Good morning!

I’ve got a story for you today that’s a little bit different than what I usually do. Not in focus or scope, but in format.

Last week, I had the opportunity to chat with Loviet, an alternative artist based in both Halifax and Toronto who is releasing her new EP, Debutante, on April 10. I always have a a great time catching up with Loviet, so rather than just give you just another music article, we decided to post the full video interview, which you can find down below.

Please let me know what you think of this format, whether you love it or hate it, and if you would like to see more artist interviews like this in the future.

– B

📷 @creamy_yet_smooth

Today: 🌥️ 3°

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 1°

Next Day: 🌧️ 4°

7-day forecast

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

After dropping four singles in the past six months, Loviet is gearing up for the release of her newest EP on April 10: Debutante.

Based in both Halifax and Toronto, Loviet has been perfecting her alt-pop rock sound in the studio while touring relentlessly across Canada and the United States. Debutante is the culmination of all the work she's put into producing her own music, telling her own stories, and finding a sound that works for her.

The album is being released alongside the self-titled single, which Loviet says kick-started the project. The song, and the record as a whole, is an exercise in authenticity. Having been in situations where people attempted to mold her image as a young artist, Debutante is her way of clawing back her musical identity while staying true to herself.

The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer chats with Loviet about the new EP, how she came around to developing a style that works for her, and the meaning behind singles like "Plush" and "Explosure" in this video interview.

💰 Halifax council has passed its 2026-27 budget, which includes an operating budget of $1.45 billion, a capital budget of $316.7, and higher property taxes—the municipal portion of the property tax bill will rise by 9.5 percent, meaning average residential and commercial bills will increase by 7.5 percent.

💵 The province has raised the minimum wage to $16.75, the eighth increase over the last five years—the Canadian Federation of Independent Business has been critical of the twice-a-year increases, stating that wages are a high input cost constraint.

🍎 $5.3 million is being given to 315 organizations focused on food programs as part of the NSLC selling off products from the United States—while U.S. booze was pulled from store shelves last March, the province announced in November it would sells its remaining inventory with profits going to community food organizations.

Stress is a significant factor in declining mental health. While often normalized, ongoing stress can affect sleep, mood, focus, and physical well-being. Over time, it can contribute to anxiety, burnout, and strained personal and professional relationships.

Adddressing stress early is essential. Counselling provides individuals with strategies to manage pressure, regulate emotions, and build resilience in the face of ongoing demands.

Your Counselling is meeting this need through a deliberately human approach. Rather than relying on automated systems, their team takes the time to understand each person’s situation and thoughtfully connect them with the right therapist. It is a model grounded in conversation, accessibility, and meaningful support.

🥃 Premier Tim Houston says bringing alcohol products into private retail sites is not a priority for his government—while he says he’s open to the idea, he notes there isn’t a consensus within the wine and craft beer industries on the issue.

💻 Halifax Water reports it has no new information on a customer privacy breach that occurred last month—the utility believes no financial information was accessed, but the Customer Connect Portal will remain offline until more information becomes available.

🌉 The Macdonald Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic on the night of Saturday, April 4 at 8pm until Sunday, April 5 at 5:30am—this is so scaffolding can be setup for the next phase of repairing and inspecting the bridge.

Spring ForeWord brings writers and readers together in Halifax, April 25 to 29, featuring conversations with Souvankham Thammavongsa, Iain Reid, and Kim Echlin. Plus, readings by Vicki White, Tom Ryan, Sue Sinclair, Coco Colins, and Christine Wu, along with true live, AwkWord storytelling—and Independent Bookstore Day, for good measure.

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

🗓 Better Times Comedy at Good Robot Brewing: This weekly comedy show features regulars like Clare Belford, Dan Hendricken, Travis Lindsay, Adam Myatt, and a rotating cast of local and visiting comics. | April 2 | 7:30PM | $15 |

🗓 Yuk Yuks Halifax presents Kevin Christopher: Crowd favourite comic, actor, and filmmaker Kevin Christopher comes to laugh it up at Yuk Yuks, with host Martin Edwards and featured comic Chris Halef. | April 3-4 | 8PM | $25.00+ |

🗓 Summerland @ The Pond Playhouse: Summerland tells the haunting story of William H. Mumler, a 19th-century spirit photographer whose images claimed to reveal the faces of the dead. | March 26-April 11 | 8PM | $15+ |

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

🚢 The Nolhan Ava container vessel arrived in Halifax from St. Pierre at 12:14am.

➡️ The Oceana container vessel departed Halifax for Kingston at 2am.

🚢➡️ The Apl Le Havre container vessel arrived in Halifax from Tanger-Mediterran at 3:15am and departs for New York at 11pm.

🚢➡️ The Bakkafoss container vessel arrives in Halifax from Portland (Maine) at 8:15am and departs for Argentia at 6pm.

➡️ The Oceanex Sanderling container vessel departs Halifax for St. John’s at 6pm.

🚢 The Algoscotia tanker arrives in Halifax from Sept-Iles at 6:30pm.

🥪 Larry’s Sandwiches is serving the Bahama Mama this week. Spiced yogurt marinated chicken, Old Bay Seasoning mayonnaise, cabbage carrot slaw, pickled jalapenos, charred pineapple all on soft, toasted bun.

🍦 The Fog Company is back again on April 1, serving sweet treats for yet another amazing season. Make sure to try out one of their signature Fog Cones.

🏠 If buying a home in Halifax wasn’t costly enough, a new report from Ratehub shows that it has only gotten worse. Analyzing the change in the average home price in 13 Canadian cities from January to February, Halifax came out as the second-worst shift, only falling behind Montreal. Halifax’s average home price shot up from $545,200 to $558,600—an increase by $13,400. In comparison, Montreal saw an increase of $14,300. The third-worst shift, belonging to Hamilton, saw a $11,600 increase.

🏛️ Two independent MLAs are extending debates in the house, making this legislature session on track to be the longest since Tim Houston became premier—both MLAs formerly sat with the Progressive Conservative caucus.

🐟 The provincial government has no concrete plans to compensate fish harvesters if Nova Scotia’s offshore wind projects impact the industry—fisheries minister Kent Smith says they’re hoping for coexistence, but those in the industry are certain the turbines will have a negative impact.

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