🗞️ Happy May Day Halifax!

Happy International Workers’ Day Halifax!

You only have to look up at the crane-laden skyline for proof of the incredible amount of work being done to meet the needs of Halifax’s ever-expanding population, especially in the construction sector.

In fact, 2024 is already a record-breaking year for new housing development in N.S.—and it’s only May. Work has started on more housing units (2,158 to be exact) than any other first quarter since the province started tracking this kind of data in 1948. 

So, this May Day, let’s raise a glass to all the workers building a bright and sustainable future for Halifax.

Work safe out there!

– Julie

🌡️ Traffic & Weather

Today: 🌦️ 11°

Tomorrow: 🌤️ 13°

Next Day: 🌤️ 10°

7-day forecast

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

EDUCATION

Three schools dismiss students early Tuesday following potential threats under investigation

Students at Halifax West High near Clayton Park as well as Millwood High in Middle Sackville have been dismissed early two days in a row this week in response to written threats of potential explosive devices, which police and RCMP are investigating. As of Tuesday afternoon, the investigations are ongoing.

On Monday, officers were on scene at both schools to investigate separate potential threats that were written in school bathrooms. A third school, l'École secondaire du Sommet on Larry Uteck Boulevard also reported a similar threat about a potential explosive device at the school.

Both Halifax West and Millwood, as well as a third school, Park West in Clayton Park, dismissed their students early on Tuesday in response to written threats of potential explosive devices reported to police. Tuesday's round of reported potential threats are related to messages written on paper or in bathroom stalls. Police say it’s uncertain whether these incidents are related through one individual or copy-cats.

So far, there’s no evidence to suggest one person is responsible, police told The Coast on Tuesday.

The police say they can’t speculate on the causes driving the frequency of the incidents.

The Coast’s Lauren Phillips is following this developing story. 

🤔 Need To Know

🚨 Police are asking for the public’s help finding a man they say is armed and dangerous. David John Campbell was last seen around Gaston Road in Dartmouth Tuesday morning.

🚨 Four teenagers face robbery and weapons charges after they allegedly threatened and robbed another teenager in the city’s west end. The victim was not injured.

SPONSORED BY MAYWORKS KJIPUKTUK/HALIFAX

Stop & Smell the (Bread &) Roses

Mayworks Kjipuktuk/Halifax is back this spring and the first week of the festival is giving you plenty of time to get cozy, get down, and get back in touch with your fellow workers. Whether you’re grooving at The Next Gen hip hop show at the Seahorse, or joining us for a gallery opening at the Bus Stop Theatre, there’s something for everyone this year, centred around a theme of legacy and restorative relaxation. May Day brings Bread & Roses, a bilingual live art and poetry reading, why not start there? Full program details available here. 

WHAT’S HAPPENING

This weekend in Halifax, there’s a Jane’s Walk for everyone

One of the year’s biggest, most consistently fascinating volunteer-led events returns this weekend—and just in time for the good weather. On Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, nearly 20 Jane’s Walks will take place all over Halifax and Dartmouth as part of a global place-making initiative. The walks are named for the late urbanist and activist Jane Jacobs, who advocated for everyday citizens and their importance in shaping their communities.

In Halifax, you’ll find guided walks and bike rides telling stories of the city’s tree canopy, the North End Bikeway, Quinpool Road’s murals, untold lore from Dartmouth’s cemeteries, Halifax’s waterfront and its changes and the history of segregation in Nova Scotia, among other tours. All are free and volunteer-led.

“It’s very much a grassroots, community-led volunteer festival,” organizer Emma Bartel tells The Coast.

We’ve got you covered with all the Jane’s Walks happening this weekend—including the ones you won’t want to miss.

🗞️ In Other News

🚨 Halifax police are investigating if social media posts identifying the teenagers charged with Ahmed Al Marrach's murder violated the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The act prohibits the publication of the identity of a person under the age of 18 who is accused or found guilty of a crime. 

🚒 A new report finds strengths and areas for improvement in Nova Scotia’s response to last year’s wildfires. 

⚖️ Assault charges against two Halifax Ale House bouncers were withdrawn just moments before their trials started. The crown attorney said the complainant no longer wanted to be involved. 

🎤 Gordon Lightfoot’s original band will reunite to play six shows in Atlantic Canada, including the Halifax Casino on Oct. 2. The show will pay tribute to Lightfoot’s songs and share stories about his career.

🧱 An archaeologist is using ground-penetrating radar to search for historic evidence of a massive wall that surrounded Halifax over 250 years ago.

SPONSORED BY NSCAD UNIVERSITY

NSCAD Fashion Show May 4

As the scent of spring fills the air, we invite you to a celebration of emerging NSCAD fashion makers. We proudly announce the return of the NSCAD End-of-Year Student Fashion Runway Show after a five-year hiatus. A long-established tradition, our show is a testament to Halifax's vibrant fashion culture. Buy tickets now.

🤔 Trivia Tuesday

🗓️ Things To Do

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

🗓 Bread & Roses: Can You See Us?: Haitian-Québecois poet Laura Doyle Péan and visual artist Tricia Robinson team up for a combined spoken word and live illustration performance at The Bus Stop Theatre, in both English and French. | May 1 | 7-8:30pm | Pay what you can

🗓 The Harlem Globetrotters: For nearly a century, the Globetrotters have brought fun and joy to generations of families, and fans return year-after-year to pass their excitement on to the next generation. | May 2 | 7pm | starting at $59

🗓 Hip Hop: The Next Gen: Halifax activist Masuma Khan—also known as rapper General Khan—emcees a night of hip hop performances at the Seahorse by local up-and-comers Chieffy, J u í c e, BASYL, LXVNDR and Yohvn Blvck, deejayed by OKAY TK. | May 4 | 9-11:30pm | $10

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

🍴 Where To Eat & Drink

🧁Taste test one (or all) of the new flavours at Layers Cupcakes this week: banana Nutella cream puff, triple chocolate cheesecake cookie and/or blueberry streusel.

🍷 Come for the view, stay for the wine. Or vice versa. Either way, it’s Wine Wednesdays at The Decks.

👀 In Case You Missed It

🔨 The Mayworks Festival—Halifax’s longest-running workers’ movement festival—is back for its 16th year. The Coast’s Martin Bauman has you covered with all the Mayworks happenings for the 2024 instalment.

🛣️ Halifax’s Transportation Standing Committee deferred the decision to make a mistake. The Coast’s Matt Stickland breaks down the Road Safety Strategy and explains how the plan ignores evidence while losing sight of the city’s long-term goal.

That’s it!

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