West Hants Regional Municipality is a mix of 52 rural and urban communities. It is the first region to welcome you as you arrive in the Annapolis Valley from Halifax. With more than 1,250 square kms, there is something in every nook and cranny to inspire you to explore more and linger longer. West Hants borders on Kings County to the northwest and Halifax County to the south.
West Hants is the youngest municipality in Nova Scotia after the former Town of Windsor and surrounding rural areas consolidated in 2020. With a renewed energy and vibrance, it is easy to understand why West Hants has become a destination for those seeking peaceful semi-rural living and the convenience of commuting to either Halifax, Annapolis Valley, or South Shore.
As part of its services, the Municipality provides information on programs and activities; recreation sites, parks and open spaces; and attractions and experiences in West Hants. The Community Development Department provides programs, services and facilities that enhance the health and quality of life for residents and visitors. It also provides community economic development.
Communities
The mainly rural West Hants Regional Municipality is dotted with small, liveable communities. The two largest growth centres are Hantsport and Windsor
Hantsport |
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Hantsport, a family-friendly community with a population of about 1,600, was a shipbuilding centre in the 1800s. Today, the largest employer in Hantsport is CKF Inc., which produces Royal Chinet paper plates and other molded pulp products. The Hantsport Memorial Community Centre provides facilities for recreational, cultural, athletic and educational activities. Hantsport is also home to a popular music festival in July. |
Windsor |
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Windsor is the largest community in West Hants, with a population of about 3,700. Halifax Stanfield International Airport is only 40 minutes away. Windsor lays claim to being the birthplace of hockey in Canada. It is also home to the world's largest pumpkins! The major new West Hants Sports Complex offers year-round activities. The Hants County Exhibition, dating from 1765, is the oldest continuously run agricultural fair in North America. The Windsor Township is a very active business association of the downtown merchants, which is breathing energy and vibrancy into Windsor's downtown (check out the growing number of murals!). Windsor's handy location, many attractions, rich history, and active recreation scene make it a good place to live! |
Other growing communities include:
Hants Shore
Referred to as the ‘Hants Shore’ this area of West Hants runs along highway 215 and includes communities such as Centre Burlington, Summerville, Kempt Shore, Cheverie, and more! With a shore line that shows off stunning views of the Minas Basin, this branch of the Bay of Fundy is known for its fishing, high tides, beach combing, and agricultural land. When you are in the area, check out the Cheverie Salt March Trail and the Kempt Quarry (a popular swimming spot)
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is home to the West Hants Middle School, Brooklyn District Elementary School, Brooklyn Fire Department & Volunteer Auxillary, and GFL Newport & District Arena. With nearby trails and parks, Brooklyn makes a great location to live rurally while enjoying all the best of West Hants as its just 10 minutes from Windsor.
Vaughan
Vaughan is the ‘cottage country’ of West Hants with popular lake living on Falls Lake, Mockingee Lake, Armstrong Lake, Zwicker Lake and more. Within a 20 minute drive to Windsor or 30 min drive to Chester, this area is both peaceful and convenient! So whether you are looking for a place to explore, are seeking space to relax, are craving reconnection, or simply want to experience an ah-moment, consider Vaughan!
Three Mile Plains
Three Mile Plains is a growth centre of West Hants as it is located moments away from Windsor and Highway 101. Just 5 minutes from Windsor, 20 minutes from Sackville, and 30 minutes from Kentville, this community is convenient but also close to year round rural recreation opportunities such as kayaking, hiking, fishing, and skiing,
Falmouth
Falmouth is a growing community which allows for a wonderful lifestyle balance of work, play and active living! While conveniently located along Highway 101, Falmouth is a community with parks, trails, and active opportunities available year-round”.
Avondale
Avondale is a unique and picturesque community along the Avon River, with a rich history of shipbuilding! A vibrant arts scene can be found at the Avon River Heritage Society Museum, which also hosts many community events and gathering. The Newport Landing Waterfront Park is the arguably the best view of the Avon River and the best sunsets in West Hants, with its boardwalk into the river bank.
