Summary:

Kings—Hants is a federal electoral district in Canada located in central Nova Scotia. The district is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is a mix of rural and urban settings, with Kentville and Wolfville being the largest population centres. The district is home to several key industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and health care. Some of its major landmarks include the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, Blomidon Provincial Park, and the Bay of Fundy. The district is culturally diverse, with significant cultural demographic segments such as the Acadian, African Nova Scotian and Mi'kmaq communities. During the 2021 federal election, the primary electoral issues in this district focused on economic growth, healthcare, and climate change.

Population centres:

Kings—Hants is a mixed urban-rural community with a population of approximately 97,000. The largest population centres are Kentville and Wolfville. Kentville is known as the "heart of the Annapolis Valley" due to its central location and serves as the administration hub for Kings County. Wolfville is known for its famous Acadia University and is a cultural and artistic hub with a thriving farmer's market, wineries, and breweries. Other significant population centres include Hantsport, Windsor, and Berwick.

Issues and events:

Between 2019 and 2022, Kings—Hants district saw a number of key news events and issues specifically local to the district. In 2019, the district underwent a boundary shift, resulting in changes to its electoral map. In 2020, Annapolis Valley farmers were impacted by a severe drought, which had a significant impact on crop yields. More recently, in 2022, the district's healthcare system was a key issue in the federal election, with several parties proposing different solutions to address the shortage of healthcare professionals and high wait times for medical procedures.

Economy:

The Kings—Hants district has a diverse economy with a mix of industries. Agriculture plays a significant role in the district's economy, with apple and grape orchards, vineyards and farmers markets prevalent in the region. Manufacturing is also a significant industry, with Michelin Tires and CKF Inc being major employers in the district. Health care is also a growing industry, with Valley Regional Hospital being a key economic driver in the area. In terms of recent impacts on the economy, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on local businesses and industries, leading to layoffs and business closures.

Important landmarks:

The Kings—Hants district has several important landmarks and attractions that draw visitors from around the world. The Grand-Pré National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrates the Acadian culture and history. The Blomidon Provincial Park, located near Canning, is a beautiful spot for hiking and birdwatching with stunning views of the Bay of Fundy. The Avon River Heritage Society Museum showcases the history of the Annapolis Valley through interactive exhibits, and preserves the town's landmark 1912 train station. The Wolfville Farmers’ Market is a Saturday tradition for many and for oenophiles, the Wolfville Magic Winery Bus provides an extensive tour of many local vineyards.

Arts and culture:

Kings—Hants is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. One of the key institutions in the district is the Acadia University, which hosts various cultural and artistic events throughout the year including the Acadia Performing Arts Series. The Ross Creek Centre for the Arts provides theatre, music and creative arts to the local community. The Deep Roots Music Festival is an annual event that celebrates the region's musical heritage with local and national talent. King's Theatre in Annapolis Royal showcases award-winning plays, music and films, while the CentreStage Theatre in Kentville provides year-round theatre productions. The Apple Blossom Festival in Kentville is the largest festival in the Annapolis Valley and brings together the community in a celebration of spring.

Electoral issues:

The 2021 federal election saw several key electoral issues in the Kings—Hants district, which included economic growth, healthcare, and climate change. Candidates running in this district placed a large emphasis on job creation and economic development, with promises to invest in infrastructure and support for local businesses. The healthcare sector also emerged as a top priority, with candidates from all parties pledging to address the shortage of healthcare professionals and long wait times for medical procedures. Climate change and environmental issues also emerged as hot topics, with candidates promising to address the issue through various green initiatives.

Community organizations:

Many community organizations play an important role in the Kings—Hants district, providing support and services to local residents. Five notable organizations include the Valley Community Learning Association, the Canadian Mental Health Association (Nova Scotia Division), Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre, Valley Care Pregnancy Centre, and the Chrysalis House Association. These organizations provide resources for literacy and training, mental health support, youth services, rehabilitation, as well as shelter and counseling for those experiencing domestic violence.

Multicultural groups:

Kings—Hants is a culturally diverse district with several significant cultural demographic segments such as the Acadian, African Nova Scotian and Mi'kmaq communities. The Acadian community has a rich history in the region and is celebrated through various festivals and events such as the Festival Acadien de Clare. The African Nova Scotian community has a strong presence in the district, and several organizations such as the African Nova Scotian Music Association provide support and resources for the community. The Mi'kmaq community also has a strong presence in the district, and the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq provides support and resources for the community.

Overall, Kings—Hants is a culturally rich and diverse district with a mix of rural and urban settings. Its economy is diverse with a mix of industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Important landmarks includes the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, Blomidon Provincial Park, and the Bay of Fundy. Arts and culture is vibrant and the district is known for its vibrant institutions of higher learning. Community organizations play an important role in providing support and services to local residents. The district is culturally diverse, with the Acadian, African Nova Scotian, and Mi'kmaq communities being the most significant. The 2021 federal election had a focus on local economic and healthcare issues.