Remembering the DSide
The “Darkside,” had long been associated with a dark cloud. I felt Dartmouth had been struggling with an identity crisis since the supercity merger, and it was time to reclaim its voice. Back then, this idea seemed radical: the news often cast Dartmouth in a negative light, and jokes at this city’s expense were common. “The Darkside,” originally intended as a slight, was ready for a fresh narrative. I wanted to reclaim that label —Dartmouth needed love and attention it deserved.
So, in early 2011, I began with a Twitter account called “The DSide.” Soon after, Haligonia kindly supported and published my articles about Dartmouth.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, sparking a sense of unity and pride among Dartmouth residents that felt long overdue. People rallied around the idea of reclaiming Dartmouth’s identity, expressing gratitude for a platform that celebrated the city’s unique character and community spirit. Messages poured in from residents, business owners, artists, and community leaders, all eager to contribute to this new, uplifting narrative. There was a shared realization that we could reshape how Dartmouth saw itself—and how others saw Dartmouth.
Suddenly, Dartmouth wasn’t just the “Darkside”; it was a home for resilience, creativity, and pride. This proved that our city had a powerful voice and a community willing to speak up for it.
Time to say Hello to Dartmouth
By 2013, Dartmouth’s sense of pride and momentum continued to grow. The response was not only positive but transformative, with many people eager to help shape Dartmouth’s story from within. This excitement led to the creation of Hello Dartmouth, co-founded by Stacey Campbell, Kate Watson, and me—a team united by our shared love for the community. With Hello Dartmouth, we launched an online community dedicated entirely to showcasing the people, events, and unique characters of Dartmouth. It was a platform where Dartmouthians could connect, celebrate local stories, and redefine what it meant to live on the “Darkside.”
Stacey, a passionate co-founder and former owner of Sugar Shok Candy Boutique, brought her deep love for Dartmouth and a commitment to sharing everything it has to offer. Kate, a talented writer with a background in regional and national journalism and a graduate of NSCC’s PR Certificate Program, contributed her expertise in municipal politics and community-building. Together, we formed the core team, determined to support and amplify the voices of our city.
Our mission with Hello Dartmouth was simple yet powerful: to provide a voice for Dartmouth. We wanted not only to spotlight local events and initiatives but also to engage deeply with the people of Dartmouth and amplify their stories. It was all about Dartmouth pride—showcasing this amazing community and celebrating its spirit. Expanding from our origins with DSide, Hello Dartmouth covered a broad spectrum of Dartmouth, extending to neighboring areas like Cole Harbour, Eastern Passage, Dartmouth North, Burnside, Waverly, Cow Bay, and Preston.
In 2018, Stacey and Kate moved on to pursue new career paths. Hello Dartmouth could never have existed without their passion and dedication, and I’m deeply grateful to them. Over the years, countless contributors have added their voices and talents—too many to name individually—but I’d like to extend a special thanks to Lena Stewart for creating the name Hello Dartmouth, which perfectly captured our mission and spirit.
Hello Dartmouth Celebrates 13 Years
Hello Dartmouth is officially a tween! It’s hard to believe that 13 years have flown by, watching our community grow and thrive together. My commitment remains as strong as ever: to be a voice for the community of Dartmouth, NS, and to keep supporting and lifting each other up. Reaching this milestone feels special, and I’m excited to share some updates with you all!
The site now has new upgrades to make sharing your events, stories, and photos easier and more fun. I can’t wait to hear more from you—your stories, your snapshots, and all the amazing people who make Dartmouth one of a kind.
And for the biggest news yet—Hello Dartmouth has grown!
Exciting Growth: New Siblings for Hello Dartmouth
Hello Dartmouth, is thrilled to announce that our family has grown! We now have siblings: Hello Halifax and Hello Oxford.
Hello Halifax ( https://hellohalifax.ca/ ) focuses on the other side of the harbor, bringing a similar approach to highlight the many events and voices that deserve to be heard there.
Hello Oxford, was born out of a need for local news in a community that has seen its coverage dwindle over the years. The Oxford Journal held on until 2015, completing a 118-year run as a vital source of information for the area. Its sudden closure left a significant void that is still felt today.
In response, Mark Rushton of Oxford, NS is dedicated to providing local news coverage for the residents of Oxford and its surrounding areas through Hello Oxford. As more contributors join the team, the scope of coverage will continue to expand.
While Hello Oxford ( https://hellooxford.ca/ ) is a sister publication to both Hello Dartmouth and Hello Halifax, curated by Frank Orlando, its editorial decisions will be guided entirely by Mark Rushton. Together, these publications aim to cover the news that matters most to their respective communities.
These Hello Communities ( http://hellocommunities.ca/) go beyond being hometown proud; they aim to understand what individuals are doing and to provide a platform for those without a voice. They are invested in supporting the vibrant, entrepreneurial spirit that continues to flourish across Nova Scotia.