District 12 has a population of approximately 25,205 residents and includes the suburban communities of Timberlea, Lakeside, and the historic community of Beechville (known as the B.L.T. communities), as well as parts of Clayton Park, Clayton Park West and Wedgewood. Residential areas include a range of housing options from high density apartment living to mature, quiet neighbourhoods and tree-lined streets bordering on wilderness areas.
The region was historically known for its thriving forest and lumbering industries. Until the early 1990s, the area was mostly a semi-rural community. Several large developments in the area, including Greenwood Heights, have substantially increased the population and is now mostly a suburban community.
The district has excellent recreational facilities and opportunities. The Mainland Common in Clayton Park West is home to year-round soccer facilities as well as the newer Off Leash Dog Park. The Halifax North West Trails Association stewards several popular AT and recreation trails including the 5 kilometre Mainland North Trail and Belchers Marsh Park.
The Canada Games Centre is a vibrant multi-sport community and recreation centre, and HRM’s premier fitness, aquatic, and recreational facility. The Centre runs sport and recreation programs, camps, fitness classes and many special events throughout the year.
Just steps from the Canada Games Centre residents will find the Keshen Goodman Library, which offers a wide range of services and excellent community programming for all ages.
The Beechville, Lakeside, Timberlea (BLT) Rails to Trails Association has converted 13 kilometres of old railway into well-maintained hiking/cycling/AT rail trail. The area also includes tennis and basketball courts, a baseball diamond, a skateboard facility and community garden.
The Bluff Trail, a 30 kilometre network of non-motorized wilderness trails offers some of the best opportunities for kayaking and canoeing in the region.
The district also boasts the unparalleled wilderness area of Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes, which offers pristine wilderness, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in all seasons of the year. District 12 is a true example of urban meeting nature.
The commercial hub of Bayer’s Lake Business Park links the community together with a diverse shipping district, and offers residents shopping opportunities ranging from big box stores to small independent retailers.
The Lacewood bus terminal was opened in the summer of 2015 and serves as a central hub for transportation in the Clayton Park area. The new terminal includes many pedestrian connections, 14 bus terminals, washrooms, accessibility features and a sheltered bike station. This transit expansion was an important part of servicing this growing community.