For almost two hundred years the community of New Minas played a relatively minor role in the history of Kings County, being dwarfed by the political and cultural importance of Kentville to the west of Wolfville to the east.
However, the years 1946 to 1967 saw a slow but steady growth in both, commercial and residential areas of the village. Car dealers, various commercial and light industrial enterprises requiring large space, found the land they needed and the location in New Minas to their liking.
New businesses created new jobs; which in turn generated a demand for more housing, bringing about a demand for service and the need for an administration.
A public meeting, followed by a plebiscite and an order-in-council saw the Village of New Minas incorporated on Sept. 1, 1968, under the administration of a village commission with three members, later increased to five.
The origin of the Village of New Minas and the much larger, former district "Minas" is wrapped in the colorful era of Acadian History. In 1604, Samuel de Champlain and DeMonte sailed into Minas Basin on an expedition from Port Royal. They found copper at Cape D'Ore and limestone and semi-precious stones along the shore. With intention to mine the minerals, the name "les mines" was given the area.
In search of new farmland, many Acadian families from Grand Pre moved up the Cornwallis River in the late 1600s to found New Minas. It became an important and prosperous community.
For a few years, after the expulsion of the Acadians by the British in 1755, the land lay dormant. However, in the 1760s the New England Planters and later the Loyalists revived the community but moved it southward to the military road which later became the Old Post Road, now Highway No. 1.
The availability of sanitary sewer service, plus fire protection by a volunteer fire department, together with other educational, recreational and cultural inducements promoted a growth in both commercial and residential development which continues to this day. (Excerpt from the History of New Minas, www.NewMinas.com)
This year we celebrate the 40 year anniversary of this Shopping Destination of the Annapolis Valley. No longer do we have to make the commute to the City of Halifax to do our shopping. And they are continuing to build stores. This month alone they are working on at least two well known building supplies/hardware stores. If you think you need to buy "something" chances are very good you will find it in New Minas.
New Minas is a wonderful place to live and boasts of many popular subdivisions. We have a very active recreation department , parks are just a short walk or drive away. Taking a hike down in the Ravine Park is like being in the middle of the country, off Jones Rd there are wonderful walking trails, as well, at the end of Cornwallis Avenue you can walk the meadows and trails to your hearts content.
We have a couple of popular exercise and yoga studios. After hours at the schools offer many recreation programs for the younger and the older folks.
I live in New Minas, tucked away on a quiet street. My neighbors tell me about visits from the deer in their back yards, my bird feeder has daily visits from the pheasants and the multitude of birds that will remind me of when those feeders are empty. And all the while we can walk to all the shopping and amenities one could ever want.
This Annapolis Valley Village is a spot that you will want to consider when you are planning your move to our area.
By: Linda Schofield, REALTOR®
www.lindaschofield.com