1819 – Province House, Halifax, Nova Scotia
One of the smallest provincial legislative buildings in Canada but also the oldest, Province House is a notable example of Palladianism in Canada. Constructed in local sandstone, the building is symmetrical with a central pediment and engaged columns, and two shallow projecting ends with pilasters and also pedimented.
Local painter and glazer John Merrick has been widely credited with the design but it was mason/master builder Richard Scott who interpreted Merrick’s drawings, leading the team of carpenters, masons, and labourers for eight years.
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Published May 6, 2026
