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CBC
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
'Something very unique': Halifax kiosk serves up African Nova Scotian heritage, culture
Social Sharing A new shop and food kiosk celebrating African Nova Scotian heritage and culture opened last week on the Halifax waterfront. Freedom Culinary Culture offers classic comfort dishes and a selection of goods by local African Nova Scotian artists. "I think that we have something very unique here that we don't have anywhere else," said Dean Lucas, founder of Freedom Culinary Culture. "With our communities, we have so many stories." He said the kiosk aims to make African Nova Scotian culture accessible to tourists. Lucas said he noticed a lot of Black tourists on the boardwalk last summer. While speaking to them, he realized they knew very little about the history of African Nova Scotians. "There was nothing provided by the cruise ships to let them know," he said. "I thought, how can we ... let them know that we exist and that we're here?" Books by local authors, quilts and jewelry line the kiosks' shelves. The menu is made up of local classics like blueberry grunt, fried pepperoni and maple molasses cornbread. Lucas said the menu was inspired by his father and grandmothers' cooking. "Just the things that I enjoyed eating and other people told me they liked," he said. "This is good food that we shared with Nova Scotians and Maritimers, but it's also part of our culture too." Lucas grew up in Lucasville, a prominent African Nova Scotian community established by Black settlers who had fled slavery in the United States after the War of 1812. He said his family has been there since its beginning. "So lots of friends, lots of memory. And I think where I'm at now, I need to get back. And I think this is my way." One of the chefs, Darius Fader, said he has learned to make cornbread and blueberry grunt during his time at Freedom. At 15, he's one of several young people employed at the kiosk for the season. "I feel like it's a good opportunity to explore my own culture more and just expand on my knowledge in terms of what I know about my history," said Fader, who has family in Africville and North Preston. Lucas said he hopes working at Freedom will encourage young employees to be proud of their heritage and help preserve African Nova Scotian culture. "My idea was to get them in here so they can represent their communities, talk about their heritage, as well as get them to learn and get involved with our history," said Lucas. Lucas said he thinks a focus on African Nova Scotian culture could be an opportunity for growth in tourism, and he hopes to see more businesses like his in the future. "We could probably turn this into one of the biggest Black travel destinations within the world once we get things going and build economies within our communities."
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Halifax waterfront kiosk serves up African Nova Scotian food and facts
A brand-new food spot on the Halifax Waterfront gives customers a taste of African Nova Scotian culture, with a side of its history. Dean Lucas, the owner of Freedom, says the concept of his business started after he noticed African Nova Scotian culture wasn't being represented through the waterfront's current cuisine options. He also observed that some residents and tourists had a lack of knowledge about its history. 'I sort of started to talk with them to find out if they knew anything about African Nova Scotian history and like where we come from and the importance of that point I thought, I need to kind of do something, maybe create a business,' says Lucas. Since his kiosk debuted on Canada Day, Lucas says its garnered positive feedback. 'It's been awesome. People that come in, they love the food. They love the whole concept. I had a lady come from South Africa the other day, and she said her friend told her to stop in here,' he says. The business hopes their dusted lemon pepper wings and East Coast deep fried pepperoni, will tempt nostalgic taste buds and promote African Nova Scotian products. 'You're teaching people about your culture, your history and just giving them a good time…you're not selling food- you're selling the experience and the history. It's all genuine pieces from African Nova Scotian artists,' says employee, Braedyn Provo. Lucas says the name of the business was inspired by both his family, and his high hopes for the community. 'I'd love to see our communities be free, where they can build their own economies and have gas stations, stores, restaurants, have tours coming through Kevin's bus, so they don't need to rely anymore,' he says. The business will continue serving up food and facts until October. Freedom Freedom, African Nova Scotian cuisine on the Halifax waterfront. (CTV Atlantic/ Vanessa Wright) For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
23-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Historic monument re-dedicated on Halifax Waterfront
Dozens of people take part in the Last Post Ceremony at the Halifax Waterfront on Sunday. (CTV/Vanessa Wright) Dignitaries, Royal Canadian Navy members and the public gathered at Halifax's waterfront Sunday for 'The Last Post Ceremony' and the official re-dedication of the Last Steps Memorial Arch. The ceremony paid tribute to the thousands of soldiers who took their final steps on Canadian soil before heading overseas in the First World War in May 1915. 'We can only imagine the thoughts they may have had as they boarded the ship and watched the port of Halifax disappear from view behind them,' says emcee Ken Hynes. Hynes says Nova Scotians were among those who volunteered for military and naval service, with 3,400 of them never returning home. In 2016, a public artwork was made to commemorate the historic departure, but its then wooden structure didn't sustain weather conditions over the years. The Nova Scotia artist behind the newly improved monument, Nancy Keating, says it's a commemoration of a 'moment in time' and 'a memory imagined.' The Last Steps The Last Steps monument is seen at the Halifax Waterfront. (CTV/Vanessa Wright) 'The arch or portal was inspired by ancient triumphal arches. The words the last steps represent not only those who did not or could not return to Canada, but also all those who did return. Their lives forever changed,' says Keating. The piece will remain at the waterfront for those with close ties to the war and members of the public to witness. 'It's a reminder that the past lives on not just in memory, but in the very places that we that we shape with purpose and with reverence. A place that we can. People come now, come and visit and remember,' says Halifax Mayor, Andy Fillmore. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
22-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
‘I love the area': Mauricio Umansky on Halifax, bringing his global brand to the East Coast
The Agency CEO Mauricio Umansky is pictured at the launch party for the firm's Halifax office on June 22, 2025. (CTV Atlantic / Melanie Price) Halifax and Beverly Hills might be worlds apart, but that's not stopping American real estate mogul and 'Real Housewives' celebrity Mauricio Umansky from bringing his global brand to the East Coast city. 'We've been expanding all over Canada and you guys have a great market here and it's beautiful and so it just made a lot of sense,' he told CTV News Sunday afternoon. 'And, here, I am, proving that we can bring boutique real estate to the world.' Umansky first rose to fame through appearances on 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,' which premiered in 2010. As CEO of The Agency – a global, boutique real estate brokerage that has 130 offices in 13 countries – Umansky's brand has also been featured on Bravo's 'Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles' and Netflix's 'Buying Beverly Hills.' Mauricio Umansky The Agency CEO Mauricio Umansky is pictured at the ribbon cutting for his firm's Halifax office on June 22, 2025. (CTV Atlantic / Andrea Jerrett) The Agency added a Halifax location to its firm in February 2024 and Umansky was on hand for the official launch party and ribbon-cutting Sunday afternoon. 'I love it, I love the area. I like the people that I've met so far, they've been really nice,' he said. 'Everyone is just so friendly and happy.' Mauricio Umansky The Agency CEO Mauricio Umansky is pictured on the Halifax Waterfront in a photo shared on his Instagram page. (Source: Instagram/mumansky18) This was Umansky's first trip to Halifax and his first time trying its official food – the donair. 'I just had a donair and it was absolutely delicious,' said Umansky at The Agency Halifax launch party Sunday afternoon. 'Loved it.' That's not the only quintessential Halifax experience he's had while in the city – he also spent some time on a waterfront patio, in the bar district, and at a popular Irish pub. 'I had a great night last night, we had a great day. I went to Water Polo for dinner and then we went to go make a little bit of a mess of Argyle Street and we went over to Durty Nelly's,' he said. 'I ended up there and that was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the people and the music and all of it.' The Agency Halifax A team photo of the agents at The Agency Halifax. (Courtesy: The Agency Halifax) The Agency decided to open the Halifax office after local agents reached out to the company. Umansky says the people and the culture are some of the key factors when deciding on a new location. 'We always decide what location we open up depending on people,' he said. 'So, it's more about growing the culture, growing the people, and we believe that we can bring luxury and a boutique feel to global real estate.' While Halifax might be a smaller market than what he's used to, Umansky says marketing and real estate are the same everywhere, as you have to be creative and innovative no matter where you are trying to sell. He also says his global brand is focused on service – not price point. 'Everybody deserves to have great service and great luxury no matter what price point you're at. That's the belief that we believe in,' he said. 'When you're in a bigger market … you have more to play with, so you're able to get a little bit more creative with your type of marketing. So, to be able to then bring that to a place like Halifax, because we're learning it in Beverly Hills or Hollywood, or New York, and then to be able to bring it here just elevates the level of service for the community here and for all of our clients here.' Mauricio Umansky Mauricio Umansky, CEO of The Agency, is pictured. (Courtesy: The Agency Halifax) As for why someone should choose The Agency, Umansky says his company is very selective about who it hires, and he has a unique No. 1 rule for his agents. 'No a--holes. So, if you're one of those you'll get kicked out fast,' he said. 'We have a zero-tolerance rule and I think that's what separates us.' In addition to the Nova Scotia office, The Agency also has brokerages in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec. As for whether The Agency will expand to other parts of Atlantic Canada, Umansky says it's a possibility. 'I think that now that we are here we'll continue to have that conversation. It's my first time in Atlantic Canada, but I think that now that we're here we might as well keep going. Why stop here?' For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CTV News
14-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Halifax welcomes warm weather for One Port City Day
Jill Matthews from The Port of Halifax shares what people can expect from this weekend's One Port City Day. Thousands of people visited the Halifax Waterfront Saturday where the sun was shining for the 4th annual One Port City Day. 'I think it's really a welcome forecast for everybody but certainly here at the One Port City event,' said Port of Halifax communications manager, Jill Matthews. 'It's an annual celebration of the marine culture and exploration and innovation within the industry,' said Matthews in an interview with CTV's Crystal Garrett. waterfront People are pictured on the Halifax waterfront's boardwalk during One Port City Day on June 14, 2025. (Jonathan MacInnis/CTV Atlantic) The event includes free tours of ships and facilities alongside music and activities for the whole family to take Maritimers inside the region's industrial and commercial marine culture. The timing couldn't have been better. The last precipitation-free weekend in the region was on March 22 and 23 – 11 weeks ago. 'Last year the weather did not cooperate. It definitely was more of a rainy day. We saw people come out, but not in the numbers that were seen today,' Matthews says. People strolling the boardwalk found lots to do, from tugboat water displays to mini-train rides. 'It's very nice to see the sun, it's been a long spring,' says Halifax resident, Nicole Mead. Beer Garden Patrons are pictured on the patio at the Beer Garden on the Halifax Waterfront during One Port City Day, June 14, 2025. (Jonathan MacInnins/CTV Atlantic) Business owners were also thankful for the sunshine. Outdoor seating was hard to find at bars, pubs, restaurants and cafés along the waterfront. 'This is really when patio season is at its peak,' says Natasha Chestnut, the executive director of Restaurants Nova Scotia. 'I think it is a little bit more impactful on the weekends because typically weekends are very busy for the industry. That's when you do see a lot more people out dining out.' CTV Meteorologist Kalin Mitchell says weather patterns tend to run in 4-to-7-day cycles and hopefully better forecasts are on the way. waterfront People are pictured on the Halifax waterfront watching a tugboat water display during One Port City Day, Jun 14, 2025. (Jonathan MacInnis/CTV Atlantic) For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
