Port Maitland, Nova Scotia

Port Maitland (population: 503) is a small community in Yarmouth County Nova Scotia, Canada. It is near the town of Yarmouth, and very near to the community of Beaver River. Salmon River also very nearby, lies within Digby County. The community covers 81.46 km² with a population of 754 people in 391 dwellings and is in the federal electoral riding of West Nova.

History

Port Maitland, like Beaver River, was heavily influenced by the Henry Alline's new light Baptist movement of the late 18th century. Both Port Maitland and Beaver River tend to be Baptist in confession and English in ethnic origin. The community is, however, only a short distance away from the primarily Acadian-French speaking, Catholic municipality of Clare in Digby County, as well as from such historically black communities as Hectanooga.

Present Day

Nearby Beaver River has Canada's oldest active temperance hall, although local tradition suggests that, during Prohibition in Canada, the basement of the temperance hall was used to hide the local still. In the past, the community depended on ship-building, fishing, and farming. Many would live in-land in the various wooded lakes during winter to avoid the winter gales, and return to the sea-side during summer to avoid the flies. Along the Evangeline trail towards Beaver River one finds the gravestones of the old free Baptist graveyard.

Neighbourhoods

Twin Lake Properties - Residential, High income homes.

Port Maitland Provincial Park

There is a provincial park on Port Maitland Beach, which is easily reached from the community. The park features a large sandy beach, several shaded picnic tables and bathroom facilities. Lifeguards are on duty.

External links

* [http://www.yarmouth.org/villages/portmait/index.htm Port Maitland info]
* [http://www.destination-ns.com/common/trails/areaid.asp?AreaID=1A Port Maitland population info]
* [http://www.bvbc.ca Bay View Baptist Church]