🗞️ Distractions, distractions

Good morning, Halifax 👋

I think we can all agree that Halifax desperately needs more housing. Our governments have significantly failed us in this area. Housing prices continue to skyrocket as renters are struggling to afford their exuberant rent costs.

The housing story of the week concerns a potential condo development in the multi-million dollar lots of the Birchdale subdivision in Halifax’s South End, home to some of the city’s richest residents. Thanks to a covenant dating back to 1941, only single family homes have been permitted for construction in this area—until now.

A recent decision from the city’s chief administrative officer to approve a change to that covenant on a Thornvale Avenue property has lead to new zoning, which according to lot owner Michael Risley—-son of billionaire Clearwater Seafoods cofounder John Risley—allows up to eight units to be built there. In other words, a condo in a rich neighbourhood.

As per CBC, the other Clearwater Seafoods cofounder, Colin MacDonald (who has been credibly accused of sexual misconduct), says that the development, “would be an ugly change to our little corner of paradise,” which is a disgusting thing to say in the midst of a housing crisis. As neighbours continue to voice NIMBY concerns regarding the idea of a condo next to their fancy multi-million dollar homes, many of us are looking at this situation as rich people flinging fecal matter at each other. In my opinion, that’s exactly what this is.

Think about it. A wealthy son-of-a-billionaire spends millions on a plot of land to build a condo. Do you think Risley has any intention of making any of these units affordable? Of course not. He’d lose out on his investments. The units will be sold off to other rich people, and they’ll continue to pointlessly squabble with each other. This isn’t about housing. It’s about money.

With that in mind, please join me in sitting back and laughing at these terrible people all being terrible to each other for terrible reasons. If this city was actually made with people in mind, all of that land would be occupied by skyscrapers full of not-for-profit housing.

Do something these people never would and put some positivity into the world today.

– B

📷 @creamy_yet_smooth

🌡️ Traffic & Weather

Today: 🌧️ 7°

Tomorrow: ☀️ 4°

Next Day: 🌧️ 14°

7-day forecast

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

MUSIC

Distractions and burnout top of mind for Mat Elliott in new single, ‘Video Games’

It’s always nice to take your mind off what’s bothering you.

Life is too tough to endure without some kind of enjoyment at the end of the day. Yet, when does that enjoyment become a distraction? A tool of avoidance rather than relaxation? When does that positive relationship with your chosen activity turn for the worse?

Distractions are the primary theme of Mat Elliott’s newest single, “Video Games”, an insight into the small escapes from regular life that can occasionally turn into habits.

The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer speaks with award-winning soulful indie rocker Mat Elliott about his new single.

🤔 Need To Know

⛺ The city is de-designating yet another homeless encampment location at Lower Flinn Park—a release from the municipality says there are enough supportive housing options to direct the municipality’s focus away from encampments.

🚑 NSNDP member Paul Wozney claims a health care worker says the Cobequid Community Health Centre left some emergency room patients waiting over 70 hours for admission—staff allegedly turned away someone who had suffered a stroke.

🏞️ The Nova Scotia government announced 1,300 hectares of new land will be designated for parks and protected areas—critics say this announcement means little when parks are still being considered for development, such as West Mabou Beach.

📖 Readers and writers meet this weekend at AfterWords. See David Bergen, Shani Mootoo, Andre Alexis, Mollie Cronin, katherena vermette and more. Tickets on sale now!*

🎤🎶 Vocal powerhouse LaKisha Jones joins Symphony Nova Scotia for a spectacular concert that will have you dancing in your seat to the music of Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and more! November 14&15.*

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

🍟 Get on down to Willy's for the major grub job! Vote Willy's for Best Fries and Best Poutine in the Best Of Halifax Awards!*

🧶 Customer Appreciation Sale - 3 days only Nov 6 - 8. Buy one in-stock Northern Watters Knitwear sweater at a regular price and receive the 2nd free.*

*Sponsored Post

SPONSORED BY LIVE ART DANCE

MAYDAY’s “Confession Publique” – a true masterpiece

Live Art Dance and Mayworks collaborate to present “Confession Publique”, an astounding work from Montreal’s MAYDAY Danse. Renowned choreographer Mélanie Demers joins forces with incredible performer Angélique Wilkie, creating a dance/theatre work that plunges the audience deep into an autobiographical world where privacy, confession, deep truths, and the agency of Black women become the focus. Winner of prestigious Prix de la danse de Montréal awards for best choreographic work and best interpretation, “Confession Publique” is a true masterpiece that carries the audience on an extraordinary journey of authenticity and vulnerability. This is a show not to be missed - get your tickets today!

🗞️ In Other News

🏛️ Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont says he crossed over to the Liberals because Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has a negative approach to politics—d’Entremont made the change on the same day the Liberal’s budget was announced.

🦞 Microplastics have been discovered in the tails of lobsters off the coast of Nova Scotia—researchers believe this is a consequence of ocean pollution.

⚖️ A 75-year-old man charged with second-degree murder has been found unfit to stand trial—a psychiatrist determined James Alfred MacLean suffers from untreated schizophrenia and cognitive decline.

SPONSORED BY CANADIAN MUSEUM OF IMMIGRATION AT PIER 21

Visit eat make share: a taste of immigration

The donair was invented in:

a. Toronto
b. Calgary
c. Halifax

Discover the surprising histories of the Canadian foods we love and much more. Don't miss out on eat make share: a taste of immigration exhibition open at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 until Jan 2026.

SPONSORED BY TONY’S DONAIR

Tony's World Famous Donairs

Crowned Halifax’s Best Donair, Tony’s World Famous Donairs continues a nearly 50-year family tradition of serving the city’s favourite comfort food. Known for our signature sweet sauce and perfectly spiced meat, Tony’s isn’t just a meal — it’s a Halifax experience loved by locals and tourists alike. Vote Tony's for Best Donair!

🗓️ Things To Do

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

🗓 Improv the Musical: Join Spontaneity Improv as they create the next big musical, made up on the spot. Taking place at the Roxbury. | Nov. 6 | 7:30PM | $17.31 |

🗓 First Thursday's Monthly Market: Bringing together 40+ makers, artists, curators and creators at the Park Lane Mall. | Nov. 6 | 4PM |

🗓 Verve Fine Craft Gallery Grand Opening Reception: Verve Fine Craft Gallery, a new destination dedicated to showcasing exceptional contemporary and traditional fine craft from regional and national artists, will hold it’s grand opening reception at its Barrington Street location. | Nov. 7 | 5:30PM |

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

⚓️ What’s In The Harbour

➡️ The Annie B container vessel departs Halifax for Kingston at 5am.

🚢➡️ The Future Way roll-on/roll-off vessel arrives in Halifax from Emden at 6:05am and departs for Baltimore at 11:09pm.

🚢➡️ The Bakkafoss container vessel arrives in Halifax from Portland (Maine) at 8:15am and departs for Argentia at 3pm.

🚢 The Algoma Acadian arrives in Halifax from Saint John at 8:40am.

🚢➡️ The Atlantic Sail container vessel arrives in Halifax from Norfolk at 6:20pm and departs for Liverpool at 11pm.

🍴 Where To Eat & Drink

🧀 Check out Wave Foods at 2037 Gottingen and try their queso chop cheese, a quarter pound chopped cheese with pepperjack cheese, queso cheese sauce, red onion, lettuce, crispy jalapenos and Wave Sauce on ciabatta with some cheese sauce for dip.

🥪 Larry’s Sandwiches has their sandwich of the week ready for you: sliced mortadella, fresh house made ricotta, basil and sunflower seed pesto, provolone cheese, spicy honey, arugula on a fresh sub bun.

👀 In Case You Missed It

🎨 The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) launches its fall season on Saturday, Nov. 8, and with it comes three exclusive exhibitions from varying artists that will leave onlookers speechless. From the wooden masks of Mi’kmaw artist Gordon Sparks, the pastoral landscape works of African American/Canadian artist Edward Mitchell Bannister, to the enlightening video installation detailing the names and faces of those who participated in John Baldessari’s 1971 “Punishment Piece”, AGNS has something for everyone during their fall season. The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer details the works on display at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia over the next few months.

🚨 A man has been charged with breaking and entering after allegedly hiding in the bathroom ceiling of a business to gain access after hours—police found cash tills lying on the floor and the bathroom ceiling partially collapsed during their investigation.

🏘️ Claudia Chender, the leader of Nova Scotia’s New Democrats, has now taken on the role of housing critic—Chender says apartment rentals have become unaffordable since Tim Houston became premier in 2021.

That’s it!

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