Description of Historic Place

Rotary Memorial Park is a rectangular plot of land located in the center of Dalhousie, bounded by the Courthouse and Jail, and William, Court and Hall Streets. The Local Historic Place designation is for the grounds and associated structures.

Heritage Value

Rotary Memorial Park is designated a Local Historic Place because of its long tradition as the Town Square.

Rotary Memorial Park is recognized for being part of Dalhousie’s town history. The area occupied by Rotary Memorial Park was indicated on the 1831 Plan of Dalhousie by Deputy Charles Peters as "marketplace, jail and courthouse". A photograph circa 1900 shows the area as fenced and with a walkway down the middle. In 1978, the Town Square was rededicated as Rotary Memorial Park. The park has been used for many important local events, including remembrance ceremonies, political rallies, community celebrations and concerts. The many community functions of the park are reflected in its associated structures, including a cenotaph erected by the Royal Canadian Legion, a band stand and a playground. These structures are located within the well landscaped grounds of the park, which include footpaths, trees and flower beds.

Source: Restigouche Regional Museum, Dalhousie, Local Historic Places file: "Rotary Memorial Park".

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe Rotary Memorial Park include:
- continued use as Town Square since the founding of Dalhousie;
- site of Royal Canadian Legion stone cenotaph;
- continued use for important public functions;
- band stand;
- playground;
- footpaths;
- mature trees;
- flower beds.