History of the Seaport
The Seaport at the Halifax Port Authority is entering a new phase of life, as the existing sheds and lands are redeveloped. The sheds that once stored products entering and exiting Canada will be converted into a variety of new uses. These sheds today are under utilized as the vast majority of cargo coming through Halifax is by container.
Extending from Piers 19 to 23 along the southern end of Halifax waterfront is home to the Halifax Seaport. In addition to the piers the Halifax Seaport also comprises of the Immigration Annex, Film & Media Centre, Halifax Port Authority Administration Building, Shed 20, Shed 21, Shed 22, and Shed 23. Renovation of these spaces is already underway and new tenants are quickly joining this vibrant community such as Garrison Brewery, NSCAD University, Cunard Centre and Pier 21 - Canada's Immigration Museum.
Immigration Annex
This steel frame and brick building, built in 1923 with a second story added in 1955 and was later remodeled in 1998 presently houses many artisans, offices and Garrison Brewery.
Film and Media Centre
This building constructed in the 1930's with an addition in 1988 was formerly a maintenance building for Via Rail. It has been recently renovated with tenants starting to move in including: William F. White, Breakhouse, Sim Video, RPM Productions and the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design.
Shed 20
This 57,417 square foot facility was constructed in 1929. This shed has been used over the years for events such as Word on the Street, DRUM!, and many others. This space also functions as a cruise passenger handling facility during the cruise season. This shed is still in its original form and pending renovations.
Shed 21
This facility constructed from 1917 to 1928 was where many new immigrants entered Canada for the very first time. Immigration offices and processing facilities on the second level of Shed 21 were occupied by the Department of Immigration and Colonization. During the Second World War it was used as a transfer terminal for military personnel. In March of 1928 the first vessel carrying newcomers to Canada arrived, the Holland America ship Nieuw Amsterdam, landed 51 immigrants in the brand new reception hall. The second floor of Shed 21 was the front door to Canada for more than a million immigrants over 40 years. As air travel continued to increase in popularity the amount of immigrants coming by ship decreased significantly, due to this trend in 1971 the Canadian Immigration Service closed its doors in Shed 21. In the 1980's growing interest around preserving this historic site where many new immigrants entered Canada resulted in the formation of the Pier 21 Society and culminated in the official opening of the present museum and interpretive centre on July 1, 1999. Pier 21 - Canada's Immigration Museum is currently undergoing renovations for expansion. Shed 21 is also home to NSCAD University's Port Campus and the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design's Mary Black Gallery.
Shed 22
This facility also constructed from 1917 to 1928, contains two floors, with 5,709 square feet belonging to the Halifax Port Authority. The northern half of Shed 22 has been converted in Pavilion 22, a dedicated cruise passenger handling terminal and shopping area. You will find a wide variety of retailers and artisans offerings only the best handcrafted products including jewelry, gifts, apparel, accessories and signature items. Development plans for the southern portion of Shed 22 and the second floor are currently being worked on.
Shed 23
Built in 1963 this steel frame building, was transformed into our home porting facility - the Cunard Centre. When not in use by cruise ships this facility can be used for special events such as dinners, weddings and trade shows.
