🗞 The PSAC strike is over

SHOPTALK

First look at Walter’s Snack Bar, downtown Halifax’s newest cocktail bar

Jacob Carey Paradis is polishing glasses, peeling oranges and stocking ice when The Coast swings by for a visit on a rainy May afternoon. Despite the gloomy weather, the mood is bright—Anderson .Paak’s Malibu floats over the bar stereo, and Carey Paradis is singing along. It’s been quite the week for the co-manager of Walter’s Snack Bar, the newest cocktail and wine bar to open in downtown Halifax: Last Thursday, the bar—which shares ownership and the ground floor of the former Freemasons Hall with eatery 2 Doors Down—held its soft opening, and Haligonians crowded the room.

And now, one week in? Business is starting to pick up—and for good reason.

Coast reporter Martin Bauman went to see what the cocktail buzz is all about.

Need to know

🌤 Today’s Halifax weather: Clouds clearing to sunshine and a high of 10C. Low of 2C.

🔎 The Halifax Board of Police Commissioners says a civilian review will investigate the HRP’s 2021 shelter siege that led to 24 arrests and the police use of pepper spray around children.

📝 Yesterday’s Coast story on how Halifax’s lawyers are mishandling police legislation is in need of slight correction: The Police Act has been updated to reflect the lessons of the Marshall Inquiry, but it doesn’t change the fact that the Board of Police Commissioners isn’t using its full powers to shape policing in the HRM.

🤝 The union representing more than 35,000 of Canada’s public sector workers has reached a tentative deal with Ottawa, ending a second strike. Last week, The Coast visited the frontlines of the labour dispute to find out how it affected Haligonians.

⚖️ A 40-year-old Halifax man accused of human trafficking and sexual assault has agreed to remain in custody until a bail hearing next week, CBC News reports.

🎉 Don’t miss the free ECMA Family Fun-Fest presented by Downtown Halifax Business Commission, this Saturday, May 6, from 12pm until 3pm on Argyle Street.*

*Sponsored Post

SPONSORED BY CANADIAN MUSEUM OF IMMIGRATION AT PIER 21

Asian Heritage Month Opening Ceremony at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Plans this Sunday? Venture down to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 on Sunday, May 7 at 2pm to celebrate the vibrancy and resilience of cultures from across the Asian continent and the impact of Asian communities in Canada at the opening event for this year's Asian Heritage Month. This event includes multiple performances from members of local Asian communities and is an opportunity for attendees to find out more about what's happening during the rest of the month!

Performances include

• Harana Singers - Filipino Choral Singing

• ILY - KPop Dance

• Iranian Traditional Music

• Nova Scotia Chinese Culture & Art Club

• And more!

Supported by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment Initiative.

On The Coast

SPONSORED BY MAYWORKS KJIPUKTUK/HALIFAX

Don't miss Djata: Conversation of the Manden May 5-6

Aly Keita's dance show Djata: Conversation of the Manden, is at the Bus Stop Theatre May 5-6.

Keita's performance is inspired by the West African Epic of Soundjata. Transmitted by the lyrical poets known as griots, the legend addresses themes of oppression, courage, metamorphosis and liberation. Keita's performances are presented in partnership with the Prismatic Arts Festival along with Unfold by Reequal Smith. Tickets are available at MayworksKjipuktukHfx.ca.

In other news

🚨 The prime suspect in the suspicious death of Kings County’s Leslie Ann Conrad was found dead this week—on the same property where Conrad’s remains were found nearly 17 years ago.

🚔 Police are investigating a Monday sexual assault at the Mainland Common’s baseball field. They’re asking for potential witnesses.

🏥 Some Nova Scotia nurses on maternity leave are worried that the province’s recently-announced $10K bonus could end up affecting their EI benefits while on leave—and leave them with less income than before.

🌭 What’s the last thing you’d want to swig when you’re thirsty? Halifax Mooseheads left winger Zachary L’Heureux turned heads this week after he was caught shooting mustard between shifts. He says there’s a good reason for it. 

🌈 2SLGBTQ+ advocates and allies say policies that limit queer people’s ability to donate tissue after their deaths is outdated and due for change, Global News reports.

⚽️ Halifax pro soccer club HFX Wanderers FC carries its three-game unbeaten run in the Canadian Premier League to Winnipeg on Saturday for a match with Valour FC. Listen to The Coast’s soccer podcast, The Wanderer Grounds, for a look at how the season is shaping up.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Everything you need to know about the 2023 Scotia Festival of Music

Thirteen concerts with 19 world-acclaimed musicians across 15 days: the Scotia Festival of Music has spent the last 44 years making Halifax a top destination in the worlds of chamber and classical music. No matter if you're an expert on the genre or more of a newbie, you'll find lots to satiate your hungry ears here.

One of the world's biggest and boldest celebrations of chamber music, Scotia Fest routinely pulls in top composers and performers from across the globe.

The Coast’s Arts & Entertainment editor, Morgan Mullin, dives into the festival and the matinee show you need to see.

Sure things

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

🗓 The Hart House Chorus: Enjoy a free pop-up choral performance at the Park Lane Mall’s Grand Staircase this Friday. | May 5 | 5-5:30pm | Free.

🗓 Halifax Mooseheads in Game 3: The second-round QMJHL series returns to the Scotiabank Centre as the Mooseheads are tied 1-1 against the Sherbrooke Phoenix. | May 6 | 2pm | $13-$24.

Find more Halifax events in The Coast listings.

Shop talk

🍦 The Queen’s Marque’s newest ice cream and donut spot, The Fog Company, looks like it’s almost ready for its debut. Read more about it in The Coast’s preview of 2023 restaurant openings.

🍺 Berwick, NS-based Smokehouse Nano Brewery is working on a project in the new Wynwood Apartments under development on Agricola Street.

Eat this

🍜 Halifax noodle favourite Coda Ramen is hosting a pop-up service at Field Guide this Sunday.

🥐 North end darlings LF Bakery have a new Zaatar croissant filled with a savoury Middle Eastern spice mix.

🍫 South end chocolatiers Rousseau have crafted a series of commemorative chocolates to mark the coronation of King Charles.

Drink this

🍷 Tapas bar Eliot & Vine is introducing a Sunday feature where you can bring and drink your own wine for $1.

🍑 Propellor Brewing released a new summer ale that its brewers call a “sublime combination of zesty yuzu citrus and succulent white peaches.”