a message from obladee
CREDIT: Unbound Media for Taste of Nova Scotia
Obladee is facing imminent eviction from its home of 15 years in the Downtown. Starfish Properties, our new landlord, claims this eviction is necessary to fix the building facade which has been the subject of an HRM Order to Comply since 2023.
For nearly three years Obladee has been urging the City to enforce its Order and see that the necessary repairs are completed. In the spring of 2025 with the support of our Community, we were able to work with HRM on a plan to address the needed repairs while supporting the ongoing viability of our business.
On January 12 of this year the facade repair work began and we have been operating safely and welcoming our guests as normal.
Facing the termination of our lease, Obladee filed for and received an interim injunction from the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia on February 2 which prevents eviction until April 30.
On April 27 & 28 we are returning to Court for an interlocutory injunction to stop the lease termination and eviction until such time as the matter can be properly decided by the Courts.
Over the last few months it has become increasingly clear how many small businesses have been through similar situations and how many are now concerned about their own rights. Given this, we have proposed some Policy Recommendations to better support small businesses in HRM and Nova Scotia.
Our 3-part Policy Proposal is as follows:
Establish a NS Small Business Commissioner (NS). Nova Scotia’s small businesses are highly vulnerable to battles with larger, better-resourced entities. Whether facing lease terminations, predatory contract practices, or unresponsive bureaucracies, small businesses need an independent authority with accessible dispute resolution to protect their rights. Relying on the Supreme Court or navigating bureaucratic dead-ends drains resources and reduces investment in entrepreneurship which we need in Nova Scotia.
Implement a Scaffolding Encroachment Tax (HRM). Scaffolding that blocks sidewalks, impedes visibility, and kills local foot traffic is hugely destructive to both urban vibrancy and main street businesses. When scaffolding is necessary, there should be short duration permits, strict compliance mechanisms (inspections), and escalating fines if building work isn't done on time.
Require Mandatory Construction Impact Mitigation (HRM). Currently, significant construction and building work can be permitted and undertaken without an assessment or mitigation of impacts on operating businesses or even notification. Mandatory notification and impact mitigation plans should be in place before any permit is approved, and compliance needs to be enforced.
These policies have been reviewed by municipal and provincial governments and we are working to move them forward. Here’s a status on those:
The NS Liberal Party tabled the Small Business Commissioner Act (policy #1) (first and second reading) with support from the NDP and Independent MLAs. Similar legislation has also been introduced by the NS NDP.
Policies #2 & #3 have been brought to City Hall and we are working with the Mayor’s Office and our Downtown Councilor Laura White to move these initiatives forward.
The CFIB and all Business Improvement Districts in the Halifax Area sent a letter to Council in support of #2 and #3 (among other measures to support Small Business).
In closing, we want to be clear that we are not opposing the necessary remediation of the Tramway Building, we are simply asking to be treated fairly and for our valid lease to be respected. We have always met all of our obligations under our lease and continue to do so.
We are disappointed that it has come to this, but are grateful for the ongoing support of the Community. We will continue to update this page as we have more to share.
Heather & Christian ♥️