Dr. Martin Murphy House

Location

Halifax, NS

Why it matters

Built in 1860 on what was once farmland and now sits in central Halifax, the Dr. Martin Murphy House is the latest example of a heritage property whose future is in doubt due to mounting barriers to obtaining insurance.  

Originally a modest one-and-a-half-storey dwelling, the house took its name from Dr. Martin Murphy, a prominent city engineer who purchased the property in 1877. Between 1900 and 1917, the home was extensively transformed by Edward Maxwell, a Halifax-born contractor and mason. Maxwell added a second storey, bay windows, and a block of distinctive brick rowhouses.  

Today, the Dr. Martin Murphy House remains a defining feature of the neighbourhood streetscape. The current owner has carefully maintained the property, including the restoration of its original wood siding and the reconstruction of the front entrance in keeping with its historic character. 

Article continues below...

Why it's endangered

 Despite its architectural significance and careful upkeep, the Dr. Martin Murphy House has become part of a growing national issue: the increasing difficulty owners of designated heritage properties face in securing adequate insurance coverage. In 2023, the home’s insurance provider abruptly cancelled the policy with just 30 days’ notice. Multiple brokers were unable to find a replacement, citing the home’s age and its heritage designation.  

Better understanding and coordination between insurance companies, brokers and designating authorities is needed. A common assumption is that designation requires exact historical reconstruction in the event of damage or loss. In reality, heritage regulations vary widely across jurisdictions and often allow for flexibility in how properties are restored or rebuilt.  

Many owners of older and designated homes are unable to obtain standard insurance – a barrier that also prevents prospective buyers from securing a mortgage. Without a path to affordable insurance, the Dr. Martin Murphy House and many of Canada’s 1.5 million pre-1945 dwellings face an uncertain future.