| Occupation: Lawyer Birthplace/Home Town: Nakusp, B.C.
Where else have you lived? Tofino, BC; Orillia, ON; Harbourville, NS; Abilene, Texas; St. Catharines, ON; Taipei, Taiwan; Tokyo, Japan; Fredericton, NB Describe yourself in one word: Curious! |
What is the burning issue, your passion? What keeps you up at night?
I sleep like a baby at night, dreaming of sailing.
Tell us a little about yourself
Hmm. I'm a cheerful skeptic. By nature I am very open to new ideas but suspicious and critical of any one who seems sure of themselves. Some have called me a “kneejerk contrarian”, I say “I'm not!”. I'm stimulated by puzzles, mysteries, and all kinds of unusual problems. Routine is difficult. I feel relaxed during a crisis and uneasy when things are too quiet.
Why do you live in Halifax now?
It may have taken me a long time to get back to Halifax. But now that I am here, I'm going to make the most of it.
What do you love about living in Halifax/being an East Coaster?
I love the sea. I love this city's naval history. I love the fishing traditions of the Maritimes. I like the grittiness of a foggy, wet, cold port town. I like the sense of danger that comes from living by the ocean. I love the soggy beer halls and the narrow downtown streets. Explosion, Africville, Pier 21, the Commons, Joseph Howe, Hurricane Juan... and whatever is coming down the pipeline. I love it. I'm ready for it.
What is your most memorable Halifax experience?
Coming down from the Valley, fifteen and unsupervised in the summer. Biking through the Scotia Square parking garage; climbing around the urban jungle; watching the buskers busk; watching the guys at the library; getting kicked out of the sketchiest bars; being left alone in the posh ones; climbing onto the roof of my friend's tall apartment building and thinking Halifax was the great metropolis. That impression burned its way into my consciousness and has somehow survived as The City in my mind even after being spending time in New York, London, Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong and others...
Why is it great to be young in Halifax?
See above.
What would you change about Halifax?
Get rid of all the cars. Bring sheep back to the commons. Ban hipsters (just kidding, hipsters should be permitted, regulated and taxed).
What is your favorite restaurant/pub?
Rich Forest.
What is your favorite meeting spot?
North and Agricola (SE corner).
What would you tell a new young person moving to Halifax?
Walk or bike.
If someone were to ask you, who should I ‘know’ in Halifax. Who would you recommend they meet?
Eioin the Barber in Barrington Place shops. He's the most pragmatic businessman I've ever met. Not delusions of self-importance just cold hard uncommon sense. And he's not afraid to tell you about it.