Northwest Arm facts for kids
The Northwest Arm is a beautiful inlet of water in Nova Scotia, Canada. It's like a long, narrow bay that connects to the Atlantic Ocean. This special waterway is part of Halifax and was once called the Sandwich River.
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Exploring the Northwest Arm
The Northwest Arm is a long, narrow part of Halifax Harbour. It stretches about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) long and is about 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles) wide. It forms the western edge of the Halifax Peninsula.
Islands and Landmarks
The Northwest Arm has a few small islands. One is Melville Island, where the Armdale Yacht Club is located. Another is Deadman's Island, found near the northwestern end of the Arm, close to the area called Armdale.
There's also a large wall made of slate rock called the Fyfe Breakwater. It helps protect the shoreline. This breakwater is named after a local nature lover, TLC Ratt-Fyfe.
Swimming and Recreation
You can find a public beach at Sir Sandford Fleming Park, which is the only beach on the Northwest Arm. For a long time, the water wasn't clean enough for swimming. But since 2008, after the Harbor Solutions Project started, the water has become much cleaner and safer for everyone to enjoy a swim!
History of the Northwest Arm
The Mi'kmaq people, who are the original inhabitants of this land, had their own name for this water body. They called it "Waygwalteech," which means "salt water all the way up." Early English settlers also had different names for it, like "Sandwich River" or "Hawkes River."
Early Conflicts
During a time known as Father Le Loutre's War, there were several conflicts between the Mi'kmaq people and the British settlers. The Mi'kmaq sometimes challenged British outposts, including blockhouses (small forts) around Halifax.
For example, in 1751, there were skirmishes at blockhouses near the Northwest Arm. In 1753, more conflicts occurred near sawmills by the Arm. These events show the struggles over land and resources during that period.
Naming the Arm
The official name of this waterway has changed a couple of times. It was first officially named the North West Arm on March 1, 1921. Then, on April 4, 1933, the name was slightly changed to Northwest Arm, which is what we call it today.
Images for kids
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Northwest Arm of Halifax Harbour near sunset, showing the landmark Dingle Memorial Tower on the right.
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Sunrise on the Northwest arm
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Waegwoltic Club, c. 1910
