YULE, Ian - 2004

Residential Revival in Old Dartmouth – 1986 to 2000

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent of residential revival between the years 1986 and 2000 in Old Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. For this study, revival includes social and physical upgrading. Social upgrading is measured using census data that documents the average household income, the percentage of the population with a bachelors degree or higher, the average number of children living at home, the percentage of the population under 35 years of age, and the percentage of the population aged 65 and older, for 20 dissemination areas. Building permits are used to document physical upgrading by identifying the incidence and value of major home renovations, and the construction of new residential building in the same area. Both visual and statistical correlations indicate that there has been some significant social upgrading in terms of increased income and education levels, and that the area is becoming increasingly attractive to families, especially during the last five years of the study period. Physical upgrading has decreased in incidence, but the average value of renovations has fluctuated with national economic conditions and has increased significantly over the last six years of the study period. A new planning strategy was implemented in 2000 that may increase revival in the area by encouraging increased residential density in the study area.