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The Coast | News, events, restaurants, concerts and Burger Week for Halifax, Nova Scotia
Home of the Best of Halifax Reader's Choice Awards, the award-winning independent newspaper covers the Halifax news, politics, events, concerts, movies, restaurants, and nightlife scene.
[Image-1] My (male) roommate and I recently started watching Mad Med on Netflix. After the first couple of episodes he made a comment to the effect of “Holy shit, that must be an awesome place to work”. I also think it might be cool to work in advertising but I got the impression that he…
[Image-1] They say you should step out of your comfort zone from time to time, but I like our arrangement. I’m able to fully enjoy myself because of how comfortable I am around you. I cannot express how special you make me feel. Thanks for being as awkward and damaged as I am, and thanks…
Shoutout to the two young guys that gave me a twoonie Sunday morning on the MacKay Bridge. I’m not from Halifax and had gotten lost, and you saved me! You gave me your money, no questions asked, and I wish I could thank you properly and pay you back. You’re the reason why Halifax is…
My neighborhood has many nice dogs, but lately it is pretty annoying how they all seem to get each other going and not stop barking for hours on end. I can’t even put out the compost without them howling at me and starting a riot. Do they just need to run more? Are the owners away…
[Image-1] To the kind stranger who approached me at the parking meter off Spring Garden Road and asked “do you have enough change?” Thank you for your extra quarters! You prevented me a parking ticket, on my birthday too! —Pay it Forward
Is it rude to cancel plans repeatedly at the last minute with a vague text? Or is this just normal and acceptable now? —Left Hanging
[Image-1] I understand the need to be cautious in a day when so much can go wrong so fast, but to the woman and her older kids at the Halifax Shopping Centre who took the picture of our vehicle and reported us to the police after 30 minutes of trying to deal with our very…
[Image-1] Was having a not-so-nice day on Saturday…until I got on the number 20 heading towards Herring Cove. You got on after me and sat down close enough that I noticed the interesting magazine you were reading. Then I noticed what you were wearing: red beret, long tan coat, tights with sparkles, kick ass shoes…
When Gina Comeau and Rachel Blair-Johns met two years ago they bonded for a variety of reasons, but it was after comparing notes over a coffee that the two jewellery makers (Comeau is Three Oak Jewelry, Blair-Johns is Ment Jewellery) decided Dartmouth Makers had to happen. “We were kind of like, ‘Wouldn’t it be great…
In March, we posted this Jedi mind trick (i.e. casting call) for actors to audition for a local Star Wars fan film to be entered in the 2016 Star Wars Fan Film Awards. Today, from a galaxy not that far away, director David Connellan presents his official entry, The Mask of Leia. Written by Ian Wilson, and starring…
Harold MacKay is back in the beer game. While many Coast readers might recognize his name from a certain concert funding scandal that rocked the city five-plus years ago, beer was his bag way before the Black Eyed Peas. MacKay—who was one of the founders behind long departed Dartmouth brewery, the Maritime Beer Company—opened Downeast…
[Image-1] The world is unpredictable. It shouldn’t be a surprise anymore that the news cycle goes around the clock. Events, good and bad, are continuously breaking across the world. During the last few days, news has broken out across the nation of the wildfires near the oil-boom city of Fort McMurray, in northern Alberta. In terms…
[Image-1] Did I say this before? Someone must have. At some point during the heady last few years that brought an explosion of new beer and slick places to drink everyone collectively forgot what each is worth. Yes, I am bitching about the price of beer. N0, no one is forcing me to go spend…
so it’s been 4+ years since you orally and digitally assaulted my seven year old. we’re done with the four year court process and you’ve served your whoppin 60 days for assaulting two little girls and are right back in highfield around all those other kids. so how come if it’s ‘over’ i’m still so.…
Thank you for the Thursday afternoon flirtation at Dave’s F&V. It kept me smiling for hours. You were most likely just there for a few minutes of my life, but you were very cute and I enjoyed watching you walk away. —Just a Girl Shopping for her Veggies
Yeah, I know I shouldn’t have been speeding, but seriously, $410 for a first offence is absolutely ridiculous. —This is Bullshit!
As spring bursts forth from winter, does it make you want to garden? Or is it rising food prices and growing local food trends? Either way, it’s time to get dirty, and there are loads of local resources to support your emerging or entrenched gardening habits. Tonight (Tuesday, May 3) at 5pm, urban farmer Sara…
Gridlock Festival is the new kid on the festival block and it’s already making friends with the neighbourhood youngsters–this morning the festival organizers announced two free, all-ages shows for the 19-and-under crowd. On Saturday, July 9 the Spatz Theatre will host Postdata, Owen and Waxahatchee for an afternoon show open to 300 minors and 400…
The TD Halifax Jazz Festival dropped its 2016 (and 30th anniversary) lineup this morning and it’s a doozy. In addition to the already-announced City and Colour, Metric and–swoon–Ms. Lauryn Hill main stage shows, the festival promises acts for die-hard jazz fans and newbies alike. Visitings acts include Kendrick Lamar collaborator/ex-Suicidal Tendencies bassist Thundercat, Polaris Prize…
[Image-1] If people keep rapidly extracting and burning fossil fuels, there’s no hope of meeting the 2015 Paris Agreement climate change commitments. To ensure a healthy, hopeful future for humanity, governments must stick to their pledge to limit global warming to 1.5 or 2 C above pre-industrial levels by 2050. Many experts agree that to…
You humans are too thin skinned for this flower’s taste. —Flowey the Flower
[Image-1] You might not be the strange one I was looking for, but it makes me sad to think that in the abyss of unknowns that lies between two people (whoever they might be), you came to that conclusion. There might also be a possibility that someone, somewhere, is rooting for your happiness. —Stranger
[Image-1] $30 per year gives you street parking access, if you live in a house on that street. If you live in an apartment (>4 units), you are required pay $30 per month to park on the same street ($330 more per year!). Doesn’t it stand to reason that if I could afford to live…
[Image-1] It’s 2016. No matter what inside jokes you have at work, it’s never appropriate to very loudly and proudly say ‘THAT’S GAY!’ when a customer refers to your co-worker’s multicoloured hair. It’s especially not cool when the customer says they’re gay, expresses discomfort with your comment, and you yell at them saying that ‘They…
To everyone’s favourite call centre: Goodbye and good riddance. The past years have been nothing but dealing with incompetence and insecurities. Managers talk about workplace equality but base everything on nepotism over merit all while turning a blind eye to the rampant Racism and Sexism amongst there OWN MANAGEMENT. I would rather take a pay…
[Image-1] While waiting in line for a coffee at Scotia Square, a lovely random stranger hands me an envelope. “This is for you” she said smiling, then promptly walks away. It wasn’t until I got back to the office that I opened it. Inside was a 5$ Tim’s gift card, and a note that read:…
[Image-1] A decade after it was originally approved and six years after its development agreement expired, the Twisted Sisters project could be shambling back to life—unless council can kill it first. Next week, Halifax South Downtown councillor Waye Mason will be asking for a staff report on discharging the development agreement between HRM and United…
[Image-1] This May Day, Liz Rowley will be standing at Grand Parade in solidarity with labourers and against capitalism. Rowley has a long history of social activism. She also happens to be the new leader of the Communist Party of Canada. “It’s a whole different agenda here that we’re fighting for—a people’s agenda. We want…
[Image-1] After a tumultuous 38-day hospital stay, Matt Robichaud is back at home with his dog, Sandy, and a gnarly scar. Robichaud, 26, was admitted to the QEII Health Sciences Centre in early March for chronic pancreatitis after a three day bout of bad stomach pains. He was at the Victoria General site for most…
[Image-1] The municipality’s biggest yard sale, the 15th annual Halifax Dump and Run, is set to kick off this Sunday and 2016’s haul is sure to bring back some memories for you ‘90s kids. Having commandeered a small classroom in the Loyola building of Saint Mary’s University (as well as an impressive chunk of the…
[Image-1] Neighbourhood opposition is mounting against Steele Auto Group’s plans to expand its Colonial Honda parking lot by demolishing dozens of residential properties in Halifax’s north end. The Facebook group Homes Not Hondas is conducting a social media campaign and heading door-to-door to get the word out about the project, though it remains to be seen…
Snow showers may have put a damper on this week, but the weekend’s looking hot as hell. 10. Live Music › Russian Roulette IV. Friday, April 29, 9pm. In-Flight Safety’s John Mullane hosts this randomly-ordered rock roster. Set times are determined by spinning the big wheel, leaving bands scrambling for the stage. This iteration features…
Who she is After moving to Halifax from Toronto three years ago, Ellen Yeung needed a hobby. For a perfect combo of that desire and her interest in fashion, she teamed up with a photographer friend and launched her blog Love By Elle. “I wanted to meet new people and connect with different boutiques and…
The performance of Atlantic Canada’s Indigenous economy is worth $1.14 billion, according to a new study released Wednesday. The pan-provincial assessment, completed by the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat, aims to shift stereotypes about Indigenous communities and their contribution to the economy, says secretariat executive director and study co-chair John G. Paul.…
[Image-1] It’s a century-old tale of two seaport cities. The start of it was shaped by a carnage-causing mishap in the cold waters of Halifax Harbour. And the epilogue, created by a grateful province, continues today with a warmhearted, seasonal “thank you” from one city for the crucial humanitarian aid sent by the other. …
[Image-1] In the past few years, awareness and support of mental health issues have improved dramatically. This has helped many who suffer from a mood disorder feel more comfortable seeking help—be it from friends, family, a therapist or a doctor. However, despite how far we’ve come in recent years, there is still a stigma associated…
There’s something really satisfying about stepping into Anna Gilkerson’s north end boutique, Makenew, kind of like that short-lived feeling you get just after meticulously making your bed. Framed by uncluttered racks of clothing—hung according to colour palette—shelves of expertly folded garments, arrow-straight rows of espadrilles and tidily arranged tables of jewellery, every inch of the…
Shaya Ishaq holds her favourite piece of jewellery as the sunlight streams in on her face. She sits, surrounded by art supplies and half-finished creations, explaining how she made the large blue-and-white ceramic necklace. The jewellery maker and NSCAD student is addicted to statement-making pieces with strong lines. To her, jewellery is “the cherry on…
They say laughter is the best medicine, so get ready for a healing dose. From now until Sunday, the Halifax ComedyFest treats the city to 31 comics who will make you laugh across five venues. Legends like Cathy Jones, Derek Edwards, Elvira Kurt and Sean Cullen are showcased alongside up-and-comers like Aisha Alfa, Ivan Decker…
A mutual interest and satisfaction in foraging and DIY culture led Dartmouth natives Najet Ghanai and Sarah-Jean Jones to experiment with herbal preparations like oil infusions, decoctions and tinctures. The line of remedies and self-care products now known as Goldfinch and Thistle began as a hobby—the pair made toxin-free, handmade healing salves, deodorants and body…
Ten Handahu, half of the brother-sister duo behind the fashion blog Lion Hunter, wasn’t always into clothes. But as he began blogging with his sister (the inimitable Mo Handahu), he learned that style can be a powerful tool. Here, he gives his thoughts on all things fashion, from spring trends to the connection between clothes…
Q I am a trans man and I have no love life. But I did just hook up with a friend two nights ago. It was the first time I’ve had sex in more than a year. My problem is that it was a “one-time thing.” I was hoping to be FWB at least. I’m…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) You’re in a phase of your cycle when you’ll be rewarded for your freshness and originality. The more you cultivate a “beginner’s mind,” the smarter you will be. What you want will become more possible to the degree that you shed everything you think you know about what you…
APM You might know Bermuda-born, Halifax-based Duane Jones’s line as Be Glitterati, but this spring he’s making some changes. Rebranding as Art Pays Me in May, Jones is transitioning from streetwear to lifestyle brand, staying true to his aim of representing outside-the-box thinkers. His This Is My Rifle tee takes inspiration from Wu-Tang’s “Under Siege”…
Victoria Eva Victoria Kristofic’s line of casual loungewear will make you want to sit on your lawn with your feet up, sipping lemonade. Inspired by a recent backpacking trip through Portugal and Spain, this clothing is made for leisurely relaxation in the sun. Having only learned to sew last year, this is Kristofic’s first line.…
After seven years in their first home, Anna and Trevor Delaney were craving change. Sizeable change, at that. With sights set on the north end, they sold their Herring Cove Road home in favour of a total downsize and a LEED-certified condo, happily trading their backyard in for a two-minute walk to the Common. “For…
