Cathedral Declared Heritage Property

Premier John Hamm today declared St. Ninian's Cathedral a provincial heritage property.

The premier and Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, on behalf Rodney MacDonald, minister responsible for the Heritage Property Act, unveiled a heritage property plaque at a ceremony this afternoon, Aug. 30, in Antigonish.

"Declaring a heritage building shows the special value we place on the conservation of a property," said Premier Hamm. "Every community has, as part of its foundation, its strong spiritual faith. We see the evidence of this in the many churches that are landmarks in every corner of the province. Registering St. Ninian's as a provincial heritage property ensures not only the preservation of a building, but also the preservation of the history of Antigonish and the story of the Roman Catholic faith in Nova Scotia."

Built between 1866 and 1874, St. Ninian's Cathedral broke from the traditional style of small wooden churches in rural Nova Scotia in the 19th century. The cathedral exemplifies the Catholic church's preference for Romanesque and baroque designs. Much of the cathedral's fresco interior was completed between 1902 and 1903.

"It's hard to think of Antigonish without thinking of St. Ninian's," said Mr. MacIsaac. "Over 135 years since the cornerstone of the cathedral was first laid, St. Ninian's continues to be one of the most historic and notable structures in Antigonish and all Nova Scotia. I am delighted that as a government, we are able to work with the community to preserve this important piece of our heritage."

Since 1980, the Heritage Property Act has protected Nova Scotia properties of special value to present and future generations. No substantial alterations or demolitions are allowed without the approval of the provincial cabinet. There are more than 240 provincial heritage properties across the province.