🗞️ What’s going on at the bus depot?

TRANSIT

Halifax Transit’s electronic fare delays demand accountability

Halifax Transit first started the process to implement electronic fares in 2012 with a transit technology plan. At the time, the $44 million in spending was supposed to “set the groundwork for customer service-related projects such as public interfaces, stop annunciation and a fare management system.”

Now in 2023, when asked about the delays by councillor Waye Mason during August’s transportation standing committee meeting, Halifax Transit boss Dave Reage told the members: “Likely, we're going to get into the fall before we have this roll out, unfortunately.”

When The Coast followed up with the city after the meeting to ask for the specific cause of the hold up, a spokesperson wrote back in an email: “There is currently no hold up, everyone involved on the project continues to work through the process of delivering the project as quickly as possible.” But there is a hold up.

There has been a hold up. And there are other things in this story that do not make a lot of sense.

Read more from Matt Stickland on the electronic fare delay at The Coast. 

Need to know

🌁 The Macdonald Bridge will be closed to vehicles starting today at 7pm until Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 5:30am. The sidewalk will also be closed. Pedestrians are being asked to use the bike lanes and cyclists are being asked to walk their bikes across the bridge.

💵 Applications for the annual Seniors Care Grant program are now open.

🛣️ The government has announced a new interchange for Pictou County that will improve access to Highway 104.

🩰 Live Art Dance announces its 2023-24 Season! From contemporary ballet to the avant-garde, they have something for every dance lover. Get your subscription package today!*

*Sponsored Post

SPONSORED BY SOCIAL EAST

Elevate your business with SocialEast

In today's rapid digital landscape, business can feel like an uphill struggle. But fear not, SocialEast is here to help. They've organized an event to provide insights and connections, addressing many of the marketing challenges facing businesses today.

SocialEast introduces individuals to digital marketing intricacies, fostering connections with like-minded strategists. Attendees get industry updates, valuable tips, and insights for business growth.

Industry experts from Google, TikTok, LinkedIn, and more will share wisdom. It's a chance to gain knowledge and connect with leaders from across Canada.

Join SocialEast's marketer network, build supportive relationships, and watch your brand flourish. Save the date for insights, connections, and inspiration in digital marketing.

SocialEast takes over Halifax on October 19th and 20th. Don't miss this chance to learn, connect, and collaborate.

Even though SocialEast is more than 75% sold out, you can still use COAST75 to save an extra $75 on your ticket.

On The Coast

SPONSORED BY CANADIAN MUSEUM OF IMMIGRATION AT PIER 21

Métis artist’s museum intervention

#HopeandHealingCanada is an artistic installation using thousands of meters of red yarn, by Métis artist Tracey-Mae Chambers. And it’s just been extended! It can be seen hanging among one of the permanent exhibitions at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 until Oct 31.

In other news

🚨 A teen has been charged with manslaughter in the homicide of 26-year-old Davelle Desmond that happened at the waterfront on Aug. 6.

🚘 Nova Scotia is seeing a drastic increase in drivers causing long wait times for licensing tests.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 A Cape Breton teen was recently crowned the winner of the Highland Dance World Championship in Scotland.

🔥 Since the recent Tantallon wildfire, 10 communities have undergone fire-risk assessments and multiple have been deemed at extreme risk. CBC has the story.

🧱 The Province has announced a total of 41 projects through the Beautification and Streetscaping Program and Community Works Program that will work to create inviting spaces and promote more work in communities across Nova Scotia.

😬 A Truro music teacher is facing sexual assault allegations for incidents that occurred between 2005 and 2007.

FESTIVALS

Everything you need to know about the 2023 Halifax Lebanese Festival

The Halifax Lebanese Festival is back and ready for a weekend of pre-COVID-level fun. This is the first time since the pandemic that the festival will be returning to its usual operations after offering a “Grab & Go” experience last year. Stop by and enjoy a menu stacked with traditional Lebanese flavours and stay for some live entertainment all weekend long.

Here’s everything you need to know before heading over. 

🍴 Stone’s Throw is offering a special Labour Day menu all weekend long. Sip on a mango margarita and snack on some tex-mex.

Deals

👀 Real Fake Meats is giving away two seats to its upcoming Fall Harvest Dinner ($270 value). Find out how to enter here.

Have a local special we should feature? Reply back and let us know!