Hi Halifax, you’re glowing!

I need to speak on something that feels vital: the fact that people are upset that Nova Scotia will be getting a new area code. That’s right, there’s a new area code coming to town and her name is 851. She will sashay across the province on May 27, 2028, joining the OG queen 902 and her lesser known “roommate” that we all know is actually her long-term lover: 782.

Also raise your hand if you were today-years-old when you learned that we’ve have a 782 area code since 2014 🙋🏻‍♀️.

Who knew three numbers would send people into such a tizzy. You know what’s scarier than a new area code? Literally everything in the world right now.

I love the one woman who says “I think it just makes sense to keep the 902. The other one doesn’t sounds right to me”. Ok, cool, cool. Except did we not all learn about permutations and combinations in junior high school?

In math, a permutation is an arrangement of items where the order matters. A phone number is a purrrfect example of a permutation because changing the order of the digits creates a completely different number. You with me? In Canada, each phone number consists of ten digits, three for the area code and seven for the unique phone number.

As the population grows and people have more than one device (like a home phone, office phone and personal cell phone), we run out of permutations of phone numbers using the current digits available. So, we either have to change the area code OR add more numbers than seven…which would be insanely European.

Many major cities including Toronto and New York City have lived to tell the tale of surviving this momentous upheaval. Anyone that watched the Sex and the City movie knows that. And guys! If you have a 902 number now, you don’t have to change it so please take a HUGE chill pill. Biggest one you can find.

The other argument I am hearing made is that people will see the new area code, assume it’s spam and not answer. Ummmm, why would you do that when you know that we ADDED A NEW AREA CODE?

Listen, we all like the 902; it feels safe and nostalgic. But with climate change burning down the world, AI deep fake porn ruining lives and Trump with his Dorito dust fingers hovering over the nuclear codes, we really need to pick our battles here and a new area code ain’t it, dolls.

Here’s a grip—grab on tight.

Love, light and lucidity!

– Jules

📷 @editorjulesl

Today: 🌤️ 32°

Tomorrow: ☀ 31°

Next Day: 🌤️ 29°

7-day forecast

🚗 Driving, biking or busing today? Check out the current traffic conditions and ongoing road closures.

If you talk to most Nova Scotians about our food and drink superstars, products such as crab, scallops, lobster, salmon, apples and wine naturally get mentioned. Most of these products contribute tens, and sometimes hundreds, of millions of dollars to the economy. In the case of lobster, the figure reaches into the billions.

Then there is the wild blueberry. It is our official provincial berry and one of our most important agricultural exports. Consider that the wild blueberry industry contributes an estimated $150 million annually to Nova Scotia’s economy.

The Coast’s Mark DeWolf has more on the agricultural star we don’t talk about nearly enough—the blueberry.

👀 Officials are asking anyone who comes across a magazine containing ammunition to return it to Halifax Regional Police immediately—the magazine fell out of an officer’s equipment belt after a chase on Green Road in Dartmouth around 10:35am.

🧑‍🎨 Join the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and Tribal Fusion Art for unique Indigenous Glass Art Experience on Aug 17th. Purchase tickets here.*

🎶 Lullabies Around the World – August 15, 10am (FREE): Acclaimed musician Anna Shabalina performs lullabies, stories, and melodies celebrating cultures from around the world.*

😀 Platypus Play – August 15, 2pm: A joyful new musical with catchy songs and lovable characters, celebrating friendship, belonging, self-acceptance, and courage to be yourself.*

🪿 Bird Watch – August 15, 6pm: A lively aerial circus adventure featuring physical comedy, imaginative storytelling, spectacular circus arts celebrating curiosity, nature, friendship, and discovery.*

🦕 Before extinction, dinosaurs fought to survive! Dinosaur Exploration 2 is a sequel to the hit 2024 exhibit, featuring some of your favourite dinosaurs.*

*Sponsored Post

One weekend. Ten incredible family shows. Endless imagination.

The BRAVO Festival for Young Audiences brings together theatre, music, dance, puppetry, and interactive performances from outstanding artists. Discover unforgettable experiences for children and families, all in one place.

Join us for BRAVO—where imagination takes centre stage. Get tickets today!

🏗️ Plans for a nearly 12-hectare development in Halifax were released Wednesday during a public engagement session—two developers have submitted proposals for up to 4,615 new residential units, as well as commercial and office spaces on an area between Windsor, Young, Robie and Almon streets.

🏛️ The Nova Scotia government returned $5M in federal funding earmarked for land protection because it did not spend it and it made no measurable progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the last year.

🌳 A new poll commissioned by the Ecology Action Centre shows nearly 80% of Nova Scotians do not want the province to permit private development—like golf courses, hotels and spas—in provincial parks and protected areas.

🤖 Some heritage advocates in Nova Scotia are divided about the use of artificial intelligence to promote the province’s historic sites and tourist attractions.

⚖️ A former lawyer in Halifax is facing serious financial charges after police say he misappropriated and stole trust funds—RCMP first launched the investigation in January 2019 after multiple complaints were filed against Jason Donald Boudrot, 54, and his law firm.

🛣️ RCMP in Nova Scotia are investigating racist graffiti painted along a highway in Pictou County—police say the graffiti depicted an antisemitic symbol.

📺 Former CTV news anchor Lloyd Robertson—a trusted voice who guided Canadians through some of the biggest moments in modern history—has died at the age of 92.

🚰 Residents at Spruce Grove Apartments—a province-run senior’s home in Porters Lake—are relieved to have running water again after it stopped working for 15 hours.

Now leasing in Clayton Park—discover brand-new rental apartments designed for modern living. Choose from spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites featuring in-suite washer and dryer, pet-friendly living, and exceptional amenities. Enjoy up to one month free rent plus free internet.

Suites start from the $1,900s. Find your next home today.

Looking for something to do this week? Check out these Coast picks:

🗓 Line Woods live at YukYuks: A history-making comedian as the first woman to win the CBC Radio Open Mic Stand-Up Contest at Hubcap Comedy Festival, Line has been lighting up stages across the Maritimes in both English and French. With credits including SiriusXM, Just For Laughs, and television writing, she delivers smart, high-energy comedy. Don't wait, grab your tickets now! | Aug 7 and 8 | 8pm | $25 | 

🗓 Anytime Fitness Beach Party: Anytime Fitness & the Otter Club are hosting the wellness event of the summer on the Halifax Waterfront. You can expect local businesses, the Halifax Tides, freebies, guided workouts and a live Red Bull DJ! | Aug 8 | 10am | FREE | 

🗓 Halifax Fashion Week: Showcasing emerging and established designers, models, photographers, and creative professionals, this multi-day celebration highlights the region’s vibrant fashion industry through runway shows, pop-up events, networking opportunities and industry showcases. | Aug 8-15 | 

Have an event to share? Let us know at [email protected].

➡️ The CMA CGM Paranagua container vessel departs Halifax for Antwerp at 8am.

➡️ The Atlantic Journey tanker departs Halifax at 8am.

🚢 The Nolhan Ava container vessel arrives in Halifax from St. Pierre at 8:15am.

🚢➡️ The Atlantic Sea container vessel arrives in Halifax from Norfolk at 3:20pm and departs for Liverpool at 11pm.

🚢 The Morning Lynn vehicle carrier arrives in Halifax from Philadelphia at 5:55pm.

➡️ The Oceana container vessel departed Halifax for Kingston at 1am.

🦞 Fresh Atlantic lobster tucked into handmade agnolotti. It's one of the signature pasta dishes waiting for you at Pazzo.

🐐 The Stubborn Goat welcomes back a fan favourite: The Elote Mac! Deliciously packed with sweet corn, crumbled feta, roasted jalapeño aioli, cilantro, and lime.

*sponsored

🎤 Steel Cut Oats had to make a difficult choice. When two members of what was the five-piece indie pop-rock band decided to move on, there were only a few options open to those remaining. They could recruit a fourth member to round out their sound. They could call it quits and go their separate ways. The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer chats with Janke and vocalist Sarah Roberts about the band’s new album and how it encapsulates their experiences.

Thanks for reading The Coast Daily today.

If you found something useful, consider forwarding this newsletter to another Haligonian.

And before you go, let us know: