Explanation: The source material indicates that Halifax Harbour is situated on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, not the Pacific coast.

Explanation: The harbour's significant dimensions and its ice-free status contribute to its global recognition as a major natural harbour.

Explanation: The geological origin of Halifax Harbour is attributed to a glacial valley that was inundated by rising sea levels following the last glacial period.

Explanation: The Sackville River empties into Bedford Basin, which is part of Halifax Harbour. The Saint John River is located in New Brunswick.

Explanation: Halifax Harbour's location is strategically positioned near major transatlantic shipping routes, specifically the Great Circle Route between North America and Europe.

Explanation: Halifax Harbour is located on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, Canada.

Explanation: Halifax Harbour is globally recognized for its substantial size, depth, and status as an ice-free natural harbour.

Explanation: The harbour's formation is attributed to a glacial valley that became submerged due to post-glacial sea level rise.

Explanation: The Sackville River flows into Bedford Basin, a major component of Halifax Harbour.

Explanation: The harbour's strategic advantage lies in its proximity to the Great Circle Route, a primary transatlantic shipping lane.

Explanation: Bedford Basin is a large, sheltered bay. The Narrows is the narrow, constricted passage that connects Bedford Basin to the main harbour and the open sea. The Northwest Arm is a separate inlet.

Explanation: McNabs Island defines the northern limit of Halifax Harbour, not Georges Island.

Explanation: Georges Island is identified as the largest island situated completely within the harbour's boundaries.

Explanation: Georges Island's geological composition is described as a glacial drumlin, a feature formed by the action of glacial ice.

Explanation: Melville Island is connected to the mainland by road and is home to the Armdale Yacht Club, not the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron.

Explanation: While often mentioned in descriptions of the harbour area, Lawlor Island and Devils Island are officially located outside the defined navigational limits of Halifax Harbour.

Explanation: The official navigational limit is established by a line extending from Herring Cove to the northern end of McNabs Island, and then across the Eastern Passage.

Explanation: Sambro Island Lighthouse holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North America.

Explanation: Deep-draught vessels must use the main channel on the west side of McNabs Island. The Eastern Passage is primarily utilized by shallow-draught vessels.

Explanation: The Eastern Passage is designated for shallow-draught vessels, and its navigability is affected by ongoing silting.

Explanation: McNabs Island serves as the northern boundary marker for Halifax Harbour.

Explanation: Georges Island is identified as the largest island located completely within the defined boundaries of Halifax Harbour.

Explanation: Geologically, Georges Island is classified as a glacial drumlin, a landform shaped by glacial ice.

Explanation: Deadman's Island is recognized primarily as the historical burial site for prisoners of war captured during the War of 1812.

Explanation: Melville Island, accessible via a road connection, is the location of the Armdale Yacht Club.

Explanation: Lawlor Island and Devils Island are often discussed in relation to Halifax Harbour but lie outside its officially defined navigational boundaries.

Explanation: The official navigational limit is demarcated by a specific line connecting Herring Cove, the northern tip of McNabs Island, and the Eastern Passage.

Explanation: Sambro Island Lighthouse, situated at the harbour's approaches, holds the distinction of being the oldest operating lighthouse in North America.

Explanation: Deep-draught vessels are required to utilize the main channel located on the western side of McNabs Island for navigation.

Explanation: The Eastern Passage is predominantly navigated by shallow-draught vessels.

Explanation: The Halifax Explosion of 1917 was an accidental man-made event resulting from a collision between two ships, the SS Mont-Blanc and the SS Imo, not a seismic event.

Explanation: The Mi'kmaq name for Halifax Harbour was Kjipuktuk, which has been transliterated into English as Chebucto.

Explanation: Post-Confederation aspirations for Halifax included establishing its harbour as Canada's principal winter port and a vital hub for international trade.

Explanation: Halifax did not easily achieve its goal of becoming Canada's official winter port. Challenges included an indirect railway route and a lack of strong federal promotion, leading many exporters to utilize American ports.

Explanation: The Halifax Explosion, occurring on December 6, 1917, was the largest man-made accidental explosion in history and took place in Halifax Harbour.

Explanation: The Mi'kmaq First Nation historically referred to Halifax Harbour as Kjipuktuk.

Explanation: Following Canada's Confederation in 1867, there was a strong expectation that Halifax Harbour would function as Canada's primary winter port and a crucial gateway for trade.

Explanation: The establishment of Halifax as Canada's official winter port was hindered by an indirect railway route and insufficient federal government promotion, which led many exporters to favor American ports.

Explanation: Its position as the first inbound and last outbound port on the eastern seaboard, coupled with rail connectivity, makes Halifax Harbour vital for trade.

Explanation: Compulsory pilotage is required for large vessels navigating Halifax Harbour, necessitating the guidance of a qualified harbour pilot.

Explanation: The primary base for the Royal Canadian Navy's Maritime Forces Atlantic is located along the western side of The Narrows.

Explanation: Two suspension bridges, the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge and the A. Murray MacKay Bridge, cross The Narrows.

Explanation: The development of substantial docking facilities at Ocean Terminals began in the period immediately preceding World War I.

Explanation: The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) is a federally appointed agency, not a provincial one, responsible for the administration and operation of port properties.

Explanation: The Halifax Shipyard engages in both the construction and repair of vessels, not exclusively construction, and serves various maritime needs.

Explanation: Large vessels transiting Halifax Harbour are subject to compulsory pilotage, requiring the services of a certified harbour pilot.

Explanation: The principal base for the Royal Canadian Navy's Maritime Forces Atlantic is situated on the western side of The Narrows.

Explanation: There are two suspension bridges that span The Narrows: the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge and the A. Murray MacKay Bridge.

Explanation: The construction of extensive docking facilities at Ocean Terminals commenced in the period immediately preceding World War I.

Explanation: Port properties in Halifax Harbour are administered and operated by the Halifax Port Authority (HPA), which is a federal agency.

Explanation: The Halifax Grain Elevator is among the facilities operated by the Halifax Port Authority (HPA).

Explanation: Canadian National (CN) railway provides service to all Halifax Port Authority facilities, operating daily train services to major North American cities.

Explanation: For two centuries, the direct discharge of untreated sewage has been identified as the principal historical source of pollution within Halifax Harbour.

Explanation: Following the operation of two sewage treatment plants, water quality testing in July 2008 indicated that harbour waters were safe for swimming, permitting the reopening of municipal beaches.

Explanation: The direct discharge of raw sewage into the harbour has historically been the primary contributor to pollution.

Explanation: The Harbour Solutions project, launched in 2000, was a significant initiative focused on improving sewage treatment and disposal systems for the urban area.

Explanation: In July 2008, testing indicated that harbour waters were safe for swimming, which resulted in the reopening of municipal beaches after a prolonged closure.

Explanation: The shipyard tug Erg sank in Bedford Basin on July 6, 1943, following a collision, resulting in the tragic loss of 19 lives.

Explanation: The ferry Governor Cornwallis sank on December 22, 1944, due to a fire that broke out onboard.