08/11/2026
Culture Cones: A Change of Plans, But Not the End of the Vision 🍦
This summer, we had hoped to launch Culture Cones, a new ice cream stand at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, a meaningful initiative designed to create youth employment and support the Centre’s programs. While we aren’t able to open Culture Cones as planned, the vision remains very much alive.
Over the past several months, a tremendous amount of work has gone into bringing this idea to life. As the photos show, our partners helped us transform a vision into a remarkable new space at the Centre.
As we worked through the government permitting process, we learned that our temporary retail space could not be approved because it does not have a direct connection to an approved sewer or municipal wastewater system. We had interpreted the guidelines to mean that the wastewater disposal and holding tank system we installed would meet the requirements for an ice cream stand. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
It is disappointing, particularly after the significant investment of time, resources, and generosity that went into making Culture Cones possible.
We extend our sincere appreciation to LMMW Group, Lindsay Construction, Mickey MacDonald, Clinton Thomas and Agropur for believing in this initiative and helping us get this far. Their support has been tremendous, and we remain committed to finding a solution that will allow us to bring the full Culture Cones vision to life next year.
But we are not letting this summer, or this opportunity for our youth, melt away.
We have already hired four youth from our community who, over the past several weeks, have been preparing for the launch of Culture Cones. They have participated in customer service training and completed food handling courses in anticipation of welcoming customers and operating the stand this summer.
These young people have trained, prepared, and shown real commitment. We were determined that circumstances beyond their control would not take away their summer employment, and that’s why we’re pivoting.
Introducing Umoja Canteen!
Beginning August 13, our new canteen will operate from the Culture Cones space, offering packaged snacks and refreshments, a fresh, community powered initiative that keeps our youth working and our vision moving forward.
📅 Opening August 13
⏰ Daily from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
📍Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
We hope you’ll stop by, say hello to our youth team, grab a snack, and support this important initiative.
Every purchase helps us continue creating opportunities for young people while supporting the programs and work of the Centre.
And there’s one more twist to our Culture Cones story… 🍦
In preparation for our planned opening, we already purchased our ice cream inventory. Since we’re unable to sell it without the required permit, we’ve decided there is only one thing to do:
Scoops of Appreciation — Enjoy a Free Cone!
Join us for Community Appreciation Days on August 21 & 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and enjoy a FREE ice cream cone. This is our way of saying thank you for your ongoing support of the Centre and the youth we serve. While supplies last.
Culture Cones may be on hold for this summer, but the vision isn’t going anywhere. We’ll regroup, we’ll find a solution, and we’ll keep building together.
In the meantime, we’ll see you at Umoja Canteen, and hopefully for a free cone on August 21 or 22! 🍦
~ Russell Grosse, CEO
