The Coast Insider Weekend Edition: No. 128

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Hey Insiders 👋

This is officially the last Insider Weekend Edition of 2025! Hooray!

While I’ve only been with you folks since September, it feels as if I’ve been writing for you all for much longer. I want to thank all of you Insiders for your support of not only accepting me and my writing, but The Coast as a whole. It’s been a wild year, but we’ve braved it out to the end.

Please feel free to shoot me an email back and tell me your plans for the holidays. Personally, I expect a lot of food and video games in my near future.

Happy holidays, and I’ll see you all in 2026!

Best,

– B

📷 @creamy_yet_smooth

Here’s what happened this week

1. Halifax is Canada’s fifth most expensive city according to new rental report

According to a new rental report from Zumper, Halifax is amongst the most expensive cities to live in across all of Canada.

Halifax ranked fifth amongst all Canadian cities when it came to the median rent of one and two bedroom units according to new data from Zumper, who aggregates data from rental listings across the city. Above Halifax are Vancouver and Burnaby in British Columbia, and Toronto and Kingston in Ontario. Falling closely behind Halifax is Ottawa.

Data shows Halifax's one-bedroom units are rented at a median asking rent of $2,100, a 2.40 percent year-over-year increase. Two-bedroom units have a median asking rent of $2,500, a 1.20 percent year-over-year decrease.

The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer goes over the new report as well as suggestions from local housing experts on what steps the province could take to address the ongoing housing crisis.

2. Mayor calls for independent audit of Halifax Water as rate increase approved with conditions

The Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board have approved an increase for Halifax Water, but it’s not as high as what they asked for.

Pending a final review, Halifax Water can raise rates by at least 20 percent starting Jan. 1. The utility’s reasoning is inflation and fixing aging infrastructure. Halifax Water had originally asked for a rate of 35.6 percent: a 15.8 percent increase on Jan. 1, 2026, and a 17.1 percent increase on April 1, 2026.

One of the board’s directives is for Halifax Water to find ways to deal with its debt, a deficit of around $34.1 million for 2025/26.

The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer goes over Mayor Andy Fillmore’s response to the decision.

3. Afternoon Pint podcast reimagines A Christmas Carol in special holiday episode

A Christmas Carol is one of the most celebrated Christmas stories of all time. The transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from a grouchy holiday hater to gift-giving saint-to-be is as iconic as any other.

In timing with the season, Halifax-based podcast Afternoon Pint have delivered a holiday special worthy of the timeless story, a reimagining of the tale in a form unlike any other the podcast has taken: scripted.

Adapted by podcast co-host Mike Tobin, the radio play shifts Charles Dicken's story forward with comedy and commentary, revitalizing themes from the original that still fit within our modern understanding: economic pressures, social divisions, and the menial but lasting impacts of everyday cruelties.

The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer has the scoop on Afternoon Pint’s special holiday episode.

4. Award-winning comedian to film new special in Halifax this spring

British-Canadian comedian James Mullinger has made people in both of his homes laugh on and on, but his bests crowds have always been in Halifax.

In celebration of the city that helped make his journey in the comedy world possible, Mullinger will be filming his next comedy special at the Rebecca Cohn Theatre in Halifax on April 17, 2026.

The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer gives details on James Mullinger’s upcoming performance.

Here’s what’s happening this weekend

🗓 Symphony Nova Scotia: Handel’s Messiah: Chorus master Joel Tranquilla leads four guest soloists and the 80-voice Symphony Nova Scotia Chorus through Handel’s holiday favourite. | Dec. 19-20 | 7:30PM | From $31.50 |

🗓 La Posada Mexican Christmas Party: Sharing the magic of Mexican Christmas at Cafe Cempoal in Halifax’s North End. Pinata fun, karaoke vibes and delicious tamalas made with love. | Dec. 20 | 5PM |

🗓 Gluten-Free Holiday Market: Gluten-free holiday treats crafted by local vendors. Happening at the Findlay Community Centre. | Dec. 20 | 2PM |

🗓 A Chorister's Christmas: Join the choristers of Capella Regalis for a festive celebration reflecting Nova Scotia’s multicultural population and the diversity of the choir’s members. | Dec. 21 | 4PM, 7PM | $25 |

🗓 Japanese Holiday Market: Shop with over 20 local vendors selling Japanese treats, artisanal goodies and more at the Halifax Brewery Market. | Dec. 21 | 12PM |

🗓 Winter Market at Oxalis Restaurant: Cozy vibes and chef-made treats make this holiday market are must-go. | Dec. 21 | 10AM |

🗓 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 |

Catch up on this week’s newsletters

Want to see what you missed in the newsletters this week? Here you go!

• Tuesday

• Wednesday

• Thursday

• Friday

That’s it! What did you think of today’s Insiders-only weekend edition?