Jen Taplin
@jentaplin.bsky.social
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📥 137
📝 144
Halifax-based City Hall reporter for the Chronicle Herald. Reporting since I was 11. Mom of 3.
reposted by
Jen Taplin
Josh Healey
about 13 hours ago
New:
@thechronicleherald.bsky.social
was able to confirm that funding for Halifax's student transit pass pilot program has been "discontinued." It's unknown if the program can continue without the provincial funds. More details later this morning.
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Nova Scotia pulls funding for Halifax’s student transit pass pilot program
Halifax council received a letter from the province saying funding for their transit pass pilot program was being discontinued.
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/student-transit-pass-bus-pilot-program-funding-budget-cuts
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So it looks like this kinda thing happened in Halifax in the '90s. Halifax caved to the developer, making an exception to planning rules.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Oops, we built two extra storeys: Dartmouth developer says extra floors were 'a misunderstanding'
Halifax may order developers to tear down extra floors at a cost of over $1 million
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/business-halifax/oops-we-built-two-extra-storeys-dartmouth-developer-zagros-nova-home-development-ltd-says-extra-floors-were-a-misunderstanding-wyse-road-hrm
about 9 hours ago
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"We are an ocean playground in Nova Scotia and we should act like one.”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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How Halifax's delayed fast ferries could create a harbour highway
How Halifax Works dives into Halifax’s plans for fast ferries, private water taxis and what’s better: ferries or LRT?
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/how-halifax-works-fast-ferry-harbour-highway-system-delayed-rapid-transit-strategy-mill-cove-larry0uteck-shannon-park
about 9 hours ago
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“The applicant acknowledges that the additional storeys were built in error due to a misunderstanding of the LUB (land-use bylaw) requirements.”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Oops, we built two extra storeys: Dartmouth developer says extra floors were 'a misunderstanding'
Halifax may order developers to tear down extra floors at a cost of over $1 million
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/business-halifax/oops-we-built-two-extra-storeys-dartmouth-developer-zagros-nova-home-development-ltd-says-extra-floors-were-a-misunderstanding-wyse-road-hrm
1 day ago
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reposted by
Jen Taplin
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani
2 days ago
Work alongside New York City's Strongest as we get through this historic storm. Emergency shoveling pay is now $30/hour. Walk into any sanitation garage to sign up TODAY BY 8PM or TOMORROW from 9AM to 8PM. Let's get NYC back on its feet— together.
bit.ly/NYCShovel
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Halifax is expecting to pay (at least) $5.8 million for an upgraded bus terminal at Mic Mac Mall.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Major housing project at Dartmouth’s Mic Mac Mall grows to 3,800 units
Halifax expecting to pay $5.8 million for an upgraded bus terminal for the mega housing development in Dartmouth
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/dartmouth-mic-mac-mall-housing-units-project-developers-residential-towers
1 day ago
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reposted by
Jen Taplin
Josh Healey
6 days ago
I'm pleased to share I started a new gig this week as a reporter for
@thechronicleherald.bsky.social
. I'll be focusing on all things Halifax, including municipal politics, so don't hesitate to send an email to
[email protected]
if there's a story you want to share.
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“When you have communications coming from the mayor’s office that is distinctly the mayor’s point of view and not necessarily all of council, how does that benefit taxpayers?”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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After pushing to cut millions, Halifax mayor looking for 16 per cent increase to his office budget
Andy Fillmore is spending 29 per cent more than former mayor Mike Savage
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/after-pushing-to-cut-millions-halifax-mayor-looking-for-16-per-cent-increase-to-his-office-budget
6 days ago
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“Here we are, 12 years later, doing exactly the same thing on exactly the same project after five councils have endorsed it, seven different reports saying it’s a good idea and here’s the plan, and here’s how we’re going to make it happen.”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Rallying cry: Save the Forum campaign reignited in Halifax
$126-million redevelopment 'halfway finished' at risk for delay or cancellation
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/rallying-cry-save-the-forum-campaign-reignited-in-halifax-arena-facility-126-million
7 days ago
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"We’ve seen a lot of closures or struggles with facilities in Halifax, specifically in downtown and in the north end — the pressure is on right now with the incoming cuts we’re hoping don’t happen.”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Halifax arts non-profit likely getting $225k to buy Gottingen Street building: ‘We’re under threat’
Halifax councillors supportive amidst a very difficult budget season, with a possible 10 per cent cut to arts funding
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax-arts-non-profit-225k-buy-gottingen-street-building-cfat-council-budget-cuts
8 days ago
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reposted by
Jen Taplin
The Chronicle Herald
13 days ago
More cash for cops, store owners urge Halifax council
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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More cash for cops, store owners urge Halifax council
Organized crime thefts are escalating, becoming more aggressive
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/more-cash-for-cops-store-owners-urge-halifax-council-crime-violence-downtown-bayers-lake
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“Since we’re looking at putting up parking fees, we should be looking at putting up transit fares. We’ve got to find money everywhere,” Hendsbee said.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Halifax to consider raising transit fares by 25 or 50 cents
‘We’ve got to find money everywhere’: Halifax council grapples with a potential 10.9 per cent tax bill increase
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/halifax-to-consider-raising-transit-fares-by-25-or-50-cents
13 days ago
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“I avoid going downtown as much as possible because of the parking." Same.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Circling the block: What's the parking situation in downtown Halifax and Dartmouth?
How Halifax Works explores parking frustrations and changes on the way
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/how-halifax-works-whats-the-deal-with-on-street-parking-in-downtown-halifax
14 days ago
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“Throwing more buses into the heap to just have them sit in traffic is counterproductive…”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Shake-up proposed for Halifax Transit — What’s happening to your commute?
New three-year plan suggests 24-hour airport bus, brand new route and changes to 37 per cent of the network
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/shake-up-proposed-for-halifax-transit-whats-happening-to-your-commute-airport-24-hours
15 days ago
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“It’s a historical Black community that’s 199 years old and still without this service in the community.”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Lucasville micro-transit would be a proof-of-concept for new way of busing in Halifax
On-demand micro-transit considered a solution for communities without buses
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/lucasville-micro-transit-would-be-a-proof-of-concept-for-new-way-of-busing-in-halifax
15 days ago
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“When they just fall to the ground crying, it’s like, ‘Oh my God,’ ... I’m not really an emotional person, but like, when I start watering, and I’m like, it hits you right in the feels, right?”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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A particular set of skills: Eastern Passage metal detectorist reunites Nova Scotians with their sentimental treasures
On land, in water or in the snow, Nate McLagan can find it — if it’s made of metal
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/a-particular-set-of-skills-eastern-passage-metal-detectorist-reunites-nova-scotians-with-their-sentimental-treasures
18 days ago
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“If there was ever a year for us to adjust our parking prices, surely this would be the year where our tax increases are already so unmanageable that I think that it’s a responsible thing to do."
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Halifax considering paid parking on Saturdays: ‘It’s going to be a hornet’s nest’
Councillors expecting plenty of negative feedback as HRM looks to raise parking rates by 25 per cent
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/hrm-considering-saturday-paid-parking-traffic-downtown-rates-fees
21 days ago
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Will carpool lanes actually make a difference or just legalize what many drivers are just doing now anyway?
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Carpool lanes coming to Halifax in a matter of months
Nova Scotia’s public works minister says coordinated traffic lights are also in the works
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/carpool-lanes-coming-to-halifax-matter-of-months-hrm-hov-chamber-of-commerce
22 days ago
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“The average in-place monthly rent is $1,860, with a meaningful mark-to-market opportunity as units turn, providing a stable runway for organic growth."
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Killam REIT buys Clayton Park's Forrest Green apartment building for nearly $30 million
109 units, mostly three-bedroom, have an average $1,800/month rent
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/business-halifax/killam-reit-buys-clayton-parks-forrest-green-apartment-building-for-nearly-30-million
22 days ago
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“We’re looking at HOV lanes, potentially in bus lanes, where appropriate, and other areas."
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Carpool lanes coming to Halifax in a matter of months
Nova Scotia’s public works minister says coordinated traffic lights are also in the works
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/carpool-lanes-coming-to-halifax-matter-of-months-hrm-hov-chamber-of-commerce
22 days ago
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reposted by
Jen Taplin
The Chronicle Herald
26 days ago
Council voted 10-4 this morning to reject Coun. Kathryn Morse’s request for a briefing note to look at the impacts of cancelling or changing the Mill Cove Ferry Terminal project.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Don’t kill our fast ferries, urge some Bedford commuters
Halifax council may pause or cancel fast ferry mega project in Mill Cove
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/hrm-commuters-against-bedford-fast-ferry-delay-2028-to-2030
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Spending millions on the Halifax Forum, which is one good storm away from an indefinite closure, may just be too expensive for HRM right now.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Future of $126-million Halifax Forum redevelopment in jeopardy
With looming 10.9 per cent tax bill increase, Halifax council is taking big swings at the budget
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/halifax-forum-redevelopment-project-on-hold-replacement-hrm-budget-problems
27 days ago
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“Council must look at the ledger of history. This is not just a request for land, it’s a proposal to settle a debt — a debt measured in dollars, lives and community erasure.”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Land trust founder pushes Halifax for piece of Cogswell 'to settle a debt' to displaced African Nova Scotians
Halifax residents speak out on workers’ wages, unaffordability of tax bill increase at the first public hearing on the budget
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/cogswell-development-parcel-d-african-nova-scotian-displacement
28 days ago
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"... this is such a drop in the bucket and I find all this nitpicking over cost exhausting and a waste of time.”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Affordability versus safest bike lanes: Halifax councillors draw their battle lines
Finishing the rest of the AAA Bikeway Network in Halifax and Dartmouth by 2030 will cost over $66 million
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/hrm-bike-lanes-aaa-bikeway-network-cuts-council
28 days ago
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In this third edition of How Halifax Works, we’re looking at the connection between losing the tolls, downtown congestion, and what’s next for the bridges.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Life after tolls: What really happened to Halifax bridge traffic?
How Halifax Works considers if traffic congestion is worth the trade-off for toll-free bridges
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/halifax-mackay-macdonald-bridge-tolls-traffic-drive
28 days ago
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www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Affordability versus safest bike lanes: Halifax councillors draw their battle lines
Finishing the rest of the AAA Bikeway Network in Halifax and Dartmouth by 2030 will cost over $66 million
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/hrm-bike-lanes-aaa-bikeway-network-cuts-council
29 days ago
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reposted by
Jen Taplin
The Chronicle Herald
30 days ago
Do you find parking downtown frustrating or a breeze?We're looking at the changes in downtown parking for a story and we'd like to hear from you. Email your experiences about finding on-street parking downtown (Halifax or Dartmouth) to Jen Taplin at
[email protected]
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Based on their survey, staff found that 87 per cent of non-members would consider buying a membership if they could also access other recreation facilities.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Soon one HRM rec centre membership could get you 75 per cent off other facility passes. Here's how:
Discounted day passes for members are now a possibility with new tech
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/recreation-centre-pass-pilot-program-one-member-program-75-per-cent-off
about 1 month ago
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“In Halifax, there is lots of construction, but we also see a history and now a growing number of demolitions and empty lots throughout the city."
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Empty, undeveloped lots in Halifax have only increased since extra tax proposed three years ago
City still waiting on provincial permission for tax that would motivate developers to keep affordable housing open until they’re ready to build
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/empty-undeveloped-lots-in-halifax-have-only-increased-since-extra-tax-proposed-three-years-ago
about 1 month ago
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At HRM’s audit committee meeting on Wednesday, staff requested a $1-million advance from the next fiscal year’s budget and $400,000 extra to pay for cost overruns
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Lakeside rec centre needs more cash to finish construction
HRM looking to advance $1 million and add $400k to keep $23 million project on track
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/lakeside-rec-centre-needs-more-cash-to-finish-construction
about 1 month ago
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There are other, similar sized towers are proposed in the neighbourhood too.
add a skeleton here at some point
about 1 month ago
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“It’s the first time the total assessed value has exceeded $200 billion. It’s showing that our market is vibrant …”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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What to expect when Nova Scotia property assessments arrive: Total value hits $200 billion for the first time
Apartments, condominiums, and multi-unit properties experiencing ‘notable growth’
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/what-to-expect-when-nova-scotia-property-assessments-arrive-total-value-hits-200-billion-for-the-first-time
about 1 month ago
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“We want the women to come and play here. We’ve got a good, good audience. We’ll sell out.”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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‘We need it’: Halifax hockey fans inspired, want their own PWHL team
Second game of PWHL Takeover Tour sells out Halifax’s Scotiabank Centre
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/sports-halifax/we-need-it-halifax-hockey-fans-inspired-want-their-own-pwhl-team
about 1 month ago
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Let’s go Die Hard! (Voting closes this evening)
2 months ago
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The developer, who says they could have started building their Halifax housing project in July 2024 if not for HRM getting in the way, said they’re owed by HRM for the delay and the legal costs.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/developer-wins-appeal-and-costs-from-halifax-over-housing-development
2 months ago
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“I think for many years we were sort of thinking, ‘Are we ever gonna get a shot here?’ You know what I mean?”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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‘Scotia’s finally in the building’: Nova Scotia drag queens sashay into Canada’s Drag Race for the first time
Two drag queens with Halifax roots — and another Maritime queen from Moncton — are tearing up the runway in season six
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/canada-drag-race-queens-realty-tv-season-six
2 months ago
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reposted by
Jen Taplin
The Chronicle Herald
2 months ago
‘Scotia’s finally in the building’: Nova Scotia drag queens sashay into Canada’s Drag Race for the first time
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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‘Scotia’s finally in the building’: Nova Scotia drag queens sashay into Canada’s Drag Race for the first time
Two drag queens with Halifax roots — and another Maritime queen from Moncton — are tearing up the runway in season six
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/canada-drag-race-queens-realty-tv-season-six
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“It was very disappointing to hear this news, and it really calls into question the process by which HRM is deciding about a project that has public and civic engagement,” said Emily Davidson, a Turret Arts Space Society board member.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Halifax shoots down $1.5-million request, intends to buy back Khyber building
Non-profit has been working on a redevelopment plan for over a decade
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/halifax-shoots-down-1-5-million-request-intends-to-buy-back-khyber-building
2 months ago
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Halifax peninsula is considered one of the most constrained transportation networks in North America because of its geography, limited access points and narrow transportation corridors.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Can traffic on the Halifax peninsula be fixed? Nova Scotia puts out a call for suggestions for better efficiency
Request for proposals issued Wednesday to dig into traffic woes on the peninsula
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/can-traffic-on-the-halifax-peninsula-be-fixed-province-puts-out-a-call-for-suggestions-for-better-efficiency
3 months ago
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“I don’t want her story to be sad. If you’re going to have tears in your eyes, please also put a smile there too.”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Little Ellie shows how to be happy through leukemia, theft, and domestic instability thanks to Halifax's heart
Through all the terrible times, all Leah wants people to know about her story is the joy and the kindness she’s found in Halifax.
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/little-ellie-shows-how-to-be-happy-through-leukemia-theft-and-domestic-instability-thanks-to-halifaxs-heart
3 months ago
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Maintaining the water quality, trail connectivity and existing multiuse pathway are the highest on the priority list.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Halifax's international paddling venue still needs improvement five years after canoe federation's suggestions
Recommendations from the International Canoe Federation five years ago are still not completed
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/halifaxs-international-paddling-venue-still-needs-improvement-five-years-after-canoe-federations-suggestions
3 months ago
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Primaris is pitching an at-grade transit terminal integrated into the podium of the residential towers. This is a big switch from when the mall’s previous owner, Cushman Wakefield, envisioned an underground bus terminal.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Big tower and transit terminal changes in updated Mumford growth node plans
Development near Halifax Shopping Centre involves four high rises and a new transit terminal
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/business-halifax/big-tower-and-transit-terminal-changes-in-updated-mumford-growth-node-plans
3 months ago
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“Are Halifax drivers really that different from the 57 studies in the U.S.? I don’t know (but) I doubt it.”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Do Halifax’s speed display signs slow traffic? Should we get more?
HRM’s transportation committee looks into speed display signs to see if they’re worth keeping
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/do-halifaxs-speed-display-signs-slow-traffic-should-we-get-more
3 months ago
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The previous plan was for 28- and 29-storey towers with a collection of restored heritage buildings in front.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Developer looking to add 10-storey building next to twin 34-storey high rises in downtown Halifax
Housing development also includes restoring five heritage homes after one was dropped two years ago
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/developer-looking-to-add-10-storey-building-next-to-twin-34-storey-high-rises-in-downtown-halifax
3 months ago
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"This was a big hurdle in terms of moving from where we started to where we are, so I think this was one of the biggest hurdles.”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Dartmouth Cove anti-infilling bylaw passes provincial test: ‘This was a big hurdle’
Nova Scotia allows Halifax bylaw to proceed with three conditions
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/dartmouth-cove-anti-infilling-bylaw-passes-provincial-test-this-was-a-big-hurdle
3 months ago
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“Graham now stands tall, watching over the neighbourhood, and represents all the special characters of the area.”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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‘He was a beautiful man’: North-end Halifax mural honours beloved community fixture
Family, community dazzled by mural honouring Graham Prevost, his improvised helmet and his trusty bicycle
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/north-end-halifax-mural-graham-prevost-family-community
3 months ago
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“The key message here is we know that people don’t disappear when the encampments are de-designated."
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Over 900 people are living in shelters in Halifax, 197 are unsheltered: point-in-time count
Deep dive into homelessness in Halifax shows sharp increases and some progress
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/over-900-people-are-living-in-shelters-in-halifax-197-are-unsheltered-point-in-time-count
3 months ago
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“It really was a fabulous example of, yet again, Maritimers and their hearts and compassion at play."
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Stranded pilot whale rescued in Cow Bay, Nova Scotia
Quick action by experts and locals meant the difference for a young, long-finned pilot whale
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/stranded-pilot-whale-rescued-in-cow-bay-nova-scotia
3 months ago
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“We’re redeveloping it as a complete community, blockable with ground-floor commercial, upper-storey residential and with significant land set aside for park access," said one of the developers.
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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18,000 housing units proposed in Halifax wilderness
Residents have their say at open house for Highway 102 West Corridor Special Planning Area
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/18000-housing-units-proposed-in-halifax-wilderness
3 months ago
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“Designated encampments were always meant to be a temporary emergency response.”
www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
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Halifax closing all designated homeless encampments within two years
Homelessness in Halifax has increased by 400 per cent since 2018, but city staff say fewer than 100 people are sleeping rough.
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/halifax/halifax-to-close-all-designated-homeless-encampments-within-two-years-hrm-regional-council-barrington-lower-flinn-green-road
3 months ago
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