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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.
To the young woman at the Canada Games Centre a couple of nights ago: I feel like strolling down the middle of the track in your sock feet, fully absorbed in your texting is not the most appropriate use of the space. Yes, I should have said something and I didn’t. So I might be…
Just read in this week’s Coast that HRM’s intention with the new jaywalking fine of ca. $700 is “to level the playing field.” Are you kidding me? There’s a HUGE power imbalance between wealthier car owners and pedestrians, in favour of those wielding automobiles. This disgusting fine punishes health-conscious, non-polluting, can’t-afford-to-own-a-car nondrivers, and is obviously…
What a shock coming back to Halifax on the 30th after Christmas holidays to find the city yet again awash in slush, slop, and snow, still not cleaned up DAYS after a storm. Again streets “plowed” 3 feet out from the curb, instead of tight into the curb. Again sewer catchbasins buried so that meltwater…
[Image-1] I want to say thank you to a young lady who helped me get up off my back yesterday after a hard fall on Spring Garden Road by the Public Gardens around 5PM. I am a 73-year-old black man and the lady was a much younger white woman who had to use all her…
*Joey from Blossom voice* Woah! Did you know that DJs Jeff Pineau and Trevor Murphy (Quiet Parade) have been bringing Halifax one of the most nostalgic dance events, That 90s Night, since July 2012? *Jesse from Full House voice* Have mercy! Well, it’s true and it’s giving me Goosebumps. Tonight at The Seahorse, they’re gonna hit you baby,…
It’s that time of year again; the time of year when pedestrians encroach by necessity into spaces motorists deem to be theirs alone. Uncleared sidewalks, inaccessible curb cuts, out of reach walk buttons all contribute to pedestrians getting in your way even more than usual. So I would like to ask the drivers of Halifax…
[Image-1] I would just like to thank the undercover police car that pulled over the truck that cut me, a pedestrian, off while crossing at the Quinpool and Robie intersection. As someone who almost exclusively walks, this is something that happens far too regularly. It’s nice to know that police officers are not just barraging…
[Image-1] I didn’t mean for anyone to see what I wrote in my makeshift Burn Book. I genuinely liked so many people in that place, it was a nice team. With you guys it was more complicated. I had good days and bad days with you. We had some laughs and interesting discussions. But sometimes…
I am not your punching bag, door mat, toilet, or escape. I am only trying to do my job. Please do not assume I can solve all your problems as I am very busy and if you want or need someone to hold your hand, please call your mother. Do not curse, scream and or…
* * * * * HANK BULL & BRUCE BARBER @ SMU ART GALLERY Curated by Joni Low and Pat Wendt, the Saint Mary’s University Art Gallery (923 Robie Street) has a full art-weekend planned for you. You’re invited to the following events: on Friday at 7pm, Vancouver-based artist Hank Bull speaks on his sculptural installation that…
[Image-1] Does your landlord claim to be looking into the mold that perpetually grows across your window ledges, in your toilet, on the walls and furniture and on your clothing but then decides it’s not his problem? Does your landlord ignore your complaints of cockroaches in the building and then when you push for something…
[Image-1] To the dancing Asian guy who was at the Roxy and Underground sound show at the SH: You made my night with your moves and finesse. Can you please teach the Halifax male populace so they stop looking like an offbeat deranged bag of zombies? Thx for the tips, I will use them. You’re…
I see you, with your first-world stainless steel coffee mug. You think you are better and safer than people with Tim cups. You think you have the right to drink coffee when less-fortunate commuters can not. There ought to be a fancy schmancy coffee mug tax on your bus pass. —Walmart Greeter
[Image-1] A few weeks ago, while I was walking at night near my home, I had a seizure that dropped me to the ground. I was twitching and incoherent, but people who only vaguely recognized me from the neighbourhood—people I’d never spoken to before—helped bring me to my door. I’ve always known that I live…
A week ago a close friend tried to take her own life. I did my best to nurse her back to stable mental health and hopefully succeeded a bit. I was then disgusted to learn that prior to this event, and even AFTER this event, her father-in-law has been sexually harassing her—claiming his love and…
I’m so tired of not having a place to meet new people. Yes, being a student, there are many great places; like the library, in class and in meal hall. But those options don’t apply to all of us. In particular, when you live off-campus, or are no longer a student, it can be incredibly…
The Carleton Music Bar & Grill needs your help. For years, the elegant Argyle Street venue owned by Mike Campbell has been the setting for some of the most memorable and intimate shows. With a delectable menu, expert bartending, that beautiful patio, attentive sound engineers and the best audio system in Halifax, it’s been a staple…
Halifax’s newest punk band Problem Attic is already much cooler than you. And the lead singer, Jude, is only four! You’ve got some catching up to do. Today, exclusively at The Coast, Problem Attic releases first single, “RAWR,” as part of a split release called Hand Sanitizer (All We’ve Got Records) with Japanese-Halifax band, Come With Me (If…
[Image-1] Away for a stressful holiday to visit my ageing parents out West and while away two major snow storms happen. I hadn’t arranged any snow shovelling before leaving. I live alone. Although I live surrounded by neighbours with snow blowers I arrived home in the middle of the night to a blocked drive way…
[Image-1] I remember when I wanted you back but you said not yet. I understood but then we both ended up in relationships. She’s a babe btw- good job! Just wanted to say that I’m happy you’re happy and it’s so nice to see you the one time / year I go to a show…
Seriously, I work as a salt truck/snow plow operator, and I am good at my job. Overtime it snows, I have to listen to a barrage of snow removal shamings. It is wrong, presumptuous, and down right rude. Even if you don’t like the snow removal standards in this city, you have no right to…
Ok, I get it. If you can spread the term ‘Cisgender’ around until it is the politically correct term, then you can imply that Cisgender vs transgender is a choice that everyone makes. This is good for transgender people because it implies that their decision is something every does and not just the transgender crowd.…
If you liked The Force Awakens and are wondering what excellent sequel to watch next, you’re in luck. Today we’re launching “Why are the buses late in Halifax? Part 2,” the follow-up to last summer’s blockbuster municipal services video “Why are the buses late in Halifax? Part 1.” Without giving away any spoilers, we can…
Nope. Uh uh. No way. You don’t get to decide the physical qualifications for pressing the automatic door opener button. Not your job. —Hurtin’ Unit
It’s been great to see the new vigor our government and some businesses have about hiring youth and new grads. It’s needed – we need to kept that talent here, and provide them a chance to succeed in the Maritimes. My bitch is for us mid fielders. I have a good job – but I…
We have the right lane for drivers that want to driver 80Kmh. We have the left lane for idiots that want to drive 140kmh. I say it is about time that the rest of us get our own lane. —speedlimit plus or minus 10 clicks
[Image-1] You got down on one knee, ring in hand, in the middle of Shubie…and your pants split open. I will always remember how hard we laughed, and how perfect it was. Lub you, boo. —Snickerdoodle
[Image-1] What’s so difficult about looking at a toilet seat before you sit down? There’s no reason to fall in. I’ve been pooping for years now, I never fell in toilet once. I’ll continue to put the seat up for you, but please can you look so it doesn’t have to be a bigger deal…
[Image-1] Sold you something recently off of a popular buy/sell site. Oh my gosh I think I fell in like at first site, a rare occurrence for me. Found out you’re taken. Still can’t stop thinking about that wonderful smile. —Seller
[Image-1] Canadian drug dealers have one thing to say about government anti-marijuana ads. Thank you! The Canadian government launched an anti-marijuana campaign in 2015 to the delight of drug dealers across Canada who say the new ads have business booming. “I haven’t seen sales like these since the Blink 182 concert of 2003,” said one…
So, people are getting hit by cars and such,hummmm he’s an idea look both ways before you cross the street. How simple is that you look right han left, you put your phone away for five seconds after all is your like worth more than texting on a phone —look were your going
firts fucking time the city has to plow this year and they fucked it up from the get go…….all of the streets or the vast majority have rock hard snow/ice four (4) feet from the curbs like FUCK! If it snows again before that shit melts,it last winter all over again…who the fuck are these…
[Image-1] All my life I’ve been left of the centre, politically. But several things have pushed me right of that line recently, not the least of which are the attacks in cologne. In many ways, ideologically, I am still on the left … but I can not/will not relate to the liberal. The whiney, bleeding…
[Image-1] The proposal from Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency chief Doug Trussler to staff volunteers at the King Street fire station on nights and weekends has not gone without criticism. Downtown Dartmouth residents (among others in HRM) are strongly opposed to changes that they say will leave the dense urban centre vulnerable. Trussler and HRFE…
Halifax rockers Walrus just released a cover of David Bowie’s 1972 song, “Moonage Daydream,” the song that describes the ‘rise’ of Ziggy Stardust from Ziggy Stardust. Recorded last year, Walrus decided today was the day to share this song with the world and pay their respects to one of their musical heroes. Rest in peace,…
This morning it was announced that the world has lost David Bowie to cancer after an 18-month illness. He had just turned 69. Without question, he was one of the most influential artists, actors and performers in this history of music, one of the most unique in his approach to challenging social conventions and one of…
“Where my ganja smokers at?” says Dub Kartel’s Kyle McCracken. We’re right here, man!! If we share this live video of the dance hall/reggae band’s set at Evolve 2015, we have a chance to win a bracelet for this year’s Evolve, the amazing three-day summer festival just outside of Antigonish. ON TOP OF THIS AMAZING…
[Image-1] Before I go any further, I’d like to take a moment and applaud husband and wife Mark Lever and Sarah Dennis. Clap. Clap. Clap. The owners of the Chronicle Herald have, over the past seven years, managed to cut the region’s largest newsroom almost in half, shedding years of journalistic experience and excellence, cutting…
[Image-1] SNOW Just how bad was last winter’s snow-clearing? Bad enough that 15 percent of all calls to 311 were requests for plowing, salting and sanding roads. That’s by far the largest segment of the roughly 95,000 calls 311‘s call centre received from HRM residents from January through to August last year. Residents also…
The gluttony associated with the Holiday season is (sadly) behind us and we’ve been left scrambling for an activity to replace the mind-numbing mounds of food and booze we once indulged in. I suggest skipping the bar, rallying your buds and entering Captured Escape Rooms (1649 Barrington Street)—which opened back in December— for a new…
[Image-1] Terry Wilson relies completely on Halifax Transit to leave his Albro Lake Road home. The 62-year-old walks with a cane due to arthritis and two deteriorating discs in his back. The Department of Community Services used to give him a monthly pass, but he was one of many cut from the program in headline-making…
[Image-1] Gavin Baumbach was one of the last first-year students at King’s College to get the flu in 2014. But when he finally got sick, it was all the worse for waiting. “It actually induced heart attack- and stroke-like symptoms,” he says “I kind of panicked because I didn’t know what to do.” Baumbach, who…
[Image-1] When he remembers being hit by a car last year, Joe Pepper just feels ashamed. The University of King’s College student admits he had been drinking that night. He jogged across the dimly lit Coburg Road, just miscalculating how much time he had to miss an oncoming car. “I guess I was feeling gutsy,”…
[Image-1] The $64-million Cogswell Interchange redevelopment will radically change the shape of Halifax’s downtown over the next several years. How that will be accomplished is John Spinelli’s job. The HRM native previously managed such large-scale construction projects as the $440-million Suncor Voyageur complex in Alberta, and the recent $1.8-billion revitalization of Union Station in Toronto.…
[Image-1] Transit woes are a perennial problem, but Halifax Transit does seem to be working on that. The new Lacewood Terminal opened last year, and sometime in 2016 buses should finally start being tracked in real time. This year will also see schedules and routes rebuilt via the Moving Forward Together plan. While it’s looking…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) In her poem “Tree,” California poet Jane Hirshfield speaks of a young redwood tree that’s positioned next to a house. Watch out! It grows fast—as much as three feet per year. “Already the first branch-tips brush at the window,” Hirshfield writes. “Softly, calmly, immensity taps at your life.” I…
Sun life A moratorium on high-volume hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as “fracking,” has been in place in Nova Scotia since November 2014. Efforts to further refine the definition of high-volume hydraulic fracturing have been going very slowly. Fracking advocates like Progressive Conservative leader Jamie Baillie lament that this delay may impede investment, which could…
Q I’m a 45-year-old straight male. Politically and socially, I consider myself an ardent feminist. There is nothing I enjoy more than giving a woman an orgasm or two. I’m very GGG and will cheerfully do whatever it takes. Fingers, tongue, cock, vibrator—I’m in. If it takes a long time, so much the better. I’m…
On the long list of movie executive excuses not to make things—“A gay person can’t play straight!” “Men don’t like women’s stories!” “People don’t want to see movies about minorities!” “No one will believe a 57 year-old man could be in love with a 50-year-old woman!”—no one thought to add “Leonardo DiCaprio as the doting…
“There the jazz archipelago and the classical archipelago. They can be traversed, it’s not impassable, there’s no barriers between them, except maybe distance,” says Lukas Pearse, the artistic director of this year’s Open Waters Festival. From Thursday to Sunday, Upstream Music will collaborate with Symphony Nova Scotia, SuddenlyListen and more for 14 extraordinary music events. …
Just as the weather finally turns to winter, Halifax’s favourite reggae band, Dub Kartel, has lined up the third annual Cold Smoke festival. This kick-ass one-day fest will be setting fire to The Seahorse and the Marquee’s stages to keep you hot-hot-hot. Starting Saturday night, Cold Smoke will showcase some of the best bands from…
