Halifax Retro

We are now in southern France and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find places with both an electrical outlet and internet (not to mention having time to use them). The monastery we stayed in was a special place, especially notable because they also ran a farm on top of their four daily church ceremonies. One father in particular, father Bryan, was in charge of running the farm, with the help of many helpers whom stayed at the monastery as well. They had chickens, which were used for eggs; cows for milk, sheep for…well, from what we gathered the sheep were are rare breed there just for fun. They send off young cattle when the stock becomes too plentiful and are given subsidies on certain operating costs for providing a quota of milk. All animals are free range.

The fact a 65+ monk could operate a farm in this fashion gives us hope in being able to operate our own someday. Not only does he do this, but also tends to the many garden around the property. I spent several hours speaking to this kind old man one day and he advised me that almost all the flowers and plants in the garden had biblical references, another aspect of his daily chores which would absorb ample amounts of time. Also, there was quite a vegetable garden he tended to that included lettuce, cabbage, carrots, fennel, olives, and numerous others.

If there was anything thus far that has inspired us on our mission to open a farm of our own someday, it was watching (and occasionally helping out with) the daily operations of this place. The meals we were served all incorporated this natural way of living. We were ecstatic when we found out the veggies included in out dinner were freshly picked earlier that morning, further reinforcing the fact that this way of life was something we wanted to immerse ourself in later on in life.

On top of all that, the enlightenment attained at this fantasy land will never be forgotten by either of us, as the generosity experienced at this place is something I’ve never known to exist back home. Staying there is done on donation basis, so if you don’t have the money to cover their expenses (approx. 65 euro’s a night) of having you as their guest, they don’t hand you a bill and demand you pay. Instead there is a donation box in the guest house which you can secretly provide them with whatever you have…you don’t even have to attend the ceremonies in the church.

It is an incredible display of human oneness, which I will never forget. Going from there to the streets of Cork and even Paris was almost disappointing, (haha I know, poor us, eh?) and I will spend the rest of my life attempting to figure out a way to go back there (or live there, which I already planted the seeds of question with several of th monks.

by Jackie Howatt

The Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia is standing strong in fierce protest against the new Convention Center development, to be built on Argyle Street, which is projected to implement by the end of this year.

The new project was officially disclosed this past Monday. Premier Rodney MacDonald comments that, “(The WTCC) has served our city and this province very well. But this is not 1984 and the needs of conventions, the technology and expectations of our participants, are very different,” MacDonald said. “By standing still we are falling behind.” (link)

The glass structure of nine stories, and costing approximately $16 million by Armour Group, would be smack dab in the middle of the city, lined by Hollis, Duke, and Upper Water Streets.

This tasteless development, according to the Heritage Trust, is yet another shortsighted money grab that could have devastating effects on Halifax’s historic, natural, and cultural remnants. Most notably, the waterfront view from Citadel Hill. The development would block the view of George’s Island, as demonstrated in the picture below, which is a representation of the consequences put forth by the Heritage Trust:

Phillip Pacey, the President of the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia comments, “The issue of a convention centre is separate from the issue of high buildings on this site,” Pacey says. “A convention centre is usually a low building, and often requires only one or two storeys. The Trust would have no problem with an appropriately designed, low, public convention centre on this site. There is no need for these towers.” (link).

It’s disconcerting to me how this integral aspect of our city goes without notice by so many, on a political level. It’s nothing but Halifax’s heritage, old world feel, and all of its little nooks and crannies located downtown that gives our city it’s unmistakable spirit. Albeit, the old Chronicle Herald building on Argyle is definitely an eyesore at best, and a lot could actually be done with that currently useless space, but building another several stories on top of it would, in my opinion, be a mistake. 

One of my main concerns is the inevitable impact it will have on our pedestrian traffic. If you take a second to think, the most frequented spots in our downtown are not lined by storied buildings. Spring Garden, the mid and lower parts of Barrington Street, Argyle Street, Pizza Corner even, are more “ventilated” areas of the city. These buildings are fairly short-stacked, making it less overwhelming to pedestrians, and more manageable to access. It’s when you hit areas like upper Barrington Street that foot traffic tends to wane in comparison.

If a 9 story building were planted on Argyle Street, the closed-in effect would create a psychological power shift. Especially since the street is already so dense already. That particular area is completely catered to those who are on foot – from the outdoor patios, to the nearby dance clubs, to the external aesthetics (think the Economy Shoe Shop). This new convention center project, which will include a hotel, underground parking lot, and commercial spaces, will block the skyline view from these patios, along with the view of George’s Island view from Citadel. Not to mention the added congestion the vehicle traffic will impose on the area.

And then there’s the developmental impacts it will have on future developers. If we continue to build up, and subsequently block the view from Citadel, where do we stop? It’s always going to be a fight to be taller.

I want to know when we draw the line between new developments, economic growth, and preservation/ conservation? It may sound futile discussing the importance of the George’s Island view from Citadel, but really, it’s one of the most beautiful all-natural attractions that this city can still boast about. If we start compromising that, I must say that I question the motives and vision of the powers that can allow this to happen. When do we back off and start focusing on sustainability, and improving quality, as opposed to our capitalistic view that more is better? This, as far as I’m concerned, is intrinsically what’s wrong with our society today, and why this development is a step backwards, not forwards.

Every week I get calls from people confused about how to make their homes more energy efficient. Most calls go something like this: “I’m looking for someone to come to my house and tell me how it can be more energy efficient.” Or, “I’m building a new house and I don’t know what to use to heat my house. What are my options?” Or even questions like “I’ve just torn apart my basement and I’m thinking about putting some of that pink insulation stuff in there. David Suzuki told me I could get money for it, is that true?”

For many people, the whole building or renovation process can be a bit daunting, I understand. Before I started working as the Energy Programs Officer at the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association (NSHBA), the idea of energy efficient housing solutions was like opening a 500 page text book for the first time and realizing that you don’t understand the first paragraph. I often thought: “Wow, this stuff is a little confusing, can’t I just get the Coles Notes?” The good news is, over time I’ve made sense of it all and now it’s my job to make the world of energy efficient homes easier and more understandable for you – the environmental consumer with a busy schedule.

So, let’s clear some of this up, shall we?

To start, it’s important to understand two important things:

1. Most energy efficient housing programs in Nova Scotia fall under one government-funded initiative – The EnerGuide Rating System.
2. Most peoples’ issues can be separated by asking a simple question – are you building a new house or renovating an old one?

If you’re looking for a more sustainable home renovation, your first step will be to call or visit Conserve Nova Scotia online. As the government agency responsible for providing Nova Scotians with a wide range of energy solutions, Conserve Nova Scotia is where you will find everything you need to know about EnerGuide for Houses and the marvellous government rebates that come attached to it.

Conservens.ca will provide you with a list of qualified energy evaluators in your area who will come to your home and complete an energy efficiency test. Essentially, this test involves depressurizing your home (basically, a big fan that sucks all the air out of your house – allowing you and the evaluator to walk around the house and find any air leaks you will need to fix). After the test, the evaluator will give you a list of possible upgrades to make your home more energy efficient. From that date on, you will have 18 months to make the changes before the evaluator returns for a final test.

If you’re building a new house your first step should be to call us or visit the NSHBA website at www.nshba.ns.ca where you can download an EnerGuide for New Houses application form. Be sure to talk to your builder about filling in the application as it involves a few technical items about your new home that you may not know. As you have probably guessed, EnerGuide for New Houses is similar to the EnerGuide renovating program offered by Conserve Nova Scotia, but with one major difference: the first evaluation is done using an accurate software program that digitally evaluates your house and provides you with energy efficiency options before you build. When all the work has been done, the energy evaluators will perform one final air tightness test and you will receive an EnerGuide for New Houses label in the mail. This shows how energy efficient your home is.

Overall, building energy efficiency in to your home is an extremely smart decision – no matter the shape or size. These upgrades are nothing more than an upfront investment that pays you back month after month, especially in the winter.

Adam Meery
Energy Programs Officer
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association