Stop HRM from destroying Queer history and futures

In November 2025, Halifax Regional Council voted to repurchase 1588 Barrington Street from Turret Arts Space Society, declare the property surplus, and initiate a disposal strategy for the property. The report by HRM Staff on which Council made its decision seriously misrepresents the competency and viability of the Turret Arts Space redevelopment plan. Council’s decision was met by community outrage, in particular, many in the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities are deeply alarmed at Council’s cavalier treatment of a site with profound historical meaning for Queer and Trans+ people, both locally and nationally.

It’s time for real community ownership of 1588 Barrington Street

Although HRM “sold” the building to Turret Arts Space in November 2018, the “strings attached” mean that HRM may, at its discretion, buy back the building for the original below market sale rate of one dollar. This means Turret and our anchor tenants futures are immediately at risk and we need support to convince HRM to not to repurchase 1588 Barrington Street, declare the building surplus, and dispose of it (likely resulting in a sale to the private developer).

Our goal: build enough community power to sway Council to stop repurchasing 1588 Barrington Street from Turret Arts Space.

📣📣 Every email sent, phone call made, and dollar pledged builds leverage to keep 1588 Barrington Street in community hands. The Turret is vital and HRM has proved they won’t protect it.