District Profiles

COLE HARBOUR-EASTERN PASSAGE (15)

Candidates:

Current MLA: Kevin Deveaux, (NDP)

Riding Profile: The boundaries changed in 2003, but 65 per cent of this riding stayed the same. It lost the Esso oil refinery and South Woodside neighbourhood. About one-third of the riding includes Cole Harbour and the Mi'kmaq First Nations Reserve. It also consists of the coastal communities of Eastern Passage and Cow Bay.

CFB Shearwater is the largest employer with 1,400 military and civilian people. This is the eastern part of Metro Halifax: it includes small businesses and retail as well as a fish-processing plant and the Fishermen's Cove tourist attraction in Eastern Passage. Landmarks include beaches, a golf course, and the Cow Bay "Moose" (a statue overlooking the ocean).

This is mainly a middle-class district where the average income is $29,930, and both parents work in most families. The population is 16,850.

Issues: Education, roads and youth recreation issues are important in this area. People are also concerned about pocketbook issues, as well as what happens to property values, land development and the future of facilities associated with CFB Shearwater.

Political History: NDP MLA Kevin Deveaux was won this riding three times in a row.

Voter Turnout: 62 per cent in 2003.