Callum Smith
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@CTVAtlantic Video Journalist. Story? callum.smith@bellmedia.ca
Formerly @globalhalifax and @Global_NB Opinions are my own. RTs ≠ endorsements Lunenburg-born⚓️
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Articles by Callum Smith
Halifax cycling advocate ‘delighted’ council to seek consultation on cheaper bike lane alternatives
The debate over the future of bike lanes on University Avenue will continue after Halifax Regional Council voted to send a proposed redesign to city committees for further feedback. Members of the Halifax Cycling Coalition made their presence known Tuesday, wearing their helmets in chambers, as councillors prepared to vote on a proposal that could see some lanes downgraded to a less expensive alternative.
Boarded up Halifax homes part of Robie Street widening, transit project
Improving public transit has been a key focus for Halifax, with major changes on the horizon for Robie Street. The initiative aims to enhance bus service and reduce traffic congestion through a substantial overhaul, widening the street and ensuring bus lanes run in both directions from Young Street to Cunard Street.
Possible N.S. school strike ‘disheartening’ for parents of children with disabilities
Parents like Heather Rose are bracing for what’s to come if a possible school support worker strike goes ahead on Monday in Nova Scotia. Across the province, the impacts would vary between buses not running, a shift to online learning, a pause in pre-primary education, and, in Rose’s case, her oldest child, Aidan, losing full-time EPA (educational program assistant) support. Rose first heard rumblings of possible job action about one week ago.
Former Nova Scotia school faces the wrecking ball after 68 years
From 1958 to 2012, many students passed through the doors of Centre Consolidated School, just outside Lunenburg, N.S. But aside from some rental opportunities since then, it’s sat abandoned. “Centre School, it’s not just a building in my district,” says Chasidy Veinotte, deputy mayor for the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. “This was home for me for many years. I went here from primary to Grade 9 with so many other people in the district.
Halifax mayor wants to improve traffic flow around construction sites
Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore plans to bring a motion to city council Tuesday aimed at improving traffic flow around construction sites across the municipality.
Parents in limbo when school buses cancelled, district working on fixes
When Anne DeBruin goes to sleep at night, she worries about a 6 a.m. email from the South Shore Regional Centre for Education [SSRCE] saying her son and daughter’s school bus is cancelled. “It’s a huge impact,” she says.
Fuel discount days all about ‘a leg up on the competition’: analyst
Whether it’s slashing prices for all motorists or offering loyalty programs that save cardholders money, fuel discounts reflect competition among gas stations, says one analyst. On Wednesday, Orangestore locations, under the Petro Canada name, offered a $0.15/litre reduction for a few hours. On Thursday, Circle K, Irving gas stations, cut prices by $0.10/litre from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. “The landscape remains competitive,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at Gasbuddy.com.
Halifax’s Shannon Park development to help support defence spending: minister
For Haligonians like Anne Blackler, what to do with Shannon Park has been talked about for decades. “A long time, like for over 20 years,” she says. But work has been happening at the site, where the federal and provincial governments have promised 930 housing units will be built. “It’s a direct-build site,” says federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson. “We have six of these across Canada on former military lands, and they are the top priority with Build Canada Homes.
Thousands of people sign up for defence conference in Halifax
The DEFSEC Atlantic trade show is occupying much of the Halifax Convention Centre these days. More than 20 countries are represented, and an attendance record was reached with about 3,500 people signed up, providing a space for them to meet under one roof.
Language on off-campus sign invokes levels of sexual violence, won’t be condoned: StFX
A Nova Scotia university says a homecoming sign hung at an off-campus house in Antigonish encouraged sexual violence against women. Tara Taylor, a professor at St. Francis Xavier University, took a photo of the sign, which read “Drop-off zone: Acadia girlfriends,” and posted it to social media Friday. “I was really angry and sad, especially having talked to a student just last week and also hearing and seeing a lot of stuff on social media about Cornell.
Councillors say the time is now to determine Halifax Forum’s future
It’s nearly a century old and talks of the Halifax Forum’s future are getting older by the day, too. “We should have taken care of this 10, 12 years ago, but we didn’t,” says Coun. Tony Mancini. “Look, there’s a number of factors why we’ve delayed it so often, but here we are.” “I wish it wasn’t $126 million, but unfortunately we have paused, we postponed,” says Coun. Virginia Hinch.
Sexual assault charge against ‘Trailer Park Boys’ actor Mike Smith dismissed
A sexual assault trial for Mike Smith, the actor behind the character Bubbles on “Trailer Park Boys,” was supposed to begin on Thursday morning, but the Crown said it would not be presenting any evidence. After that, Judge Jill Hartlen dismissed the case. Smith, 54, had faced a single count of sexual assault from an alleged incident in December 2017. He was charged last October and had pleaded not guilty four months later. Smith did not appear in Dartmouth provincial court on Thursday.
N.S. teen pleads guilty to charge in connection with sex assault in hockey hazing case Original
A teen charged with sexual assault in relation to a hockey hazing incident in Truro, N.S., pleaded guilty to one of the charges Tuesday. In a packed courtroom in Truro, the teenage boy changed his plea to guilty, admitting his role in the sexual assault of one of his hockey teammates almost one year ago. On Tuesday, the court heard the incident happened during a team-building party at one of the players’ family homes.
‘Tough to find a balance’: What’s the right age for your child to get a cellphone?
While children may be eager to stay connected to friends, parents often feel pressure to ensure their child’s safety. Those two positions come to a head when it comes to deciding the right time to let your child get a cellphone. “I would delay that as long as reasonably possible,” says clinical psychologist Simon Sherry. “As a parent, it becomes nearly impossible to resist the tsunami of pressure that washes over you to get your kid with one of these devices,” he says.
Connecting communities: No timeline for Dartmouth pedestrian bridge reopening
A pedestrian bridge spanning over Highway 111, connecting two Dartmouth communities, has been closed for over a month following a car crash that compromised part of its structure – but there’s still no timeline for when it will reopen. Amanda Lowery’s two kids had relied on the bridge for daily trips to Lake Banook, but the closure has forced them to change plans.
Mayor Fillmore pursuing DND partnership for arena to replace Halifax Forum
Approaching its 100th birthday, an age-old debate about what to do with the Halifax Forum is once again heating up. It’s set for a rebuild at the same location, for a ballooned cost of $126 million. But late Friday afternoon, the city posted on social media saying staff have decided to pause the demolition application because costs have gone higher than what was planned for – but the city’s not yet saying how far over budget.
Alberta is pausing its fuel taxes. Will Maritime provinces follow suit?
The cost to fill your tank is adding stress for Maritime drivers. “$204, diesel, just to fill this [truck],” says Sherri Chandler. “That will last us not even a week.” For people like her, it doesn’t stop there. “We have two diesel vehicles because we thought we were going to be smart a few years back,” she says. “[It’s] not so great now.” On Wednesday, some pump prices in the Halifax area were between $1.96 per litre for gas and $2.71 per litre for diesel.
Growing number of Canadians living in unaffordable housing
A growing number of Canadians live in unaffordable housing, meaning they spend 30 per cent or more of their income on it. According to newly released data from Statistics Canada, 23.2 per cent of households were in that situation in 2024, up 1.2 percentage points from 2022. “That [number is] probably low,” says Halifax resident Wendy Gatchell. “A lot of people, including my own kids, are paying more than that – almost half [of their income].” That situation has forced her family’s hand.
‘It’s an invasion of our home’: Dartmouth businesses face ‘frustrating’ slew of break-ins
A slew of break-ins and thefts downtown Dartmouth has business owners frustrated and searching for answers. Humble Pie Kitchen was one of those targeted and left on the hook for repairs and lost money. “Two guys had come and kicked in the door and damaged the old frame of the Victorian home, unfortunately,” says co-owner Shauna MacLean.
Halifax Wanderers pitch 10,500-seat stadium with private money
The Halifax Wanderers have made a pitch to city hall to bring a permanent 10,500-seat stadium to Wanderers Grounds, and the club wants to move quickly. Capacity could increase to 17,500 for concerts or other events. The stadium would be built on a single-storey parking garage, with capacity for 650 vehicles. Derek Martin, the franchise founder and owner, said he wants to hear a decision from city hall on a privately-funded stadium by the end of the year and do away with the current pop-up model.
Halifax Water to seek residential hikes between 14 to 18 per cent over two years
At the end of September, Halifax Water customers will know how much the utility is looking to hike residential bills, but the municipality’s mayor says what’s being discussed now is too much. The asks to the provincial regulator could be up to nine per cent in each of the next two years, though Halifax Water’s general manager says a duelling seven-to-eight per cent proposal could be more likely.
Nova Scotia NDP leader leaves legislature after accusing premier of lying
Less than one week into the fall sitting, things got tense at the Nova Scotia legislature on Thursday when Official Opposition Leader Claudia Chender accused the premier of lying – twice – and launching a “smear campaign” against her, before getting up and leaving.
Provincial museums in Nova Scotia see jump in visitors, largely thanks to tourists
More people have visited provincial museums in Nova Scotia compared to last year. According to Nova Scotia Museum numbers viewed by CTV News Atlantic, attendance at the 16 current provincial museums has jumped eight per cent, totalling over 259,000 people walking through the doors between April and July. The province says those numbers are estimates, and final visitor counts aren’t available from all sites just yet.
Spike in illegal garbage fires ‘frustrating’ for N.S. firefighters: deputy chief
Firefighters in Hantsport, N.S., have been busy in recent weeks, responding to seven illegal garbage and debris fires. All occurred during the overnight to early morning hours, and all are frustrating for the department. “It’s frustrating because our resources are better used at more significant calls than debris fires,” says Hantsport Fire Department Deputy Chief Paul Maynard.
Before Greek Myths Reached The Movie Theater, They Were Weapons Of Political Satire
(ANALYSIS) Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” has brought Homer’s epic tale back to the big screen. The film is the latest retelling of a story that is almost 3,000 years old. But why do these ancient Greek stories continue to captivate new generations? Nolan aside, Stephen Fry’s accessible retelling of Greek myths in 2017 and Disney’s “Hercules” (1997) film, for example, are part of a much longer tradition of repackaging the ancient world for contemporary audiences.
Chester, N.S., company hoping to land contract as Canada’s new icebreakers are announced
A Nova Scotia company is hoping to be tapped for a big role in the latest federal icebreakers contract. Hawboldt Industries is based in Chester, N.S., but is no stranger to the national spotlight. “Hawboldt is a designer and builder of marine lifting equipment, specialty winches and cranes for the marine industry, including research, defence, commercial, workboats, offshore energy,” says general manager Dylan Wells.
Premier Houston takes energy pitch to Alberta conference
While many politicians are locked in on trade, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is pitching his case to the Canadian Energy Executive Association’s annual conference in Alberta – and to that province. “We can all lift each other up and we can support each other,” Houston told CTV Calgary on Thursday. “It is not a competition. We can all support each other.
Halifax residents, businesses brace for long haul of Bayers Road construction
The first few days of the inbound closure on Bayers Road – from Connaught Avenue to Windsor Street – have showed Halifax residents what to expect for the next two years. “When it’s a rush hour, that the whole place is just filled up with cars and the traffic drives you crazy, right?” says Joseph Oyediran, who lives in the area. He says despite having issues accessing his driveway, the traffic is controlled well, but he was surprised to learn of the project’s duration.
Halifax’s new fire chief ‘looking forward to the future’
Halifax’s new fire chief has only been on the job for three days, but her to-do list is already growing. “We need to assess our staffing, our deployment model, our response times, our asset management programs, our strategic planning and our investment in the future,” Chief Deryn Rizzi told CTV News on Wednesday. “My responsibility is also to educate and advocate, so that if we’re looking at a future state of our fire service, what does that look like? What is that going to cost?
‘It’s absurd’: N.S. man creates survey to expose cell signal gaps
From witnessing a vehicle go off the road with people unable to reach 911, to hearing his concerns echoed by neighbours, Christopher Quigley knew he had to act. “This past week, a couple of gentlemen lost the front wheel of their truck and couldn’t call emergency service to get them,” Quigley says.
Before Greek myths reached the multiplex, they were weapons of political satire
William Dent depicts Cerberus, the Hound of Hades - a three-headed dog symbolising gluttony - as composed of the heads of politicians Charles Fox, Lord North and Edmund Burke. Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection, Accession Number B1981.25.1573 Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has brought Homer’s epic tale back to the big screen. The film is the latest retelling of a story that is almost 3,000 years old. But why do these ancient Greek stories continue to captivate new generations?
Before Greek myths reached the multiplex, they were weapons of political satire
Continue reading More for You
Before Greek myths reached the multiplex, they were weapons of political satire
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has brought Homer’s epic tale back to the big screen. The film is the latest retelling of a story that is almost 3,000 years old. But why do these ancient Greek stories continue to captivate new generations? Nolan aside, Stephen Fry’s accessible retelling of Greek myths in 2017 and Disney’s Hercules (1997) film, for example, are part of a much longer tradition of repackaging the ancient world for contemporary audiences.
Before Greek myths reached the multiplex, they were weapons of political satire
7 hours ago Nearly every week, I pass a colleague in the office who taunts me with four words: “Count of Monte Cristo, Count of Monte Cristo,” as he shakes his head. He’s disappointed his favorite book didn’t make the cut of our 101 best book club picks list, which served as the 2026 LA Times Festival of Books …
‘I have no way to get home’ Maritimers among those stranded following WestJet strike
With WestJet and the union which represents 4,400 flight attendants reaching a tentative agreement on Monday, many Maritimers stuck abroad are still wondering exactly how they’ll get home. The airline reached the tentative deal to resume work following a brief work stoppage which cancelled many flights, leaving travelers stranded. A group of 52 scouts and leaders from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were among those stranded in Copenhagen, Denmark.
‘I have no way to get home’ Maritimers among those stranded following WestJet strike
With WestJet and the union which represents 4,400 flight attendants reaching a tentative agreement on Monday, many Maritimers stuck abroad are still wondering exactly how they’ll get home. The airline reached the tentative deal to resume work following a brief work stoppage which cancelled many flights, leaving travelers stranded. A group of 52 scouts and leaders from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were among those stranded in Copenhagen, Denmark.
129th Natal Day Parade in Dartmouth grows, fireworks display cancelled
The 129th Natal Day Parade in Dartmouth kept people entertained during the non-statutory holiday. While the route has changed over time, this year’s 2.3-kilometre stretch went through Downtown Dartmouth. 43 floats and other participants joined in this year’s parade, representing hundreds of people. A city says spokesperson says that’s a sign that interest is increasing for people wanting to get involved. Parade People lined the streets of Dartmouth to watch the parade.
German naval training ship turning heads on Halifax’s waterfront Original
The Natal Day weekend saw Halifax as the port of call for the Gorch Fock, an iconic German naval tall ship. Measuring over 81 metres long, more than 18,000 cadets have been trained on the three-masted barque, says Capt. Elmar Bornkessel. She was launched in 1958 and has visited more than 60 countries around the globe. Departing Kiel, Germany on April 7, this marks her 189th overseas training voyage; one of the longest in recent years.
New N.S. pilot program aims to beat wait times, diagnosis skin cancer early
While Nova Scotia and P.E.I. have been leading the country for melanoma rates, Dr. Richard Langley says trying to bridge the gap between a concerning lesion and a diagnosis is an important step. The lineup that formed at the pop-up on the Halifax waterfront on Saturday proved demand is there for people wanting to be seen.
‘Absolutely fantastic’: Martock’s summer snow storage plan exceeding expectations
Despite Friday’s fog and 20-plus degree temperatures at Ski Martock in Nova Scotia, a massive mound of snow still stands – and there’s more than expected. Insulated under geotextile fabric, Martin Kejval, Martock and Cape Smokey’s CEO, says early indications show the snow storage attempt is more promising than he had anticipated. “Some people believe we have hot air underneath it, and it’s a sophisticated April Fool’s joke,” he joked.
New N.S. pilot program aims to beat wait times, diagnosis skin cancer early
While Nova Scotia and P.E.I. have been leading the country for melanoma rates, Dr. Richard Langley says trying to bridge the gap between a concerning lesion and a diagnosis is an important step. The lineup that formed at the pop-up on the Halifax waterfront on Saturday proved demand is there for people wanting to be seen.
Staying connected: Emergencies and the push to address cell coverage in Nova Scotia
A cellphone is a lifeline for staying connected with family and friends, and it’s also vital in emergencies. But phones only work as well as the service allows. Nova Scotians know all too well that you don’t have to travel far to be without service. For some, it’s their own communities. “I wouldn’t get through if it wasn’t for Wi-Fi here,” said Brian Meyers, a Chelsea, N.S, resident. “Nobody in this area would.
Additional units proposed to massive development near MSVU in Halifax
A development that will bring thousands of units and people to land behind Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax is well underway, but a vote on whether to allow additional units has yet to happen.
N.S. man facing child sexual abuse material charges to return to court next month
Steven Frederick Nelson, 67, was due in Pictou, N.S., court on Tuesday for a bail hearing related to child sexual abuse material charges, but he did not appear. The judge was told Nelson has hearing difficulties and there were functionality issues with his hearing aids, meaning he would not appear from jail because he could not hear what was being said.
Targeted tropical forest restoration can offset deforestation-induced water flux losses
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Abstract Tropical forest restoration is increasingly promoted as a nature-based solution for climate change mitigation, yet its capacity to reverse the hydrological impacts of deforestation remains unclear. Here we show forest gain increases evapotranspiration and precipitation more than forest loss reduces them.
By Shuai Ma, Sha Zhou, David Ellison, Arie Staal, Taylor Smith, Callum Smith Verified, Adriaan J. Teuling
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Nature
Verified
Mayor ‘as frustrated as anybody’ with tap-to-pay delays for Halifax Transit
Halifax’s mayor says transit users have a right to be frustrated that the rollout of tap-to-pay has been delayed. It’s been discussed for years and had finally been set to roll out on Sept. 21, to coincide with a $.25 fare increase, bringing the new cost to $3.25.
‘Palpable void’ felt among P.E.I health-care workers after fatal ambulance crash
Only one day after the tragic crash between an ambulance and a transport truck near the Confederation Bridge, a noticeable void is felt within the health-care system. Dr. Trevor Jain, an emergency physician at Charlottetown’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, says there is a “palpable sadness… a palpable void” that was felt on Wednesday.
Thousands without power as Halifax region hit with widespread outages amid heat wave Original
More than 44,000 Nova Scotia Power customers are without power in the Halifax area Friday night as the province deals with a heat wave. The massive outage stretches from Bedford to East Dover and Ketch Harbour. According to Nova Scotia Power, the outage started at 8:01 p.m. but is expected to be restored by 11:59 p.m. tonight. The outage started at Lakeside Substation due to a failed piece of equipment.
What are the odds? Finding summer employment in the Maritimes
If you know a young person who is struggling to find employment, you’re not alone. According to Statistics Canada, the youth unemployment rate is 13.4 per cent for people aged 15 to 24. That’s a number that shouldn’t be the norm, says Rebekah Skeete, the director of employment services for the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth. “That’s high, it’s really high,” she says.
Gas prices making some people consider switch to EVs Original
An event showcasing electric vehicles – and offering them up for test drives – is being held in the parking lot of the Canada Games Centre in Halifax this weekend. The event, called Halifax Electric Avenue, receives funding from the provincial government. It’s aimed at educating and engaging with people about EVs. Colin Robar, the transportation manager for Clean Foundation, says it’s a unique opportunity for anyone considering switching to an electric vehicle.
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