In West End Halifax, amidst what was once boggy woodland and farmland, a seemingly unassuming property known as “Bluehill” held the promise of something greater—the city’s very first airport.
The journey towards establishing an airport in Halifax began as early as 1919 when discussions about the idea took flight. However, it would be nearly a decade before tangible progress was made. In the summer of 1928, the Halifax Board of Trade and the Aviation Committee of the Halifax City Council embarked on the search for a suitable location. Numerous proposals were put forth, including a controversial suggestion to flatten Citadel Hill. Eventually, the group unanimously agreed on the development of the “Bluehill” property, as it offered the most cost-effective option. Despite some skepticism and concerns about the project’s expense, construction commenced on May 20, 1930.
It took five months of meticulous construction before the first plane made its touchdown on the unfinished airport. On September 7, 1930, Major T. H. Tudhope, representing Ottawa’s Civil Aviation Department, landed his Stearman bi-plane at the site. Although work was still in progress, Major Tudhope expressed satisfaction with the progress made thus far. The Halifax Municipal Airport was completed in December of that year, with a total cost of approximately $225,000. By January 1931, after obtaining a temporary operations license from the Department of National Defence, the city sought proposals from groups interested in operating the facility. In March, an agreement was reached with the Halifax Aero Club, which would receive an annual sum of $3,000 to manage the airport. Captain Donald W. Saunders, a veteran of the Royal Flying Corps in World War I, was appointed as the site’s manager and flying instructor.
The grand opening of the Halifax Municipal Airport took place on August 28, 1931, at 4:30 p.m. The event featured a captivating aerial pageant with Siskin fighters from the Canadian Air Force, acrobatic displays, autogyro demonstrations, a parachute jump, and spectacular aerial fireworks. The Princess Louise Fusiliers band provided musical accompaniment, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. In promoting the event, The Chronicle Herald emphasized the strategic importance of Halifax’s position on the global air map.
The airport’s first passenger plane, the Fairchild 71 monoplane, made its inaugural flight. Introduced in 1928, the Fairchild 71 could reach a top speed of 138 mph (222 km/h) and accommodated six passengers alongside the pilot. It operated flights between Halifax and Saint John, with a round-trip fare of $20. Pan American Airways also offered daily flights from Halifax to Boston for $35 one way. The Halifax Aero Club and the Department of Defence joined forces in April 1939 to provide training for recruits of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The training program included blind flying, forced landings, and aerobatics. Over time, the Halifax Municipal Airport attracted notable figures such as helicopter pilot Igor Sikorsky and aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart.
During the Moose River mine disaster in 1936, when a gold mine collapsed, the airport played a pivotal role. Reporters from across Canada and the United States descended on Halifax, with planes landing at the airport day and night, despite the absence of runway lights. Captain Saunders ingeniously lined up cars along the landing strip, using their headlights to guide the planes safely to the ground.
With the onset of World War II in the 1940s, the airport’s license was terminated in 1941, and the land was leased to the federal government as an army camp. Barracks were erected on the airfield, and the site became a hub for training soldiers. Once the war concluded, the “Bluehill” area underwent a remarkable transformation.
Following World War II, the Canadian Army handed over the property to the City of Halifax. It was decided that the land would be developed into a residential subdivision, with priority given to those who had served in the war. Construction of the first house, Unit 302, commenced in March 1948. Streets within the neighborhood were named after servicemen from the army and air force, paying tribute to their contributions. Notable street names include Lieutenant Edward Arab, Gunner Lloyd Fox, and Corporal Ralph William Devlin.
In 1965, the city embarked on the creation of a park within the Westmount Subdivision, taking into account the area’s historical significance. The park was named Saunders Park, in honor of Captain Donald W. Saunders. A memorial, crafted from aluminum by Fairey Canada Ltd., was unveiled in close proximity to the original airport entrance.
The transformation of the “Bluehill” property from boggy woodland to Halifax Municipality’s first airport, and subsequently into a residential subdivision, holds a significant place in the city’s history. The development of this area reflects the dynamic evolution of Halifax and stands as a testament to the vision, progress, and resilience of the community.