Halifax has been the scene of many "firsts" in Canada. These eighteen acres, comprising one of Canada's most attractive Victorian public gardens, derived from an earlier site, part of the original Common, chosen for the Gardens in 1841, the year of incorporation as a city. It was the fashion of that time to be seen walking in the Gardens and enjoying the music supplied by military bands. About 1859, a further attraction was added: the first indoor skating rink in Canada was erected where the pavilion now stands.
A public lawn tennis court, again the first of its kind in Canada, was established in the Public Gardens, and the first of many public concerts was held, as they are still held today. Deer, which were then numerous, were relocated, and the handsome wrought iron gates at the main entrance, bearing Halifax's original coat of arms, were installed in 1890.
Trees are treasured in Halifax. The Public Gardens have been the supply source for many trees that now beautify public spaces in Halifax. Some trees planted by the earliest settlers are still thriving, to the city's joy.
The Halifax Foundation and the Halifax Regional Municipality Millenium Committee are pleased to present the "Markers of Distinction" program as a cooperative project to celebrate 250 years of Halifax-Dartmouth history, and the arrival
of a new millenium, in 1999-2000.
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