Nova Scotia’s fixed-term lease legislation is still leaving Haligonians in the lurch

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HOUSING

Nova Scotia’s fixed-term lease legislation is still leaving Haligonians in the lurch

Evan and Krista Walker thought they had found the perfect home to raise their five-year-old son, Tristan:

• 3 bedrooms

• good neighbours

• located on a quiet cul-de-sac in Bedford’s Southgate neighbourhood close to Bedford South Elementary, parks and trails

• $2,200 a month

“It’s a pretty nice place to raise a family,” he says, speaking by phone with The Coast.

That changes soon. On Saturday, July 1, the Walkers will be forced to leave the townhouse they’ve called home for the last year and a half. Their fixed-term lease is ending. The landlord, Evan says, is raising the rent to $3,195 per month—a “total blindside,” he tells The Coast, and a bridge too expensive for what they can afford. (We’ve changed Evan’s name, along with his family members’ names, to protect their privacy as they search for new housing.)

The Walkers have been searching for housing for the better part of three months, but find themselves in a bind: The family can’t afford a down payment on a house or condo, and the rental options are scarce—and mostly geared towards singles and couples.

They aren’t the only Haligonians feeling the pinch. Amid a tight Halifax rental market, some are calling on the province to protect tenants caught in fixed-term leases—and to clamp down on landlords taking advantage of the legislation’s loopholes to skirt around Nova Scotia’s 2% rent cap.

Read more from Martin Bauman at The Coast.

Need to know

🎙 In this week’s episode of The Grand Parade, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman record in front of a live audience at the Halifax Central Library. On the list of things to discuss: Halifax’s regional plan review, why Matt is mad about the carbon tax and an upcoming municipal election.

🎆 It’s shaping up to be an exciting Canada Day weekend in Downtown Halifax! Don’t miss out on all the fun and free events! Visit DowntownHalifax.ca/Events for more information.*

🏳️‍🌈 The Pride flag is now waving high at Province House after the annual flag-raising ceremony yesterday.

☀️ Join us for the 2023 Dartmouth Sunshine Series. Free summer concerts and entertainment every weekend at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal until August 7!*

💉 The Province has announced new COVID-19 vaccine guidelines based on NACI’s recent recommendations.

*Sponsored Post

SPONSORED BY CANADIAN MUSEUM OF IMMIGRATION AT PIER 21

Canada Day on the Halifax waterfront!

Venture down to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 this Canada Day for a free all-ages extravaganza of fun that starts at 10am.

With activities presented in both English and French, this year's event features a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages, including live performances by local musicians and dancers, plus interactive workshops.

You can also explore the Museum's current exhibitions for free and, trust us, there are some that you just won't want to miss—have you seen Tracey-Mae Chambers' installation yet? See you there!

In case you missed it

SPONSORED BY ATLANTIC NEWS

Want a crossword fix?

This Saturday, the July 1st edition of The Globe and Mail will have their giant two page Summer crossword.

Call Atlantic News at 902-429-5468 to pr-eorder your copy.

Atlantic News is 50 years old this year and is the only shop in Nova Scotia to carry The Globe and Mail, as well as Saturday and Sunday New York Times.

In other news

🧑‍⚖️ The Province has announced a new standing committee dedicated to investigating the deaths of individuals in custody.

🏫 Dalhousie has appointed Rustum Southwell as the new chancellor of the university.

✍️ The Atlantic Premiers have signed a Technical Safety Agreement focused on technical safety, the movements of goods and tradespeople.

🏠 According to a new BMO survey, young people are not feeling the greatest about their chances of becoming homeowners—at least in comparison to the opportunity their parents had.

📄 Halifax residents living in mobile home parks are speaking out about the new proposed bylaws that include service standards and construction requirements.

😞 Daniel Paul, Mi’kmaw elder and author has passed away after a battle with liver cancer.

🇳🇿 A New Zealand man, Jon Nabbs, is running across the country to raise money for cancer after losing both his parents to the disease in 2020 and 2021.

ICON ALERT

Michelle Obama is coming to Halifax

Michelle Obama—the most loved, best-dressed FLOTUS since Jackie Kennedy–is coming to Halifax to speak at the Scotiabank Centre Oct 18. How can you be part of the crowd? Well, that’s a bit complicated: The organization bringing Obama to town has 3,000 tickets for “deserving future leaders”.

What about the remaining 7,000 seats that comprise the Scotiabank? It’s as of yet unclear if they’ll remain empty or if tix will be for sale to the general public at a later date.

Read more on the event at The Coast. 

🗓 Things to do: Canada/Kana’ta Day

Looking for something to do over the long weekend? Check out these Coast picks:

Municipal Events

As part of our 2023 Summer Guide our arts editor Morgan Mullin has put together a list of all the city-run events happening this week for Canada/Kana’ta Day.

Thursday, June 29

• I Was Always Here: It’s your last chance to see Annie Murray’s I Was Always Here exhibit at Argyle Fine Art | June 29 | 11am-5:30pm.

Friday, June 30

• Harbourside Ribfest 2023: Ribfest is back at Alderney Landing for the long weekend! Try delicious food from over 15 vendors and enjoy live performances all weekend long | June 30-July 3 | 11am-10pm | $1.

Saturday, July 1

• Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo: See the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo live at Scotiabank Centre this weekend | July 1 | 2pm | $40-$125.

• The Wobbley Duck: Halifax’s newest pub and eatery is opening its doors this Canada Day with a party at 1668 Lower Water Street. Dance the night away with multiple different DJs playing top 40 tunes, Caribbean, hip-hop, pop and afrobeat. | July 1 | 9pm-3:30am | $10 entry.

• Canada Day at Willow Park: If you’re up for a bit of a road trip, Wolfville is holding a Canada Day celebration in Willow Park with live music, henna, bouncy castles, a BBQ and more | July 1 | 11am-3pm | Free admission.

• Canada Day Celebrations: Celebrate Canada Day “Desi Style” with Dehli Delight at Gus’ Pub | July 1 | 5pm-2am | $50-$200.

Sunday, July 2

• A Bold Concept Open Night: Stop by the MacPhee Centre in Dartmouth for a new all-ages open mic. Hear from poets, singers and rappers while mingling with the HRM’s arts community | July 2 | 5pm-8pm | Free.

• Halifax Craft Breweries Walking Tour: If beer is what you’re after, the city’s north end delivers—and then some. Here’s The Coast’s unofficial guide, from IPAs to sours and everything in between.

Monday, July 3

• Spend the day on the water: Take the opportunity to explore the province this long weekend and check out these 10 awesome lakes that are accessible by public transit. Beat the heat by bus!

Find more Halifax events in The Coast listings.