The Problem and the Players

The Halifax Explosion destroyed the housing of an estimated 750 families. Initial response included clearing of the devastated area, construction of temporary housing, social workers interviewing the homeless and other victims, and an invitation to Town Planning Expert Thomas Adams. The Federal Government appointed a Halifax Relief Commission to supervise $30 million in relief funds. Montreal architect George Ross recommended in his study of housing that temporary buildings not be used as housing in the long term, and that housing in the reconstructed area be a model of modern construction and sanitary facilities and not have a `sterile sameness' in exterior design.

Fort Needham memorial to Explosion victims

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Atlantic Planners Institute

This page and all contents are produced by the Atlantic Planners Institute, an affiliate of the Canadian Institute of Planners.

This document was last modified on March 8, 2000.