🗞️ To beer or not to beer?

Good morning Halifax,

As has been reported over the past few months, the provincial government appears poised to announce changes to where alcohol can be sold in the province—with multiple sources saying that there have been ongoing conversations about expanding sales to convenience stores.

As a balls to the wall alcoholic who almost lost her life to the disease, I’m finding myself really torn on this one.

Studies consistently show that greater accessibility of alcohol—including more retail locations—is associated with higher rates of consumption and, as a consequence, more alcohol-related harms. 

Some of those harms include, but are certainly not limited to: public health concerns, like increased drunk driving and domestic violence; economic impacts, like increased healthcare costs and loss of productivity; and more exposure and access for youth.

Obviously the wine-makers and brewers in Nova Scotia would love for their products to become more widely available. Profit is profit. A spokesperson from the department of finance said that many people have expressed an interest in seeing beverage alcohol sold in more locations—particularly in rural areas—and in supporting Nova Scotia products.

I’m all for supporting local, but local poison that negatively impacts many facets of society? I’m not sure I can get behind that in good conscience. I know people get their cat backs up when I call booze poison, but let’s call a spade a spade: The World Health Organization says that no level of alcohol is safe for consumption. 

It is up to citizens and our elected representatives to weigh the competing priorities of population health and convenience. So, I wonder, what do you think?

Have a great day out there! 

– Julie

📷 @editorjulesl

🌡️ Traffic & Weather

Today: 🌦️ 25°

Tomorrow: ☀️ 19°

Next Day: 🌤️ 19°

7-day forecast

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

💨 Here is Halifax’s Air Quality Index and the smoke report.

MUSIC

The double meaning of Elyse Aeryn’s newest single “Unstoppable”

Elyse Aeryn's new single is not just a song about romance, but an anthem to self-love.

The Glace Bay native released “Unstoppable” ahead of her sophomore album, due out in October 2025. Her roots-rock sound with a rebellious attitude has captivated audiences throughout Atlantic Canada and beyond, netting her the 2024 Music Nova Scotia’s Entertainer of the Year award, as well as being named The Coast’s Best New Artist in our 2023 Best Of Halifax awards.

Now, she’ll be bringing her country rock fun to the Marriott’s Patio Party on June 18, as well as the Coast2Coast Songwriters’ Night at The Carleton on Sept. 25. 

The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer has more with Aeryn as she embarks on a nation-wide tour.

🤔 Need To Know

🚴 Halifax Regional Council defeated a motion to pause the construction of new bike lanes in the municipality—after a lengthy debate at its meeting Tuesday, council voted 12 to 5 against Mayor Andy Fillmore’s motion.

🧑‍💻 Nova Scotia Power has resumed billing customers after a ransomware attack brought some of the utility's systems to a halt in April—the company has reopened MyAccount, the online system customers use to view and pay their bills.

👀 To date, the RCMP have formally interviewed 54 people and police have given polygraph (lie detector tests) to some of the people in the case of the two missing Pictou children—the update did not detail how many people were given the polygraph tests.

🍻 Garrison Brewing's Juicy DIPA won GOLD at the Canada Beer Awards last weekend in the IPA / Double IPA category. Grab one from your local NSLC.*

🍔 Jam’s Burgers & Shakes at 8 Jam Lane is the ultimate Father’s Day treat—burgers, fries, and shakes Dad’ll love more than his favourite recliner.*

🌿 Welcome to Bayers Park I & II! Spacious, affordable living in Halifax’s West End. A welcoming community near major transit routes with discounts for seniors and essential workers. Book your tour today.*

*Sponsored Post

SPONSORED BY UNIVERSAL REALTY GROUP

Live in the 💙 of Halifax at Peninsula Place

Steps from top universities, downtown dining, transit, shops, and the Halifax waterfront. Perfect for students and professionals, with in-suite laundry, high-speed internet, onsite parking and more. Now leasing in a vibrant, walkable community. 👉 Book your tour today! 

NEWS

Philippine Fiesta Halifax returns with message of unity after Vancouver tragedy

"This is a celebration of joy, of culture, and of connection. And now, more than ever, we need that," said Micah Lacson, president of the Filipino Cultural Society of Nova Scotia, as the community prepares for this year’s Philippine Fiesta Halifax. 

Lacson, now in her fourth year as president and fifth year with the organization, beams with pride as she talks about the two-day event returning to Garrison Grounds on June 21 and 22. Set during Philippine Heritage Month in Canada, the Fiesta has grown into one of Halifax’s top summer events, celebrating Filipino-Canadian heritage through music, dance, food, and fashion.

The Coast’s Warren D’Silva has more on how the Filipino community celebrates heritage with pride and resilience as the two-day festival emphasizes safety, mental health advocacy, and cultural connection.

🗞️ In Other News

🍷 The premiers of Ontario and Nova Scotia say they won’t be ordering provincial liquor stores to restock alcohol from the United States, despite plans from neighbouring provinces to begin selling American booze again.

🪲 Lyme disease, a potentially debilitating tick-borne illness if left untreated, is a growing problem in parts of Canada with thousands of reported cases—but could there soon be a vaccine?

💊 An official with Nova Scotia's Health Department says the province wants to get back into negotiations with the federal government on a pharmacare agreement. 

🥀 Esther Jones was killed almost a year ago but her remains have yet to be found—her sister says she's anxious for police to find Jones's body so she can have closure and lay her to rest.

SPONSORED BY THE COUPLES & SEXUAL HEALTH LAB @DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY

Experiencing low desire in your relationship?

💜 RECRUITING COUPLES for a paid research study 💜

Are you in a relationship? Are you experiencing low desire? Participate in the ROSE Study to help us understand your experience. Click the link or contact [email protected] to participate! 🌹

P.S. You can earn up to $236 per couple 💸

🗓️ Things To Do

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

🗓 By the Pound Thrift Pop-Up: For ONE DAY ONLY By the Pound Thrift is popping up at Maritime Hall at the Halifax Forum where all clothes are $5.99/pound. | June 14 | 10am | $2 |

🗓 Special lecture - Journeys of Coffee and Cacao: Join a special lecture by Dr. Erika Koss who will explore the global migration of two beloved beans. Come learn about the ways that both coffee and cacao beans have taken global journeys of transformation to become the delectable beverages and treats we enjoy in Canada—and some of the human hands who make these treasured tastes possible. | June 14 | 1pm | Free |

🗓 Hosting and Improv Workshop: This workshop invites you to unleash your inner star, hone your improvisational skills, and learn the art of hosting — all through the fabulous, fierce lens of drag. Whether you’re looking to boost your stage presence, sharpen your comedic timing, or simply embrace your most dramatic self, this workshop will help you rock it. | June 14 | 1:30pm | $45 |

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

⚓️ What’s In The Harbour

🚢➡️ The Sloman Dispatch general cargo ship arrives in Halifax from Belfast at 1:30am and leaves for Ceuta, Spain at 2pm.

🚢➡️ The Atlantic Sail container ship arrives in Halifax from Liverpool at 5:20am and leaves for New York at 4pm.

🚢➡️ The MSC Donata container ship arrives in Halifax from Valencia, Spain at 5:45am and leaves for Montreal at 5pm.

🚢➡️ The Zuiderdam cruise ship arrives in Halifax at 8am and leaves for Canadian seas at 4pm.

🚢➡️ The T Procyon oil tanker arrives in Halifax from Varna, Bulgaria at 8:10am and leaves for Trois-Rivieres at 1pm.

🚢➡️ The Bakkafoss container ship arrives in Halifax from Portland, ME at 8:15am and leaves for Argentia at 1pm.

🚢➡️ The Atlantic Sun container ship arrives in Halifax from Norfolk at 3:20pm and leaves for Liverpool at 11:30pm.

🚢 The CMA CGM J Adams container ship arrives in Halifax from Colombo, Sri Lanka at 3:45pm.

🚢 The MSC Rowan container ship arrives in Halifax from Sines, France at 3:45pm.

🍴 Where To Eat & Drink

🍽️ Big news from the north end! Agricola Street Brasserie has just dropped brand new menu items—from rich pastas to perfectly grilled steaks, juicy chicken, buttery scallops—and just about anything else you can imagine. 

🍩 At Suzanne’s Pizzeria, the oven isn’t just used for pizza. Satisfy that sweet tooth with the Sweet Bites: cinnna-sugar dough balls with Tom Waits Stout chocolate sauce!

👀 In Case You Missed It

✊ Canada’s nonprofit sector is watching the U.S. civil society implode and acting like it couldn’t happen here. But it already is. As a Canadian watching the Trump Administration attack civil society in the United States, I feel one part horror, one part admiration. Horror at the brazen attacks on democratic norms, and admiration for leaders who refuse to stay quiet. Read Coast contributor Liz LeClair’s explosive and poignant op-ed on how non-profits are using their voices to fight back.

🏘️ Whether you’re looking to buy or rent—from $450K in Spryfield to $900K downtown—the real estate market in Halifax can be a real conundrum, especially for young people. The Coast spoke with realtors and a property manager to find out what’s going on in the market—including a list of the top 15 locations where people should be looking.

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: