🗞️ Breaking into the scene

Good morning, Halifax.

Today is Trans Day of Remembrance. A moment to remember trans lives cut short by violence and discrimination.

I’d like to direct your attention towards a special event happening this morning, if you have time to attend. A flag raising will be happening at the Province House, followed by an indoor reception, from 11:45am to 2pm. Photo ID is needed to attend the reception.

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make the flag-raising ceremony, as I will be giving a speech at the flag raising being held in my town, but being able to support the trans community is incredibly important right now.

One of the biggest pieces of news this week is the Alberta government’s decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause to defeat the legal challenges against their terrible bills that they say are to protect children, but in reality put trans youth and adults in danger. The bills restrict gender-affirming treatments, deny kids the right to play school sports, and will undoubtedly allow more violence towards trans youth by making it necessary for school staff to expose their children’s preferred name and pronouns to their parents.

As we remember the lives we’ve lost and think about how best to protect our trans friends, I’ll share with you the last paragraph of my speech:

While we remember those who were direct victims of anti-trans violence, let us also recognize those who are continually victimized by government policy. Let us think about the gender-diverse youth who want nothing more than to be themselves. Let us, as a coalition of 2SLGBTQIA+ people and allies, continue to fight for trans liberation. Let us ensure no further names are added to the list of victims.

Take care and support trans rights.

– B

📷 @creamy_yet_smooth

🌡️ Traffic & Weather

Today: ☀️ 7°

Tomorrow: ☀️ 7°

Next Day: 🌧️ 7°

7-day forecast

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

MUSIC

Rock duo The Orchids make big waves at Nova Scotia Music Week

If you’ve been to a local rock or punk show within the last year or so, you’ve probably seen The Orchids play live.

Taking over venues across Atlantic Canada, especially during the summer, this two-piece noise rock/stoner rock band is brilliantly loud, passionate, and one of the most interesting bands to follow right now. Singer and guitarist Rhys Poirier is still in high school. Drummer Alexis Grant is in her second year of college. Yet, they sound like they’ve been doing this for years.

The scene, and the industry, seems to agree. Despite stiff competition, The Orchids made out with their first award, Loud Recording of the Year, for their debut self-titled album. They were also nominated for New Artist Recording of the Year.

The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer chats with The Orchids about their big award win and their time in Nova Scotia’s music scene.

🤔 Need To Know

🏥 The Nova Scotia NDP are criticizing the provincial government for little to no information on expansions announced for the Cobequid Community Health Centre in Lower Sackville—the expansion was originally announced in 2022 and included 36 in-patient beds and a reassessment of its emergency department.

🏠 Residents are concerned about plans to develop land off Highway 102, recently marked as a special planning area by the province, with housing proposals at the ready—residents mention high taxpayer costs and density issues.

🏕️ Halifax council voted to close the city’s two remaining homeless encampments over the next two years while bringing new rules to those sites—city staff say alternatives have helped people find alternative housing options, with encampment populations dropping.

🍷 Vineyard Lights return November 21st at Benjamin Bridge! Bring family and friends for a cozy evening of lights, laughter, and local holiday magic.*

🎄 Get into the holiday spirit! Folk music favs, Dave Gunning and JP Cormier, join Symphony Nova Scotia to celebrate the sounds of the season for a homegrown, hilarious, and heartwarming holiday concert. November 28-29.*

🎁 Shop local this holiday season at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s Gallery Shop. All proceeds directly support AGNS programming and exhibitions.*

🍕 Halifax’s Best Pizza Slice lives at Tony’s! For nearly 50 years, our sweet sauce, spiced meat, and family tradition have made us a true Halifax icon. Vote Tony's for Best Pizza Slice!*

*Sponsored Post

SPONSORED BY ATLANTIC MAKER MARKET

The Halifax Maker Market Nov 21 - 22 | Cedar Event Centre

🎄 Get ready, Halifax! The Atlantic Maker Market is back and bursting with creativity, community, and holiday cheer!

✨ What to Expect:
• Discover 86 incredible makers from across Atlantic Canada all under one festive roof
• Shop unique crafts, artisanal goods & one-of-a-kind creations
• Find the perfect gifts, sweet treats, and handmade treasures

📅 Event Times:
• Friday, Nov. 21 | 4–8 PM
• Saturday, Nov. 22 | 10 AM–5 PM

📍 Cedar Event Centre | 111 Clayton Park Road

🎟 Buy your ticket in advance to secure your $5 Nova Scotia Loyal voucher to shop the market. Proceeds support the 2025 Small Business Grants ($100,000 goal by 2030!)

🗞️ In Other News

🏫 Part-time faculty at Saint Mary’s University and Mount Saint Vincent University are back to work after being on strike for nearly a month—the union says its members will now be paid for prep time and for grading periods.

🚒 The Department of National Defence says helicopter fire training will be occurring this week in Herring Cove—flames may be visible to people on land or water.

🪧 Protestors took to Alderney Landing on Tuesday to pressure the provincial government to uphold the city’s bylaw to block the infilling project at Dartmouth Cove—the province must approve the city’s bylaw by Nov. 28.

SPONSORED BY WILLY’S FRESH CUT

Become A Part Of Willy’s History

Willy’s Fresh Cut Fries & Burgers is Halifax’s late-night legend — and now you can join the story. From Nov 20 to Dec 18, every poutine purchase gives you a chance to win a one-of-a-kind personalized potato. Become part of Willy’s history.

SPONSORED BY DOWNTOWN HALIFAX BUSINESS COMMISSION

Downtown Halifax Holiday Gift Guide

It's that time of year again - the Downtown Halifax Holiday Gift Guide is back! 🎁

This 72-page Gift Guide is packed with tons of local gift ideas from over 110 shops, restaurants, attractions, and more from around the Downtown Halifax and Spring Garden areas.

Grab a copy at a participating business or view the online Gift Guide here.

🗓️ Things To Do

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

🗓 Barprov: Improv Mayhem: Spontaneity Improvisers will make up wacky scenarios based on audience suggestions! Watch them compete in games, do challenges to win over the audience and get you laughing. Taking place at the Rox Live. | Nov. 20 | 7:30PM |

🗓 Winter Market 2025: The Winter Market is coming to the Light House Arts Centre this weekend. A great place to find gifts for your loved ones. | Nov. 21-23 |

🗓 Neptune Theatre: The Wizard of Oz: Get ready for the classic tale of Dorothy’s travels in the magical land of Oz on the Neptune Theatre stage. Featuring all your favourite songs from the movie. Family friendly. | Nov. 4 - Jan. 4 | 7:30PM | From $40 |

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

⚓️ What’s In The Harbour

➡️ The One Wren container vessel departed Halifax for New York at 4am.

🚢➡️ The BBC Pluto bulk carrier arrived in Halifax at 4:15am and departs at 6:30am.

🚢➡️ The One Hawk container vessel arrived in Halifax from New York at 4:45am and departs for Singapore at 11pm.

🚢➡️ The Atlantic Sea container ship arrived in Halifax from Liverpool at 5:20am and departs for New York at 4pm.

🚢 The Nolhan Ava cargo ship arrives in Halifax at 7:45am.

➡️ The Leeway Odyssey research vessel departs Halifax for Meteghan at 10am.

🚢➡️ The Splendid Ace vehicle carrier arrives in Halifax from Newark at 10:55am and departs for Yokohama at 11pm.

➡️ The Fur Viten tanker departs Halifax for the United States at 4pm.

🍴 Where To Eat & Drink

🥪 Larry’s Sandwiches has a Montreal Smoked Brisket sub you need to try. Made with crunchy Russian dressing mayo, sauerkraut, ballpark mustard, provolone cheese.

🍨 Churned has the perfect holiday treat: candy cane and chocolate ice cream! A peppermint base with crushed candy cane and fudge. Gluten-free.

👀 In Case You Missed It

🎄 Veith House in Halifax’s North End has delivered community support for half a century. With the holidays coming up fast, the local non-profit is holding its annual support drive to aid families throughout one of the most financially straining times of the year. Donations made to the Happy Holidays campaign go directly to families in need by way of gift cards—spanning from $100 to $300 each—to help them shop for their children this holiday season. Last year, the fundraiser raised $32,000 and helped over 300 families. A large part of this fundraiser is the annual Hydrostone Tree Lighting, bringing the North End together for a festive celebration. Local schools contribute music while free treats are handed out to attendees. Santa Claus has also been known to make an appearance. This year, it takes place on Friday, Dec. 5. The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer has more on Veith House’s fundraising and programming efforts.

🎰 A Halifax legion vice-president has lost his lottery license after taking home money from two draws he helped organize—David Long pocketed over $25,000, violating the provincial Gaming Control Act.

🚨 A 38-year-old Dartmouth man has been charged following a drug bust, where police found 40 kilograms of cocaine and around 10,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills in the hidden compartment of the accused’s car—the estimated value of the drugs is around $4 million.

That’s it!

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