Mission

​

The Farrell Benevolent Society (FBS) is a local community-based organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the community of Dartmouth North. 

​

By working together with residents, community groups, agencies, local business and stakeholders, the Farrell Benevolent Society will help create a safe, healthy, and prosperous community. 

 

It achieves its mission by:

​

• Providing a community hall which is accessible to all our community;

• Increasing the capacity of community residents, groups, and organizations to help themselves and/or support each other;

• Encouraging community involvement in the governance and general work of FBS;

• Facilitating supportive interactions between local community residents, groups and organizations to share experiences, knowledge and resources to create a better community; 

• Providing a voice to the experience and challenges of residents of our community; and,

• Providing a “last resort” support system for persons in crisis.

 

History

​

The Farrell Benevolent Society (FBS) was formed in 1960 when the local Home and School Association offered to transfer the deed for the property at the corner of Windmill and Albro Lake Roads over to the community of North Dartmouth. 

​

The lot had been the site of the Tufts Cove Elementary School for the children of North Dartmouth. The school had been destroyed in the 1917 Halifax Explosion (see photo) and then rebuilt. It continued in operation until the brand new Harbour View School was opened nearby.  

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

Rather than sell the property to a private or commercial interest, the local Home and School Association chose to retain it as a community asset. They raised funds to begin construction of a community hall in 1959. The next year, they transferred the deed to the Farrell Benevolent Society which had been specially formed to hold the property in trust and manage the new hall.

​

Sixty-five years later, FBS holds firm to our historic commitment to ensure that the property is supportive of our community.  Since our founding, the Hall has hosted thousands of community events, including the highlight of North Dartmouth’s social calendar for decades - Farrell Hall’s Christmas Social.

​

Today, in addition to bi-weekly BINGOs, the Hall serves as a community 

space used by Neighbourhood Watch and different groups. The Hall also proudly hosts the renown Tribal Boxing Club.

​

 

Mandate Moving Forward

​

Facing  financial challenges,  FBS began exploring possible futures,in March 2020. With the support of a volunteer consultant, Robert Chisholm, the Board of Directors questioned how FBS could  continue its benevolence mission for the community, including what could be done with its property. Through this process, the Board decided to explore the possibility of redeveloping the property for affordable housing. With additional support from Between the Bridges  and a community-minded architect, FBS began taking steps towards this vision.

 

The board held two significant AGMs where community members approved the following motions: 

 

1. March 19, 2021: “The Board of Directors does research, and has conversations and meetings about redeveloping the property at 276 Windmill Road for the positive social impact in Dartmouth North, including affordable housing.”

 

1. June 28, 2022: “Farrell Benevolent Society take the necessary next steps to redevelop the property located at 275 Windmill Road for positive social impact in Dartmouth North including Affordable Housing.”

 

The Board of Directors has been making progress in the early stages of capital pre planning and development processes to bring this vision to life. 

 

Integral to the success to date has been the collaborative partnership with the Public Good Society of Dartmouth. Together, they have acquired funding for the capital predevelopment, planning and capacity building for FBS with the Public Good Society acting as a fiscal agent.