District 11 is made up of both suburban residential neighborhoods and small coastal towns and communities. It has a population of approximately 24,000 residents.
The most densely populated area of the district, the community of Spryfield, is located just a few kilometres from the Halifax city centre, and in close proximity to both tranquil natural environments and a busy business community. Spryfield and its surrounding area is home to several public schools and many recently upgraded parks, ball fields, and sports fields, making it an increasingly popular choice for young families.
The land now known as Spryfield was first occupied by the Mi’kmaq people, who hunted and fished in the area of what is now Long Lake Provincial Park. Today, the park is much loved by residents for its natural beauty, including stunning waterfalls, and walking/hiking trails. The heavily forested area also makes it an excellent location for berry-picking and bird watching. The district’s many lakes are used for both swimming and non-motorized boating in the summer months.
The Captain William Spry Community Centre, a vibrant community hub, contains a swimming pool, library, community meeting rooms, basketball and soccer field, basketball and tennis courts, skate park, and skating rink.
Spryfield is home to an active and growing business community, of which many are represented by the Spryfield and Area Business Commission. The community is also home to Chebucto Connections, a local non-profit organization that works with the community to organize programming, services, and research to help address the priorities and interest of the local community.
District 11 is also made up of many small coastal villages and communities including Portuguese Cove, Ketch Harbour, Sambro, East and West Pennant, Terrence Bay, Prospect, Shad Bay, and East and West Dover. These communities were traditionally thriving fishing villages and are rich in cultural heritage. Many communities have been recognized internationally for their arts and crafts, weaving, rug hooking, woodworking, folk artists, painting, and sculpture.
