SACKVILLE FACTS & FIGURES 2022
PJILA’S WELCOME BIENVENUE Kwipew (Sackville) is located in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people.
SACKVILLE Sackville, nestled at the heart of one of Nova Scotia’s most rapidly growing areas, proudly showcases its remarkable progress. With an impressive growth rate of over 16% in the past five years, Sackville has claimed the coveted title of the fastest growing community in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). This community is highly regarded for its abundant access to nature and serene outdoor spaces, and strong sense of community. Additionally, Sackville boasts a vibrant main street, offering a comprehensive range of services, all conveniently located at the center of it all. Welcome to Sackville, our inviting and thriving home.
PLACE Sackville proper, encompasses the vibrant communities of Lower, Middle, and Upper Sackville, however, the Sackville business district serves a much larger community, including Bedford, Beaverbank, Waverley, and other surrounding areas. Nestled in the heart of Sackville’s downtown Business Improvement District (BID), Sackville Business Association (SBA) plays a central role. While the business district spans from Cobequid Road to Millwood Drive, the statistics shared in this document reflect Sackville and its surrounding areas, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
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BUSINESS The Sackville BID proudly hosts over 325 diverse businesses. Known for their commitment to service excellence, Sackville businesses shine with a remarkable range of focuses. From reputable family-owned establishments with long-standing legacies, to an impressive selection of services including auto repair, personal services, education, nonprofits, and beyond, Sackville truly has it all.
8%
Business Types within the Central Business District Food & Drink (20%) 20%
Retail (16%)
7%
Services (15%) Professional Services (6%) Automotive (14%)
9%
16%
11%
Health, Medical, and Wellness (11%) Hair and Esthetics (9%) Financial Services (7%)
14%
15%
Other (8%) Entertainment (3%) Education and Daycare (2%) Pets and Pet Care (2%) Nonprofit (1%)
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PEOPLE GROWTH As with much of HRM, Sackville is experiencing unprecedented growth, particularly with residential development. 13.69% of HRM’s population resides in Sackville!
Population Growth Census population 2006-2021. 70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
16.24% growth over five years!
20,000
10,000
0
2006
2011
2016
2021
AGE Sackville has 10% more family populations than the HRM average.
Population by Age 18.16%
Diversity within communities takes on various dimensions, including age, and Sackville stands as a community that embraces people of all generations. In comparison to HRM, Sackville exhibits a distinct characteristic with a significantly higher proportion of families, making up 87% of its population as opposed to HRM’s 77%. This notable demographic feature highlights Sackville’s appeal as a family-oriented community where individuals of all ages find their place.
14.23%
15%
14.39%
15.08%
12.07% 11.05%
AGE 0-14
15-24
Children
Youth
25-34
35-44
45-54
Adults
55-64
65+ Seniors
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FAMILIES
Family Size
In Sackville, families exhibit a resemblance to those found throughout HRM, with slightly under 50% of families consisting of two individuals. However, what sets Sackville apart is its notably higher average family size of 2.63, surpassing HRM’s average of 2.30. Moreover, approximately 63% of individuals above the age of 15 in Sackville are married or in a common law relationship, in contrast to HRM’s 56%.
4 person families 5 or more person families
6.35%
20.63% 49.43%
23.67%
2 person families
Sackville has an average family size of 2.63, surpassing HRM’s average of 2.30.
3 person families
INCOME Sackville hosts a greater proportion of Upper-Middle income households with almost 40% of families making between $100,000 and $200,000 before tax per year. Nearly 50% of households make over $100k per year before tax. The median household income is $104K vs $81K for all of HRM.
The median household income for Sackville is $104K vs $81K for all of HRM.
Household Income, Before Tax Lower income
$0 - $30K
Lower-middle income
$30K - $50K
Middle income
$50K - $100K
Upper-middle income
$100K - $200K
Upper income
$200K+ 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
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DIVERSITY Among Sackville’s immigrant community, nearly half hail from Asia. Sackville is a vibrant mix of cultural identities. Most Sackville residents identify themselves as having British and/or Irish cultural origins. However, of the minority communities the largest groups have South Asian, Chinese, or black ethnic backgrounds. Among Sackville’s immigrant community, nearly half hail from Asia, constituting the largest portion. European immigrants represent the second-largest segment, comprising slightly more than 30% of Sackville’s immigrant population.
Social Groups Black
20.10%
South Asian
20.10% 17.66%
Chinese
10.6%
Visible minority population
33.14%
9.92%
Arab
6.98%
Filipino
5.13%
Korean Latin American
3.11%
Southeast Asian
2.35% 1.43%
West Asian
0.17%
Japanese
Asia
8.39% Immigrant population
48.61%
Europe Americas
30.10% 12.77%
Africa
7.43% 0.50%
Oceania and other places of birth
3.92%
Indigenous population
50.64%
First Nations
43.86%
Mètis Multiple responses
2.97%
Inuk (Inuit)
2.54% 0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
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WORKFORCE
Occupation 25.50%
Sales and service occupations Business, finance, and administration occupations
18.74%
Trades, transport and equipment operators, and related occupations
16.43%
Education, law and social, and community and government services
8.42%
2.28%
Legislative and senior management occupations
1.45%
Natural resources, agriculture, and related production occupations
0.85% 2000
Occupations in art, culture, recreation, and sport
1000
2.45%
0
Occupations in manufacturing and utilities
7000
Health occupations
4000
9.59%
3000
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations
5000
14.24%
6000
Sackville boasts a workforce where the majority holds a postsecondary diploma or certificate, surpassing the HRM average with a rate of 32.31% compared to 28.97%. The distribution of occupations among workers in Sackville aligns closely with that of HRM and the province, while exhibiting a slightly higher percentage of individuals employed in skilled trades. This indicates a parallel profile in terms of occupational diversity, with Sackville showcasing its unique strength in skilled trade employment.
8000
The distribution of occupations among workers in Sackville aligns closely with that of HRM and the province, while exhibiting a slightly higher percentage of individuals employed in skilled trades.
Highest Level of Education Postsecondary certificate or diploma below bachelor level
32.31%
High (secondary) school diploma or equivalency certificate
26.82% 19.69%
Bachelor’s degree No certificate, diploma, or degree
13.08%
Master’s degree
5.42%
University certificate or diploma above bachelor level
1.80%
Earned doctorate
0.46%
Degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or optometry
0.42% 0
5000
10000
15000
20000
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TRANSPORTATION COMMUTING
Main Mode of Commute
The average travel time to and from work remains impressively under 25 minutes.
Car, truck or van | 91.13% Public transit | 3.78% Other method | 2.53%
Nestled in a central location, Sackville enjoys convenient access to major city centers and popular destinations, ensuring easy commutes for its residents. While Sackville primarily relies on automobiles for commuting, the average travel time to and from work remains impressively under 25 minutes.
Walk | 2.44% Bicycle | 0.07%
Commute Time
45.51%
15-29 minutes
25.11%
<15 minutes
22.48%
30-44 minutes
45-59 minutes
60+ minutes 0%
4.12%
2.83% 10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
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TRANSIT While most Sackville residents commute by car, the community is well served by public transit. Sackville hosts several bus routes, including most actively the #8, #87, and #83. Lower Sackville alone boasts nearly 50 bus stops.
PARKING The Sackville BID provides over 6,000 complimentary parking spaces, ensuring convenient access for customers.
ACCESS Sackville benefits from a convenient placement at the junction of Highways 101, 102, and 1, allowing effortless connectivity to Halifax, Dartmouth, and Bedford.
12 minutes from Halifax Stanfield International Airport
15 minutes from Halifax
10 minutes from Dartmouth
Sackville
Bedford
3 minutes from Bedford Halifax
Dartmouth
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DEVELOPMENT GROWTH
New Dwelling Units per Year, 2010-2022
As with much of HRM, Sackville is experiencing unprecedented growth, particularly with residential development. At the time of print, there are over 500 apartment units under construction or approved, indicating Sackville’s position as a flourishing hub of population with a promising outlook for continued expansion.
1200
1000 800 600 400
2010
2015
2020
HOUSING In comparison to the overall HRM, Sackville exhibits a significantly higher rate of homeownership (57% vs. 74%, respectively). Sackville residents are much more likely to reside in single-unit dwellings. On average, Sackville has seen the construction of over 500 new homes every year since 2012. The most notable years of growth were in 2016 as well as 2021.
75% own 25% rent
Source: CMHC
Dwelling Type 63.74%
Single-detached house Apartment in a building that has fewer than five storeys
8.94%
Semi-detached house
8.53%
Apartment in a building that has five or more stories
7.68% 5.84%
Movable dwelling Row house
2.83%
Apartment or flat in a duplex
2.42%
Other single-attached house 0.07% 0
300
600
900
1200
1500
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REAL ESTATE Average assessed land value in the central business district has steadily increased over the last five years, with a 23.69% increase in the average assessed value since 2019. The current median land value in the business district is $609,300. Source: PVSC
Median Assessed Land Value, Central Business District $609,300 $566,800 $492,600
2019
$519,900
2020
$546,200
Over the past 5 years, the median land assessed value has increased by 23.69%.
2021
2022
2023
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CULTURE & TOURISM EVENTS Throughout the year, Sackville proudly organizes numerous annual events catering to different interests. These include summertime music festivals, winter celebrations, and festive events, ensuring a year-round array of enjoyable experiences for individuals of all ages.
ART Sackville has recently embraced public art, introducing several unique murals. These captivating additions have transformed ordinary spaces, showcasing diverse themes from local history to nature. The murals spark curiosity, inspire conversations, and foster a sense of community. Sackville’s growing collection of public art enhances its visual appeal and establishes the town as a hub of creativity and cultural appreciation.
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PARKS & TRAILS Sackville is home to more than a dozen parks, two beaches, and more than 14 kilometers of trails that await exploration. Travel these picturesque pathways on foot or by bike, and be rewarded with great views and abundant plant and animal life thriving near the serene lakes. Sackville offers a truly remarkable opportunity to embrace nature’s beauty and revel in the wonders of the great outdoors all within the comfort of the local community.
BID BENEFITS Sackville Business Association (SBA), a non-profit organization, strives to enhance economic development in the region through various strategies. These include promoting the community through marketing efforts, supporting business development, advocating for local interests, fostering placemaking initiatives, and engaging with the community. Operating behind the scenes, SBA collaborates with diverse stakeholders to facilitate the growth and prosperity of businesses in Sackville. Simultaneously, it encourages a strong sense of community and fosters partnerships among local stakeholders.
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ABOUT THE PUBLISHER Sackville Business Association is a notfor-profit association that represents the interests of local businesses. Our membership is approximately 500 strong. Our mandate includes beautification, community events, marketing, training, networking, and advocacy.
RESEARCHED, WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY SBA Michelle Champniss, Executive Director Bill Gillis, Executive Coordinator Katie O’Brien, Director of Marketing Taylor Morrison, Marketing Coordinator
SOURCES Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation DatazONE by Property Valuation Services Corporation Sackville Business Association Parking Inventory Statistics Canada
PHOTOGRAPHY Sandra Conrad Terry Holland Sackville Business Association @sackvillebusiness @SackvilleBiz sackvillebusiness.com 14