Fairview, an often-forgotten Halifax neighbourhood just off the peninsula, is tucked away from the sights of most Dal Law students. It is a historic neighbourhood, once a hub for Canadian National Railways' facilities, but these writers simply call it “home”. Home can be hard to define, so we asked our neighbours to tell us what Fairview means to them.
Many have been here for decades — and some for their whole lives. Favourite memories of their days in Fairview include shining Christmas lights; fishermen walking the streets yelling, “Mackerel, fresh mackerel!”; yard sales; and shared meals at Fung Wah, Easy Street Diner, and Aster Café. What really struck us in these stories was the strong sense of community. Many agree that the best thing about Fairview is the people! Folks told stories of neighbours sharing food and wine at Christmas or helping clear your driveway in stormy weather. As the years go on, they forge cherished friends, lovers, and family. It’s no wonder people stay here for life!
Scientology in Fairview
Shortly after moving to Fairview, I was on my way to Superstore. About two minutes into my walk, I noticed a house displaying a sign that read, “Church of Scientology – Mission of Halifax.” Scientology, created by L. Ron Hubbard in 1954, was originally marketed as a self-help scheme. After working through whatever problem drew someone in, they’re brainwashed into believing there’s even more trauma to resolve! The cycle continues, pulling people in until thousands of dollars are spent “working on yourself,” and they become lost in the scheme.
No, I am not speaking from personal experience. The great documentary, Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015, dir. Alex Gibney), does a deep dive into this world. Scientology is technically classified as a religion, since Hubbard ordered his brainwashees to harass IRS employees into granting it religious status. Therefore, no taxes are paid on the income received from brainwashing loyal followers. A perfect scam.
When I walk past the “church” and glance through its window, I sometimes catch a glimpse of a meeting. Halifax is expensive enough, and it frustrates me that my neighbors are handing their money to a multi-billion dollar scam! But that’s just the Fairview charm.
Corner Pocket: Reddit's “Sketchiest Bar in Halifax" Debunked
Corner Pocket Pool Club is a notorious dive bar on Dutch Village Road. Since moving to Fairview, we’ve passed by it many times, wondering what lay within. After Reddit crowned it the “sketchiest bar in Halifax”, we launched our official investigation. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a Corner Pocket regular. He informed us that pool was free, and he added us to the unofficial queue.
Armed with two Coke Zeros, we commenced what was (arguably) the longest, and worst, pool game in Corner Pocket history – but no one complained! The service was great, and a rowdy table of women controlling the bar’s music even took our song requests. We are proud to say that we are working towards becoming Corner Pocket’s youngest regulars, and we reject its unofficial title of “sketchiest bar in Halifax.”
Hi from a Fairviewite, I just read your site so far. I like what I see so far. I moved into Fairview in 1979 and just love it here. I was the first president of the Fairview Historical Society but have not been involved for a few years now. It's an age thing. For the past 45 years, I have been involved with the Fairview Scouting Movement and the Halifax West Minor Baseball located in Fairview and formally Fairview Minor Baseball. About 9 years ago, I created a Facebook Group site that grew so fast. We currently have over 6,000 members who either live in Fairview or have lived here years ago and are now living all over the…