Beautiful vistas, bewildering weather, and near staggering leg workouts for the uninitiated walking Halifax’s downtown core. But even in the HRM’s darkest corners, I’ve discovered surprising warmth from the citizens.

This past week took me to me to Pinecrest/Highfield Park in Dartmouth’s north end. “The Dark Side,” as it’s known to locals, has the highest number of 911 calls according to a report by Kings College investigative journalism students. Sure, bad things happen there, but there’s a handful of people stepping into the face of aggression to bring positive change. You can read the story here 

April 13, 2011 - Rev. Kees Zwanenburg, marine biologist by day, looks toward Holy Trinity Emmanuel Church from the catwalk crossing Victoria Street toward Pinecrest Drive. Zwanenburg has been the reverend here the past year and a half where the church basement is booked three months in advance for programs directed at local perish members, many of whom reside in “The Dark Side.” 

Just ‘cause I find this amusing… Mugshot by Hadas Parush:

Last week, I had the pleasure of tagging along with Coast Film and Special Features Editor (and Halifax roomie), Carsten Knox for an interview with primatologist and eco-activist, Dr. Jane Goodall. 

It’s tricky recording and photographing a primatologist in an enclosed windowless dark room with one desk lamp. Goodall had been recovering from an eye infection, so that was the deal. She was lovely. 

Here is Carsten Knox interviewing Dr. Goodall: