End of the year recap
WFMHFX kept busy with a ton of stuff that happened over the year. Here are the 10 most memorable moments from our direct coverage this year.
1. (Bad) Extreme weather – From several big wildfires early in the spring, we followed closely the wildfire throughout the province and covered from the scene the devastating wildfire in Tantallon. Then the province saw destructive flooding, sadly resulting in the loss of life including the loss of youth.
2. (Good) Despite the cost of living, we have to acknowledge the incredible show of support for the Q104 Toy Drive, supported by the HRFE and hosted at fire station 12. The CopShop event also brought smiles to 52 children’s faces over the holidays as well. And countless food and toy drives from Halifax SAR, EHS, RCMP and many other groups really raised the bar for future drives.
3. (Bad) Homeless camps – The HRM saw an ever increasing climb in homeless camps throughout. A high cost of living, low income for many and housing shortage resulted in ever growing camps, including camps right in front of city hall. Sadly, fires have destroyed some of the shelters and atleast one death was reported possibly weather related during cold snaps in the fall.
4. (Good) Lana’s ride. Lana, a new to Nova Scotia woman, really wanted to attend a “Touch a Truck” event being held in the HRM, but a devistating cancer diagnosis and given 18 months to live meant she could not attend. Hearing about this, Leonard Wilson and Rob Laybolt put together a make shift truck convoy to bring joy to her and her family. Calling for trucks on social media, the convoy was big, loud, and mighty! Complete with an HRP escort and HRFE firetruck, the two part convoy first saw Lana ride in the lead truck for a spin around Halifax before returning home. Then, Lana and family watched as the same convoy she rode in did a drive by, bringing smiles so big it was contagious. This incredibly kind gesture by strangers truly showcased the best in humanity.
5. (Bad). Violence and other crime continued through the year, with shootings and stabbings, assaults and more.
6. (Good) The 2023 North American Indigenous Games took over Halifax as this incredible event showcased the many talents of athletes across North America. Full schedules kept athletes and fans busy throughout the HRM.
7. (Bad). Halifax Transit struggled to keep up with demand as staffing issues resulted in many routes either cut back or temporarily cut off, including ferry service. Violence at transit terminals and on transit vehicles had a toll on operators as a call to allow transit supervisors some form of legal enforcement became a hot topic.
8. (Good) Helping the fur, feathered and the occasional scaled. We have both directly and indirectly interacted with amazing groups such as the NS SPCA, SCARS, Bide Awhile and more who dedicate their time to helping pets find forever homes regardless of why they were put up for adoption. And the ever amazing Hope for Wildlife continued their heartwarming journey of helping injured wildlife from as small as baby birds to much larger critters from land, air and sea. And with the sudden impact of the Tantallon wildfires, Amy Lou and a band of volunteers put together a “Lost pets” group, dedicated to help first responders and the NS SPCA to locate and rescue pets left behind when the quick moving fire forced evacuations then reach out through social media to help reunite families while Hope for Wildlife assisted with orphaned and injured wildlife. Many others helped with horse and larger farm animal searches and shelters. Many veterinary offices offered shelter and treatment to pets affected by the fires. Our furry, feathered and scaled critters are parts of our families and many other volunteers and pet services deserve a salute for what you do.
9. (Bad) The Canadian government vs Facebook. A faceoff initiated by the Canadian government to force social media giant Facebook to compensate media for sharing its content has resulted in media content being blocked in some capacity, either blocking links to full blockage, for Canadian viewers. C18 has yet to be resolved between the government and Facebook
10. (Good) Camp Courage, the incredible opportunity for girls and young women to experience what its like to be a first responder or military branch, hosted and created by HRFE Capt Speranza, not only put on an incredible program once again, but has also gone global! This incredible camp is being embraced in the US, other parts of Canada, and over seas including Australia! Locally, this program has seen multiple graduates go on to join the ranks of first responders, including dispatch, as well as military and medical professionals.
Ofcourse, so much has happened, good and bad, throughout the year.
Have a safe and happy new year!
