Briefing on Dartmouth—Cole Harbour Electoral District

Summary: Dartmouth—Cole Harbour is an electoral district located in the eastern part of the Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia, Canada. The district is home to a variety of population centers, natural landmarks, and cultural institutions, and has a diverse economic landscape. The district has also faced a variety of unique issues and challenges in recent years, particularly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Population Centres: The Dartmouth—Cole Harbour electoral district includes several significant population centers. Dartmouth is the largest city in the district and is known for its vibrant waterfront, unique shops and boutiques, and bustling downtown core. Cole Harbour is a suburban community located just east of Dartmouth that is home to a number of parks and green spaces, as well as several schools and community centers. Other notable population centers in the district include Eastern Passage, a picturesque coastal community known for its lighthouse and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and Woodside, a historic community with a rich maritime heritage.

Issues and Events: In recent years, the Dartmouth—Cole Harbour electoral district has faced a number of unique challenges and issues. In 2019, the district experienced significant flooding due to heavy rainfall and melting snow. The flooding caused extensive damage to several neighborhoods, resulting in the closure of many local businesses and the displacement of many families. In response, local officials and community groups worked together to provide support to those affected and to develop long-term solutions to prevent future flooding. The district has also faced significant economic challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many businesses struggling to stay afloat due to reduced tourism and decreased consumer spending. In response, local officials and community groups have developed a variety of programs and initiatives designed to support local businesses and promote economic recovery.

Economy: The Dartmouth—Cole Harbour electoral district has a diverse and vibrant economy, with a variety of major employers and key industries. The district is home to several major healthcare organizations, including the Dartmouth General Hospital and the Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital, as well as a variety of other healthcare providers and support services. The district is also home to a number of major manufacturers and industrial companies, including Imperial Oil and Ocean Nutrition Canada. Another key industry in the district is tourism, with many local attractions and natural landmarks drawing visitors from around the world. One recent event that had a profound impact on the district's economy was the closure of the Dominion Steel and Coal Corporation (DOSCO) plant in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The closure resulted in the loss of hundreds of jobs and had ripple effects throughout the region.

Important Landmarks: The Dartmouth—Cole Harbour electoral district is home to a number of important natural landmarks and cultural institutions. One key natural attraction is the Shubenacadie Canal, a 114-kilometre long waterway that provides visitors with a unique glimpse into the region's rich maritime history. Other natural landmarks in the district include the Salt Marsh Trail, a picturesque hiking trail that winds along the coast of Cole Harbour, and the Shearwater Flyer Trail, a popular biking trail that connects several neighborhoods in the district. In terms of cultural institutions, the district is home to several museums, including the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum and the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia.

Arts and Culture: The Dartmouth—Cole Harbour electoral district has a rich and diverse cultural landscape, with many community events and cultural institutions. One major event is the Halifax Jazz Festival, which takes place each summer and features a variety of local and international musicians. Another major cultural institution is the Alderney Landing Theatre, which hosts a variety of performances and events throughout the year. Other notable community events in the district include the Dartmouth Natal Day Festival, a celebration of the region's history and culture that takes place each August, and the Eastern Shore Cold Waters Seafood Festival, a showcase of the region's rich seafood industry.

Electoral Issues: During the 2021 federal election, economic and social issues were major concerns for voters in the Dartmouth—Cole Harbour electoral district. Key issues included affordable housing, healthcare, and economic development, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community Organizations: The Dartmouth—Cole Harbour electoral district is home to many important social and economic community organizations. Five key organizations include the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, which provides healthy, affordable food to the community, the Cole Harbour Rural Heritage Society, which works to preserve the district's unique heritage and culture, and the Nova Scotia Health Authority, which provides a variety of healthcare services and support to those in need.

Multicultural Groups: The Dartmouth—Cole Harbour electoral district is a diverse and multicultural region, with significant populations of Indigenous peoples, Black, Latinx and Asian communities. One key organization representing the diverse cultural demographic segments in the district is the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting Black culture and history in the region. The Mi'kmaq Native Friendship Centre is another important organization, providing support and cultural programming to Indigenous residents in the district.

Overall, the Dartmouth—Cole Harbour electoral district is a diverse and dynamic region, with a variety of population centers, natural landmarks, and cultural institutions. Despite facing occasional challenges and issues, the district remains a vibrant and thriving community, with a strong sense of pride and resilience.