Downtown Dartmouth - Dartmouth North
Downtown Dartmouth and Dartmouth North runs from the Burnside Industrial Park to Portland/Pleasant intersections. Burnside Industrial Park is the largest industrial park east of Montreal. Dartmouth North was home to two large military base home sites, Shannon Park (which is now demolished) and Wallis Heights (now privately owned and rentals). This area of the city was primarily blue collar with homes built post war.
Portland St. closest to the ferry terminal area was the main shopping district of Dartmouth, now enjoying revitalization with condo developments and boutique shopping. Dartmouth's downtown core consists of vibrant residential neighborhoods and commercial and shopping areas. Located at the narrows, the MacDonald and MacKay bridges connect Dartmouth to Halifax over the water and the Dartmouth Ferry has been crossing the Halifax Harbour since 1752.
Founded in 1750, a year after Halifax, Dartmouth was a baby sister to Halifax with its own municipal government amalgamated into the Halifax Regional Municipality in 1996. Dartmouth is still an official geographic name that is used by all levels of government. The official place name did not change, due to the confusion with similar street names, land use planning set out by the former "City of Dartmouth," and significant public pressure.
Homes in downtown Dartmouth began in earnest as post war homes were needed for our returning soldiers after WW2. Unlike the communities to the west and east of Dartmouth there are no ‘subdivisions’ in downtown Dartmouth. Homes range from heritage homes around Ochterloney to family area blocks built up in the 1960’s and post war homes towards the north end.
One of the largest projects currently underway is the old Dartmouth Shipyards, which are finding new life as King's Wharf, a multi-million dollar mixed-use residential and commercial development.
ELEMENTARY
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John MacNeil Elementary: Grades PP – 6
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Harbour View Elementary: Grades PP – 6
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Bicentennial School: Grades PP – 9
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Hawthorn Elementary: Grades PP – 6
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Shannon Park Elementary: Grades PP – 6, including French Immersion
JUNIOR HIGH
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Bicentennial School: Grades PP – 9
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John Martin Junior High: Grades 7 – 9
HIGH SCHOOL
- Dartmouth High: Grades 9 – 12, including French Immersion
Dartmouth is full of picturesque public areas, including Sullivan’s Pond. The Ferry Terminal Park offers a panoramic view of the harbour and neighbouring city of Halifax. The Dartmouth Common is home to the only outdoor public pizza oven in HRM, a large community garden and urban orchard, and new skateboard park.
The events plaza at Alderney Landing hosts many events throughout the year including major outdoor concerts, festivals, and community events. Inside Alderney Landing residents find a bustling weekend farmer’s market, art gallery, and theatre. Alderney Gate houses a branch of the Halifax Public Libraries.
The Zatzman Sportsplex is an indoor sports and community centre that includes a new swimming pool and splash pad, double-court gymnasium, fitness centre, racquetball and squash courts.
