of Halifax, many people live in rural areas and work in the metro area.” This strategic positioning has made Truro increasingly attractive for residents and businesses looking for proximity to Halifax without the urban cost of living. The town boasts notable credentials as both a university town hosting Dalhousie University and a community college hub. Its manufacturing heritage continues today, with Stanfields—one of Canada’s oldest manufacturing plants—maintaining international recognition while operating from its Truro facility.The clothing manufacturer, established in 1856, has been producing its renowned thermal underwear and apparel in Truro for over 165 years, creating a significant industrial anchor for the community. “We’re growing at a rapid pace and it’s a town with a small-town feel, but we are looking to the future,” Mayor Hinton notes. This growth is evident in recent development statistics: approximately 1,800 residential units have received approval, with over 500 currently under construction, a significant increase from the development activity of a decade ago. Dolter points out this transformation: “I got here 10 years ago and there was a shift happening at that time, but certainly less construction taking place. We now have five or six major multi-unit buildings under construction, along with numerous new commercial developments.” DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION AND WALKABLE COMMUNITY At the heart of Truro’s development strategy is a vibrant downtown core, which is very walkable and well connected with recreational spaces. “We have an active downtown community,” Mayor Hinton says. “We have a beautiful, restored library, and as we approach our 150th anniversary of incorporation this year, this is a very exciting time. We’ve got major developments with housing happening, and for the first time we’ll have major multi-unit housing very close to and in the downtown area so people can live, work, and shop within walking distance.” Central to this transformation is the town’s civic square, which serves dual purposes throughout the year. “In the wintertime, people can skate on a ice 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 04 TOWN OF TRURO, NS
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