We asked a professional make-up effects artist how to paint your face for Halloween
Patrick Baxter has loved the magic of movie makeup since he was “six years old, when I saw Star Wars. It’s still my favourite movie of all time. All those creatures at the cantina? It was unbelievable!” Or perhaps his headlong fall began a little later: “I actually saw the original Salem’s Lot as a…
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag? Obsolete.
We hope you’ve got a year’s worth of Nova Scotia briefcases saved up ready to serve their duty as cat litter collector. Or as your lunchbox. Or as waterproof boot liners. Because today marks the official start of Nova Scotia’s plastic bag ban. Starting Friday, October 30, businesses can no longer offer single-use plastic bags.…
A look inside Halifax Regional council’s head and the next four years
All but one of Halifax’s councillors will take their oath of office this evening. Promising to do their very best, not steal, and otherwise work their job in the service of the grand municipality that is HRM. The reported winner for District 11, Patty Cuttell, won’t be joining her colleagues tonight as Bruce Holland—who lost…
Station Six pumps out the patties for Burger Week
In March, around the same time the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Nova Scotia, triggering a province-wide shutdown, over 150 restaurants were preparing for Burger Week. The annual foodie festival typically brings out meat lovers in droves, packs restaurants to capacity, and donates thousands to Feed Nova Scotia. But when the 2020 festival…
666 Sure Things happening this Halloweekend
Haunted Hike food drive A ghoulish, ghost story-laden walk through Russel Lake Trail awaits for one night only! Meet fellow hikers at Woodlawn Public Library to pick up your map and depart on the skin-crawling trek—and to make a donation to Feed Nova Scotia, if possible. Thur Oct 29, Woodlawn Public Library, 31 Eisner Boulevard,…
Dealing with an extremely jealous personality
QI’ve been in a relationship with a wonderful guy for the past year. The only problem is that he works with a girl he used to fuck. It wasn’t just sex—they would go on dates and even went on vacation together. He kept this little “detail” to himself for six full months before giving himself…
Donald Trump, Joe Biden and your horoscope
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) Scorpio politician Joe Biden wasn’t my first choice for president of the United States. During the selection process, I championed his opponents Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. But now I support Biden wholeheartedly. He has several policies I don’t agree with, but on the other hand I know it’s…
Celebration of Life
Editor’s Note: From the moment you read the forward of Peter Counter’s new book Be Scared of Everything, your pulse will sit up a bit straighter, tying its shoes so it’s ready to race. “The names and identifying details of the humans mentioned in this book have been changed,” it reads. “The names of the demons…
You’re not too old to trick-or-treat if you’ve never celebrated Halloween before
Haunted houses, fake limbs planted in soil, a scary head dripping with blood. I felt like I was in the scene of a horror movie as I walked down my street in Halifax. I had seen similar images and tropes on screen, but this time, it was real. It was my first Halloween in Canada…
Legendary
We didn’t set out to produce a daily map of C19 in Nova Scotia, but once the provincial government did, we just had to. That’s because the province’s map reflects the province’s stingy approach to sharing any coronavirus information, and even amateur cartographers like us can do a better job. A simple colour-coding system is…
How Halifax Halloweens in 2020
The scariest part of Halloween this year may be the rising case numbers outside the Atlantic bubble. But here in Halifax, children and adults alike are asking whether the scary season’s big day will make a comeback this fall. On social medial sites like Facebook, Reddit and Nextdoor, swaths of parents are asking whether children…
COVID-19 news for the October 26 week
NOTE: This week is now over. For the very latest news, please go here. But for an informative look back at exactly how Nova Scotia responded to COVID-19 in realtime, keep on reading. Display problems with The Coast’s Nova Scotia COVID-19 case graph? For the mobile version click here. Editor’s note: In its 28 years…
In your horoscope: Hold nothing back
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) “I loathe narcissism, but I approve of vanity,” said fashion writer Diana Vreeland. Here’s how I interpret that: People who care mostly for their own feelings and welfare, and who believe they’re more important than everyone else, are boring and repellent. But those who enjoy looking their best and…
Don’t give up
QBorrowing Gen Z’s love for labelling everything, I’m a 46-year-old homoromantic asexual Canadian faggot. For me that means I’d like to love and be loved by another man, but I’d hate having sex with him. To add a vexing complication, I also need some sort of power imbalance. Ideally, I would fall somewhere between being…
The school where plants fill the halls
Due to Covid, schools and workplaces alike have had to increase sanitization and decrease high-touch surfaces. “Over the last few months, and even before kids returned back to school, we had to clean out a lot of classrooms, and a lot of teachers had to bring home or move a lot of their personal things,…
Halifax Regional Council is about to get a bit more diverse
In a record-breaking year for number of candidates running, Halifax elected a fresh crop of councillors to direct its fate for the next four years. As the last of the results poured—District 11 has gone to a recount—the big winner of the evening was gender parity—with eight seats going to women. With a big number…
Nigerians in Halifax call for an end to police brutality in Nigeria
In April 2008, Halifax resident Kunle Fakiyesi left his home in Lagos, Nigeria. He was on his way to pick up his clothes from a tailor when he was stopped by some armed men in a van. They were not in uniforms and he questioned their asking him to get into the vehicle. They pointed…
Obladee celebrates a decade of sophisticated style
In October 2010, brother and sister Heather and Christian Rankin were returning to their hometown of Halifax after each spending time in Europe. “At the time I was working in software and had been for about 15 years, and I just wanted to move back home and I wanted to change careers,” says Heather. “Christian…
Seven Sure Things happening in Halifax from Oct 22-28
Thursday October 22 Music Meets Art at the AGNS Symphony Week rolls on with this absolute treat for your eyes and ears: Take in the Art Gallery’s latest showcases while two Symphony Nova Scotia musicians— Isabelle Fournier, violin and Susan Sayle, viola—perform a set of intimate songs. Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, 1723 Hollis Street,…
Burger Week is on now
Despite delays of pandemic proportions, Halifax’s most delicious foodie fest is back. The eighth annual Halifax Burger Week runs October 22 to October 31. During this year’s extended 10-day Burger Week, there are 146 restaurants offering a burger special. Some are at the tasty price of $6, others cost more but include a donation to…
A transformation for Truly Tasty
When Truly Tasty opened in 2012, the city of Halifax barely knew what ramen was, let alone the different styles, flavours and iterations served. “To be honest we were the first ones to be open in the city, and I feel proud because my husband make the standard of the ramen in Halifax higher,” says…
Breweries leave craft brewing association after controversial comments by executive director
Plenty of people have unpopular opinions about plenty of subjects. Pineapple on pizza, lettuce on donairs, and how to properly refill the toilet paper holder. This past weekend, the executive director of the Nova Scotia Craft Breweries Association took to social media to voice his opinion about lobsters and the folks who fish them. Kirk…
Halifax Pop Explosion’s 28th festival should be starting tonight
Tonight should have been the first night of the Halifax Pop Explosion. Sure, in a year where a lot of things should have been happening but then haven’t, this doesn’t feel so surprising. But, the venerable music festival going silent in its 28th year? It leaves a hell of a hole in Halifax’s music scene.…
COVID-19 news in Nova Scotia, for the week starting October 19
NOTE: This week is now over. For the very latest news, please go here. But for an informative look back at exactly how Nova Scotia responded to COVID-19 in realtime, keep on reading. Display problems with The Coast’s Nova Scotia COVID-19 case graph? For the mobile version click here. Editor’s note: In its 28 years…
Rally Sunday in Halifax in support of Indigenous fisherfolks
Abolish the Police Halifax and advocate Kate Macdonald are organizing a protest in solidarity with Mi’kmaq lobster fishers on Sunday, October 18 from 2 to 4 pm at Grand Parade, outside city hall. This comes after a mob of 200 non-Indigenous lobster fishers trapped two Mi’kmaw fishermen inside a lobster pound in southwestern Nova Scotia…
Hungry for more
It’s Monday morning at 11. The Dalhousie Student Union Food Bank doesn’t open for another hour, but Michael-Davies Cole and about a dozen volunteers are already on site preparing food boxes. As the food bank manager for the past five years, Davies-Cole is a wealth of knowledge, spouting off facts about the history of the…
Shocking discovery from beyond the grave
QMy husband recently passed away. He was a wonderful person and we had 12 great years together. He was also very, very organized. His death was an accident, but everything was in order. He even left a note in a sealed envelope for his lawyer to present to me. It was one last love letter,…
In your horoscope: Listen to your body
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIBRA (September 23-October 22) “The hardest thing you will ever do is trust yourself,” says Libran journalist Barbara Walters. Really? I don’t think so. In my experience, the hardest thing to do is to consistently treat ourselves with the loving care we need to be mentally and physically healthy. But I do acknowledge…
Nocturne 2020: Drying The Tears of a Butterfly
Touched By The Tears of a Butterfly Front courtyard, Halifax Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Road Oct 12-17, 6pm-midnight Lindsay Dobbin still remembers the first time they saw work by groundbreaking media and botanical artist Mike MacDonald: “I had a dream of someone telling me I should pay attention to—or connect with—an artist who works…
Nocturne 2020: Mo Phùng’s memory Migration
Migration & (RE)Emergence: The Herring, Clouds And The Blue Sky nocturnehalifax.ca, re-emergingnow.ca Oct 12-17 Mo Phùng is now older than their parents were when they first stepped onto Nova Scotian soil. They don’t have the exact same clothing their mom and dad wore, making do with thrift store look-alikes. There are other divergences: The differences…
Nocturne 2020: Marie-Soleil Provençal wastes not, wants lots
Shoreline 2099 Halifax waterfront Oct 12-17 The water pitches and heaves. The air smells of salt. Sometimes, the wood creaks. Don’t be afraid: You’re not about to fall into the Atlantic. At least, you won’t yet. But come 2099, the Halifax waterfront will look very different. About half the wooden walkway will be gone as…
Nocturne 2020: Mo Drescher and Liliona Quarmyne cross the distance
f e e l i n g d i s t a n c e Window performance, The Bus Stop Theatre, 2203 Gottingen Street Fri Oct 16, 5-9pm Remember life without social media? Without a cell phone? Remember shutting down your portal to the internet—rather than slipping it into your pocket? “There’s this desire-shame dynamic…
Nocturne 2020: I’thandi Munro’s parking impass
Wejku’agamit > Owed Window display, FBM Architecture, 1660 Hollis Street Oct 12-17 Because there wasn’t enough parking spots, I’thandi Munro would put her car wherever she could. Because there wasn’t enough bus options, Munro had to drive. Because of all this, she began to acquire parking tickets—over 100, to be exact. “It’s been in the…
Nocturn’d up
Nocturne 2020 Oct 12-17 Various locations and nocturnehalifax.ca What a gift it is that, when we needed a dose of what only art can give us, the usual one-night festival that is Nocturne has stretched into a multi-day celebration of beauty, magic and belief—both online and off. Here, we celebrate how art outlives everything—and how…
Angry mob trap Mi’kmaw fishermen at a lobster pound in southwestern Nova Scotia
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on Ku’ku’kwes News on October 14, and is shared here in partnership with Maureen Googoo and Kukukwes.com. An angry mob of non-Indigenous lobster fishermen trapped two Mi’kmaw fishermen inside a lobster pound in southwestern Nova Scotia late Tuesday evening. According to Jason Marr, a Mi’kmaw lobster fisherman with…
COVID-19 news in Nova Scotia, for the week starting October 12
NOTE: This week is now over. For the very latest news, please go here. But for an informative look back at exactly how Nova Scotia responded to COVID-19 in realtime, keep on reading. Display problems with The Coast’s Nova Scotia COVID-19 case graph? For the mobile version click here. Editor’s note: In its 28 years…
Twenty two yes/no questions with Halifax Regional Council candidates
The Coast asked candidates a series of yes/no questions about who they are, their life experiences, and what they think. Of the 82 candidates who signed up to run, 58 answered the survey. To browse each candidate’s answers, check out the mobile browser app we made to help the people of Halifax make a decision…
On the phone with infrastructure specialist David Schofield, District 15
David Schoefield is ready to put his nearly two decades of working with the province to good use by running for District 15 (Lower Sackville). “I’ve got a really good background in infrastructure, how it works and how it should work, and I’d like to bring that knowledge to the table.” Schofield, 54, has worked…
On the phone with social justice advocate Jay Aaron Roy, District 15
When it comes to municipal politics, Jay Aaron Roy has always been “politically inclined.” He actively supports social movements such as Black Lives Matter, attends rallies supporting local teachers and fundraising for trans youth. When the 37-year-old business-owner saw the opportunity for District 15 (Lower Sackville) councillor open up, Roy decided this was his chance…
On the phone with crisis consultant Mary Lou LeRoy, District 15
Mary Lou LeRoy wants to help improve the lives of the residents of Lower Sackville—her decision to run for council in District 15 (Lower Sackville) is as simple as that. “I want to make a difference in people’s lives,” she says. “To do that I have to have a say in decision making for the…
On the phone with youth mentor Anthony Mrkonjic, District 15
Anthony Mrkonjic has always had a keen interest in politics; this election he decided to act on it and become a candidate for the first time, running for council for District 15 (Lower Sackville). “I really wanted to get more involved in the decision making process that affects our community,” he says. Born and raised…
On the phone with clean harbour champion Bruce Cooke, District 11
Bruce Cooke moved to Herring Cove in 1994, building a house there to raise his family, and early on he realized that he wanted to help the community. Walking along the coast one day, he discovered how the city dealt with its sewage: dumping the raw outflow from thousands of toilets straight into the harbour.…
On the phone with food security advocate Stephen Chafe, District 11
Stephen Chafe says District 11 (Spryfield—Sambro Loop—Prospect Road) has been neglected. He says there’s a need for a strong voice to represent the community—and he’s ready to be that voice as the area’s new councillor. “I’ve been involved in and out of politics for most of my life and it seems like now is the…
On the phone with construction manager Pete Rose, District 11
As an active blood donor, Pete Rose has literally rolled up his sleeves to give back to his community. But now he wants to help in a different way—by running to be councillor for District 11 (Spryfield–Sambro Loop–Prospect Road). The 37-year-old father of two had been thinking about getting into politics for a long time,…
On the phone with community-focused Patty Cuttell, District 11
With over two decades of experience in community development, and 20 years living in District 11 (Spryfield–Sambro Loop–Prospect Road), Patty Cuttell says she’s ready to put everything she’s learned over the years to good use in her own community—which is why she’s running for councillor. “I’m at a point in my life where I would…
On the phone with diversity advocate Ambroise Matwawana, District 11
Ambroise Matwawana came to Canada as a child 40 years ago, from the Democractic Republic of Congo. He watched his parents work hard and pave their own way in the community, never giving up—a sense of resilience that has inspired him throughout his life and continues to do so even now as he runs for…
On the phone with caregiver Hannah Munday, District 11
When Hannah Munday found out District 11 (Spryfield–Sambro Loop–Prospect Road) councillor Steve Adams wasn’t reoffering this election, she took a deep breath and went for it. “Everything was just aligning in a way that seemed like this was a good opportunity,” she says. Munday ran her own daycare business for 10 years until 2019, and…
On the phone with political upstart Dawn Edith Penney, District 11
Dawn Edith Penney faced a tough challenge in the last election for District 11 (Spryfield–Sambro Loop–Prospect Road). She was the only candidate to go up against perennial incumbent Steve Adams, Halifax’s longest-serving councillor, winner of every municipal election since 1991. And sure enough, she lost in 2016. This election the story is a lot different.…
On the phone with affordable housing advocate Lisa Mullin, District 11
When it comes to running a political campaign, Lisa Mullin is well versed. She already had three under her belt, running for the District 11 council seat in 2004, and as a Liberal candidate in the 2006 and 2009 provincial elections. Now she’s in her fourth campaign, aiming to become the city councillor for District…
On the phone with Spryfield’s number-one fan Kristen Hollery, District 11
“I think Spryfield is the greatest community in the world,” says lifelong resident Kristen Hollery. “We are well-connected. We have a lot of resources that people don’t necessarily know, and we work together really well.” The area also gets a bad rap sometimes, but Hollery hopes to change that by running for District 11 (Spryfield–Sambro Loop–Prospect…
On the phone with affordable housing advocate Matt Conrad, District 11
Ever since he was 14 years old, Matt Conrad knew he wanted to run for city council. “I couldn’t wait to vote and I was always really involved,” he says. Conrad never considered running for a specific party—for him it’s always been about city council and representing District 11 (Spryfield—Sambro Loop—Prospect Road). “I find that…
On the phone with green politician Iain Taylor, District 13
Iain Taylor was born and raised in Northern Ireland, moving to Canada in 2007 for his university education. This election, he’s running for council for District 13 (Hammonds Plains–St. Margarets) to tackle three major issues: COVID-19, the economic crisis and climate change. “And I don’t feel like any of the other candidates are appropriately addressing…
On the phone with residential painter Robert Holden, District 13
Robert Holden is a single dad raising his six-year-old daughter. He works as a self-employed residential painter and was a stay-at-home dad for three and a half years. This October, he’s running for the council seat in District 13 (Hammonds Plains–St. Margarets) because he wants to see some changes in the district. “We need services…
On the phone with political science graduate Derek Bellemore, District 13
Derek Bellemore is running for council because he’s always been interested in the community, starting from when he was the youngest volunteer on the Heritage Advisory Committee. Now, as a political science graduate from Dalhousie University, Bellemore says his degree will help him make informed decisions if he’s elected to represent District 13 (Hammonds Plains–St.…
On the phone with policy procurement expert Tim Elms, District 13
Tim Elms is running for the council seat for District 13 (Hammonds Plains–St. Margarets) because he’s grown tired of politicians focusing on elections instead of solutions. “Ones that claim that they’ve done so much for us, but with actual like, little results,” says the father of three. Elms says his experience in policy procurement for…
On the phone with accountant Darrell Jessome, District 13
Darrell Jessome says he decided to run for the District 13 (Hammonds Plains-St. Margarets) council seat so he could connect with more people in the community. “Sincerely, I want to help people. Sometimes It’s hard to broadcast that but at my age, it’s truly what I want to do,” says the 61-year-old accountant. Jessome’s been…
On the phone with community advocate Pam Lovelace, District 13
Pam Lovelace is the only woman running for a council seat for District 13 (Hammonds Plains–St. Margarets). She recently received a donation from an 88-year-old woman, who hopes she wins against the eight men in the race. “Her wish right now is to be represented on council by a woman for the first time ever,”…
On the phone with community guardian Nick Horne, District 13
Nick Horne first started getting engaged in the community when an asphalt plant wanted to move in close to his home in Westwood Hills. He and other residents were opposed to the idea. “I led that fight,” Horne says. “And from that, I joined the HRM Planning Advisory Committee, which continued to get me engaged…
On the phone with acclaimed councillor Tim Outhit, District 16
It’s been 12 years since Tim Outhit was first elected as the representative for Bedford-Wentworth. This time around, he’s got no competition for the seat. “I was acclaimed, so I haven’t been filling out a lot of surveys and that because I don’t want to influence other people,” he says. But Outhit is still happy to…
On the phone with affordable housing advocate Ryan Burris, District 4
When Ryan Burris was deciding how to give back to his community, it was a toss-up between running for council and starting a not-for-profit affordable housing organization. “I thought I could get more done on council short-term,” says the 34-year-old stepfather of two about his decision to run in District 4 (Cole Harbour–Westphal). Burris shops,…
On the phone with public servant Jessica Quillan, District 4
Jessica Quillan says she never backs down—and she’s not about to start if she’s elected councillor for District 4 (Cole Harbour–Westphal). She is ready to improve her community at a higher level, and although politics was never at the forefront of her mind, she says if she wants to make change, politics comes with the…
On the phone with retired teacher John Stewart, District 4
John Stewart retired from teaching after 34 years, but he’s not ready to give up public service. With current councillor Lorelei Nicoll deciding not to run for re-election, the race for District 4 (Cole Harbour–Westphal) is wide open, and Stewart decided to join it as a political first-timer. “This looks like it was the next…
On the phone with fitness professional Trish Purdy, District 4
Four years ago, when Trish Purdy started her divinity degree at Acadia University, she knew her end goal was to help her community in some way. When she saw that her current councillor Lorelei Nicoll decided not to run in this election, Purdy felt now was her time. “To represent and advocate for my community…
On the phone with son-of-a-councillor Chris Mont, District 4
Politics is nothing new to Chris Mont. Besides growing up in a household with a history of public service—his father Stephen was a two-term Halifax County councillor—Mont himself ran in the 2017 provincial election with the Progressive Conservative party. So when people asked him if he was running for council, he figured there was no…
On the phone with long-time area resident Kevin Foran, District 4
“Cole Harbour is a great place,” says Kevin Foran about the town where he’s lived for 46 of his 50 years. With the district’s current municipal councillor, Lorelei Nicoll, retiring from politics instead of running this election, Foran was inspired to throw his hat into the ring for District 4 (Cole Harbour–Westphal). “I have lots…
On the phone with barbecue sauce entrepreneur Jerome Lagmay, District 4
Proud Phillipino immigrant Jerome Lagmay has been a community advocate since he arrived in Halifax nearly nine years ago. While he frequently sends money back to the Philippines, he’s also been heavily involved in volunteer work for several years in his community. That’s part of why he chose to run for the District 4 (Cole…
On the phone with author and anti-racism advocate Darryl Johnson, District 4
Darryl Johnson was first inspired to run for city council four years ago, but it didn’t pan out. This year, he says it’s “perfect timing” to vie for District 4 (Cole Harbour–Westphal). “Being an African Nova Scotian male, what with the George Floyd movement and social justice movements and Black Lives Matter, I figured I…
On the phone with political team-builder Marisa DeMarco, District 4
Even before she got involved in politics by working for a provincial MLA, Marisa DeMarco knew she wanted to help people. “I’ve always been very passionate about community development and bringing people together to make change,” says the candidate for Halifax council’s District 4 (Cole Harbour–Westphal) seat. She’s worked with women facing domestic violence and…
On the phone with renewable energy advocate Jamie MacNeil, District 4
Jamie MacNeil says running for the District 4 (Cole Harbour–Westphal) seat on council was an easy choice: after all, he says he’s been training for this role for 25 years. Before starting a career in the renewable energy sector, taking a country-wide management job with a company called Big Moon Power in 2017, he worked…
On the phone with social advocate Caroline Williston, District 4
“I firmly believe that a lot of our problems come from the fact that we don’t really have a representative government,” says Caroline Williston. But she also believes in social advocacy, and is determined to be a strong representative for the people if she’s elected councillor in District 4 (Cole Harbour–Westphal). “I’ve volunteered on political…
On the phone with “affordable everything” proponent Iona Stoddard, District 12
During the 22 years she’s lived in Timberlea, Iona Stoddard has worn many hats. She’s been a legal assistant, had management positions in banking with CIBC Bank, worked as an administrative clerk for the province. And now, for the second time, she’s a council candidate for District 12 (Timberlea–Beechville–Clayton Park–Wedgewood). Stoddard ran in the last…
On the phone with newbie-incumbent Paul Russell, District 15
Living in Sackville for 25 years, Paul Russell has spent time on the school board, volunteering in the community and running for a conservative MP seat in the last federal election. Then in 2019, Russell ran in the October by-election in Lower Sackville, after Steve Craig made the move to provincial politics. “I am able…
Seven Sure Things happening in Halifax from October 8-14
Thursday October 8 Emerging Lens Film Festival 10th Anniversary Screenings The indie film fest celebrates its multicultural focus with a three-day streak of screenings. Thursday is day two of the event, with a host of flicks and local shorts being shown at The Bus Stop Theatre—including Beyond Curls and Kinks, the story of women defying…
On the phone with incumbent Waye Mason, District 7
With two terms under his belt, downtown Halifax councillor Waye Mason has become well-known for his city planning knowledge, protecting historic buildings and going to bat with the province on some major issues. “One of the ones that I’m delighted about was fighting the province over the poorly planned-out parking garage, and stopping that in…
Emailing with social equity advocate Jen Powley, District 7
Jen Powley decided to challenge for the District 7 (Halifax South Downtown) council seat because she cannot abide by the unfairness going on in the city. “The situation with the police in HRM is a great example of inequity,” she says. “We need to ask the communities what they want the job of the police…
On the phone with activist Craig Roy, District 7
Having lived in downtown Halifax for four years, voting for the incumbent councillor in the district last election, Craig Roy says he hasn’t seen the changes he expected. So this time around, he’s running for council himself. “Instead of sitting around and bellyaching about the fact that nothing is getting done, I’m gonna step in and…
Nocturne 2020: Ingrid Waldron is changing the tides
Meeting Waters: Cross-Cultural Collaborations on Environmental Racism Wed Oct 14, 7-9pm Zoom, details and links at nocturnehalifax.ca Dr. Ingrid Waldron never expected to have an exhibit at Nocturne. After all, the sociologist, author, world-leading researcher on environmental racism and co-producer of the documentary smash There’s Something In The Water (yes, the one Ellen Page co-directed,…
On the phone with incumbent Shawn Cleary, District 9
S hawn Cleary was elected in 2016 with the goals of making Halifax more environmentally and financially stable and making roads safer for pedestrians. Four years later, he’s still working on those same things, although he says he’s made a lot of progress. “With the integrated mobility plan, when that was unanimously passed in December…
On the phone with actor Bill Carr, District 9
Bill Carr is running for the District 9 (Halifax West Armdale) council seat in hopes of restoring humanity to Halifax. He aims “to truly lift up representative—but more importantly participatory—democracy,” he says. “So that we can have a safe and equitable community.” Carr says the systemic racism in Halifax is real and deeper than many…
On the phone with scientist Stephen Foster, District 9
After Stephen Foster rounded off his PhD in physics in Toronto, he moved back home to Halifax. “I love this city,” he says, “and if I could do anything to make it a better place to live, then that would be something that would mean a lot to me.” Foster got a job as a…
On the phone with stay-at-home dad Shaun Clark, District 9
Shaun Clark is vying to be councillor for District 9 (Halifax West Armdale) because he wants a better life for his children. “I want them to have places that they can live in, in the city, when they’re old enough,” he says. Clark, who quit his job as a staffing clerk at the IWK Health…
On the phone with fed-up resident David Boyd, District 2
Living in Lawrencetown Beach, David Boyd says his community has been overlooked by politicians for as long as he can remember. This year, it motivated him to run for the District 2 (Preston–Chezzetcook–Eastern Shore) council seat. “Well, one major thing I’ll fight for a community that’s been ignored for a long time, that’s North Preston,” he says.…
On the phone with career politician David Hendsbee, District 2
Looking after the largest geographical district in the municipality, Preston-Chezzetcook-Eastern Shore, there’s a one in three chance David Hendsbee could also be the longest-running councillor. “If I’m re-elected I will become the dean with tenure,” he says, having sat on Halifax Regional Council from 1993 until 1999, taking a brief break to try his hand…
On the phone with morally grounded Nicole Johnson, District 2
Nicole Johnson is running for District 2 (Preston–Chezzetcook–Eastern Shore) because she has a heart for community and family. “I am someone who has been raised on some great spiritual principles and grounded in morals that seek to do good.” A graduate of the Centre for Arts and Technology in Halifax, with a background in fashion,…
On the phone with paramedic John Bignell, District 12
When it comes to why he chose to run for District 12 (Timberlea–Beechville–Clayton Park–Wedgewood), John Bignell thinks back to his first time volunteering in his community, saying it was “kind of a catalyst” for him. The 45-year-old father of two volunteered with the Wooden River Environment Watershed Organisation in the ‘90s. He was also a…
On the phone with incumbent Lisa Blackburn, District 14
B efore she became councillor, Lisa Blackburn worked in television and radio. Now, she’s making the decisions she used to report on. “The municipal order of government is the closest to homeowners, and we’re the ones who impact your day-to-day life, so those decisions are important ones at that council table,” says the incumbent candidate…
On the phone with incumbent Lindell Smith, District 8
I n Halifax’s north end, Councillor Lindell Smith is a staunch community advocate both in the council chambers and outside of them. “When you look at the last four years, we’ve made amazing progress together as a district and as residents and I want to continue as the elected councillor to fulfil that progress and…
On the phone with housing advocate Virginia Hinch, District 8
Living in Halifax’s north end all her life, Virginia Hinch has certainly seen the district change. So much so that it encouraged her to get into politics. “The defining moment, it was due to the fact that the housing crisis for one thing, cause I mean we’re at one percent [vacancy] and still they’re…
On the phone with former bartender Dylan Kennedy, District 8
Dylan Kennedy is running for the District 8 (Halifax Peninsula North) council seat because he wants to fight for his district. “I find there’s not very many fighters on council, let alone representing District 8,” he says. “If no one else is going to challenge the status quo, I guess it’s got to be me.”…
On the phone with 20-year-old candidate Kyle Morton, District 10
Kyle Morton has a full course load. In his third year at Saint Mary’s University, Morton is studying finance, economics and computing information systems, with a minor in German. Outside of school, he’s getting a practical education in political science by running for the District 10 (Halifax–Bedford Basin West) seat on council. “I want to…
On the phone with environment advocate Kathryn Morse, District 10
When Kathryn Morse worked as an assistant to Maureen MacDonald, the former provincial NDP minister of both health and finance, and as a reporter with the CBC for about 12 years, she learned a lot about communities and politics. “That was a really good education, I think, and a preparation to be a councillor,” Morse…
On the phone with environmentalist Christopher Hurry, District 10
Christopher Hurry decided to run for the District 10 (Halifax–Bedford Basin West) council seat after reading the city’s climate change plan, HalifACT 2050. “I think we have to speed up our response to this,” he says. “I think it’s such a large crisis and we have to do it, and that’s what motivated me.” Hurry, an IWK data researcher who…
On the phone with social justice consultant Sherry Hassanali, District 10
“I am a story. I am the only woman of colour running in my district,” says Sherry Hassanali, a second-generation Canadian. “The fact that there’s never been a woman of colour on council in the 271 years is a story.” Hassanali’s parents moved to Canada from Trinidad and Tobago. And over the last 24 years of…
On the phone with community advocate Mohammad Ehsan, District 10
Bangladesh-born community volunteer Mohammad Ehsan is running for councillor for District 10 (Halifax–Bedford Basin West) because he wants to do more for his district. “There is limitations on you on how much you can do from the sidelines.” He’s passionate about senior citizens in the district: He spearheaded a project called the Stronger Together Initiative…
On the phone with incumbent Tony Mancini, District 6
T ony Mancini has run in elections before, but not like this. “The previous two campaigns we literally knocked on thousands of doors. And I just felt that because of Covid the risk wasn’t worth it,” he explains in a phone call with The Coast. “Because let’s say that either myself or one of my…
Outside the Atlantic bubble the outbreak is the worst it’s ever been
Update Thursday, October 8: When this story was published yesterday, the then-current national COVID-19 numbers showed a record high of 24,640 cases diagnosed in the west of Canada over the past 14 days. Today we are sad to report that the latest numbers are pushing the record even higher, to 25,335 cases in two weeks.…
On the phone with community advocate Andrew Curran, District 10
Five years ago, Andrew Curran was taking his dog for a walk when he met a senior whose husband had died just a few months earlier. Because she did not have many friends, she spent her time talking to dog walkers and watering her lawn. “After I spoke with her, she had moved away because…
On the phone with volunteer Renee Field, District 10
After Renee Field started working as a volunteer in District 10 (Halifax–Bedford Basin West), she formed a neighbourhood watch program in Rockingham that handled the car theft issue, and she chairs a residents’ association where they raised $140,000 in less than two years to redesign DJ Butler Park. Now she wants to take this love…
On the phone with Douglas Day, a voice for low-income earners, District 6
Douglas Day tried reaching out to the current councillor of District 6 (Harbourview–Burnside–Dartmouth East) a couple of times via email about some concerns he had. When he didn’t get a response, he decided to run for the council seat himself. “I feel it’s time for a change,” says Day. “Time to get rid of the…
On the phone with business owner Ibrahim Manna, District 6
Ibrahim Manna is running for office because the current councillor has been ignoring the needs of residents in District 6 (Harbourview–Burnside–Dartmouth East). “I’ve personally been talking to the councillor himself,” Manna says, “and he has done nothing to these issues.” Manna, who’s lived and worked in the district for a long time, wants to be…
On the phone with former police officer Mitch McIntyre, District 5
After nearly 34 years as a police officer in Dartmouth, Mitch McIntyre is running for the District 5 (Dartmouth Centre) council seat because he cares for the city. “I’ve walked the street, I’ve been the eyes and the ears of the citizens of Dartmouth for all those years,” the 64-year-old says. He’s disappointed with the…
On the phone with incumbent Richard Zurawski, District 12
With previous experience as a meteorologist and talk show host, Richard Zurawski got into politics in 2016 with a strong focus on science, climate change and the environment. “As a new councillor it takes a couple of years just to understand how things work, and so once you get the experience…you want to be able…
Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival announces lineup
The movie fest for die hard film fans—a place where you’ll see flicks you won’t find anywhere else—is back: Today, Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival is unveiling its full lineup for the all-online 2020 event, happening from November 12 to 15 at hiff.ca. “Though film is best experienced in a proper theatre, it’s also the most…
On the phone with engineering professor George Mbamalu, District 3
As a resident of the area for over 27 years, George Mbamalu is running for the District 3 (Dartmouth South–Eastern Passage) seat on council because he wants his community to be heard. “We have been poorly represented in the past,” says Mbamalu. “The way the city’s going I don’t see a positive outlook. It’s almost…
On the phone with political veteran Becky Kent, District 3
She’s been a councillor. She’s been a provincial MLA. Now, after being away from the political scene since 2013, Becky Kent says she’s ready now more than ever to make a comeback. That’s why she is excited to be running for council again this election, as a candidate for District 3 (Dartmouth South–Eastern Passage). During…
On the phone with wetlands proponent Clinton Desveaux, District 3
C linton Desveaux had his political epiphany at the supper table. The 47-year-old father of two remembers being worried for young pedestrians and cyclists after a rash of car accidents. “There’s been a lot of hit and runs in the neighbourhood,” he complained at the table. “My wife said to me: ‘Stop complaining about it.…
On the phone with retired Canadian Forces major Lloyd Jackson, District 3
After a 36-year career in the Canadian Forces, which led him all over the globe from Kandahar, Afghanistan to Sierra Leone, Africa, retired major Lloyd Jackson says he’s ready to put his decades of leadership skills to good use. “I retired in 2016 but there’s still things I’d like to see get done in the…
On the phone with Human Rights Commision board member Vishal Bhardwaj, District 3
When Vishal Bhardwaj migrated from India to Halifax 18 years ago, he felt alone. “It was a culture shock going from a place with a billion people to here,” says the mechanical engineer and Human Right Commission board member. “To make a call back home was like $2 a minute.” Then he attended the former…
Everything you need to know about voting in Halifax’s elections
Every four years Halifax Regional Council gets a reset. It’s a good thing. New faces bring new ideas, and new ideas make for better cities and municipalities. The 16 districts that make up this 5,490 square kilometre municipality range from Peggys Cove to Ecum Secum, up to Upper and Middle Musquodobbit. The councillors elected to…
Not sure which district you live in? Look it up here
Type in your address to learn which HRM district you live in. Related Stories
On the phone with former volunteer firefighter Stephen Kamperman, District 1
Stephen Kamperman was fresh out of high school and coaching volleyball when he was named the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation coach of the year. He says winning that award at such a young age propelled him into thinking he could do so much more for his community. Now 39 years old, he’s running for…
On the phone with professional politician Steve Streatch, District 1
After more than 20 years as a councillor, Steve Streatch has seen the city evolve under three different mayors. “I was on the first council under mayor Fitzgerald, and then under mayor Kelly and now under mayor Savage. So, I believe my legacy knowledge has value,” says the incumbent candidate for District 1 (Waverley–Fall River–Musquodoboit Valley). First…
On the phone with former Navy officer Art Wamback, District 1
After 37 years of serving in the Navy, Art Wamback retired in March of this year. But he says he’s not done serving yet. This time he wants to serve District 1 (Waverley–Fall River–Musquodoboit Valley). “What better way to do that than to run for town council and maybe make a difference,” he says. Wamback,…
On the phone with non-profit leader Cathy Deagle-Gammon, District 1
Cathy Deagle-Gammon is running for the council seat for District 1 (Waverley—Fall River—Musquodoboit Valley) because she believes in her community, and the need for grassroots growth representation there. She’s worked with every level of government in her career, and says she’ll be a voice for her community if elected. Although originally from Cape Breton, Deagle-Gammon…
On the phone with community volunteer Debbie MacKinnon, District 10
Although originally from Cape Breton, Debbie MacKinnon has lived in Fairview for the last 25 years. She schooled at Mount Saint Vincent University and “never ended up leaving. That’s how much I like the place.” MacKinnon has been involved in the community ever since her children were little. She’s volunteered as chair of the school…
North Preston rallies for a better apology from Stephen McNeil
Over 50 people gathered over the course of the afternoon for a rally in North Preston on October 3 to demand a better apology for systemic racism from Premier Stephen McNeil because the apology he rendered on September 29 to the African Nova Scotian and Indigenous communities does not cut it. Evangeline Downey, one of…
On the phone with incumbent Sam Austin, District 5
Sam Austin, a councillor for the past four years, answers the phone while driving, but quickly pulls into a parking lot to give his full attention to the call. “For me, what it really comes down to is the same reason I ran in 2016. I’m in it to do things,” says the representative for the…
Meet the candidates for District 1 Waverley–Fall River–Musquodoboit Valley
Non-profit leader Cathy Deagle-Gammon “The value that I can bring as a councillor is a really good understanding of the public dollar.” Former volunteer firefighter Stephen Kamperman He’d like to see the residents of his district getting more services for the taxes they pay. Professional politician Steve Streatch “I believe my perspective and the way…
Meet the candidates for District 2 Preston–Chezzetcook–Eastern Shore
Fed-up resident David Boyd Boyd says the current councillor is out of touch with constituents. Career politician David Hendsbee “If I’m re-elected I will become the dean with tenure.” Morally grounded Nicole Johnson “They want diversity, they want change, and I’m that.” Related Stories
Meet the candidates for District 3 Dartmouth South-Eastern Passage
Human Rights Commision board member Vishal Bhardwaj He has “a lot” of campaign commitments, including supports for mental health and seniors.” Wetlands proponent Clinton Desveaux “My children were kayaking when they were little kids, so we spend a lot of time on the water.” Retired Canadian Forces major Lloyd Jackson “I believe my perspective and…
Meet the candidates for District 4 Cole Harbour–Westphal
Affordable housing advocate Ryan Burris “We’re in a housing crisis. It’s a tough one for people, especially with the current pandemic.” Political team-builder Marisa DeMarco “It’s by building on active citizenship and community engagement that we’re going to see things happen.” Long-time area resident Kevin Foran After 46 years in the community, Foran’s ready to…
Meet the candidates for District 5 Dartmouth Centre
Incumbent Sam Austin “There are areas in policing that police do now, that could be done better.” Former police officer Mitch McIntyre Instead of defunding the police, McIntyre says more money is needed to give cops better training. Related Stories
COVID-19 news in Nova Scotia, for the week starting October 5
NOTE: This week is now over. For the very latest news, please go here. But for an informative look back at exactly how Nova Scotia responded to COVID-19 in realtime, keep on reading. Display problems with The Coast’s Nova Scotia COVID-19 case graph? For the mobile version click here. Editor’s note: In its 28 years…
Meet the candidates for District 6 Harbourview–Burnside–Dartmouth East
Douglas Day, a voice for low-income earners “You’re supposed to be representing everybody, not just the high-class.” Incumbent Tony Mancini The sitting councillor has a focus on improving north end Dartmouth. Business owner Ibrahim Manna “I want to be able to say, ‘you know what, there is Dartmouth, not just Halifax.’” Related Stories
Meet the candidates for District 7 Halifax South Downtown
Activist Craig Roy He wants to improve the affordable housing crisis in downtown Halifax. Incumbent Waye Mason “I’m trying to really focus on, ‘what can the municipality do that doesn’t require the province?’” Social equity advocate Jen Powley “People will be able to know who is fighting for them and who isn’t.” Related Stories
Meet the candidates for District 8 Halifax Peninsula North
Housing advocate Virginia Hinch Hinch says she wants everyone to be a part of development discussions. Former bartender Dylan Kennedy The candidate is calling for a 50 percent cut in the Halifax Regional Police budget. Incumbent Lindell Smith Smith wants to work on reducing construction traffic and consulting more residents on development. Related Stories
Meet the candidates for District 9 Halifax West Armdale
Stay-at-home dad Shaun Clark He’d like to see a more accessible city for disabled people. Incumbent Shawn Cleary He says he’s the only councillor to date who’s tangibly de-funded the police. Scientist Stephen Foster He wants to restore the trust between the police and Black people. On the phone with actor Bill Carr One of…
Meet the candidates for District 10 Halifax–Bedford Basin West
20-year-old candidate Kyle Morton If elected, the SMU student will switch to part-time studies to serve as Halifax’s youngest councillor. Environment advocate Kathryn Morse Educated in environmental planning and politics, she wants to help Halifax grow better and smarter. Environmentalist Christopher Hurry He says we can’t wait until the future to start addressing climate change.…
Meet the candidates for District 11 Spryfield–Sambro Loop–Prospect Road
Food security advocate Stephen Chafe “We’re in a food desert. We need better food bank services out here.” Affordable housing advocate Matt Conrad “If we can get housing rate downs or rent rates down: Then, to me, that’s the same as putting money back in people’s pockets.” Community-focused Patty Cuttell “You have this development happening,…
Meet the candidates for District 12 Timberlea–Beechville–Clayton Park–Wedgewood
Paramedic John Bignell The active volunteer says there’s lots to fix in the district, and he’s ready to get the area back on track. “Affordable everything” proponent Iona Stoddard “Affordable housing, affordable transit. Basically affordable living.” Incumbent Richard Zurawski The incumbent councillor says he wants a new team of scientists working for the city. Related…
Meet the candidates for District 13 Hammonds Plains–St. Margarets
Political science graduate Derek Bellemore “I just see so many issues in the city that I think should be resolved.” Policy procurement expert Tim Elms “We really, really need to focus on supporting local businesses.” Rresidential painter Robert Holden “We need services out here. There’s no transit on the weekends, period!” Accountant Darrell Jessome He’ll…
District 14 Middle/Upper Sackville–Beaver Bank–Lucasville
Incumbent Lisa Blackburn “The thing that makes me the most proud is the work that we did to re-establish the historic boundaries for Lucasville.” Related Stories
Meet the candidates for District 15 Lower Sackville
Social justice advocate Jay Aaron Roy Whether it’s affordable transit or accessibility issues, Roy wants to make sure everyone’s voice is heard. Crisis consultant Mary Lou LeRoy “I never give up. If anything’s happening, I’m going to see it through to the end.” Youth mentor Anthony Mrkonjic This first-time candidate says he’ll bring a new…
District 16 Bedford–Wentworth
Acclaimed councillor Tim Outhit Outhit is the only incumbent councillor running unopposed in the 2020 HRM election. Related Stories
Roxane Gay knows the way
Roxane Gay at Afterwords Literary Festival Sunday Oct 4, 4pm Zoom; eventbrite.ca for tickets and details It’s early morning Halifax time when Roxane Gay answers her call from The Coast. The New York Times bestselling author and journalist has just finished self-isolating in Iceland, so she’s understandably keen for an efficient chat (after all, her first…
Seven Sure Things happening in Halifax from October 2-7
Friday October 2 Drag Revival Craven Blood hosts this evening of local drag royalty at the recently re-opened Menz & Mollyz bar. You’ve been missing nights like this, so get to gettin’. Menz & Mollyz, 2182 Gottingen Street, 9:30pm, $9 Dispatch If anything can be a play, as Halifax indie theatre continues to prove, why…
Council approves three initiatives to try and fix the housing crisis
Unable to set rent controls or force developers to make sure a certain proportion of units in a building are affordable—because these are provincial jurisdiction—Halifax Regional Council has gotten creative to try and make things a little bit better for the folks in this city who don’t own their own home. At this week’s council…
Building shaped like half a cruise ship will come to Halifax’s waterfront with few changes
Remember what it looked like when Halifax’s waterfront was stuffed with cruise ships lined up along the boardwalk? Then, COVID-19 came and the scene is a mere memory. But, Southwest Properties has swooped in to save us all, with its proposal for a building that looks like half a cruise ship getting an “almost but…
Trouble in the quad? Roger that.
QI’m a thirtysomething gay man married to a thirtysomething gay man. For almost two years, we’ve been seeing another pair of married gay men around our age. They were our first experience with any sexual or romantic interaction outside of our relationship. The first six months were hot and heavy. We were together constantly and…
In your horoscope: How’s your relationship with yourself?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) Scorpio-born Prince Charles has been heir to the British throne for 68 years. That’s an eternity to be patiently on hold for his big chance to serve as king. His mother Queen Elizabeth just keeps going on and on, living her very long life, ensuring that Charles remains second-in-command.…
Everything that happened at Halifax Regional Council this week
It’s 2020, the news is happening on Instagram. For a full minute-by-minute recap of this week’s marathon council meeting head over to our Instagram page to watch city editor Caora McKenna’s live reporting. It includes swipe up links to relevant articles, breakdowns of the legalese that often leaves people drowning, and some fun survey questions…
HRM fails to consult community on BLM mural project
Aaliyah Paris woke up on Monday morning blindsided by the news that Halifax and Dartmouth were home to two new Black Lives Matter street murals. It’s not that Paris doesn’t support the movement, she does. So much so that back in June she actually came up with her own idea to paint an “All Black…
Keonté Beals’s coronation
Keonté Beals, the soft-spoken R&B luminary of North Preston, had had a hard night. There was a disagreement with his significant other and a (rare) drink to ease the pain. Then, hungover from the night before, Beals went to his studio and picked up a notebook and pen. With the lights off, headphones on and…
