District 16 is home to nearly 23,000 residents and is made up of well-established suburban neighborhoods lying on the northwestern end of the Bedford Basin.
Sawmilling was one of the area’s first industries and gave name to Paper Mill Lake, which was built in 1819, making it one of the oldest saw mills in Canada. Prior to amalgamation in 1996, Bedford was an independent town.
There are many recreational opportunities for residents to enjoy in Bedford. A popular boardwalk along much of the Bedford Basin waterfront begins at DeWolf Park and continues along the Bedford-Sackville Connector Greenway. The Greenway was opened in 2006 and features a tranquil, gravel pathway connecting the communities of Bedford and Sackville. It is a popular area for walkers of all ages, cyclists, dogs on leash, parents with strollers and seniors.
Lions Park includes an outdoor pool and splash pad, and in the summer there are many lakes suitable for swimming. Bedford is also home to six ice surfaces, and the BMO Centre. The BMO Centre features 4 NHL sized ice pads, change rooms, large multi-purpose room, and beach volleyball courts and is a much-loved community facility.
There are several grade schools in the district, making it an excellent location for families. Bedford Days is an annual summer festival that attracts over 20,000 people each year and features a variety of family-friendly activities and entertainment.
Bedford is also serviced by a growing and dynamic business community that is represented by the Bedford Business Association, as well as the Atlantic Acres and Bedford Industrial Parks. The community is very well-serviced by public transportation, as well as roads and highways, sidewalks and walking paths.