The Imperial Oil Building

At the corner of Duke and Upper Water Streets, the Imperial Oil Building records a twentieth-century chapter in Halifax’s waterfront commerce. Completed in 1926, the two-storey brick building provided office space for Imperial Oil Limited. The company’s name, carved above the central entrance, preserves its original identity.

The property’s history reaches further back. It was once the site of the Pontac Inn, a well-known gathering place frequented by prominent members of Halifax society during the city’s early years. The inn is believed to have been partly destroyed by fire in 1830, followed by rebuilding and later changes in use. Imperial Oil purchased the property in 1925, demolished the wooden building then standing there, and commissioned the brick offices that survive today.

The new building served as the company’s regional marketing offices. Its location connected Imperial Oil’s administrative work with a waterfront long associated with shipping and trade. The company remained here until 1954, after which the premises accommodated shipping firms and consulates. These successive occupants continued the building’s connection with businesses and organizations operating beyond Nova Scotia.

The building’s red brick exterior reflects the practical character of its original use as company offices. A granite foundation anchors the structure, while evenly arranged windows and projecting brick columns give the façade a balanced appearance. Pale stonework draws attention to the central doorway, and a decorative cornice runs along the roofline.

Above the entrance, the Imperial Oil name preserves the building’s original identity. It remains a visible reminder of the company’s presence on Halifax’s waterfront and the decades when these rooms housed its regional operations.