Africville deal nets millions

Church reconstruction, creation of new department planned

ryan taplin/for metro halifax

Brenda Steed-Ross, right, co-founder of the Africville Genealogy Society, is overcome with emotion as she listens to Mayor Peter Kelly's apology to the former residents of Africville and their descendants at the Community YMCA on Gottingen Street yesterday.

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Published: February 25, 2010 1:10 a.m.

Last modified: February 25, 2010 9:48 a.m.

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While the apology to former Africville residents may have been the main focus yesterday, Mayor Peter Kelly also revealed details of the deal struck between HRM and the Africville Genealogy Society.

HRM will contribute $3 million toward the reconstruction and operation of the Seaview United Baptist Church. The municipality will also give 2.5 acres of land at Seaview Park, the former location of Africville, for the project.

In addition, HRM will establish an African Nova Scotia Affairs function, with the intention of better serving the municipality’s African-Nova Scotian community. According to HRM officials, planning and consultations as to what that function will look like begin this year.

Phase 1 of the project will include the replica of the church, as well as exhibits in the church. Phase 2 is the construction of an interpretive centre for exhibits and educational activities.

“We know that there is nothing we can do or say that will undo the past,” Kelly said. “But the agreement we are announcing today begins a new chapter in the community of Africville.”

African-Nova Scotian Affairs Minister Percy Paris announced the provincial government will contribute $1.5 million over three years to the project.

“Far too many members of Nova Scotia’s youth only know Africville as a park to walk a dog,” said Paris, referring to the off-leash dog area at Seaview Park. “That will change.”

The provincial contribution will go toward the capital costs of the interpretive centre and the rebuilding of the church.

“This is the recognition of the rightful place of Africville in the history of this province and, of course, in the history of this city,” said Premier Darrell Dexter. “All Nova Scotians should be proud of being part of that.”

Defense Minister Peter MacKay announced Sunday the federal government will also contribute $250,000 to the project.

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