About Dartmouth
Dartmouth is a built-up community located on the eastern shore of Halifax Harbour in Nova Scotia, Canada. It is part of the Halifax Regional Municipality and had a population of 72,139 as of 2021.
Dartmouth was founded in 1750 and originally developed as an agricultural community supplying farm produce to nearby Halifax. Its growth was slow initially, but diversification began in the 19th century with the construction of the Shubenacadie Canal system and the establishment of some light industry like a sugar refinery (1883) and an oil refinery (1916).
Rapid development in Dartmouth did not occur until after World War II. The completion of the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge in 1955, connecting it to Halifax, facilitated access and led to a housing boom and industrial expansion. A second bridge, the A. Murray MacKay Bridge, opened in 1970.
Since the 1970s, Dartmouth has become the light industrial and commercial center of the Maritimes. The Burnside Business Park, opened in 1968, is the largest industrial park in Atlantic Canada catering to sales, service, warehousing and distribution industries. Other major economic drivers include the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, a renowned research facility, and a revitalized downtown core with corporate offices, retail and residential developments.
Dartmouth’s economy is now economically diverse with the Burnside Business Park, Dartmouth Crossing retail power center, and many other businesses spread across the community. Excellent transportation links via air, rail, road and sea have aided its growth as an economic hub for the region.
20th Century Expansion
Rapid development occurred after WWII, spurred by the opening of the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge in 1955 and A. Murray MacKay Bridge in 1970 connecting Dartmouth to Halifax.
This led to a housing boom, industrial expansion like the Burnside Business Park (1968), and growth as a commercial hub for the Maritimes.
In 1961 Dartmouth amalgamated with neighboring villages to become the City of Dartmouth.
In 1996, Dartmouth and other municipal units merged to form the Halifax Regional Municipality, though Dartmouth retained its name and identity.

