The first stop on our DoorsOpenHalifax trip brought us to the second oldest fire hall in Canada…read more They are still functioning as a normal fire hall, so you will see signs all over reminding you to just move to the side as they go on the call. There an older fire engine there on display, called the Queen (for the hotel fire it fought for over 24 hours).. as well as much of the gear they use. They let you venture upstairs to see where they live and spend their time when not on calls. They even let the little ones climb up into the truck. Something I know I loved to do when I was young. A great addition to the DoorsOpenHalifax event. And a huge thanks to all first responders in our lives. They who rush in, as the rest rush out, we shall forever be grateful.

I live in a condominium adjacent to the Highway 102 - between Exit 2A and the Kearney Lake exit…read more We have a difficult time sleeping because of the noise from vehicles speeding at all hours of the night and also those dreaded motorcycles with modified mufflers. Isn't it about time that something is done about this? A lot of people who live in these buildings have to work for a living and I cannot get enough sleep because of this terrible noise. Since the City of Vancouver can find the finances to do something about this problem, then why can't HRM do something about it? (Below is an excerpt from an article found from the "Vancouver Sun" paper) Gerry Kahrmann Vancouver police are focusing on loud motorcycle and car exhaust this summer in a bid to reduce noise pollution in the city. VANCOUVER -- Like the sound of your bored-out Harley pipes? Tweaked your car's exhaust so it's really ready to rumble? Then be prepared to meet Vancouver traffic cops this summer, as they focus on "unreasonably and unnecessarily loud motorcycle and car exhaust." The VPD said starting on Monday officers will be out in increased numbers listening for loud motorbikes and other vehicles. And they're prepared to hit noisy violators with tickets and demerit points against their licences. " Summer in the city brings beautiful weather, but it also brings noisy vehicles," said VPD spokesman Const. Brian Montague in a statement. " he sound of unreasonably and unnecessarily loud motorcycle and car exhaust has the tendency to disturb the peace, enjoyment and the quality of life of those who live, work and visit Vancouver." He said especially for those living downtown, noisy vehicles "can significantly affect the enjoyment of their property." The penalty in B.C. for "unnecessary noise from a vehicle's engine, tires, brakes or exhaust" is a ticket of $109, plus three points. jruttle@postmedia.com

Complete crap! There is an apartment building going up right next to the police station and they…read moredon't give a flying friq that construction workers start at like 5am and go well past the noise curfew. No one around can sleep! Let's also mention how the police station creates its own fair share of unnecessary noise. They have a gate that beeps all night when people go in and out and the cops turn on their sirens before they even leave the parking lot. There is absolutely no need for that!

As a parent, it is very frustrating trying to ensure that my child gets a decent education. They…read moredon't teach spelling or grammar anymore yet for math it is the total opposite, kids must understand every aspect of it. I think it's great they are focusing on improving math skills but reading writing and spelling are important life skills that are not valued in school at all. Unless of course you live in a wealthy neighborhood and then expectations are much higher for those schools. Total double standard on the education depending on which school district you live. You can't sound out English words forever at some point you need to teach children. Through, cough, bough, just as an example. And if your kid is ahead in anything they still have to be stuck doing the same thing as everyone else. Nothing like keeping them down rather than encouraging intelligence.

Our third stop on the DoorsOpenHalifax tour brought us over to the Environment Canada Atlantic…read moreStorm Prediction Centre/Canadian Hurricane Centre. I heard this was one of the most popular stops last year. I really enjoy the nerdy stuff so this seemed right up my alley. It's a guided tour that takes you past their main stations and then into a classroom. The other half of the tour is a room with a couple of displays to show you environment enforcement seized goods, and various weather data collectors. I know they just work with what they got.. but it was a little dry I suppose. Still enjoyable for the geek in me.

This is where Nova Scotia Assembly Legislature is housed…read more Visitors are welcome. Climb the stairs and enter from Hollis St. Go through security screening & provide government issued ID. We showed our passports. When the Assembly is in session, you're welcome to watch the proceedings. We were able to walk into several different rooms including the library on the 2nd floor. The first floor provided the history of Nova Scotia and some prominent folks. A free thing to do if you're in downtown Halifax.

One part museum, three parts government building and one part landmark. That's Province House…read more I've been to Province House for a number of events - whether it's for a meeting, a governmental announcement, to watch the House sit, a public announcement or just to be a tourist in my own city. An amazing amount of the space is open to the public (after you've gone through a security checkpoint, of course). There's small museum on the main floor and bits of history are everywhere! You can head up to the second level to see the Red Room or the library. Keep going up and you can sit in the gallery and watch the legislature when it's in session. If you live here and never been, you really should go. If you're visiting, you should also check it out. It won't take long - the majority of space is still closed off from the public but it's a good look at our province's democratic past and present. Pro tip: If you're watching the legislature, put your cell phone away. Seriously, the commissionaires are quite serious about that rule. Quite. Serious.

Just a heads up:…read more This is not where you go to get your passport renewed! The passport office for Nova Scotia is in the Maritime Center (aka: The Aliant building) on Barrington Street. Staff were very helpful despite my mix up.

Don't bother calling. Mailbox is full and won't accept any new messages. Customer service... I…read morethink not!