Grand Parade, Halifax

The Grand Parade is a military parade square that dates to 1749. The first contingent of British settlers in Halifax arrived in June 1749. Charles Morris, the Chief Surveyor, worked on the town layout which comprised an urban grid made up of oblong, rectangular city blocks with the Grand Parade at the center of the town.

The plan stipulated a church at southern end of the square, and a courthouse and prison at the northern end. The St. Paul's Church opened in 1749. It was the first Protestant Church in Canada and is also the oldest building in Halifax. However, the north end remained vacant.

The parade is comprised of green space, statues and a memorial arch in honor of peace officers who fell in the line of duty. The Cenotaph is a sculpture located in the midst of the parade that gives honor to those who died in World War I.

Today the square is used for public events, concerts and special celebrations. Visitors can find a calendar of upcoming events at the City of Halifax website.