photo substituted 05-May-10)

5. Theodore Too

6. APA Pilot Boats

Quick Update

2010-04-23T20:35:00.001-03:00

Progress is being made on the retrofitted Nova Scotia Power HQ on Lower Water Street.

Helicopter drills involving multiple Canadian Forces choppers were underway today above CFB Shearwater and across the harbour. Sea King helicopters were taking off, circling, and landing. As one would take flight, another would land. This went on for quite some time.

Link: Canadian Forces - CH-124 Sea King

1. Retrofitting of the NS Power building in progress.

2. Helicopter drills above CFB Shearwater.

View 23 April 2010 in a larger map

Toronto Walkabout

2010-04-05T22:52:00.006-03:00

On Sunday Chris and I were bounced from the hostel at 11am so, after breakfast at a surprisingly small Cora's, we walked around the city until it was time to fly out.

1. From the CN Tower looking at the City Centre Airport.

2. More from the CN Tower.

3. Banks

4. Bays 24 - 31 at John Street Roundhouse, a preserved locomotive roundhouse below the CN Tower.

5. Restored CNR locomotive #4803 at the John Street Roundhouse. See link.

6. Reinhart Vinegars RVLX 101, a wooden vinegar tank car, built in 1938 currently at John Street Roundhouse under plastic cover. See link.

7. Ontario squirrels are far bigger than Nova Scotia squirrels. That one was the size of my cat.

8. Leaving Toronto on Sunday evening. Hearn Generating Station in the distance.

Welcome to Toronto

2010-04-03T22:40:00.003-03:00

I made the trip to Toronto on Friday with a friend from Scotland.

We arrived early in the evening after a day of flight delays in at Halifax's Stanfield International Airport. Something to do with fog in Newfoundland on Thursday.

We met our guides and after a meal, a short drive and a long wait in the sketchiest bushes I've ever stood in, we found ourselves on the roof of an out of service electrical generating station.

1. Downtown Toronto. CN Tower at left.

2. The new neighbour.

Downtown Halifax Photos

2010-03-22T17:38:00.006-03:00

Killed an hour roaming around downtown Halifax today taking a few random pictures of some of the goings-on.

The Herald Building continues to come down and HMCS Vancouver left port while a large cargo vessel arrived.

The old Nova Scotia Power building is quickly becoming the new Nova Scotia Power building.

1. The first three photos are of the Chronicle Herald building.

2. On Market Street above the former site of Midtown Tavern.

3. At Argyle and Sackville Streets.

4. This is the Roy Building on Barrington Street.

5. And the Shaw Building at Duke and Hollis.

6. Georges' Island and HMCS Vancouver.

7. Nova Scotia Power's Lower Water Street Relocation.

View 22 March 2010 in a larger map

York Shore Battery

2010-03-20T17:21:00.010-03:00

Today I had an opportunity to visit York Shore Battery (below York Redoubt) in Ferguson's Cove just outside Halifax. It was my first trip to York Redoubt and York Shore Battery since April 20, 2009.

View Halifax Defence Complex in a larger map

The last time I was at York Shore Battery there wasn't a chain-link fence surrounding it. A fence was built to restrict access due to potential roof collapse of the abandoned battery's buildings. Normally, I'd be skeptical of the signage and climb around on the roofs anyway, and I did, but in doing so I've determined that those signs are definitely there for a reason. The roofs, or at least sections of them, appear ready to fall.

If you decide to circumvent the fence, watch your step in there. Between the failing roofs, loose gravel and broken glass there are plenty of hazards to potentially encounter.

1. Approaching York Shore Battery, you'll encounter this fence and its signage.

2.

3. A former entrance to the battery's largest building. Doorway has been bricked to prevent entry.

4. The majority of the buildings remain open and accessible.

5. Watch Tower

6. Directly beneath the watch tower.

7. A small sample of the graffiti found at York Shore Battery.

8. A rare self photo from inside the sealed building from photo #3.

9. The battery's searchlight emplacements... and a landslide.

10. Across the landslide, closer to the light emplacements (Searchlights #690, #691 and #692) looking back toward my location in photo #9.

11. Returning from the light emplacements, on top of the wall, level with the watch tower.

12. Climbing down the wall returning from the light emplacements through a wooded path, still on top of the wall.

13. On the rocky shoreline below York Shore Battery looking up at the new fence.

More of the Herald Building's demolition

2010-03-16T22:00:00.006-03:00

Photos are from earlier today at Argyle and Sackville.

View Larger Map

Historic Properties (Again)

2010-03-02T17:20:00.004-04:00

Following a walk around the Chronicle Herald Building at Argyle and Prince, I walked over to Duke and down to the Historic Properties where buildings are being demolished or re-purposed, making way for the Waterside Centre development.

1. Imperial Oil Building on Upper Water Street

2. Almost totally gutted inside leaving only the facade at street level.

3. Harrington MacDonald-Briggs Building on Hollis

4. Also on Hollis Street, the Harrington MacDonald-Briggs Building from the side.

5. And again, the Harrington MacDonald-Briggs Building on Upper Water Street.

6. Fishwick & Company Building. It looks empty on the inside but mostly intact with the exception of it's roof... which is gone.

7. Shaw Building at Duke and Hollis. Like the Fishwick Building above, the Shaw Building appears empty but intact with street level windows covered.

8. And, not in danger of a wrecking ball, the Morse's Tea Building.

View Historic Properties in a larger map

Chronicle Herald Demoition

2010-03-02T16:59:00.006-04:00

After class on Monday I made my way from the Medjuck Building on Spring Garden Road to Halifax's Historic Properties.

Along the way, I stopped at Argyle and Prince to observe the demolition of the Chronicle Herald Building.

View Larger Map

Making room for the Waterside Centre

2010-02-19T20:09:00.006-04:00

On Monday I took a few minutes to wander around the Historic Properties area where several of the city's oldest building are being demolished and/or re-purposed to make room for the Armour Group's Waterside Centre.

As of February 15, the Harrington MacDonald-Briggs Building (built 1820) is mostly demolished. The Imperial Oil Building (built 1926) has been gutted on the inside and is without windows. On the corner of Duke and Hollis, the Shaw Building (built 1903) and adjacent Fishwick & Company Building (built 1820) have their ground level windows covered.

1. From left to right: Morse Tea, Briggs, Fishwick & Shaw.

2. Shaw Building (built 1903) sits on the corner of Duke and Hollis.

3. Imperial Oil Building at Duke and Upper Water.

4. Inside the Imperial Oil Building (aka O'Carroll's)

5. Left to right: Imperial Oil Building, Harrington MacDonald-Briggs Building and a vacant lot where the P. Martin Liquors Building (built 1875) stood prior to demolition in 2008.

6. Looking inside the Harrington MacDonald-Briggs Building from Hollis Street. See link for pre-demolition Street View.

The buildings that are being re-purposed will retain their exterior, street-level facade.

The block should look like this once it is all said and done.

Photo: http://www.hpwatersidecentre.ca/

View Larger Map

RIP Little Buddy

2010-01-21T18:10:00.005-04:00

February 7, 2006 - January 14, 2010

Toronto UrbEx?

2010-01-10T18:15:00.002-04:00

I've got my flights booked for a little field trip to Toronto in early April.
Urban explorers from across the globe will meet in Toronto and explore the city.
We may even venture across the border to Rochester, NY.

Apr 02, 2010
Flight PD 254
Bombardier Q400
Depart from Halifax (YHZ) at 11:05 AM
Arrive in Ottawa (YOW) at 12:05 PM
Apr 02, 2010
Flight PD 254
Depart from Ottawa (YOW) at 12:30 PM
Arrive in Toronto (YTZ) at 13:30 PM

Apr 04, 2010
Flight PD 269
Depart from Toronto (YTZ) at 19:30 PM
Arrive in Ottawa (YOW) at 20:26 PM
Apr 04, 2010
Flight PD 269
Bombardier Q400
Depart from Ottawa (YOW) at 20:50 PM
Arrive in Halifax (YHZ) at 23:35 PM

Christmas 2009

2009-12-18T15:21:00.003-04:00

October 2009

2009-10-18T17:34:00.005-03:00

1. Interior (1/2)

2. Interior (2/2)

3. Exterior

Thanksgiving on the South Shore

2009-10-12T18:03:00.005-03:00

1. Demolition of the old South Shore Mall nears completion.

2. Oar mill in Crousetown.

3. The back of the mill.

4. The front of the mill.

View Larger Map

Parked Downtown...

2009-08-12T18:15:00.002-03:00

Parked on Queen Street.

McNabs Island - Natal Day 2009

2009-08-02T22:20:00.010-03:00

Jacob, Chris and I arrived on the island at 11:30am on August 1 and walked from Back Cove to Fort McNab, via Garrison Rd, and then to Strawberry Battery, via McNabs Pond Trail for the night. Most of the McNabs Pond Trail is overgrown. We were told DNR is allowing the overgrowth to happen to deter travel to Strawberry Battery. We cleaned up a big piece of the former battery and set up camp on the concrete. The following morning, made the return trip to Back Cove, this time via the Wambolt Trail, to wait for Red Beard to take us back to the mainland.

View McNabs Island in a larger map

Brought a camera...

1. Looking northwest from Fort McNab, August 1, 2009.

2. Doors leading underground at Fort McNab.

3. Break #2 on top of a concrete gun mount.

4. Leaving Fort McNab.

5. McNabs Pond near Garrison Road.

6. Shipwreck in McNabs Pond at the shore of the island.

7. Cleaning up at Strawberry Battery.

8. Clean-up results.

9. From the wall of Strawberry Battery.

10. Facing the mouth of the harbour at night. (Strawberry Battery)

11. The beach at Back Cove the next morning, August 2, 2009.

(Hardly) Working...

2009-07-29T21:33:00.005-03:00

My work brought me to Kingsburg on the South Shore. Kate tagged along. While we waited to meet my contact at the general store in Rose Bay we bought sunscreen. From there we stopped quickly at the summer home of the contact's client then took the drove to and boarded the Lahave Ferry from East Lahave to Lahave. We spent the afternoon in Green Bay beyond the Stage Ponds.

View Larger Map

1. Looking over the pond toward Crescent and Risser's Beach.

2. A sandy spot in the marsh.

3. The beach.

4. A toad we encountered on the old road.

Look what came in the mail!

2009-07-02T18:19:00.000-03:00

Benefits of the in-house café

2009-06-17T12:04:00.001-03:00

Road Ready

2009-06-15T14:45:00.006-03:00

First weekend on the road. June 14 at Green Bay, Nova Scotia.

York Shore Battery - April 2009

2009-04-20T00:07:00.005-03:00

A few of us walked down to York Shore Battery, below York Redoubt.

View Halifax Defence Complex in a larger map

Brought a camera...

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Atlantis found?

2009-02-23T15:42:00.004-04:00

Satellite Earth Station at -20°C

2009-01-20T13:44:00.007-04:00

Chris, Jacob and myself left Halifax on Saturday evening around 6pm headed for the South Shore and the satellite earth station about 1.5 hours southwest by car. The temperature was a breath-freezing, skin-numbing -20°C.

We parked at the gate, immediately noticing the road beyond it had not been plowed since the last snowfall. We all bundled up for the 1km hike to the facility through the snow. Fortunately, the sustained -20°C for several days prior to our visit had made the snow ideal for walking on top of it. We observed both human and animal tracks in the snow. The human tracks trailed in and out of the brush before circling back to the gate. Animal tracks carried on throughout the walk. Some tracks observed were quite large.

We toured the facilities, skipping the underground tunnel, following the long hallway from the first building to the second, where the collapsed remains of one of the dishes still rests. Snow has drifted into the buildings in many spots through not only open doorways and broken windows but holes through walls and roofs as well.

Once we reached the rear of the second building exited through the back doors and made our way to the top of the snow-covered mound to our immediate right. Atop this small hill is an open concrete well. It isn't all that deep, but is about 1/3 full of frigid cold, but NOT FROZEN water. There was only about 1cm of ice above 2m of water after about 96 hours at temperatures well below the freezing mark.

For the most part the facilities remain unchanged from my last visit in the Fall of 2008.

Since we arrived, toured and left under cover of darkness, there wasn't much for photo opportunities.

1. Obligatory smashed toilet photo.

2. Three tubes descending underground through concrete. Quite deep.

3. Glove found on the floor. Large hole through the back of the hand, small hold through the palm. Looks like a combo of piercing, fire and harsh chemicals.

4. Computer cabinet illuminated by several flashlights.

Fort Ives & Others

2008-10-22T19:16:00.003-03:00

Photos from an October 2008 trip to Fort Ives, found on McNab's Island in Halifax Harbour.

1. Fort Ives

2. Resting at Fort Ives.

3. Guns remain mounted at Fort Ives.

4. Wall of Fort Ives slowly erode.

5. Inside the powerhouse on Garrison Road.

6. Again, inside the powerhouse.

7. Vintage fridge found in the childhood home of Bill Lynch.

View McNabs Island in a larger map

Strawberry Battery

2008-10-21T19:04:00.002-03:00

Photos from an October 2008 trip to Strawberry Battery, found on McNab's Island in Halifax Harbour.

1. Entering Strawberry Battery.

2. Watch your step.

3.

4. Most everything here was sealed. What wasn't sealed, wasn't all that exciting.

5. One of the light emplacements below Strawberry Battery.

View McNabs Island in a larger map

Fort McNab

2008-10-20T18:41:00.002-03:00

Photos from an October 2008 trip to Fort McNab, found on McNab's Island in Halifax Harbour.

1. Crumbling exterior of Fort McNab Casemates building.

2. Entering Fort McNab's subterranean through the Left Magazine entrance.

3. Fort McNab's Radar Building and Left Magazine entrance.

4. Inside the Crew Shelter building at Fort McNab.

5. Scary dark furnace at Fort McNab.

6. McNab Cemetery

View McNabs Island in a larger map

School Day!

2008-09-28T12:30:00.002-03:00

Faced with an approaching hurricane, we had to cram as many abandonments into our weekend as possible before the rain and wind picked up.

Chris, again visiting Atlantic Canada, encouraged us all to get out and take him on another tour of Nova Scotia's forgotten buildings. We didn't expect a race against a massive storm to accomplish this task.

Saturday the 27th was spent relatively close to my home in Halifax. It was suggested by Adam and Steve that we explore several schools in the HRM which had closed up over the years and fell into ruin.

Our first stop was... Rotten Ronnie's... So ~~Randy~~ Chris could slam a couple cheeseburgers back for breakfast.

From there, we drove from the Halifax peninsula toward the South Shore, arriving several minutes later at a school in Timberlea which had obviously been abandoned for years. All of the windows had been broken over time and covered by wood. We walked the perimeter before finding an access point on the lower level of the building were a vandal had removed the boards from a window.

We walked throughout the school discovering it's many levels of disrepair. While some classrooms remained in relatively good shape, the ceiling of others had began to fail, allowing water to pour in over time. Seaweed insulation could be found hanging from holes in the ceiling where the plaster and tiles had gave way. Debris on the floor below the ceiling holes had turned to a slippery mush.

We finished our walk and made our way out of the building through the open window we had slipped in through. We replaced the boards on the outside of the window in an effort to prevent future entry by vandals, taggers and scrappers.

From Timberlea, we drove to Lower Sackville in search of another abandoned school. This building served many functions over the years based on the knowledge of Adam and Steve and the evidence found within. The building had obviously been a school at one point, as well as a community centre and food bank depot.

We parked to the rear of the building and quickly found an access point created in the same manner as the last school. It was immediately appearant that this building was far less pristene than that of the last. Examples of graffiti, some of the worst I've personally witnessed, and vandalism were everywhere. Heavy furniture and kitchen appliances had been toppled or tossed about. We must have found hundreds of cans of discarded spray paint, some still full.

The majority of the windows had been broken, many of them from within the building by what we assume are local vandals.

From Lower Sackville we drove back to Halifax and back to our home base... The McDonalds on Kempt Road. The team ate a few more cheeseburgers before heading to York Redoubt where we were able tour the Base Command Post (BCP) building normally closed to the public. Complete with electricity, we toured the BCP and it's underground bunker for nearly thirty minutes.

Chebucto Head & Fort Chebucto

2008-08-10T18:52:00.006-03:00

I was finally able to make it out to the ruins and reclaimed portions of Fort Chebucto found in Duncan's Cove outside of Halifax, NS. Fort Chebucto was operational during the Second World War from 1943 until 1945.

View Halifax Defence Complex in a larger map

1. Ruins of Fort Chebucto's light emplacements in the distance.

2. Active RDF Station at Chebucto Head.

3. Tristan checking out the roof of the Depression Range Finder building at Chebucto Head.

4. Entering the Depression Range Finder building.

5. Inside the Depression Range Finder building.

6. Group shot atop the Depression Range Finder building at Chebucto Head.

7. Light emplacement ruin below the reclaimed Base Command Post (BCP) of Fort Chebucto.

8. Light emplacement ruin below the reclaimed Base Command Post (BCP) of Fort Chebucto.

9. Rocky cliff below Fort Chebucto.

10. Light emplacement ruin below the reclaimed Base Command Post (BCP) of Fort Chebucto.

11. Looking back at the RDF Station from nearby to the light emplacement ruin.

Odds & Ends

2008-07-26T15:35:00.008-03:00

I haven't posted anything in a while so I thought I'd share some of the local odds and ends photos and scans I've collected along the way.

1. Downtown Halifax, 1880s. Photo c/o Canadian Navy.

2. Downtown Halifax, 1880s. Photo c/o Canadian Navy.

3. Halifax Harbour, May 1942. Photo c/o Canadian Navy.

4. Map of Point Pleasant Park at it's entrance.

5. Undated historic map of Halifax.

6. Undated historic map of Halifax.

Exploring Georges Island

2008-06-16T14:22:00.006-03:00

Somehow we managed to arrive in time to make our 10am ferry to Georges Island. We met our friends in the terminal and boarded a somewhat overcrowded Metro Transit ferry.

The island was great. Very well preserved considering some of the harsh weather it sees. Photo opportunities were sadly scarce though due to its temporary over-population. The island did provide some unique views of the city and I was able to take some, if nothing else, interesting shots inside, above and beneath Fort Charlotte.

Below are a handful of the pictures I was able to take during our 1h 45m trip to Georges Island

1. Pier 21 from Georges Island.

2. Walls of Fort Charlotte, Georges Island.

3. Walls of Fort Charlotte.

4. Tunnels beneath Fort Charlotte.

5. Dead bird on 10-inch RML gun.

6. McNabs Island from Fort Charlotte, Georges Island.

7. Lighthouse Keeper's House on Georges Island. Uninhabited since 1972.

8. Eroded bricks in the Submarine Mining Establishment area. Off limits to the tour.

9. Submarine Mining Establishment Buildings.

10. City of Halifax & Citadel Hill from the shore of Georges Island.

11. Fort Charlotte from the ferry circling the island while returning to mainland Halifax.

View Halifax Defence Complex in a larger map

Explore Georges Island

2008-05-27T21:49:00.006-03:00

I was excited to learn that Parks Canada and the Offshore/Onshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia (OTANS) will be allowing the general public to experience Georges Island National Historic Site.

Located in the heart of Halifax Harbour, this National Historic Site derives its historical significance from its former role in the Halifax Defence System. Georges Island is not currently open to the public, but in response to public interest, Parks Canada and OTANS have worked together to create this event.

“Explore Georges Island” will provide visitors with a rare chance to explore the island, learn about its rich military past and enjoy the spectacular harbour views! -- OTNAS (Link)

Kate and I bought our tickets for Sunday, June 15's 10am ferry.

View Halifax Defence Complex in a larger map

Saturday, June 14, 2008
10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm or 2pm start times
Sunday, June 15, 2008
10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm or 2pm start times

Arrive at the terminal 15 minutes prior to departure.

The last ferry leaves from Georges Island promptly at 3:45 pm.

27 May 08

2008-05-27T19:38:00.001-03:00

After work today I dropped by a local abandonment with a friend to survey the extent of the damage. It was bad... Far worse than it was several weeks ago. I'd call it an 'open-air' location now as there is not a window left in the building that hasn't been smashed. Vandals have taken to removing the boards from the window just to break the glass and walls and floors suddenly have holes in them.

I've included several pictures.

1. Exterior

2. Interior. That is a rock.

3. Interior. That is a log.

22 May 08

2008-05-22T21:29:00.004-03:00

My friend and I took a wrong turn at the Armdale Roundabout and wound up turning around on a street we'd never been on before. We followed this street until the pavement became dirt and found this facility and what I assume to be it's modern replacement at the dead end.

It is assumed that this building and the modern facility behind it have to do with the purification of Halifax's water supply. The modern building is active and machinery can be heard through it's walls.

Added Links

2008-05-18T12:19:00.005-03:00

I've added two links to the list on the right sidebar.

Panoramio (from Google) allows you to upload and map your own photos to be displayed on Google Maps and Google Earth.

The System is is a Scottish website featuring photography by TurboZutek and friends, of abandoned places throughout Scotland and abroad. It gives photography amateurs a place to share their knowledge and experiences about Urban Exploration.

Rehabilitation Centre - Photo

2008-05-16T11:21:00.002-03:00

Chris (aka TurboZutek) granted my request to display some of the photos he'd taken while at the rehabilitation centre.

Photo c/o Chris @ The SYSTEM: Urban Exploration in Scotland

IIHF World Hockey Championship

2008-05-15T11:39:00.004-03:00

My girlfriend Kate and I had the opportunity to check out the final game of the IIHF World Hockey Championship in Halifax. It was the quarterfinal game between the United States and Finland. The game was fast paced and the skill level of many of the players was amazing.

Both Teemu Selanne and Olli Jokinen finished the game with two points as Finland defeated the United States 3 - 2 in overtime to move on to the semifinal game. Finnish goals scored by Tuomo Ruutu (Carolina Hurricanes), Janne Niskala (Nashville Predators) and overtime winner Sami Lepisto (Washington Capitals). American goals scored by Phil Kessel (Boston Bruins) and Drew Stafford (Buffalo Sabres).

Team Line-ups (pdf)
Game Summary (pdf)

The enthusiasm of the international fans in Halifax throughout the tournament is something that our city probably won't forget. Over 1000 Latvian fans alone arrived in Halifax for the tournament! Working downtown, I couldn't help but notice the amount of international sweaters around the city. More Latvian sweaters than any other European country, and probably just as many European sweaters as Canadian sweaters. And there was an entire fleet of Skoda IIHF cars in town for the tournament as well!

1. Tied at 2 - 2 with under 4 minutes remaining in the 3rd Period.

2. Face-off in the United States end during overtime.

3. Final score 3 - 2 in favour of Finland. Flag is raised, Finnish national anthem is played.

4. Kate and I following the game wearing Skoda Auto helmets. She looks good, I don't.

Rehabilitation Centre (8 May 08)

2008-05-10T15:36:00.005-03:00

I had the pleasure of meeting up with Chris, a UE enthusiast from Scotland on Thursday evening. We collected two other locals before crossing the bridge bound for Dartmouth.

During the course of the evening, we took a ~two hour tour of a county rehabilitation centre abandoned since 2002.

The hospital itself has been open and exposed to weather for years so much of the interior of the building is falling apart. One of the locals fell through a wall into the next room while dodging one of the six million pigeons who now call the deteriorating building their home.

On the outside of the hospital is a mock trailer park, complete with nearly forty trailers, derelict cars and, well, almost everything you'd expect to find in a trailer park. A successful television show was filmed outside the hospital before it was canceled after seven seasons and a movie.

Sadly, I have no pictures to share. Lighting was poor since we arrived at dusk. The others managed to take a couple photos which I hope to be able to post here when they become available to me.

York Redoubt (27 April 08)

2008-04-27T18:58:00.013-03:00

York Redoubt is a designated national historic site and served as an important part of Halifax's defence complex.

View Halifax Defence Complex in a larger map

The fort York Redoubt was built on a bluff overlooking the mouth of Halifax harbour. During the 19th and 20th centuries the fortress was expanded, becoming the nerve centre of all harbour defences. Anti-submarine nets stretched from below York Redoubt to McNab's Island, situated in the middle of the harbour.

During World War II, York Redoubt served as a command centre and is considered to have the first radar station constructed in the world.

The fortress remained in military use until 1956.

1. Grounds at York Redoubt

2. Grounds at York Redoubt

3. Inside the 'Blacksmith' building.

4. Inside one of the accessible wall tunnels at York Redoubt.

Connaught Battery

2008-02-26T19:13:00.008-04:00

Connaught Battery is one of the few local military establishments that I hadn't seen first hand until this winter. Connaught was a World War I battery with cement emplacements for three 4.7-inch quick-firing guns.

Located at Ferguson's Cove, north of York Redoubt.

View Halifax Defence Complex in a larger map

1. Grounds at Connaught Battery with modern DND Harbour Monitoring Station to the left.

2. Gun emplacements at Connaught Battery.

3. Graffiti on harbour facing gun emplacements.

4. Grounds at Connaught Battery.

5. Small unknown building near gun emplacements with modern DND Harbour Monitoring Station in the background.

York Redoubt Wall Tunnels

2007-10-10T18:15:00.003-03:00

Both underground wall tunnels were accessible this afternoon at York Redoubt.

Normally, if you can find them, they're secured with railway ties.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Earth Satellite Station

2005-02-23T00:32:00.001-04:00

Some of the photos I took during my first visit to the earth satellite station in February 2005.

1. The first dish.

2. Looking up inside the first dish.

3. Computers inside the control centre.

4. Gauges

5.

6. Stripped Ranger. There was a newer Dodge Stratus in the garage.

7.

8. Second Dish

9.

10.

11. Long tunnel looking back toward the first dish.