🗞️ Over our dead bodies

Happy Friday, Halifax!

As Halifax city council goes through its budget deliberation process, it seems like some belt-tightening is inevitable. Alas, it didn’t have to be this way.

City staff have been instructed to find cuts after their budget was increased by $88.9 million. Property taxes would have to go up 10.5 percent to make this work otherwise. Instead, the city’s budget committee passed a motion to explore a 10 percent cut to program grants, a one-third reduction of the Climate Action Tax, and a staffing freeze. As Mayor Andy Fillmore said, “nothing is off the table.”

I understand that property tax increases are scary for homeowners. I’ve heard from more than a few of them—as well as small-scale landlords—who are having a hard time with taxes due in part to property evaluation increases. The mention of a potential 10 percent increase must feel devastating.

What’s also devastating are the services and programs that will face cuts as the city puts austerity into practice. Coun. Sam Austin put it best when he said these will be “service cuts people will feel.”

I’ll be honest. I don’t know much about Halifax’s history with property taxes. I’ve heard it hasn’t been great, and I assume it has contributed to the city’s current predicament, but I don’t know the specifics.

What I do know is that people shouldn’t have to suffer due to their local government’s financial mismanagement. Homeowners shouldn’t have to worry about a sudden increase, and people who rely on city programs and services shouldn’t have to worry about losing them.

The only positive I can take from this is that maybe it’s a wake-up call for the municipality to get it together and figure out how to make this work, how to marginally increase the property tax rate in a way that’s sustainable and not make cuts that impact the city as a whole.

While I study up on Halifax’s budget history, I hope you all have a good weekend.

– B

📷 @creamy_yet_smooth

🌡️ Traffic & Weather

Today: 🌦️ 6°

Tomorrow: 🌦️ 7°

Next Day: ☀️ 3°

7-day forecast

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

OPINION

Over our cold, dead bodies

“Do not try,” warns the Treaty Truckhouse Resistance in a letter addressed to the CEO and executive members of Calgary-based Rockpoint Natural Gas Storage: “Our collective willingness to defend this land and water persists.” 

As reported last month in AllNS.com, Rockpoint is expressing interest in reanimating the now long-defeated Alton Gas project. CEO Toby McKenna (son of former New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna) asserts that Mi’kma’ki is “an obviously ideal market” for storing natural gas, claiming it will succeed where Alton Gas failed because they will be able to gain an elusive thing called “social licence.”

Opinion writer Sadie Beaton goes over why rebooting the Alton Gas project will fail, and it has everything to do with Rockpoint’s opposition.

🤔 Need To Know

🌲 The Nova Scotia government will bid on the assets for Northern Pulp, including 162,000 hectares of timberland and a nursery and seed orchard in Debert—this follows a protracted legal battle between the province and the original owners.

⚖️ Despite pleas for an absolute discharge, 43-year-old Serena Tobaccojuice has been sentenced to an additional 12 months behind bars for confining two correctional guards at the Nova Institution—Tobaccojuice is serving a life sentence for a murder she committed when she was 15.

🥫 The Dartmouth Community Fridge is spending nearly $6,000 each month to fill its fridge for those who need free food—the organization says this amount is large and continues to grow with demand.

🎟️ Feed Nova Scotia’s Holiday 50/50 is already over $8,500! Don’t miss the chance for a crack at the pot while supporting food insecure Nova Scotians.*

🍔 Love The Pint? Show it! Bold bites, stacked burgers, unbeatable pub classics — nobody does comfort food like The Pint. Vote The Pint for Best Pub Food in Best of Halifax!*

🧿 Efes Turkish Cuisine proudly opens its second location - 5650 Spring Garden Rd. You are invited to experience authentic Turkish flavours. Reserve now.*

🌯 The people have spoken! Sabrosa is thrilled to have been nominated by YOU the people! Now is your time to shine and vote Sabrosa for Best Burrito and Best Nachos in HRM! Gracias Amigos!*

🎞️ Atlantic Jewish Film Festival | November 20–23 in theatres! Don’t miss this celebration of Jewish stories and cinema! The Virtual Bundle is the perfect cozy holiday treat: $18! Streaming Nov 24–Dec 31 across Atlantic Canada!*

*Sponsored Post

SPONSORED BY ATLANTIC MAKER MARKET

PLACEHOLDER HEADLINE

🎄 Get ready, Halifax! The Atlantic Maker Market is back and bursting with creativity, community, and holiday cheer!

✨ What to Expect:
• Discover 86 incredible makers from across Atlantic Canada all under one festive roof
• Shop unique crafts, artisanal goods & one-of-a-kind creations
• Find the perfect gifts, sweet treats, and handmade treasures

📅 Event Times:
• Friday, Nov. 21 | 4–8 PM
• Saturday, Nov. 22 | 10 AM–5 PM

📍 Cedar Event Centre | 111 Clayton Park Road

🎟 Buy your ticket in advance to secure your $5 Nova Scotia Loyal voucher to shop the market.

Proceeds support the 2025 Small Business Grants ($100,000 goal by 2030!)

🗞️ In Other News

🛒 A survey from Dalhousie University shows one of the main concerns for Canadians remains to be food and grocery prices—more than four-in-five respondents say food is their top expense pressure.

👨‍⚖️ A man convicted of stabbing a Halifax optician is filing for an appeal, saying the judge discounted testimony and evidence—Cymon Felix Cormier was sentenced last July in the death of Tony Nader.

🚌 A group opposing the addition of a bus lane on Robie Street took to the streets yesterday—the city’s plan involves cutting down trees and demolishing buildings to create a wider road space for transit.

SPONSORED BY SPRING GARDEN AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Shopping Under the Stars

Join Spring Garden for Shopping Under the Stars on December 5, from 5 PM to 9 PM! Enjoy festive shopping, local treats, and special discounts throughout the evening. It's the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit while discovering unique finds in the heart of Halifax! 🌟🎄

SPONSORED BY NEPTUNE THEATRE

We're Off to See The Wizard

This holiday season, follow the Yellow Brick Road to The Wizard of Oz at Neptune Theatre!

On stage until January 4, this family-friendly musical features your favourite songs from the movie and is guaranteed to be a wickedly good time.

Experience the magic of Oz, starting at $40!

Book Tickets

🗓️ Things To Do

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

🗓 Evergreen Festival: A four-week-long festival celebrating everything Nova Scotian: culture, foods, spirits, crafts, art and experiences. Check out the website to plan your perfect Evergreen Festival. | Nov. 21-Dec. 14 |

🗓 Halifax Atlantic Maker Market: An exclusive shopping experience at the Cedar Event Hall. There’s an express lane for pre-purchased ticket holders! | Nov. 21-22 | $7.01 |

🗓 Different Folks Christmas at Ikea Craft Market: Come shop with local, independent vendors to find the perfect holiday gifts. Taking place at the Ikea Community Space in Dartmouth Crossing. | Nov. 22-23 | 11AM-5PM |

🗓 Silliness in Performance Workshop: Join Spontaneity Improv for their Silliness in Performance Workshop with Jessie Walker. Bold choices, big characters, and over-the-top fun take centre stage. | Nov. 22 | 2:30PM | $35.00+HST |

🗓 Halifax Christmas Tree Lighting: Santa Claus is coming a little early this year to visit the Grand Parade for Halifax’s annual tree lighting. | Nov. 22 | 6PM |

🗓 2025 Montana's Canadian Curling Trials: Canada’s top eight men’s and women’s teams compete for the chance to represent Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. | Nov. 22-30 | Ticket prices vary |

🗓 Victorian Christmas at the Halifax Citadel: Come experience the traditions of Christmas as enjoyed by Queen Victoria’s soldiers and their families at the 36th Annual Victorian Christmas at the Halifax Citadel. | Nov. 22 | 12PM |

🗓 The Orient Chinese 5-course Tasting Weekend: A new monthly tasting menu at The Orient Chinese Cuisine—a five-course journey where East meets West, tradition meets innovation. Grab your tickets and select your timeslot. | Nov. 21-23 | $80 |

🗓 Winter Market 2025: The Winter Market is coming to the Light House Arts Centre this weekend. A great place to find gifts for your loved ones. | Nov. 21-23 |

🗓 Cole Harbour Tree Lighting: Gather around the tree with friends and family at the Cole Harbour Fire Department for the annual Christmas tree lighting. | Nov. 23 | 4:30PM |

🗓 An Evening of Indian Traditional Music: A special fundraising concert supporting ISKCON Halifax and their Food for Life program, providing 500 free meals to those in need. The concert is being held at ISKCON Halifax. | Nov. 23 | 4PM | From $15 |

🗓 Santa Visit at Playdium: Santa is swooping by the Playdium this Sunday. Get a photo, do some colouring and snag some candy canes. Make sure to register for this free event. | Nov. 23 | 12-4PM |

🗓 Fiddles & Feet at the Sanctuary Arts Centre: The seven-piece ensemble blends Celtic and Downeast fiddle traditions with vibrant step dancing, rich instrumentation and soaring harmonies. | Nov. 23 | 12PM | $30 |

🗓 Halifax Night Market: Come down to the Halifax Brew Market to shop with 35+ local vendors, taste some yummy treats and experience live music. | Nov. 23 | 3-7PM |

🗓 Agricola Street Holiday Market: An open street market throughout Agricola Street. A perfect place to get your shopping done for the holiday season. | Nov. 23 | 12-5PM |

🗓 Halifax Jazz Festival presents Tales of a Charlie Brown Christmas: A beloved tradition is back once more, featuring the J. Anthony Granelli Trio. A live off-the-floor jazz trio perform the greatest Christmas album of all time. Taking place at St. Andrew’s United Church. | Nov. 23 | 2:30PM | From $52.84 |

🗓 Suite Surrender: The Bedford Players transport viewers back to the luxurious lifestyle of Hollywood in the 1940s in Michael McKeever’s farcical play, directed by Robin Saywood. | Nov. 6-22 | 7:30PM, 2PM | From $17 |

🗓 Neptune Theatre: The Wizard of Oz: Get ready for the classic tale of Dorothy’s travels in the magical land of Oz on the Neptune Theatre stage. Featuring all your favourite songs from the movie. Family friendly. | Nov. 4 - Jan. 4 | 7:30PM | From $40 |

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

⚓️ What’s In The Harbour

🚢➡️ The Lake Qaraoun vehicle carrier arrives in Halifax from Southampton at 5:55am and departs for New York at 11:30am.

➡️ The One Hawk container vessel departs Halifax for Singapore at 6am.

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

🚢➡️ The MSC Kim container vessel arrives in Halifax from Sines at 10:45am and departs for Montreal at 11pm.

➡️ The MSC Santhya container vessel departs Halifax for Montreal at 4:30pm.

➡️ The Nolhan Ava container vessel departs Halifax for Argentia at 6pm.

➡️ The Algoscotia oil tanker departs Halifax for Corner Brook at 9pm.

🍴 Where To Eat & Drink

🍝 Pre-orders are open for Maria’s Pantry Christmas Kits, available for pickup on Christmas Eve. Veal, pork and beef meatballs, Christmas lasagna, winter salad and sticky toffee pudding. Feeds six for $165.

🥐 It’s your last chance to grab an orange cardamom croissant at Two If By Sea Cafe. Dough rolled in cardamom brown sugar, filled with orange pastry cream, topped with orange glaze.

👀 In Case You Missed It

🎵 If you’ve been to a local rock or punk show within the last year or so, you’ve probably seen The Orchids play live. Taking over venues across Atlantic Canada, especially during the summer, this two-piece noise rock/stoner rock band is brilliantly loud, passionate, and one of the most interesting bands to follow right now. Singer and guitarist Rhys Poirier is still in high school. Drummer Alexis Grant is in her second year of college. Yet, they sound like they’ve been doing this for years. The scene, and the industry, seems to agree. Despite stiff competition, The Orchids made out with their first award, Loud Recording of the Year, for their debut self-titled album. They were also nominated for New Artist Recording of the Year. The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer chats with The Orchids about their big award win and their time in Nova Scotia’s music scene.

🏥 The Nova Scotia NDP are criticizing the provincial government for little to no information on expansions announced for the Cobequid Community Health Centre in Lower Sackville—the expansion was originally announced in 2022 and included 36 in-patient beds and a reassessment of its emergency department.

🏕️ Halifax council voted to close the city’s two remaining homeless encampments over the next two years while bringing new rules to those sites—city staff say alternatives have helped people find alternative housing options, with encampment populations dropping.

That’s it!

Thanks for reading The Coast Daily today.

If you found something useful, consider forwarding this newsletter to another Haligonian.

And before you go, let us know: