Industries

Forestry is a strong industry in East Hants. Home to vast tracts of forests, access to markets and significant processing capabilities, there are many opportunities for success.

Opportunities in Forestry

• Christmas Tree Production
• Wood Energy (pellets and hardwood for home heating)
• Secondary Wood Manufacturing
• Fine Cabinetry
• Hardwood Exports

East Hants supports the forestry sector by supporting and collaborating with the industry partners and local businesses.

East Hants has rail access via the CN Mainline, is only minutes from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport and 30 minutes from the Port of Halifax via controlled access highway.

Opportunities in Transportation and Logistics 

• Airport Service and Supply
• Courier Services
• Seafood Packaging and Distribution
• Warehousing
• Intermodal Logistics Facility

Are you starting or growing a transportation or logistics business in East Hants? Contact us for support!

With readily available commercial real estate and land (300 + acres) near the airport, East Hants is becoming a destination for manufacturing businesses that need to reach their customers quickly and cost effectively.

Opportunities in Manufacturing

• Packaging and Processing
• Aerospace and Defense
• Marine Manufacturing
• Ocean Tech
• Manufactured Wood Products
• Wood Energy (Pellets)

Questions about the East Hants manufacturing industry? Let us help.

Today, construction is one of the largest economic sectors in East Hants with nearly one-fourth of businesses in the construction industry. There is a strong demand for skilled trades in residential, commercial construction, industrial, and infrastructure construction.

Opportunities for Construction

• New Home Builds and Renovations
• Building Material Manufacturing
• Commercial and Institutional Development

East Hants supports growth in the construction sector by supporting workforce development to ensure skilled workers are available to meet the demand.

East Hants has excellent opportunities for growth in retail as rapid residential growth is increasing demand for consumer goods and services.

Opportunities for Retail

• Grocery and Specialty Foods
• Health and Beauty
• Clothing and Apparel
• General Merchandise
• Restaurants

Learn more about the East Hants Trade Area and the growing demand for retail in the East Hants Retail Market Analysis.

Our rich history of agricultural businesses continues to play an important role in shaping the economic and social fabrics of our communities. It includes farmers, agricultural suppliers and support businesses, manufacturers, processors and distributors.

Opportunities in Agribusiness

• Energy Production from Biogas Generation
• Dairy Production
• Greenhouse Grown Food, Herbs, and Medicinal Products
• Grape and Wine Production

East Hants protects agricultural lands in our Land Use Bylaw and maintains excellent relationships with local agricultural businesses.

Natural beauty, the Bay of Fundy and proximity to Halifax create excellent opportunities for tourism sector growth in East Hants.

Opportunities for Tourism

• Food and Beverage
• Small scale accommodation
• Adventure Tourism / Outdoor Pursuits
• Agri-Tourism / Experiential Tourism
• Package Tours / Bus Tours
• Artisan and Craft Production

East Hants supports the tourism sector by working with local operators, leading regional collaboration and funding public assets like Burntcoat Head Park and the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre.

The Cleantech industry is a growing and emerging sector throughout Canada. Nova Scotia’s a wealth of natural resources and support for innovation make it an attractive destination for clean technology

Opportunities for Clean Energy

• Battery Development
• Wind Energy
• Bioproducts

East Hants supports the cleantech sector by working with local businesses, advocating for opportunities and providing connection to programs.