Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) is adding a special Halifax Explosion light show to their DELIGHTFUL DOWNTOWN at Grafton Park December schedule. Starting at sunset tomorrow, December 6, a light show paying homage to Dr. Clement Ligoure, an unsung hero from that day, will be projected on the façade of the former Halifax Memorial Library (Grafton Park, corner of Spring Garden Road and Grafton Street).
Tuesday, December 6, marks the 106th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion–an explosion that devastated the north end of Halifax, killing close to 2,000 people, wounding 9,000 and destroying the city’s industrial centre. Even though this event was a massive tragedy, heroes did emerge, heroes like Trinidad-born Dr. Clement Ligoure, who treated patients for free in his private North Street clinic, the Amanda Private Hospital.
“Our light shows are often for entertainment purposes, but when we can, we like using the platform to acknowledge and honour Halifax’s history,” says Jonathan Goldson, DHBC’s Placemaking Manager. “Last year was the 105th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion, so we produced a light show celebrating Vince Coleman. It went over so well, we wanted to continue honouring local heroes who stepped up during the crisis.”
As with all DHBC’s DELIGHTFUL DOWNTOWN at Grafton Park light shows, a placemaking action team works with Nick Iwaskow of Wasko AV to create the story. This year’s team for the Halifax Explosion light show consisted of DHBC staff, and Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21’s Curator, Dan Conlin.
“This light show is a fitting tribute to Dr. Clement Ligoure’s heroic work, a story that more Haligonians should know, and an inspiring example of the contributions of immigrants to our community, in good times and bad,” says Conlin.
Watch DHBC’s “Halifax Explosion” light show, December 6 – 10, from sunset – 11:00 p.m. each night. For the full DELIGHTFUL DOWNTOWN at Grafton Park light show schedule go to: downtownhalifax.ca/delightful