Hello friends and supporters - I'm writing with a heavy heart to say that today at 8:00 a.m. Dalhousie University began its destruction of 1245 Edward Street. A property that lasted 125 years, survived the Halifax Explosion, was a beloved family home and a gracious, stately house with a lot of history is being torn down by the wrecker's ball. This is a scandalous shame, and something Dal will wear forever. Neighbours are hurt and angry that they have steadfastly refused to meet with us, or even talk to us and 100% ignored our efforts to save this beautiful home.

As the city puts down pristine new sidewalks in front of the house (for who? the parking lot?), in the back, windows were shattered and the contents being thrown out as I write you all. The smell of shattered wood, glass and probably unsafe substances found in old homes is wafting through our windows. Dal says it's "removing shingles" today which contain asbestos. In reality, the workers, who are unmasked and without eye protection, are smashing the contents of the house to smithereens. Who knows what they are we are breathing from the demolition? Department of Labour has been called, media have been alerted, we've taken photos and videos documenting the loss. 

I want to thank you all for taking the time to sign this petition (over 5,800 of you!) and for your thoughtful comments. Please know that the petition was passed along to HRM's Heritage Advisory Committee, who talked about 1245 Edward Street at their June meeting.  Staff's report and recommendations were to come to the next meeting, in just two weeks. But Dal couldn't wait for that.

Please feel free to express your outrage directly to President Saini or any other of the senior administration at a university that says it's about "collaboration, communication and sustainability." I say, shame on you, Dalhousie.