Lake Echo - Preston

Lake Echo is a suburban community that is part of the Halifax Regional Municipality, located approximately 15 kilometres east of Dartmouth. Farming and fishing were a significant part of community livelihood for some time. Settlement in Lake Echo dates back to 1818, but the suburban development visible today came much later in the late 1960s with peak development in the early to mid-1970s. The area is mostly residential, with several subdivisions built in the 1980s and 1990s.

East Preston is an expansive rural Black Nova Scotian community located in Halifax Regional Municipality. East Preston remains an important source of African Nova Scotian history and culture, with many of the current residents descendant of Black Loyalists who were relocated to the area by the British following the American Revolutionary War. The local recreation centre and Baptist church play a very important role for many families in the community.

North Preston is a rural community in Halifax Regional Municipality. The community is populated primarily by Black Nova Scotians, is the largest Black community in Nova Scotia by population, and has the highest concentration of African Canadians of any community in Canada. The community traces its origins from several waves of migration in the 18th and 19th centuries. The American Revolution brought Black Loyalists to the Preston area. The 1790s brought a different group of Black settlers to the regions, the Maroons from Jamaica. While many Maroons later left for Sierra Leone, a number stayed in Preston and Guysborough County. These groups were joined shortly after by a third migration starting in 1813, of Black refugees from the War of 1812. The Black Refugees came to Nova Scotia mostly from the Southern US states, bringing with them a strong Baptist tradition.

 census (2016) 4,287

 Schools

ELEMENTARY

1. Bell Park Academic Centre: Grades PP – 6, including French Immersion

2. Nelson Whynder Elementary: Grades PP – 6

JUNIOR HIGH

1. Graham Creighton Junior High: Grades 7 – 9, including French Immersion

2. Ross Road School: Grades PP – 9, including French Immersion

HIGH SCHOOL

1. Auburn Drive High: Grades 10 – 12, including French Immersion

2. Cole Harbour High: Grades 10 – 12, including French Immersion

 Recreation

The Lake Echo Community Recreation Centre offers programming, a gymnasium and meeting rooms. There is a supervised beach for swimming and a public boat launch. The park area is home to the Orenda Canoe Club, which offers programs for all levels. Competitive paddlers train year-round and the club is home to numerous Olympic athletes.

The East Preston Recreation Centre offers programming, a gymnasium and meeting rooms. The North Preston Recreation Centre offers a boardroom, fitness centre, gymnasium, recording studio, and more.

North Preston Day is an annual community festival and parade occurring each July 4. Many members of the community attend. The event is free and guests from outside of the community attend.