Catholic church in Halifax ordered to immediately close over safety concerns
A prominent church in Halifax has been ordered to close until further notice due to safety concerns with its steeple.
On Wednesday, the city posted an Order to Comply on the Saint Patrick's Church building, located on Brunswick Street in Halifax. The first order requires the premises be vacated, while the second order calls for the installation of a safety fence to "protect the public along Brunswick Street immediately in front of the church."
In a release from the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth, spokesperson Aurea Sadi said Friday once work has been done to make the structure safe, the parish community will determine how to remove important and sacred objects and when the final mass will be celebrated at Saint Patrick’s.
Sadi said the loss of a historic place of worship that has played a significant role in the life of a parish community and the community at large is sad and is to be grieved.
A fence is seen out front of Saint Patrick's Church in Halifax. (James Morrison/CTV Atlantic)
A news release from the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia Thursday says it has learned that the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth has plans to demolish the church's steeple by the end of June.
The organization says as both a municipal and provincial registered heritage property, any substantial modifications to the church, including demolition, require permission from the Governor in Council.
Heritage Trust says to its knowledge, the archdiocese does not yet have permission.
The steeple of Saint Patrick's Church in Halifax is seen in this image. (James Morrison/CTV Atlantic)
A release from the archdiocese says they've been in the process of determining the removal of the steeple, as advised by a recent report from structural engineers.
The release also confirmed masses and activities at Saint Patrick's Church have ceased and the building is closed to the public.
In May, Archbishop Brian Joseph Dunn made the decision to close Saint Theresa's Church on North Street and Saint Patrick's Church on Brunswick Street following recommendations from the parish leadership of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, according to news release from Sadi on May 13.
At that time, Sadi said finances, attendance, pastoral capacity, proximity to other churches, as well as the structural concerns of the buildings were all factors that led to the recommendations to close.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Firefighters battle to control devastating Los Angeles wildfires as ferocious winds calm somewhat
A fast-moving fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday night, threatening one of Los Angeles' most iconic spots as firefighters battled to get under control three other major blazes that killed five people, put 130,000 people under evacuation orders and ravaged communities from the Pacific Coast to inland Pasadena.
Canada could impose tariffs on U.S. steel, orange juice in response to Trump threat
Canadian officials are narrowing a list of American products to target in the event the federal government must respond to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, CTV News has confirmed.
NEW
NEW Tipping guide to Canada: When, where and how much to tip for restaurants, taxis and more
CTVNews.ca has created an entirely unofficial guide to tipping in Canada to help visitors, newcomers and curious Canadians navigate the shifting social norms of when, where and how much to tip.
'On the front line': Quebec planes and B.C. helicopters battle L.A. wildfires
Water-bombing pilots and crews from Quebec and a British Columbia company have been grappling with high winds and heavy turbulence in the battle against massive Los Angeles wildfires, as Canadians with homes in the area are forced to flee fast-moving flames.
Canadians want Ottawa and provinces to team up against Trump tariff threats: Nanos survey
A majority of Canadians want Ottawa and the provinces to team up against U.S. tariff threats, according to a new survey by Nanos Research.
Convicted Jan. 6 rioter arrested as fugitive in Whistler, B.C.
An American citizen convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill who said he was seeking asylum in Canada has been arrested as a "fugitive from U.S. justice," according to authorities.
Can the U.S. really make Canada the 51st state?
Talk of Canada becoming the 51st American state has raised an existential question on this side of the border: Could it be done? Could the maple leaf make way to the stars and stripes? According to several experts, it may be possible, but not painless.
Overdose deaths in Ontario increasingly involve more than one drug, new report says
An increasing number of overdose deaths in Ontario involves the use of more than one drug, with the combination of opioids and stimulants proving to be especially dangerous, a new report says.
Attack on Chad's presidential palace leaves 19 dead
An attack on Chad's presidential palace left 18 assailants dead and six in custody, with one soldier killed and three wounded, state media reported Thursday.
Toronto
-
Toronto man says he had to replace 2024 electric truck battery after 3,000 kilometres
A Toronto man said he wanted to do his part for the environment and support his green energy related business by switching over to an all-electric pick-up truck.
-
Overdose deaths in Ontario increasingly involve more than one drug, new report says
An increasing number of overdose deaths in Ontario involves the use of more than one drug, with the combination of opioids and stimulants proving to be especially dangerous, a new report says.
-
Canadians want Ottawa and provinces to team up against Trump tariff threats: Nanos survey
A majority of Canadians want Ottawa and the provinces to team up against U.S. tariff threats, according to a new survey by Nanos Research.
Calgary
-
What could 'economic force' to merge countries look like for Canadian businesses?
Economists, business leaders and politicians are reacting to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's comments that he'd use 'economic force' to acquire Canada as the 51st state.
-
'True when I said it, true today': former Canadian PM Harper pushes back against Trump on social media
Former prime minister Stephen Harper doesn’t find U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s jibes about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state very amusing.
-
'Extremely triggering': Facebook drug ads cause concern for Calgarian in recovery
A Calgary man who struggled with addiction for more than two decades is questioning why his Facebook account has been showing advertisements for drugs.
Edmonton
-
'This isn't just my mom's story,' says daughter of woman allegedly killed by partner
Abigail Robson says she moved from Nova Scotia to Alberta as a young girl with her mother 10 years ago for a fresh start.
-
ATA warns standardized testing will cause 'stress and anxiety' for kindergarteners
Kindergarteners in the province will receive standardized testing for the first time this month, something the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) says will negatively impact both teachers and students.
-
'It's not substantial': ER doctor says new health-care leadership does nothing to solve current crisis in acute care
Alberta has named two temporary chief executive officers in the shifting acute health-care system, a move one Edmonton emergency medicine specialist says does little to address the current crisis in front-line medicine.
Montreal
-
Two Quebec planes and their crews helping fight devastating L.A. wildfires
A pair of Quebec water bombers and their crews are in California helping fight the massive wildfires tearing through the Los Angeles area
-
Montreal Victoire edge Toronto Sceptres 4-2 in first PWHL game in Vancouver
Marie-Philip Poulin scored twice as her Montreal Victoire downed the Toronto Sceptres 4-2 in the first Professional Women's Hockey League game in Vancouver.
-
Man dies after conflict degenerates in Longueuil
A man in his 50s is dead after a conflict degenerated into an assault in Longueuil on Montreal's South Shore.
Ottawa
-
Canada as the 51st State: Americans in Watertown, N.Y. react
Watertown, N.Y. is a border city where opinions on Canada potentially becoming the 51st U.S. state are as diverse as the people themselves. New Yorkers living in the city about an hour south of the border are weighing in on the idea, with many sharing mixed emotions.
-
Elgin Street restaurant closes after 18 years in Ottawa's Centretown neighbourhood
St. Louis Bar and Grill has closed its doors on Elgin Street in Ottawa's Centretown neighbourhood, after serving customers for 18 years.
-
Cold stretch of weather to continue through the weekend in Ottawa
The stretch of cold weather continues to grip Ottawa, with the double-digit low temperatures expected to continue through the weekend.
London
-
Bitter cold temperatures, chance of light flurries
Thursday morning is seeing bitter cold temperatures and a chance for light flurries throughout the day for the London region, according to CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison.
-
Career change: Dorchester, Ont. chiropractor signs professional soccer contract
Chiropractor Julia Benati is taking a leave from her clinic to pursue a professional contract after signing with the Ottawa Rapid FC franchise in the new Northern Super League (NSL).
-
Public input begins on the future of London's transportation network
Londoners are getting their say in how we’re all going to get around the city over the next 25 years.
Barrie
-
Over $65,000 in stolen goods seized during Alliston raid: OPP
Ontario Provincial Police executed a search warrant at a Boyne Street property in New Tecumseth, uncovering over $65,000 worth of allegedly stolen items, including a Kubota diesel side-by-side and various tools, dirt bikes, and equipment.
-
Alleged serial ticket scammer 'Todd the Fraud' seeks resolution in case
A Collingwood man nicknamed ‘Todd The Fraud’ by people who say they were defrauded by him in the sale of fake music concert and VIP NHL All-Star Game tickets in Toronto could soon be resolving his Barrie case.
-
Join in the evolution of transit in Innisfil
The Transit Master Plan and feedback from the community are on the schedules at three open houses in Innisfil.
Northern Ontario
-
One injured, Ontario Premier Doug Ford unharmed after Highway 401 collision
Ontario Premier Doug Ford was uninjured after an OPP vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on Highway 401 earlier today.
-
'True when I said it, true today': former Canadian PM Harper pushes back against Trump on social media
Former prime minister Stephen Harper doesn’t find U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s jibes about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state very amusing.
-
Northern Ont. First Nation imposes COVID-era restrictions
Fort Albany First Nation has closed schools and banned social gatherings to combat a recent outbreak of illness.
Kitchener
-
Canada could impose tariffs on U.S. steel, orange juice in response to Trump threat
Canadian officials are narrowing a list of American products to target in the event the federal government must respond to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, CTV News has confirmed.
-
City council to discuss next steps to finalize redevelopment of former Stratford factory
After sitting empty for 50 years, the City of Stratford is moving closer to redeveloping the former location of the Grand Trunk Railways shop.
-
Pedestrian dies after crash involving Guelph city bus
A pedestrian has died after a crash involving a city bus in Guelph.
Windsor
-
OPP Commissioner explains 'significant role' in new border measures
The Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police believes they can play a significant role in border security but said more resources will be needed for long-term sustainability.
-
Would updated MPAC assessments lead to skyrocketing property tax hikes?
Some residents may assume that a sharp rise in property values would lead to an equivalent increase in property taxes, but that's not the case. Here’s how it works.
-
One injured, Ontario Premier Doug Ford unharmed after Highway 401 collision
Ontario Premier Doug Ford was uninjured after an OPP vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on Highway 401 earlier today.
Winnipeg
-
Winnipeg hospital death to be investigated as critical incident
The recent death of a man waiting for care in a Winnipeg hospital’s emergency department is being investigated as a critical incident.
-
Protesters block heavy equipment from entering Lemay Forest; trees still being cut down
It's full-blown Lemayhem in St. Norbert. On Wednesday morning, protesters blocked the road to Lemay Forest in an effort to stop more tree cutting in the area.
-
Police chief’s remains believed to be found in fire aftermath
The remains of Manitoba First Nation Police Service’s (MFNPS) leader are believed to have been found following a fire at his home.
Regina
-
Saskatchewan RCMP head reflects on the complex challenges, successes of 2024
From the scourge of the addictions crisis to managing recruitment and enforcement in rural areas, the Saskatchewan RCMP had a busy 2024.
-
Regina murder suspect who appeared on national most wanted list arrested
The Regina Police Service (RPS) has arrested a suspect that appeared on Canada's Top 25 Most Wanted list – in relation to a homicide that occurred in May of 2024.
-
Saskatchewan town sees flurry of construction with $30K housing cheque program
An official with a town in southeastern Saskatchewan says its plan to offer $30,000 cheques to anyone building homes in the community is paying off.
Saskatoon
-
'You're killing them inside': Sask. hockey referee blows the whistle on verbal abuse of young officials
A Saskatchewan hockey referee is gaining widespread attention after posting a video on social media telling coaches and parents to “do better.”
-
Sask. man missing since Christmas found dead
A 50-year-old man from Prince Albert, reported missing on Christmas Eve, was found dead Wednesday.
-
Saskatoon residents oppose cell tower precedent
SaskTel is proposing a new cell tower placed on the corner of a Saskatoon park to improve coverage and network capacity, but nearby residents say it’s too close to their homes, and against City of Saskatoon policy.
Vancouver
-
Fewer paramedics on shift as BC Ambulance millions over budget
BC Emergency Health Services is cracking down on overtime in a cost-cutting measure, leaving more ambulances than usual unstaffed as front-line workers fear patients will face even longer delays.
-
B.C. Conservative leader alleges voting irregularities in critical Surrey-Guildford riding
John Rustad, the leader of the B.C. Conservative Party, says his party has uncovered what he calls voting irregularities in the critical Surrey-Guildford riding – where the margin of victory was just 22, and which gave the provincial New Democratic Party its majority.
-
Convicted Jan. 6 rioter arrested as fugitive in Whistler, B.C.
An American citizen convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill who said he was seeking asylum in Canada has been arrested as a "fugitive from U.S. justice," according to authorities.
Vancouver Island
-
Fewer paramedics on shift as BC Ambulance millions over budget
BC Emergency Health Services is cracking down on overtime in a cost-cutting measure, leaving more ambulances than usual unstaffed as front-line workers fear patients will face even longer delays.
-
B.C. Conservative leader alleges voting irregularities in critical Surrey-Guildford riding
John Rustad, the leader of the B.C. Conservative Party, says his party has uncovered what he calls voting irregularities in the critical Surrey-Guildford riding – where the margin of victory was just 22, and which gave the provincial New Democratic Party its majority.
-
Convicted Jan. 6 rioter arrested as fugitive in Whistler, B.C.
An American citizen convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill who said he was seeking asylum in Canada has been arrested as a "fugitive from U.S. justice," according to authorities.
Kelowna
-
1 hospitalized, residents displaced after Kelowna apartment fire
Firefighters knocked down a blaze on the third floor of a low-rise apartment building near downtown Kelowna Monday afternoon.
-
Lost skiers rescued off B.C. mountain
Search and rescue volunteers in B.C.’s Okanagan successfully reunited two skiers with their family Friday evening.
-
Charges laid after child porn investigation that 'spanned several different countries,' Kelowna RCMP say
Police in Kelowna say an international investigation has led to child pornography charges against a 46-year-old man.
