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In 1996 the provincial government of Nova
Scotia amalgamated three cities, Halifax, Dartmouth
and Bedford, and the surrounding rural Halifax
County, into the Halifax Regional
Municipality. The HRM has a total of 188 communities,
many of them small and snuggled along the rugged
Atlantic seacoast.
Halifax, the old city (population 125,000), is
located on the Halifax Peninsula and on the Halifax Mainland
to the west and overlooks spectacular Halifax Harbor.
It was founded by the British as a naval base in 1749, and today it
is a lush and exciting destination with an historic
waterfront, fun rooftop restaurants, world-class art galleries and
coffee shops. Retirees should keep in mind that the old city
of Halifax is hilly and can be a strenuous walk from top to bottom.
The city is still an important naval port with ships
and submarines from across the globe coming and going throughout the
year. Downtown is full of historical landmarks and old-world,
European architecture, as well as a New England kind of charm.
Halifax is also home to the Symphony Nova Scotia,
the Nova Scotia Opera Society, The St. Cecilia Concert Series and
several universities, including Dalhousie University.
Small beaches, charming lighthouses and busy fishing villages dot
the craggy coast, and residents enjoy canoeing, kayaking and fishing
in the many coves and inlets throughout the region.
Within the old city of Halifax there are 7 senior
centers; two more are in neighboring towns.
Metro Transit operates a full bus and
ferry schedule within the HRM.
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