Bedford, Nova Scotia, is a vibrant community nestled within the Halifax Regional Municipality in Canada. This article explores the rich history, geography, culture, and recreational activities that make Bedford a unique destination.
Bedford's history is steeped in indigenous heritage, with evidence of Indigenous peoples dating back thousands of years. The area, known as Kwipek to the Mi'kmaq First Nation, houses the Bedford Petroglyphs National Historic Site, a testament to its ancient roots.
The 18th century marked significant developments for Bedford. The British, led by Edward Cornwallis, began establishing settlements in 1749, including Bedford (Fort Sackville). The area around the fort was initially known as Sackville, but it was renamed Bedford in the mid-1850s.
Notable figures during this period include military officer George Scott, who received a large land grant in the Fort Sackville area in 1752. Scott's brother, Joseph, built the Scott Manor House in 1770, a landmark that still stands today.
The 19th century saw the establishment of the Acadian Paper Mill by Anthony Holland around 1819. The Moirs, Son and Co. also moved part of the Moirs Mill factory to Bedford when the railway was introduced.
Bedford was incorporated as a town on 1 July 1980, with Francene Cosman serving as its first Mayor. The second and final Mayor was Peter J. Kelly, who later served as Mayor of the Municipality of Halifax from 2000 to 2012. In 1996, Bedford became a community within the newly formed Halifax Regional Municipality. In 1997, Maclean's magazine rated Bedford as the "Best Community to Live in Canada."
In 2019, the Bedford South electoral district was created to reflect the community's growing population.
Bedford is approximately 18 km from Downtown Halifax and covers 3,979 hectares of land. It is surrounded by Lower Sackville to the north, Lakeview to the northeast, Burnside to the southeast, Prince's Lodge to the south, Kearney Lake to the southwest, Hammonds Plains to the west, and Lucasville to the northwest.
Bedford offers a variety of recreational activities. The Bedford Basin waterfront walkway, the outdoor pool at Lions Park, and numerous lakes for summer swimming are popular attractions. Bedford is also a well-established sailing community, home to the Bedford Basin Yacht Club and Marina.
Bedford Days, an annual event featuring a variety of activities, has been a tradition for over 30 years. The Light Up Bedford Parade, a Christmas celebration and fundraiser for the Turkey Club Society, is another cherished tradition.
Bedford offers various transportation options, including cycling paths, footpaths, and sidewalks. Despite traffic congestion during peak hours, Bedford's network of highways and roads facilitates movement within the community. Halifax Transit provides services to Bedford, with several routes connecting to places within and outside Halifax. Future transportation proposals include a fast ferry service and the re-introduction of Commuter (Light) Rail.
Bedford's public transit system is inclusive, with Accessible Low Floor (ALF) buses available for wheelchair users. The system also includes designated bike routes, MetroLink Service, and MetroX Service.
