🗞️ Wood you?

Good morning Halifax!

We all know that I lack the general survival skills to go into the woods, plus I’m scared of doom, so the “stay out of the woods” order hasn’t affected me, and actually I find the deeply haunting poster campaign the government made to pack more of a punch than that bear with the hat ever did.

But clearly some people have no problem going into the woods, despite the ban—several tickets have been handed out to people who simply must recreation in the woods. Or, you know, live there because they have nowhere else to go.

The ban was announced on Aug. 5, amid “tinder dry” conditions across the province, as described by officials with the Department of Natural Resources. A total ban on open fires was brought in the week before, with both bans punishable by a $25,000 fine.

The whole point is obviously to prevent wildfires and we don’t have to look too far for a cautionary tale. Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial fire duty officer says the largest of the province’s out-of-control wildfires continues to gain ground, helped by dry, windy conditions.

All that said, not everybody agrees with the need for a full ban. A national advocacy group—The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF)—is threatening Nova Scotia with legal action over its decision to restrict travel in the woods. The organization—which supports legal challenges across the country generally relating to Charter rights—is behind the legal threat, which claims Nova Scotia has overstepped.

The group said it supports a provincial burn ban, but Houston’s prohibition on hiking, camping, fishing and picnicking in the woods is a step too far. The CCF has formally written to Houston’s government, urging it to rescind the travel restriction or face legal action. A petition in support of removing the ban gained more than 2,000 signatures in just 24 hours.

I tend to believe that strict measures need to be taken in order for people to actually pay attention. Lest we remember the shit show that was Covid? But that’s just my opinion. It only takes one person to toss a cig butt in the woods and we’re all screwed.

What’s your opinion?

Have a wonderful day out there!

– Julie

📷 @editorjulesl

🌡️ Traffic & Weather

Today: ☀️ 30°

Tomorrow: 🌤️ 27°

Next Day: 🌧️ 24°

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.

CITY

From servers to engineers, nine local models balance dual careers

In an industry that often seems worlds away from the daily grind, a group of nine models from Halifax are proving that passion doesn’t punch out at 5pm. 

The Coast sat down and chatted with these local talents ahead of Halifax Fashion Week who clock into day jobs as engineers, financial advisors or teachers before stepping into the spotlight on runways and in front of cameras.

🤔 Need To Know

🏛️ The Nova Scotia government has rejected Halifax’s updates to its regional plan, forcing the municipality to go back to the drawing board—the plan originated in 2006 as the first guide to growth following the amalgamation of the municipality and is evaluated every five years.

🏥 Nova Scotia Health is reporting 11 service disruptions across the province as the area struggles with retaining doctors for the increasing demand of healthcare—eight of these disruptions are ER closures, meaning eight out of the province’s 37 ERs are unable to provide service.

📕 A beloved Dartmouth bookstore that was on the verge of closing last month—only to survive after a successful effort to raise tens of thousands of dollars to pay off months of overdue rent—is changing ownership.

🎭 The Show Must Go On! With a special permit, Shakespeare by the Sea continues safely in Point Pleasant Park. Despite the woods ban, we’re still on ‘til August 31—come enjoy theatre in the park!*

🌞 From sunny patios and street art to headline events, shopping, and more, Downtown Halifax is where it’s all happening this summer. Find what you're down for here.*

*Sponsored Post

SPONSORED BY SEAPORT BEER + FIZZ FEST

Halifax’s Ultimate Beer + Fizz Celebration

The Seaport Beer Festival returns August 14–16 to Halifax’s waterfront with 300+ craft beers, ciders, and fizzy favourites from local legends and global icons.

Now in its 16th year, this outdoor bash includes dedicated Bristol and Irish pavilions, live music, and gourmet eats that actually pair with your pour.

Sample hoppy IPAs, crisp lagers, and rich stouts against a stunning seaport backdrop. With four sessions, VIP perks, and over 100 non-alcoholic options, there’s something for every palate — even the sober curious.

This isn’t just a beer fest. It’s a toast to Halifax’s thriving craft scene.

Get your tickets here and raise a glass to the city’s most unforgettable beer experience.

NEWS

In Labatt’s north end brewery, the water is flowing like beer

Labatt is one of Canada’s most established and leading brewers, but the company’s value extends further than providing Canadians with beer.

Beginning Sunday evening, Labatt’s Halifax brewery shifted from producing beer to producing clean, drinkable water to support the community in a time of need. This isn’t the first time that Labatt has swapped out beer production for water. 

The Coast’s Julie Lawrence spoke to Labatt’s Wade Keller last year about the program moving to the Halifax facility, how the change-over in production works and why it’s so important to support the community.

🗞️ In Other News

🚨 Halifax police say a man was arrested after being caught breaking into vehicles in the city—officers found seven cars with the front passenger window smashed and located a suspect in the bushes near the parking lot.

⚒️ The Association of Professional Geoscientists of Nova Scotia is expressing its duty to enforce the province’s Geoscience Profession Act—the Act holds people accountable who “mislead, misrepresent, and lie to the public” with respect to subjects related to the three areas of professional geoscience.

⚽ When the Nova Scotia women's soccer team and men's lacrosse squad begin play at the 2025 Canada Summer Games, both will feature a family connection—at least two of the province's teams have siblings on their rosters.

🚰 A group has launched a public campaign in opposition of a significant proposed rate hike by Halifax Water—in May, Halifax Water said it’s necessary to increase average residential bills over the next two fiscal years to address its “significant operating deficits.”

🗓️ Things To Do

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

🗓 Emerging Digital Artists Award Exhibition: An annual celebration of advanced creativity and critical experimentation in digital media. Proudly sponsored by EQ Bank, the prize recognizes the exceptional talents of emerging artists in Canada working at the forefront of the genre, highlighting the prolific and dynamic ways in which technology and art intersect. | Aug. 12-29 | 

🗓 Metu'na'q (Caliban's Version) by The Sipu Tricksters, in association with ZUPPA, hosted by Shakespeare by the Sea: Metu'na'q is an outdoor, community-driven production that weaves Mi’kmaw culture into scenes from Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Shakespeare’s characters Caliban and Ariel reflect Jacobean England's impressions of the Indigenous people of North and South America. Metu’na’q centres Caliban's story by excerpting his scenes from the play’s sprawling narrative. | Aug. 8-17 | Pay what you can |

🗓 Mills Halifax Fashion Week 2025: Mills Halifax Fashion Week returns with a powerful 2025 season celebrating Nova Scotia’s influence as a leader in sustainable fashion. Under the theme “Blueprint,” this year’s weeklong showcase highlights the province’s tradition of upcycling, conscious design, and innovation both locally and globally. Designers from Nova Scotia and international stages will share the runway, offering a diverse and dynamic look at the future of fashion. | Aug. 10-17 |

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

⚓️ What’s In The Harbour

🚢➡️ The Zim Virginia container ship arrives in Halifax from Valencia, Spain at 7:20am and leaves for New York at 11pm.

➡️ The Algoma Acadian oil tanker leaves Halifax for Saint John at 3pm.

🍴 Where To Eat & Drink

🍛 Experience the rich flavours of the Atlantic Seafood Pot-Au-Few at Studio East: Nova Scotia scallop, cod, prawns, PEI mussels, red Thai curry sauce, gai lin/bok choy, sweet soya, jasmine rice, carrot ginger jam, crispy onions, cilantro.

🤌 Take your taste buds on a trip to Italy—or Tribute Restaurant—for Mastra’s Lasagna Verde alla Colognese: paper thin layers of spinach, dough pasta, creamy bechamel, ragu, parmesan.

👀 In Case You Missed It

🎞️ The Carbon Arc Cinema will be hosting the first theatrical screening of Sweet Angel Baby, a queer-centred story of rural politics and storytelling in the digital age. The film screening is planned for 6pm on Saturday, Aug. 16 and will feature a Q&A with director Melanie Oates, who won the Atlantic International Film Festival’s Michael Weir Award for Best Atlantic Screenwriter for the film. The Coast’s Brendyn Creamer has more on this ground-breaking movie about queer identity in rural spaces.

👠 From savouring summer in an ice cream scoop to outdoor comedy festivals, pop-up stores, and waterfront performances, something is happening on every corner. Whether you're a style enthusiast excited for The Mills Halifax Fashion Week, a live music lover, or just looking for a reason to get out and explore, the city is buzzing with can't-miss moments. As always, The Coast has you covered with all the can’t miss events this week.

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