Halifax Board of Control

Summary of Board of Control discussions related to the Halifax Explosion (102-2A)

This page provides a summary of the City of Halifax Board of Control discussions relating to the Halifax Explosion. Each summary includes the Board meeting date and description of topics discussed. Meeting minutes are not yet digitized; originals can be viewed at the Municipal Archives.

December 11, 1917

Emergency meeting called by the Chairman of the Board. Policing, martial law, safety, and additional resources discussed.
Public safety and steps to prevent future disaster, including able bodied individuals needed to work were discussed.
Discussion of printing protection of life and property notices, as well as proper disposal of the deceased, cost of burials. Notice from Deputy Mayor regarding shelters for those with unfit accommodations.

December 12, 1917

Filling positions that are now vacant in the Fire Department due to the accident. The positions are Chief of the Fire Department and District Chief. Controller Hines reports that a mechanic from American LaFrance Fire Engine Co. has overhauled the fire engine “Patricia.”
Transportation of refugees from the city and those coming to assist in relief and construction work. The Board communicated that the Relief Committee would take full responsibility for the payment of transportation for women and children if they wish to travel outside the city.

December 15, 1917

Report from Thomas Adams, Town Planning Advisor, Commission of Conservation, regarding re-development of devastated area. Topics include: railway development, industrial sites, road conditions, sewage systems/piping fire stations’ repair, rebuilding/repair of schools, police patrols/access to affected area. The Admiralty and Ministry of Shipping’s report on ship’s safety and passage noted. Arrival of new fire engine, "Cornwallis."

December 20, 1917

A request from Clare L. (representing the Clergy Committee) that Tuesday, January 1, 1918 be a day to commemorate those lost and those who suffered from the Explosion. British and Colonial Press, Limited offer prints of Explosion for 50 cents each, samples requested. News that the LaFrance fire engine has been put into commission. Payment to lost firemen’s families addressed.

December 24, 1917

Topics include: repairs to school buildings; prohibition of liquor; removal of debris in Richmond District; investigation into cause of disaster; meals for visiting firemen (Halifax Hotel); and Christmas entertainment for visiting doctors and nurses.

December 27, 1917

Topics include: meals for visiting firemen (Queen Hotel); temporary shelter; investigation into catastrophe; safety to shipping; storage of explosives; financing repair work; and the Rehabilitation Commission.

December 28, 1917

Topics include: list of committees and depots requested; street lights; street railway service; temporary dwelling request; Acadian School property-Outhit building repairs; and Rehabilitation and Claims committee.

January 2, 1918

Topics include: temporary buildings; meals for visiting firemen (Halifax Hotel); prohibition of liquor; street lighting; street railway service; telephone service; temporary repairs to school buildings; inspection of damage to city property; relief committees; supply depots; storage of explosives; and motor fire engine “Patricia.”

January 3, 1918

Topics include: investigation into cause of catastrophe; reimbursement for loss of taxes through catastrophe; Public School estimates for 1918-1919 (revision may be needed); and City Home (cost of maintenance of Explosion sufferers).

January 4, 1918

Controller Murphy addresses the Relief Committee’s Work thus far and voiced concerns. The Board decides to meet with the Rehabilitation and Claims Committee at 4pm that afternoon to discuss points raised by Murphy (treatment of citizens, and lack of local employment during relief efforts).

January 5, 1918

Topics include: fire engines; fuel shortage (Murphy suggests portable motor driven saws be purchased to collect lumber from Devastated District); burial of fireman lost in disaster; and Halifax appeal for full reparation.

January 8, 1918

Topics include: Fire Department; inspection of chimneys; electric wiring and fire alarm system; military patrol of devastated area, repairs to buildings; and street railway service.;

January 10, 1918

Topics include: emergency shelters on the Common and Military property; working hours and conditions building trades; public schools re-opening (coal shortage addressed); repairing Public Gardens fence;, Acadian School Property-Outhit Building; telephone service;, street railway service;, increase of electric light bills through disaster; fire alarm system (damage by Explosion); and firemen killed whilst on duty or from injury.

January 15, 1918

Topics include: City Home-cost of maintenance of Explosion sufferers; lack of city lighting and shortage of inner globes for street lights; street railway service; Acadian School Property-Outhit Building; and continued medical assistance for Explosion sufferers requested by Board (directed to the Medical Relief Committee).

January 21, 1918

Topics include: emergency repairs to school buildings that could be used to temporarily house students; members of the Board of School Commissioners address the need for a loan from the Relief Committee to conduct repairs. The Board addresses the Relief Committee’s request for a resolution to be passed for the $50, 000 loan.

January 22, 1918

Topics include: school buildings emergency repairs; relief administration building; and replacing bulbs for street lights affected by Explosion.

January 24, 1918

Topics include: continuance of medical attendance; “Unity of Effort” Conference; Annual Provincial Exhibition and how the Explosion affected the grounds; discussion of rehabilitation of the Exhibition; school building repairs; and relief administration building.

January 28, 1918

Board joined by Deputy Mayor H. S. Colwell, Alderman Parker, Mr. Coolen, Mr. Shaeffer and others from the Trades and Labor Council. Topics include: Rehabilitation, including housing problem; increase of rentals; reimbursing the City for loss of taxes; building restrictions in devastated area; the setting apart of manufacturing and residential districts; building new housing; re-development of district; rebuilding by the Commission or the payment of cash value of buildings destroyed; fire and life insurance adjustments; interest on mortgages; and notice to sufferers to file claims.

January 29, 1918

Topics include: school buildings emergency repairs; relief for civil servants; and Market Building for storage of clothing (requested by Relief Commission).

January 31, 1918

Topics include: Relief Advisory Committee and Acadian School Property damage by the Explosion.

February 1, 1918

Emergency repairs to the Smallpox Hospital at Rockhead, by the Reconstruction Committee, financed by the Relief Commission.

February 7, 1918

Topics include: sale of the Acadian School; the Tracey Liquor Inquiry (letter from the Social Service Council requesting an investigation into the allegations); Halifax Relief Commission conference with the Civic Advisory Committee; and payment by the City for the burial of the firemen killed by the Explosion.

February 12, 1918

Topics include: emergency repairs to fire stations damaged by the Explosion; repairs to the Small Pox hospital; losses to the City due to uncollectable taxes for property damaged by the Explosion; and estimated damage to City buildings.

February 14, 1918

Topics include: damage to the Stayner Wharf property from the Explosion, which is leased to the City; emergency relief fund for repairs to City property; superannuation of firemen Joseph Johnston, John Hennessey, and Patrick Monaghan, who were injured on Dec. 6th; and gratuities to the widows of the firemen killed in the Explosion.

February 19, 1918

Topics include: report from H.W. Johnston, Acting City Engineer, detailing the damage done to City property and estimates for repairs; and fire protection for emergency shelters on the Provincial Exhibition Grounds.

February 21, 1918

Topics include: superannuation for firemen; Tracey Liquor Investigation (two letters from the Social Service Council again requesting an investigation into the allegations of theft of liquor and drunkenness); and gratuities to Mrs. Lynch, daughter of John Spruin, who was killed on Dec. 6th.

February 25, 1918

Topics include: tenders for the construction of the Infectious Diseases Hospital from the Relief Commission; gratuities to widows of the firemen killed in the Explosion; explosion accounts of $16,347.98 to be charged to the Relief Commission; report from the City Health Board to the Relief Commission re: tenements on Lochman Street damaged by the Explosion; and military guards for the devastated area of the City.

February 25, 1918

Further consideration for the expenditure for the Infectious Disease Hospital.

February 26, 1918

Military guards for the devastated areas of the City.

February 28, 1918

Topics include: taxes on properties destroyed by the Explosion; a request to be made to the Board of School Commissioners re: appraisement of damage to school properties; appointment of appraisers to inspect City’s damaged properties; relief expenditures and loans from the Relief Commission; and the Infectious Diseases Hospital.

March 5, 1918

Topics include: report from Board of School Commissioners re: loan from the Relief Commission for repairs to the Richmond and Bloomfield Schools; fire prevention for emergency shelters on the Provincial Exhibition Grounds, the Common, the Citadel, and the tenements opposite the Halifax Hotel; and the Tracey Liquor Investigation (Feb. 28 letter from the Social Service Council again requesting an investigation).

March 7, 1918

Topics include: letter from the Relief Commission re: location of Isolation Hospital; fire protection for temporary shelters and the Theakson apartments; loan of $20,000 from the Relief Commission for the Fire Department for repairs and replacement equipment; Town Planning Scheme (refers to “Map No.1” of area included in Town Planning Scheme – deposited at City Engineer’s Office); selling of goods by the Relief Commission; and temporary fire station for temporary shelters in the North End.
102-2B.10.25 – Nova Scotia Town Planning Act, notice from Town Planning Board

March 12, 1918

Fire alarm boxes for fire protection of temporary dwellings on North Common.

March 14, 1918

Construction of the Isolation Hospital by the Relief Commission.

March 19, 1918

Topics include: expenses for Beatrice Harrington, a refugee at the time of the Explosion; taxes on properties destroyed by the Explosion; North End fire protection; loans to the City (Commission will not provide any more advances to the City); financing expenditures to civic property needing repairs; and updates to the Isolation Hospital.

March 21, 1918

Topics include: letter from the Relief Commission re: Explosion expenses; and loans for repairs to civic buildings.

March 26, 1918

Taxes on properties destroyed by the Explosion.

April 2, 1918

Bill No. 81 “An Act to Incorporate the Halifax Relief Commission” and objections by the Board and citizens to the bill.

April 4, 1918

Damage to the City Prison caused by the Explosion.

April 9, 1918

Topics include: request from Board of School Commissioners for a grant of $25,000.00 for emergency repairs to school buildings; repairs to the City Prison; construction on the Infectious Diseases Hospital; taxes and water rates on properties destroyed in the disaster; and the Halifax Relief Commission charter “Bill No.82 [sic] 'An Act to Incorporate the Halifax Relief Commission.'”

April 11, 1918

Repairs to City property and repairs to Stayner’s Wharf property.

April 18, 1918

Letter from the Board of School Commissioners re: appraisal of damage caused by the Explosion to Alexander McKay School.

April 23, 1918

Topics include: letter from Rhodes Curry Co, Ltd., re: payments for goods purchased; and funds for emergency relief efforts from the Relief Commission.

April 25, 1918

$20,000 loan to pay for repairs to damage caused by the Explosion.

April 29, 1918

Topics include: delaying the City’s Assessment Plan; and military patrol of the devastated area.

May 2, 1918

Topics include: military patrol of the devastated area; and loan for $10,000 from the Relief Commission.

May 6, 1918

Topics include: overdue accounts with Rhodes Curry Company Limited for Explosion related supplies; reducing the size of the Relief Advisory Committee to the Mayor, one controller, and two aldermen; communication between the Mayor and the Relief Commission.

May 7, 1918

Topics include: correspondence with the Relief Commission re: interest on loans and the use of motor trucks to assist in City clean up; and appointment of new Relief Advisory Committee.

May 14, 1918

Topics include: civic finances, including those relating to the Explosion; and smallpox outbreak among men involved in the reconstruction efforts.

May 16, 1918

Topics include: repairs to City buildings; request for Relief Commission to build addition to the hospital for smallpox patients; and repairs to the City Prison.

May 21, 1918

Topics include: repairs to City buildings; and the building of an addition to the hospital at Rockhead for smallpox patients.

May 23, 1918

Topics include: town planning for the devastated area of the City; and fire protection for temporary dwellings on the Exhibition grounds.

May 28, 1918

Topics include: replacement for fire hose lost in the Explosion; and fire protection for Exhibition ground temporary houses.

May 31, 1918

Special meeting with the Mayor Hawkins, Controllers Murphy, Hines and Finlay, F.S. Isard, representing Mr. Noroross and Mr. Wolvin, H.W. Johnston, F.H. Bell, P.J. MacManus, T.S. Rogers, representing the Relief Commission, and L. Fred Monaghan (City Clerk). Group discusses the proposal to build a steel shipyard on Campbell Rd., which is situated in the devastated part of the City.

June 18, 1918

Statement of Explosion accounts payable to the Relief Commission.

June 20, 1918

Explosion accounts.

June 25, 1918

Topics include: Explosion accounts, including emergency relief, payable to the Relief Commission; removal of garbage and ashes from the temporary dwellings on the Exhibition Ground, the South Common, and the Citadel; and vandalism in the devastated area.

June 28, 1918

Topics include: Explosion damages and accounts for the Academy, Acadian, Africville, Alexander McKay, Alexandra, Bloomfield, Chebucto, College Street, Industrial, Joseph Howe, LeMarchant, Manual Training, Morris St., Protestant Orphanage, Oxford, Quinpool Rd., Richmond, St. Joseph’s, St. Mary’s Boys’, St. Mary’s Girls’, St. Patrick’s Boys’, St. Patrick’s Girls’, St. Patrick’s Girls’ High, St. Patrick’s Home, and Tower Rd. schools, and two portable schools for the Exhibition Grounds.

July 2, 1918

Rental of the Market Building by the Relief Commission.

July 4, 1918

School building repairs to Joseph Howe School and the portable schools on Exhibition Grounds.

July 5, 1918

Repairs to City Hall.

July 11, 1918

Loan of $500,000 for Explosion expenditure loan from Relief Commission.

July 16, 1918

Topics include: taxation of properties in devastated area; Explosion accounts; and tenders for Explosion repairs to City buildings.

July 18, 1918

School building repairs and repairs to City buildings.

July 20, 1918

City Hall repairs and police court alterations.

July 23, 1918

Topics include: repairs to Oxford School; Explosion accounts; tax exemption; and replacement fire hose.

July 29, 1918

Topics include: City Hall repairs and alterations; repairs to school buildings; and town planning.
102-2B.10.28 – City Hall repairs and alterations, report from Asst. City Engineer.

July 30, 1918

Topics include: repairs to school buildings; and inspections of buildings in the devastated area.

August 1, 1918

Topics include: installation of a telephone on the Exhibition Grounds for fire protection of temporary dwellings; Explosion repairs to the police station; Explosion accounts; repairs to school buildings; evacuation of Oxford School, which was being used as an the Infectious Diseases Hospital, for fumigation and repairs; taxation of properties in the devastated area; and accommodation at Police Station, City Hall for naval patrols.

August 6, 1918

Topics include: thank-you from School Board for loan of $50,000 for repairs to school buildings; correspondence from City Health Board re: Isolation Hospital at Morris St.-Oxford School; account for furniture repairs for the Mayor’s Office damaged by the Explosion; repairs to City Hall; and disability allowance for William Wells, ex-engineer of the Motor Fire Engine “Patricia” who was injured in the Explosion.

August 8, 1918

Topics include: account for repairs to “Patricia,” the fire engine damaged in the Explosion; loans from the Relief Commission in connection with Explosion damage; and City Hall repairs, alterations, and furniture repair.

August 13, 1918

Topics include: painting of City Hall; request for revised estimate of the City’s losses related to the Explosion; and correspondence between the City and the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company.

August 20, 1918

Accounts with American LaFrance Fire Engine Company.

August 22, 1918

Repairs to the Isolation Hospital on Morris St.

August 26, 1918

Resolution from City Treasurer for loan of $500,000 from the Relief Commission.

September 3, 1918

Topics include: resignation of aldermen from City Council; repairs to Infectious Diseases Hospital at Rockhead; report on Isolation Hospital, Morris St.,

September 4, 1918

Topics include: City Hall repairs; and correspondence with Relief Commission re: loan of $25,000 and interest rates.

September 5, 1918

Security for loan from Relief Commission.

September 10, 1918

Topics include: application from Board of School Commissioners for loan of $50,000 from Relief Commission for repairs to schools; tax exemptions for devastated area; and correspondence on Isolation Hospital, Morris St.

September 12, 1918

Topics include: resignation of aldermen; and correspondence between the Board of Control, the City Health Board, and the Relief Commission re: Isolation Hospital, Morris St.

September 17, 1918

Topics include: painting of City Hall; Isolation Hospital, Morris St.; and Explosion accounts.

September 24, 1918

Tax exemptions for devastated areas.

September 27, 1918

Topics include: loss of taxes due to the Explosion; and repairs to City property.

October 1, 1918

Topics include: gratuities to dependents of firemen killed in the Explosion, including Mrs. Mary E. Condon (Edward), Mrs. Margaret Brunt (William), Mrs. Lottie Leahy (Frank), Mrs. Florence Duggan (John), Mrs. Jennie Maltus (Mickel), Mrs. Honora Hennessy (Walter), Mrs. Mary Killeen (Frank), Mrs. Elizabeth Broderick (William), and Mrs. Florence Lynch, Mrs. Albert H. Tracey, William J. Spruin and George Spruin (heirs of John Spruin); and problems with the water supply to relief houses on the Common.

October 2, 1918

Meeting between G. Fred Pearson, representing the Massachusetts Halifax Relief Commission, and the Board of Control to discuss expenditures to improve the public health conditions in Halifax.

October 8, 1918

Topics include: repairs and repainting expenses for City Hall; letter from G.F. Pearson, Chairman Massachusetts Halifax Relief Commission; account with American LaFrance Fire Engine Company for fire engine “Patricia,” and discussion of the Town Planning Act.

October 10, 1918

Topics include: rubbish deposited and left on streets by the Relief Commission; and discussion for arrangements relating to Massachusetts Governor McCall’s visit to Halifax.

October 15, 1918

Topics include: American LaFrance Fire Engine Co. accounts for fire engines “Patricia” and “Chebucto” and letter of donation to the firemen and their families who were killed or injured by the Explosion; and loans from the Relief Commission.

October 17, 1918

Topics include: Relief Commission loans for school building repairs and fire engines; and costs relating to City water services due to the Explosion.

October 18, 1918

Explosion – Loans from Relief Commission are discussed.

October 22, 1918

Topics include: repairs to Oxford School; painting City Hall; and taxes on damaged properties.

October 29, 1918

Topics include: a letter from Policeman David C. Wilson who was injured in the Explosion requesting relief help; and building plans and town planning with the Halifax Reconstruction Committee.

November 5, 1918

Repairs to City Hall.

November 8, 1918

Civic Address to Governor McCall of Massachusetts and Governor’s reply.

November 14, 1918

Repairs to school buildings and City buildings repairs.

November 19, 1918

Topics include: thanks from Governor McCall of Massachusetts; application from Fireman William Wells for relief; and repainting of fire stations.

November 21, 1918

Topics include: letter from William Wells, requesting the Board act on his behalf with the Relief Commission; and offer from C.A. Leverman to do the repairs to the furniture in the City Hall.

November 26, 1918

Street cleaning on Explosion debris and rubbish.

November 29, 1918

Water supplies for temporary dwellings on the Citadel and South Common.

December 3, 1918

Topics include: disbursement of gratuities to firemen and their dependents from the donation of $1,500 from the American LaFrance Fire Engine Co.; Town Planning Act; and correspondence between Mayor Hawkins and the Boston City Clerk re: Massachusetts-Halifax Relief Committee.

December 5, 1918

Rental of Market Building by Relief Commission and repainting fire stations.

December 10, 1918

Topics include: damages to City buildings including money spent on the City Market, the Smallpox Hospital, and the Isolation Hospital; and painting of the fire stations.

December 12, 1918

Topics include: water supply for temporary buildings on the South Common; town planning; loan of $132,665.90 from the Relief Commission; rental of Market Building by the Relief Commission; and repairs to school buildings.

December 17, 1918

Topics include: interest on loans from the Relief Commission; and the painting of West Street Engine House.

December 24, 1918

Topics include: account with Longard’s Limited for repairs to the heating apparatus in the City Market Building; and report from H.W. Johnston, Assistant City Engineer re: appraisal of damages to schools.

December 26, 1918

Topics include: interest on loans from the Relief Commission; rental of Market Building by the Relief Commission; and fire damage to the temporary houses on the western side of the Citadel.

December 30, 1918

Special meeting between the Board of Control and the Relief Commission re: interest on bonds and loans from the Commission.

January 14, 1919

Topics include: request for assessment of City property damaged by the Explosion and the riot of 1918 and repairs still needed; request from the Board of School Commissioners for $30,000 loan for Explosion related repairs; correspondence between the City Clerk and the Relief Commission, and a letter to the Acting Prime Minister, Sir Thomas White, re: reparation from the government for Explosion damage.

January 21, 1919

Topics include: loans from Relief Commission for repairs to schools and City property.

January 28, 1919

Letter from Thomas White, Acting Prime Minister, acknowledging City’s request for full reparation.

January 29, 1919

City Health Board accounts from July/August 1918 passed for payment by Relief Commission.

January 30, 1919

Topics include: Explosion refuse on Gottingen Street; request of Frank Hanrahan, Chief of Police, for pension for David C.L. Wilson, policeman who was injured in the Explosion and rendered unable to work; City Health Board accounts re: Relief Commission patients at the Smallpox Hospital.

February 4, 1919

Loan from Relief Commission of $33,300 for repairs to City property and schools.

February 6, 1919

Topics include: assessment of damage on City property caused by the Explosion and the Riot of May 25th 1918 from the City Engineer, discussion of dividing loan from Relief Commission to cover costs; sale of motor trucks by the Relief Commission; policeman David C. Wilson appears before the Board to discuss his injuries and request for pension.

February 11, 1919

Payment of accounts for repairs to schools.

February 12, 1919

Repairs to public schools.

February 13, 1919

Payment for accounts relating to repainting City Hall and school building repairs.

February 18, 1919

Topics include: public school repairs; and letter from Town Planning Board.

February 25, 1919

Topics include: a dangerous dilapidated building damaged by the Explosion on Islesville and Almon Streets; report regarding purchasing land on Robie, Bloomfield, and Agricola streets for the rebuilding of the Bloomfield Common School, which was destroyed in the Explosion.

March 4, 1919

Letter from the Department of Marine re: harbour regulations, which cover by-laws regarding the loading and handling of explosives in harbours.

March 11, 1919

Topics include: request for loan from Board of School Commissioners for repairs to school buildings; St. Joseph’s, Brunswick St., which were damaged in the Explosion; plans for Bloomfield Common School, St. Joseph’s School, and Richmond School, which were destroyed in the Explosion.

March 13, 1919

Letter from Board of School Commissioners regarding debentures from the City to purchase land for the Bloomfield Common School.

March 20, 1919

Topics include town planning; Bloomfield, Richmond, and St. Joseph’s Schools plans and loans.

March 25, 1919

Special meeting with the Board of Control and G. Fred Pearson of the Halifax-Massachusetts Relief Committee.

March 25, 1919

Topics include: plans for Bloomfield, St. Joseph’s, and Richmond schools and sum requested from the Relief Commission; lack of housing accommodation, to confer with Relief Commission; correspondence between Mayor and Chief Justice of Nova Scotia re: inquiry into Explosion; plans for St. Patrick’s Boys’ School; request to Premier of Nova Scotia re: loan from Relief Commission for $100,000.

March 25, 1919

Deficit of Provincial Exhibition as part of City’s claim against Explosion damages.

April 1, 1919

Dilapidated buildings on 7 Longard Rd. owned by Mr. Butler, and 5 Almon St. owned by Mrs Thomas Pearson and Mr. Case.

April 10, 1919

Topics include: repairs to schools and City property;, and letter from Relief Commission re: housing conditions.

April 15, 1919

Massachusetts-Halifax Relief Committee re: City Medical Officer.

April 17, 1919

Topics include: request from Board of School Commissioners for loan for repairs; issue of bonds for repairs to the Court House and Jail to repair Explosion damages.

May 8, 1919

Massachusetts-Halifax Relief Commission and the act of incorporation of the Massachusetts-Halifax Health Commission.

May 14, 1918

Special meeting with the Board of Control, Assistant Building Inspector W.R. Fegan, Relief Commission Chairman T.S. Rogers, Judge Wallace, and M. McF. Hall Manager of Housing Department of the Relief Commission to discuss the housing conditions in Halifax and the Mewburn Buildings, the military hutments on the North Common. Rogers disagrees that this is an issue for the consideration of the Relief Commission.

May 20, 1919

Letter from D.G. Stewart requesting payment on outstanding balance of $4,937.35 relating to Explosion related expenses.

May 31, 1919

Payment for Explosion repairs to City Hall’s roof.