🗞️ Haligonians vs the weather

Good morning!

Even though the calendar says spring, someone forgot to tell the weather! It's still a bit chilly out there. While my coats aren't quite ready for storage, a warm breeze feels more like a wish than a reality.

There’s something comforting about this in-between season: the slow return of longer days and the cozy contrast of a hot drink against the cool air.

As I wait (impatiently) for spring to fully show up, here is a packed issue with fresh content, updates, and a chat with a music icon to brighten your week.

Stay warm and enjoy the read!

You will hear from me tomorrow!

XOXO
Warren

🌡️ Traffic & Weather

Today: 🌧️ 12°

Tomorrow: 🌧️ 12°

Next Day: 🌦️ 14°

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

💨 Here is Halifax’s Air Quality Index and the smoke report.

Culture

Honest reflections and riveting humour: The duality of Alexander Gallant

Singer-songwriter Alexander Gallant is as honest as they come.  Based out of Dartmouth, Gallant popped onto the local scene with his first solo album Waiting Table Blues in 2023.

Sure, there are plenty of folks out there who can pick up a guitar and play a tune or twelve. We’ve all heard the acoustic picking and soft vocals behind the splashes of beer and accompanying chatter. Where Gallant stands alone is in his darkly humorous introspections, tying his booze-bottled past together with a jovial sense of uncertainty.

The Coast's Brendyn Creamer spoke to the artist leading up to his sophomore album, Rubber Monster Suit, which drops on May 25.  Read more.

🤔 Need To Know

🔎 Nova Scotia kids missing for 18 days ‘weighing heavy’ on the community.

🚌 Halifax Transit has officially launched 60 new electric buses into service. Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore, joined by Halifax MP Shannon Miedema, local councillors and city staff, celebrated the launch on Tuesday at the newly transformed Ragged Lake Transit Centre in Halifax.

🚒 Halifax Fire crews were called to address on Stuart Harris Drive on Tuesday after a fire on the second floor of a residence.

🚬 Nova Scotia teens have the highest smoking rate in Canada, study finds.

💅 Seeking that easy life? We've got significant building upgrades, free laundry, and relaxed living, renting now at Ogilvie on the Park near Point Pleasant.*

🌿 Welcome to Bayers Park I & II! Spacious, affordable living in Halifax’s West End. Near major transit routes with free laundry, parking, and discounts for seniors and essential workers.*

🌟 Now renting at The Paramount! Located on South Park Street, enjoy upscale amenities, in-suite laundry, and walkable access to every Halifax summer event. Live central!*

🎟️ Feed Nova Scotia’s Spring 50/50 is here! Get your tickets today and help support food banks, meal programs, and shelters across the province!*

*Sponsored Post

SPONSORED BY SCOTIA FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

Scotia Festival 2025 begins next week!

​Scotia Festival of Music kicks off next Monday in Halifax, launching two weeks of exhilarating chamber music. 

24 of Canada’s finest classical musicians will be here, including violinist Jonathan Crow, concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra; the Elora Singers (Grammy and JUNO nominees); JUNO-award winners Ensemble Made in Canada, and more. Experience nightly concerts, with plenty to discover - from beloved masterworks by Mozart and Beethoven, to powerful new Canadian compositions. 

With nearly 50 public events — including free noon-hour recitals and masterclasses, evening concerts, open dress rehearsals, and a spectacular orchestral finale — Scotia Festival invites audiences to experience the power of live performance at its highest level.

Local

Runners brave wet weather for 22nd annual Halifax marathon

The 22nd annual Emera Blue Nose Marathon transformed Halifax into a bustling hub of athleticism and community spirit this past weekend, drawing over 10,000 participants. Despite wet and cloudy conditions, runners of all ages and abilities took to the streets, embodying the marathon's reputation as "The People's Marathon."

The Coast has updates on this years marathon. Read more.

🗞️ In Other News

❄️ Frost advisory issued for HRM as temperatures expected to dip near freezing.

🐕‍🦺 CNIB to host its 6th annual Pup Crawl. The event asks people to complete five kilometres of movement to raise money and support guide dogs and buddy dogs that are increasingly in demand in Canada. 

🚘 Speed limits reduced in the Timberlea neighborhood as part of HRM's road safety effort.

🎣 Sipekne'katik is 1 of 3 Mi'kmaw communities in Nova Scotia harvesting under its own management plan. Sipekne'katik First Nation fishers say treaty elver fishery is 'a peaceful thing'.

🌽 More than 1,000 fewer N.S. agriculture workers in 2023 compared to 7 years prior: StatsCan.

🎭 Nova Scotia-shot ‘Washington Black’ to make summer premiere on Disney Plus.

SPONSORED BY JAM’S BURGERS & SHAKES

June 1: Party Like It’s ’59

Jam’s Burgers and Shakes is throwing a grand opening bash on June 1—with more excitement than a surprise twist on Grandma’s soap opera! From 11-3, enjoy bouncy castles, games, giveaways, face painting, and more—plus Jack’s Car Spa and Chicken Little Dairy Bar at 8 Jam Lane. 

See what’s shakin’ here!

🗓️ Things To Do

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

♟️ Blood on the Clocktower: This is a bluffing game enjoyed by 5 to 15 players on opposing teams of Good and Evil, overseen by a Storyteller player who conducts the action and makes crucial decisions. The goal of the game is to successfully deduce and execute the demons before they outnumber the townfolk. Join Game Boss Andrey as Storyteller for this spooky mystery game! | May 25 | From $13 |

🎪 Cirque du Coeur: Step into the surreal world of Cirque du Coeur - an evening of spectacle and support! This dazzling evening blends heart and spectacle as they aim to raise $30,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Prepare to be transported by fire eating and show-stopping performances from Luminosity Circus, a mesmerizing sound and light experience, and the electric energy of a party with purpose. | May 23 | From $65 |

🎨 Paint Nite:  Where you and a partner work together to paint a large painting that combines across two canvases! Your host will guide you through the steps of creating your very own masterpiece while you enjoy delicious food and drinks at Freeman's Little New York in Fairview, Halifax. No experience is necessary – just bring your imagination and let your inner artist shine. Don't miss out on this unique and fun night out with friends! | May 23 | From $53 |

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

⚓️ What’s In The Harbour

🚢➡️ The One Falcon  Cargo ship arrives in Halifax from Colombo, Sri Lanka at 6:30pm.

🍴 Where To Eat & Drink

🍔Vessel Meat: Try out their beef smash patty burger that comes loaded with, mushroom duxelles, mushroom gravy, swiss, roast garlic aioli, sour cream, and onion chips. A plus is that with each order, $1 goes to Feed NS! Their burgers pair perfectly with their Sunny Days Cerveza. Be sure to swing by their Timberlea or Cole Harbour taprooms.

🍗 K-Fry: Craving comfort? Come try their Chicken Dosirak — tender, flavorful chicken over fluffy rice, topped with a perfectly cooked egg. A hearty, satisfying meal in every bite! Another dish you need to try is their Sweet Soy Garlic Chicken. Juicy, crispy chicken glazed in a rich, savory-sweet garlic sauce that hits all the right notes.

🌯 Verano HFX: You have to try out their Patacon. The subtle sweetness of the plantain, the savory from the fillings and the 16 hours braised beef or pork or chicken (I know, many options) plus the creaminess and flavor punch from the Tartara and queso fresco that contrast perfectly with their famous fresh pico de gallo! With this dish you can't go wrong!

👀 In Case You Missed It

🌈 Theatre production set to hit Dartmouth, Alderny Landing—May 22 and May 23.
The production entitled Fruit Machine blends movement, projection, and text to tell the powerful stories of queer Canadians who were systematically targeted and removed from the federal civil service, military, and RCMP.

The Coast’s Warren D’Silva has more. 

That’s it!

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