Our Year in review
2024 is drawing to an end. Over the year, we covered directly, some good, and some bad, memorable moments
Here are our top 5 good and top 5 tragic moments that we have covered directly in the HRM.
01 – Good: Generosity – Times were tough for many over the year. Food and shelter insecurities added to the stress for many. But as many first responders set out to help out, events such as the Q104 Toy Drive, supported by HRFE, and Cop Shop via HRP, saw many helped out during the holidays. Food and clothing drives, homeless camp safety checks and so much more, both from first responders and civilian / other organizations and private events, showed tremendous support for many in need.
02 – Bad: Crime – HRM saw a variety of crimes over the year. A disturbing homicide at the HSC in April saw a youth killed by youth in a parks ng garage. A summer shooting during an event on Africville frightened and angered the community. Homicides, robberies and a range of crimes were investigated by police.
03 – Good: Animal helpers! Another great year as Animal helpers continued to keep our furry, scaled and feathered friends safe, both wild and domestic. Hope for Wildlife’s continued their fantastic work with our wildlife, as well as MARS and other wildlife agencies. Domestic rescues such as the NS SPCA and Bide Awhile, and many others, continued their important work with domestics, tending to health needs and adoptions. And a shout out to veterinary services!
04 – Bad: Homelessness and tent cities – Homelessness continued to be a significant issue for HRM as tent cities continued to grow. With affordable housing a current issue, cranes build luxury apartments as those sleeping rough struggle. Several tent fires in the region added extended stress for some.
05 – Good: Events! Countless fun events in the HRM charmed, dazzled and entertained, from the Alderney Landing Fire and Water festival and the ever popular Hal-Con, and so much more, crowds were treated to a variety of fun throughout the year.
06 – Bad: Weather – Although the HRM saw less significant brush fires we did see heavy flooding in August, and low water levels later in the fall lead to water conservation measures in areas serviced by the Lake Major water supply. Less impact from hurricanes in HRM was a welcome surprise, but the unusual overall weather lead to an odd year. Tragically, a loss of life from flooding did occur in the province.
07 – Good: Camp Courage – I can’t go on enough about such a wonderful program set to bring young girls and women into the world of first responders, showing them that if they want a job in these fields, yes, they can do it! Started by HRFE Capt Speranza, this growing program sees cooperation with fire, police, EHS, Coast Guard and military services and has become an international program started right here in HRM.
08 – Bad: Traffic turmoil – HRM saw plenty of construction and as a result saw large areas closed or reduced to traffic for long periods of time. Countless traffic jams plagued motorists on many occasions, at times causing extremely long and frustrating commutes. Adding to commuter headaches, Halifax Transit staff shortages saw countless routes, including ferry services, heavily impacted, leaving many scrambling for transportation options.
09 – Good: From! *Spoiler* How cool was it for fans of the show, which is filmed in Beaver Bank, to see parts of downtown Dartmouth appear in the new season?
10 – Bad: Strikes! Earlier in the year, rail workers went on strike. Then, as the holidays approached, Canada Post workers took to the picket line. Both were forced back to work as the Canadian Government stepped in, however the postal strike lasted just over a month, causing holiday mail stryfe for both businesses, government and us all. To be fair, workers do deserve to be treated and paid fairly at their place of employment, we are focusing only on the disruption.
11 – Good: Arrests made in Devon Sinclair Marsman case – Although the case is tragic, closure began with arrests made in the Devon Sinclair Marsman disappearance and murder. More arrests followed the initial arrests, and his remains were found, allowing the grieving family and community to find peace as that part of the horrible situation to move forward. Justice for Devon
12 – Bad: A tragic workplace incident took the life of a temporary foreign worker at a Walmart in Halifax. A investigation was launched by police and the labour board. No criminal charges were filed in the incident.
Honourable mention – The HRM saw an election this year and saw a new mayor take post after Mayor Savage announced he would not run again. Andy Fillmore took the position as Savage became the new Lt Governor for the province. HRP also saw the permanent placement of their new chief, Chief Don MacLean. And a provincial election saw the NS PC party win big.
