Port Hawkesbury is a municipality located on the southwestern end of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. Founded in 1789 as Ship Harbour, it was renamed in honour of Admiral Sir Edward Hawke and incorporated in 1889.

 

The Mi'kmaq nation has inhabited the area for thousands of years. European settlement began in the 17th century when the French established colonies on Île Royale (now Cape Breton Island). After coming under British control in 1763, the community grew as a shipbuilding center in the 19th century, constructing vessels for the timber export trade and fishing industry.

 

Today, Port Hawkesbury is a service center for western Cape Breton Island, with many residents working in nearby industrial parks. The Port of Port Hawkesbury is the second largest port in Canada in terms of annual tonnage, handling large volumes of crushed rock, gravel, and oil shipments. The town is also home to the Port Hawkesbury Paper Mill, a major producer of supercalendered paper.

 

Port Hawkesbury offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including parks, trails, sports fields, and the Strait Area Pool and Veterans Memorial Arena. The annual Granville Green concert series features live music performances on the town's outdoor stage. The waterfront boardwalk provides scenic views and accessibility features for visitors with disabilities.

 

The town's schools include Tamarac Education Centre (Grades primary-8), SAERC (Grades 9-12), and the Nova Scotia Community College Strait Area Campus. The Strait Area Campus offers a range of programs, including marine training at the Nautical Institute.

 

Port Hawkesbury is governed by a mayor and four councillors, and its day-to-day operations are managed by a Chief Administrative Officer. The town's slogan is "Opportunities Await."

 

History of Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada

Port Hawkesbury, located on the southwestern end of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, has a rich and varied history dating back thousands of years. Here is a detailed overview:

 

Early Settlement and European Colonization

• Paleo-Indian Settlement: The earliest evidence of human settlement in the region dates back to the end of the last ice age, around 13,500 years ago. This period saw the rapid settlement of the region by Paleo-Indians following the deglaciation of the area.
• Mi'kmaq Nation: The territory of Nova Scotia became part of the Mi'kmaq Nation, known as Mi'kma'ki, several thousand years ago. Mi'kma'ki includes what is now the Maritimes, parts of Maine, Newfoundland, and the Gaspé Peninsula.
• French Colonization: In 1605, French colonists established the first permanent European settlement in Canada at Port Royal, Acadia. The French established settlements on Île Royale (present-day Cape Breton Island) in 1629 and 1630, but these settlements did not last long.
• British Control: By 1763, most of Acadia, including Cape Breton Island, came under British control.

 

Founding and Early Development

• Ship Harbour: The town was originally known as Ship Harbour, named after the harbour upon which it is located.
• Renaming: In 1789, the town was renamed Port Hawkesbury in honour of Admiral Sir Edward Hawke, who commanded the ship that brought Governor Edward Cornwallis to Halifax.
• Incorporation: Port Hawkesbury was incorporated as a town on January 22, 1889.

 

Port Hawkesbury's history is marked by its early Mi'kmaq settlement, European colonization, and significant contributions to the maritime and industrial sectors of Nova Scotia.

 

Geography of Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada

Port Hawkesbury is a municipality located on the southwestern end of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. Some key facts about the geography of Port Hawkesbury:

 

Location

• Port Hawkesbury is situated on the north shore of the Strait of Canso, a major waterway that separates Cape Breton Island from mainland Nova Scotia.
• The town's coordinates are 45°36'55"N 61°21'51"W.
• Port Hawkesbury is within the historical county of Inverness but is not part of the Municipality of Inverness County.

 

Climate

• Port Hawkesbury has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb).
• The climate transitions from temperate to boreal/tundra, moving northward across Cape Breton Island.

 

Topography

• The town is situated at an elevation ranging from 0 meters at the waterfront to 54 meters at its highest point.
• The local terrain consists of glacial deposits and bedrock outcrops typical of Cape Breton Island's Canadian Shield geology.

 

Port Hawkesbury is a coastal municipality located on the Strait of Canso in southwestern Cape Breton Island. It has a cool continental climate and glaciated terrain. It serves as a regional service center for western Cape Breton.

 

Demographics of Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada

Port Hawkesbury is a municipality in western Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. According to the 2021 Census, the town has a population of 2,998, a slight decrease of 0.2% from 2016. The population density is 599.7 people per square kilometre.

 

The age distribution of Port Hawkesbury's population is as follows:

• 0-14 years: 13.0%
• 15-64 years: 62.6%
• 65 years and over: 24.5% 

 

Most of the population identifies as English-speaking, with 2,855 (97.4%) reporting English as their first official language. French is spoken by a small minority of 70 people (2.4%) .

 

There are 1,441 private dwellings, of which 1,335 (92.7%) are occupied by usual residents. The average number of rooms per dwelling is 6.

 

The median total income in 2020 was $42,040, while the median after-tax income was $35,520. The employment rate was 46.9%, and the unemployment rate was 18.4%.

 

Port Hawkesbury has a relatively stable but aging population. The majority are English-speaking and employed in the regional service and industrial sectors.

 

Economy of Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada

The economy of Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada, is centred around several key industries:

 

Port Hawkesbury Paper Mill

• Port Hawkesbury Paper (PHP) is the largest industrial employer in Cape Breton, with over 325 direct full-time jobs and nearly 700 additional indirect jobs.
• The paper mill generates over $170 million in annual operating expenditures in Nova Scotia, triggering an additional $132 million in economic output.
• PHP's payroll and operations contribute an estimated $27 million in annual tax revenues to the province.

 

Shipping and Transportation

• The Port of Port Hawkesbury is the second largest port in Canada by annual tonnage, handling large volumes of crushed rock, gravel, and oil shipments.
• Before the construction of the Canso Causeway in 1955, Port Hawkesbury served as the island terminus for rail and highway ferries to mainland Nova Scotia.

 

Other Industries

• The town has a history of shipbuilding, repair, and concrete production.
• The local economy is also supported by mixed farming, fishing, and summer tourism.
• The Strait Area region has development potential in manufacturing, technology, energy, and the oceans/marine sector.

 

Port Hawkesbury's economy heavily depends on the Port Hawkesbury Paper mill, a major employer and economic driver for the region. The town also benefits from its strategic transportation and shipping hub location.

 

Education in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada

The education system in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada, is primarily served by the following institutions:

 

Strait Regional Centre for Education (SRCE)

• The SRCE is the regional school board that oversees public education in the Strait region, including Port Hawkesbury.
• It operates several schools in the town, including Tamarac Education Centre (Grades primary-8) and the Strait Area Education-Recreation Centre (SAERC) (Grades 9-12) .

 

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Strait Area Campus

• The NSCC Strait Area Campus is located in Port Hawkesbury, offering a range of post-secondary programs.
• Key programs include marine training at the Nautical Institute and business, health, and technology programs.

 

Other Educational Facilities

• In addition to the SRCE schools and NSCC campus, Port Hawkesbury is home to the Strait Regional Science Fair and the Strait Regional Heritage Fair, providing educational opportunities for students.
• The town also has a public library and various community education and recreation programs.

 

The education system in Port Hawkesbury is centred around the public school system operated by the Strait Regional Centre for Education, as well as the post-secondary offerings at the NSCC Strait Area Campus. These institutions provide a range of educational pathways for students in the region.

 

Transport System in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada

Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, has a well-developed transportation system that includes the following key components:

 

Port and Shipping

• The Port of Port Hawkesbury is the second largest port in Canada by annual tonnage, handling large volumes of crushed rock, gravel, and oil shipments.
• Before the construction of the Canso Causeway in 1955, Port Hawkesbury served as the island terminus for rail and highway ferries to mainland Nova Scotia.

 

Public Transit

• The Strait Area Transit Co-operative Ltd. provides public transportation services in Port Hawkesbury and the surrounding region.
• Maritime Bus also operates an agency in Port Hawkesbury, offering intercity bus service to other parts of Nova Scotia.

 

Road Network

• Port Hawkesbury is connected to the rest of Nova Scotia via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 104) and other major provincial highways.
• The town's road network includes local streets and access to the nearby industrial parks.

 

Air Travel

• The closest airport to Port Hawkesbury is the Sydney Airport, located approximately 100 km away.
• The Strait Area Transit Co-operative Ltd. can provide transportation to Halifax Stanfield International Airport if needed.

 

Overall, Port Hawkesbury has a diverse and well-integrated transportation system that supports its role as a regional service and industrial center in western Cape Breton Island.

 

Living in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada

Here is a summary of key information about living in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada:

 

Location and Geography

• Port Hawkesbury is located on the southwestern end of Cape Breton Island, on the north shore of the Strait of Canso.
• The town has a total area of 8.10 square kilometres and an elevation ranging from 0 meters at the waterfront to 54 meters at its highest point.
• Port Hawkesbury has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb).

 

Demographics

• As of the 2021 census, Port Hawkesbury has a population of 3,210, with a population density of 396.3 people per square kilometre.
• The population has been relatively stable in recent decades, with a slight decline of 0.1% from 2016 to 2021.
• The majority of the population (97.4%) reports English as their first official language spoken.

 

Economy

• The town's economy is centred around the Port Hawkesbury Paper mill, which is the largest industrial employer in Cape Breton.
• Other key industries include shipping/transportation through the Port of Port Hawkesbury, mixed farming, fishing, and summer tourism.
• The median total income in 2020 was $42,040, while the median after-tax income was $35,520.

 

Education and Transportation

• The Strait Regional Centre for Education provides public education, operating schools like Tamarac Education Centre and SAERC.
• The Nova Scotia Community College Strait Area Campus also has a presence in Port Hawkesbury and offers programs like marine training.
• The town is well-connected by road, with access to the Trans-Canada Highway and public transit services.
• The Port of Port Hawkesbury is the second largest port in Canada by annual tonnage.

 

Port Hawkesbury is a stable, service-oriented community that serves as a regional hub for western Cape Breton Island. It has a diverse economy and transportation links.

 

Healthcare in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada

A few healthcare facilities serve the Port Hawkesbury area:

• Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home, a 66-bed long-term care facility 
• CBI Health - Port Hawkesbury, a healthcare clinic 

 

New Port Hawkesbury Collaborative Clinic

• The Government of Nova Scotia recently announced the opening a new collaborative healthcare clinic in Port Hawkesbury. 
• This new clinic aims to improve access to healthcare services for residents of Port Hawkesbury and the surrounding communities. 

 

Port Hawkesbury has some existing healthcare infrastructure, and the community appears to be working to enhance access and quality of care through new initiatives like the collaborative clinic.

 

Tourist Places in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada

Strait Area Trails

• The Strait Area Trails system offers a network of hiking and walking trails around Port Hawkesbury, providing scenic views of the Strait of Canso.

 

Body 'N' Soul+

• This wellness center offers spa services, yoga classes, and other health and fitness activities for visitors.

 

Point Tupper Heritage Museum

• The museum showcases the history and heritage of the Point Tupper area, located just outside of Port Hawkesbury.

 

Customs House

• This historic building, constructed in 1886, now houses a visitor information center and exhibits on the town's history.

 

Waterfront Boardwalk

• The town's waterfront boardwalk provides a scenic walking path along the Strait of Canso, with accessibility features for visitors with disabilities.

 

Granville Green Outdoor Concert Series

• During the summer, the town hosts the Granville Green concert series, featuring live music performances on an outdoor stage.

 

In addition to these specific attractions, Port Hawkesbury's location on the Strait of Canso and proximity to Cape Breton Island's natural beauty make it a popular base for visitors exploring the region's outdoor recreation and scenic landscapes.

 

Local Food of Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada

Fleur de-Lis Tea Room and Dining Room

• This local restaurant is known for serving homemade Cape Breton cuisine in a casual setting. 

 

Papa's Pub & Eatery

• This pub and eatery offers a menu of pub-style food. It provides good quality, fairly priced food in a casual atmosphere. 

 

Miller's Seafood and Chophouse

• Located within the Maritime Inn, Miller's is considered the "best" restaurant in Port Hawkesbury. Although its prices are higher, the menu offers affordable options. It is known for its Wednesday wing night specials and coconut cream pie. 

 

China King Buffet

• While not a local specialty, the China King buffet is mentioned as a "sleeper" option. It provides a good Chinese buffet with fresh and plentiful food. 

 

Local Cafes and Bakeries

• Other local dining options include the BaRyKin Cafe and Bakery, Bobs Waffle Shack, and Little Sombreros, all of which have received strong reviews. 

 

The search results suggest that Port Hawkesbury has a mix of local restaurants, pubs, and cafes that offer a variety of dining experiences, from homemade Cape Breton cuisine to pub fare and Chinese buffet. Several establishments are local favourites among residents and visitors.

 

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