Let's Talk Antigonish Podcast

Join Justin and Anuj as they reunite in the studio to reflect on nine whirlwind months of “Let’s Talk Antigonish.” From discovering how global politics affects the price of beer in Antigonish to the People’s Place Library ‘s impressive laundry list of services they offer on a shoestring budget, these two neighbours-turned-podcasters have been on quite a journey. In this candid conversation, they break down their episodes into three categories—community matters, social matters, and government matters—while celebrating the incredible organizations working behind the scenes in Antigonish. Learn about topics they’ve tackled like Jazz Fest, the fair, biking culture, refugees, loneliness, palliative care, intimate partner violence, the museum’s evolving role, and why affordable housing remains a pressing issue. Hear about their ambitious plans for 2026, including hiring a journalist to dig deeper into local stories, and discover what’s coming up next (including a chat with Minister of Health and Wellness Michelle Thompson). Whether you’re a long-time listener or brand new to the podcast, this behind-the-scenes peek reveals why local news matters for small-town democracy and how two guys with day jobs are helping keep local news alive—one conversation at a time. Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

We sat down with Jenn Priddle, director of Music of the Night, to uncover the magic behind one of Antigonish’s beloved community theater companies. From its humble beginnings in 1997 (including a dinner theater performance in a barn in November!) to selling out eight-show runs at the Eleanor Mutimer Theatre, Music of the Night has been bringing Broadway-caliber productions to Antigonish for nearly three decades. Discover how 100 volunteers—from high school band students to retired symphony players, from theater newbies to performers who could totally be on Broadway—come together every year to create something extraordinary. Jenn shares the heartwarming story of mentorship flowing through generations, the intimidating complexity of mounting this year’s show Into the Woods, and why this production features Monty Python coconuts. Learn about the beautiful legacy of community theater and why sometimes the best performances aren’t found in the big cities. Grab your tickets before the show sells out! More info about Music of the Night and ticket links here: https://www.facebook.com/MOTNAntigonish/ Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

This week Justin and Anuj sat down with palliative care physician Dr. Emily Rice and nurse consultant Jamie Campbell to clear up what might be the most misunderstood area of healthcare. Spoiler alert: if you think palliative care is just end-of-life care in a hospital, you’re wrong—and you’re not alone. From the surprising truth that patients with palliative care actually live longer than those without it, to discovering that your family doctor is likely already providing palliative care without calling it that, Emily and Jamie dismantle misconceptions while explaining what this “contractor for your health” approach really means. Covering a massive geographic area from Antigonish to Canso with just two physician positions, the team—which includes social workers and even a music therapist—helps patients navigate everything from symptom management at home to difficult conversations about goals and quality of life. Along the way, Justin and Anuj learn how we’ve medicalized death and why that is not always in a patient’s best interest, how the Antigonish Palliative Care Society (yes, the poultry box people!) provides crucial support, and why having these conversations with your family now matters more than you think. Tune in for an honest, surprisingly uplifting look at care that meets people exactly where they are.Important links provided by Dr. Rice: Antigonish Palliative Care Society: https://www.antigonishpalliativecaresociety.com/Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association: https://nshpca.ca/Canadian Virtual Hospice: https://www.virtualhospice.ca/en_US/Main+Site+Navigation/Home.aspxCanadian Hospice Palliative Care Society: https://www.chpca.ca/BC Centre for Palliative Care: https://www.bc-cpc.ca/Palliative Care Physician and Author Dr. Kathryn Mannix: Dying for Beginners Video Palliative Care Public Service Announcement Videos by Dr. Jared Rubinstein: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1dPS3PDtoPgPqR3Z-lazrkAceGwmg1_rThe Waiting Room Revolution: https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/ and wherever you get your podcasts, start with season 1Advanced Care PlanningLove is Not Enough: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-9dMSJLk6gpTw5WlzbL4INuzqjGJBfh_NS Hospice Palliative Care: https://nshpca.ca/advance-care-planning/GriefNS Health Life Changes resources: https://www.nshealth.ca/lifechanges#bereavementwww.mygrief.cawww.kidsgrief.cawww.youthgrief.ca Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

This week Justin and Anuj sat down with Pat McKenna from the Naomi Society to discuss their plans for a new 10-unit building at Sugarloaf. Behind the construction plans lies a sobering reality: Nova Scotia declared intimate partner violence an epidemic in 2024 after eight femicides in a single year, and all 483 shelter beds in the province are currently full. The Naomi Society is building affordable second-stage housing for women and children fleeing violence, providing a safe place to land after shelter stays when returning to the community. From coordinating escapes to shelters to accompanying women through court proceedings, the organization supported 225 individual clients in Antigonish and Guysborough counties in just six months. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Naomi Society at 902-863-3807. Tune in to understand the hidden scale of this crisis in our community and what’s being done to address it.More info for the Naomi Society website: https://naomisociety.ca/ Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

This week Justin and Anuj sat down with Warden Nicholas MacInnis to unpack the 2025 Electoral Boundary Review. What sounds like dry bureaucratic shuffling turns out to be anything but. From balancing the districts to create electoral fairness to navigating tricky questions of community identity, Nicholas walks us through why redrawing these lines is far trickier than you’d think. Along the way, Justin and Anuj discover that the fringe area around town is growing faster than anyone realized (the county now accounts for up to 40% of the town’s sewer usage), learn about ambitious plans to drill new wells to supplement water supply after this summer’s once-in-50-years drought, and find out why the county actually operates more of its own water and sewer systems than most people know. With public hearings underway and a New Year’s deadline looming, this is your chance to understand what’s at stake and how you can weigh in. Tune in to learn why these boundaries are about so much more than lines on a map—and why the county and town’s improving relationship might be the best news of all.Important info on the boundary review from the county: https://antigonishcounty.ca/boundary-review-2025/ Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

This week Justin and Anuj sat down with Children’s Services Librarian Kristel Fleuren-Hunter and Programming and Outreach Assistant Elizabeth Glintz to discover why this isn’t your typical library. From helping newcomers navigate their first days in Canada to providing a vital third space for everyone in Antigonish, from running a community fridge to preparing tax returns for over 500 residents, the People’s Place has become Antigonish’s unofficial hub for connection and support. Behind the magic is a crew of incredibly committed staff whose passion for community service shines through in everything they do. A remarkable feat given the realities of a budget and salaries that, as Justin and Anuj found out, is nowhere near what you’d expect for this level of public service. Tune in to learn how this remarkable initiative became a model of what collaborative public service should be—and why it needs more support to keep thriving.Some news stories on library funding issues: https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/new-glasgow/pictou-antigonish-libraries-scrambling-to-make-up-shortfallhttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-s-libraries-say-their-financial-books-are-1.7500890https://www.989xfm.ca/pictou-antigonish-regional-library-receives-additional-funding-from-the-province/ Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Justin and Anuj sat down with Dorothy Lander and Dr. John Graham-Pole to explore Antigonish’s Death Cafe—a monthly gathering where locals come together to break the ultimate taboo and talk openly about aging, dying, and what comes after. From green burials and willow caskets to personal directives and letters to the beloved dead, this conversation reveals how a group of friends transformed death from a whispered “D word” into a topic of laughter, tears, and profound connection. Whether you’re curious about palliative care, interested in different cultural approaches to mortality, or simply wondering what happens when your neighbor dies at home, this frank and surprisingly uplifting discussion proves that talking about death might just be one of the most life-affirming things we can do.For more about the Death Cafe Antigonish, email John: john.gp@live.com Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

This episode of Let’s Talk Antigonish features Mark Ballard, chair of SAFE (Settlement in Antigonish for Families from Everywhere), a refugee resettlement organization celebrating its 10th anniversary. What began in 2015 as a small group responding to the Syrian refugee crisis has grown into a regional organization that has successfully resettled approximately 180 refugees from countries including Syria, Afghanistan, Congo, Rwanda, and South Sudan. SAFE operates entirely through volunteers with virtually no administrative overhead, working with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to sponsor both the most vulnerable refugees and families seeking reunification. The organization provides comprehensive support including housing, English language training, employment assistance, health care navigation, and cultural integration.Mark discusses the unique success of refugee resettlement in small rural communities like Antigonish, attributing it to the hands-on volunteer approach and the town’s welcoming culture, influenced by St. Francis Xavier University and the Coady Institute’s presence. He emphasizes that SAFE’s work is fundamentally humanitarian—giving people fleeing life-threatening situations a chance to rebuild their lives. The organization is celebrating its 10th anniversary on November 15th with a panel discussion and dinner, while running a $60,000 matching fundraising campaign to sponsor two or three additional vulnerable families. SAFE continues to advocate for refugee causes and remains committed to its mission of community-driven humanitarian support. Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

We sat down with Emilie Chiasson (Alumni Engagement coordinator at StFX and freelance writer) and Elizabeth Yeo (Vice President Students sat StFX) to talk about their plans to bring GenWell (Canada's Human Connection Movement) to Antigonish. On October 29th, StFX will host the first-ever GenWell Day at a Canadian university, bringing CEO Pete Bombaci to campus for a series of presentations and discussions on social isolation and community connection. In this conversation, we discuss how technology and modern life have contributed to what some call a "loneliness epidemic" – with six in ten Canadians reporting they don't identify as having community. Elizabeth shares insights on how the university is addressing post-pandemic social challenges among students, while Emilie discusses her observations about declining human connection in everyday life, from those pesky earbuds that seem permanently lodged in everyone’s ears, to the disappearance of traditional community gathering spaces. Emilie and Elizabeth offer some practical solutions for building stronger connections, from simple acts like talking to strangers and inviting neighbours over for supper, to institutional changes like StFX's Good Neighbors program. More about GenWell at this link Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

You might not expect a rural Nova Scotia town of 5,000 to be a hotbed for international jazz talent, but Antigonish is full of surprises. In this week’s episode, we sit down with Jake Hanlon, chair of St. FX's music department, and Paul Tynan, Artistic Director of the Antigonish Jazz Fest, to explore the remarkable musical ecosystem in our backyard. From hosting Canada's first jazz studies degree program to bringing Grammy winners like Pacific Mambo Orchestra and legends like Herbie Hancock's Headhunters to intimate local venues, our town has become one of Canada's most important east coast jazz destinations. Discover St. FX's legendary visiting artist program attracting world-renowned musicians from Mongolia to Barcelona, learn about regular student gigs around town, and find out how a tourism initiative became a festival drawing music lovers across the Maritimes—whether you're a jazz aficionado or have never entered the Schwartz Auditorium to hear a student recital, this conversation will give you new appreciation for the extraordinary musical talent performing in your community. And it’s not just jazz (as Jake and Paul point out): Antigonish is home to the Antigonish Performing Arts Series, a ton of local bands, traditional sessions and ceilidhs, and more. We really punch above our weight when it comes to music in this town!StFX Music DepartmentAntigonish Jazz Fest websiteStFX Music’s Instagram account Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

We sat down with Anita Stewart, Executive Director of the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre & Sexual Assault Services Association to talk about their exciting plans to build a brand new facility on James Street where the old Tim Hortons used to be. Stewart discusses the comprehensive range of services the center provides including trauma therapy, the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program, medical clinic services, immigration support, and healthy relationships education, while emphasizing that despite being called the "Women's Center," many services are available to all genders. The conversation highlights their upcoming capital campaign "Rise Together: A Hub for Hope, Healing, and Rebuilding" to fund this innovative net-zero, passive design building that will significantly expand their capacity and allow them to offer additional services like addiction counseling, expanded mental health support, and unique programs like menopause cafes and workforce re-entry support, with completion targeted for 2027.Link to the Antigonish Women's Centre & Sexual Assault Services website Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode of Let’s Talk Antigonish, Justin and Anuj (checking in from India!) sit down with Barry MacKenzie, curator of the Antigonish Heritage Museum, for a deep dive into the stories, artifacts, and community spirit that make the museum such a gem. Barry shares the fascinating history of the building itself—a former railway station turned cultural hub—before walking us through standout exhibits like the antique fire pumper, a prosthetic leg, and beautiful Mi’kmaq basketry. But the museum is far from just a repository for artefacts and old spinning wheels; Barry highlights how the museum has evolved into a place of discovery, hospitality, and inclusion, hosting everything from traditional ceilidhs to climate talks, interactive exhibits, and even an escape room that’s become a hit with locals and visitors alike. Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode we speak with Meghan MacNeil, Active Living Coordinator for the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, about biking safety and the Make Your Move Antigonish initiative. We discuss the rules of the road for both cyclists and drivers, including how bikes should behave at intersections and the challenges of sharing roads designed primarily for cars. The conversation covers the growing presence of e-bikes and scooters in the community, and how best to make our roads safer for both cyclists and drivers. Meghan gives us the lowdown on Make Your Move Antigonish, a provincially-supported wellness campaign that encourages simple movement throughout daily life rather than structured exercise programs. She describes workplace initiatives like walking meetings and parking lot loops, community programs including walking school buses, and efforts to reach people at work, school, and home. The discussion touches on barriers to active transportation in rural areas, the challenge of changing sedentary behaviors, and plans for expanding the program to high schools and creating safe route-to-school maps.Call Meghan directly to ask about Make Your Move Antigonish (902) 863-1141 or email info@makeyourmoveantigonish.caMake Your Move Antigonish websiteMake You Move Antigonish on FacebookBike safety rules Nova ScotiaRules of the road from Cycling Nova Scotia Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

We sat down with Shaun Smith, coordinator for this year’s Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition happening from August 27-31 at the exhibition grounds/barns off of James Street. Some changes to note for this year: * Water is being trucked in, so the event won’t use any town water* There’s a goat show this year - the only one in Atlantic Canada* There’s a new lumber sport event with exciting chainsaw action* Due to a last minute cancellation, midway rides this year are being provided by a new company that focuses on kids rides, so there will be fewer of the big scary rides like the scrambler and ferris wheel. If you’ve never been to the fair, this is a great year to check it out. Popular events like the tug-of-war and the ATV obstacle courses will be back, as well as barrel racing, pole bending, horse pulls, and many draft horse and cattle shows. There will be youth singing competitions, as well as contests for flowers, photography, vegetables, crafts, and baking. This year’s event will honor Donald MacLellan, who managed the exhibition for 51 years and passed away in 2024. During the official opening on Wednesday, the horse barn will be dedicated to Donald. Eastern Nova Scotia Exhibition website Follow the Exhibition on Facebook Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

We sat down with Janet Becigneul of the Haunted Antigonish Ghost Tour to learn about the world famous ghosts here in Antigonish. From the Blue Nun and Red Priest to the fire ghost of Caledonia Mills, this town is renowned for our ghosts. In fact, the name “Antigonish” is most often associated with the ghost-inspired poem Antigonish (I met a man who wasn't there) by Hughes Mearns which inspired a film and a few songs including the David Bowie hit The Man Who Sold The World (famously covered by Nirvana). Watch The Fire Ghost of Caledonia Mills at this link featuring many familiar Antigonish faces!Antigonish (I met a man who wasn't there)by Hughes MearnsYesterday, upon the stair,I met a man who wasn't there!He wasn't there again today,I wish, I wish he'd go away!When I came home last night at three,The man was waiting there for meBut when I looked around the hall,I couldn't see him there at all!Go away, go away, don't you come back any more!Go away, go away, and please don't slam the door... (slam!)Last night I saw upon the stair,A little man who wasn't thereHe wasn't there again todayOh, how I wish he'd go away.... Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

We sat down with Blaise MacDonald, Antigonish Emergency Management Coordinator, to ask what the Antigonish has been doing to prepare for the next major wildfire, flood, hurricane, or other disaster. Turns out that a lot has changed since Hurricane Fiona - we now have an Antigonish Regional Emergency Management Plan on the books (as of 2022). Blaise gives us all the details in this week’s episode. A full overview is provided below. Here are some links to resources mentioned in the episode: Red Cross 72-hour emergency kit infoRed Cross Be Ready emergency preparedness infoAntigonish County emergency preparedness infoTown of Antigonish emergency preparedness infoSummary of the episode (auto-generated): SummaryThis episode of "Let's Talk Antigonish" features host Justin speaking with Blaise MacDonald, the Antigonish Regional Emergency Management Coordinator, about emergency preparedness in Antigonish town and county. The conversation covers how the region has strengthened its emergency response capabilities since Hurricane Fiona.Key Topics CoveredEmergency Management Structure* Leadership: The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is led by either the town's CAO (Randy DeLorey) or county's CEO (Sherlyn Donovan), with Blaise supporting the team* Locations: Two dedicated EOC locations - primary at Beech Hill municipal office, secondary at Main Street town hall* Team composition: Includes town/county employees, RCMP, fire departments, EHS, and ground search and rescueEmergency Response ScenariosWildfire Response:* Department of Natural Resources (DNR) coordinates actual fire suppression* Local emergency management activates when fires exceed local capacity* Regular tabletop exercises practice wildfire scenarios (like the recent Pinevale area exercise)Evacuation Procedures:* Alert Ready system broadcasts over radio, TV, and cell phones* Door-to-door notification by ground search and rescue in areas with poor cell coverage* 23 comfort centers and 2 emergency shelters availableFacilities and CapacityEmergency Shelters (overnight accommodation):* CACL/Legion facility in downtown core* Heatherton community centre in Heatherton* Combined capacity: approximately 400 people* Equipped with beds, cots, blankets, hygiene kits, and backup generatorsComfort Centers (temporary refuge):* 23 locations for short-term stays* Provide device charging, refreshments, information updates* Not equipped for overnight staysImprovements Since Hurricane Fiona* Antigonish Regional Emergency Management Plan adopted (2022)* Dedicated emergency shelters established* Two EOC locations identified* Enhanced communication protocols* Better coordination with provincial and federal partners* 10-year agreements with shelter facilitiesPersonal Preparedness Recommendations* Emergency kits: 72-hour supplies including food, water, medications* Important documents: Multiple copies of passports, ID stored in accessible locations* Emergency plans: Contact information and evacuation routes* Resource: Canadian Red Cross website for kit and planning guidanceCommunity Support Systems* Vulnerable persons registry: Province-wide program in development* Neighbour support: Emphasis on community members checking on elderly and at-risk neighbors* Volunteer opportunities: Fire departments, Nova Scotia Guard, comfort center organizations, Red CrossNew Fire Training Facility* Located in Lower South River Industrial Park on 5-acre site* Will provide live fire training, search and rescue, vehicle extrication, and dry hydrant operations* Benefits all 9 regional fire departments (8 county + 1 town)* Currently in development phase with legal agreements pendingCurrent Drought Conditions* Mandatory water restrictions in place* Provincial restrictions on outdoor activities, ATVs in woods, and outdoor fires* Human activity identified as primary wildfire risk factor, but lightning still a major cause of wildfire* Extremely dry conditions throughout the regionAdditional Resources* Nova Scotia Guard: 1,000 trained volunteers available province-wide for emergency response* Provincial/Federal support: Available for events exceeding local capacity* Public information: Town and county websites, Alert Ready system, local radio (XFM)Key TakeawaysBlaise emphasized several important points:* Stay calm and prepared - understand local hazards (wildfire, flooding)* Community cooperation - neighbours should look out for each other* Personal responsibility - maintain emergency kits and plans* Trust in systems - significant improvements made since Fiona* Get involved - volunteer opportunities available in fire departments and emergency servicesThe episode demonstrates that Antigonish has significantly strengthened its emergency preparedness infrastructure and response capabilities, with comprehensive plans for various disaster scenarios and strong community partnerships. Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

A listener was wondering why beer at the local pubs here in Antigonish is so expensive, so we sat down with Bryan Druhan of Candid Brewing Company to ask him not just about beer prices, but drinking culture in Antigonish. The short answer: prices in Antigonish for craft beer are actually cheaper than they could be, and less expensive than you’ll see in cities like Halifax. Everything from the tariffs on aluminum to the war in Ukraine have affected commodity prices that have impacted local breweries. We also asked Bryan about student drinking culture here in Antigonish, changes to people’s pub-visiting and drinking behaviour, and the alcohol consumption warning labels that Candid has put on its beer. Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

We sat down with Colleen Cameron, chair of the Antigonish Affordable Housing Society to ask her what’s up with those new affordable housing units on Appleseed Drive. And what is affordable housing exactly? How does it work and who is allowed to rent the units? Colleen gives us all the answers, and valuable insight into the housing crisis. Link to learn more or donate to the society:https://www.antigonishaffordablehousing.ca/Summary of the main points from the interview (auto-generated): New Development Details* 17 new units opening August 1st (with 4 units delayed until August 15th)* Located across from elementary and junior schools* Connected to existing Appleseed Court Phase One (12 units)* 120 applications received for just 17 units, showing massive demand* This brings their total to 45 units over 10 yearsWhat is Affordable Housing?Two definitions of "affordable":* Personal affordability: Housing costs should not exceed 30% of total household income* Unit classification: Rent must be below 80% of median market rent in the areaFunding structure:* Federal funding through CMHC (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation)* Not grants but 40-50 year mortgages at low interest rates* Units must generate income to pay back the mortgageIncome Caps and Rent StructureMaximum household incomes to qualify:* One bedroom: $62,500* Two bedroom: $73,500* Three bedroom: $84,000Rent ranges:* Two-bedroom units: $838-920 (all-inclusive: utilities, snow removal, maintenance)* Significantly below market rates (market rate example given was $1,550 for a two-bedroom house)Financial Challenges"It doesn't work" financially:* Rental income doesn't cover all operational costs (mortgage, maintenance, taxes, utilities)* Organization relies heavily on fundraising and donations to bridge gaps* Community navigator position (75% navigator, 25% property manager) must be funded through donations* Chair Colleen Cameron spends approximately 30 hours per week volunteering* Government has refused requests for funding executive director or staff positionsTenant DemographicsDiverse resident population:* Ages range from 6 months to 90 years old* Single mothers, two-parent families, young unattached males, seniors* People with physical and mental disabilities* Mix of working professionals and those receiving rent subsidies* Many tenants still pay more than 30% of income on housing despite "affordable" ratesHousing Continuum ContextAffordable housing sits between public/social housing and market-rate housing on the housing continuum: Homeless → Transition housing → Shelters → Public housing → Affordable housing → Market rentFuture PlansSugarloaf Development:* Planning 50-55 new units on donated Dr. Hendricks property* Will include 1-4 bedroom units* Economy of scale expected to improve financial sustainability* Considering mixed-income model with some market-rate units to cross-subsidize affordable onesGovernment and Community SupportMunicipal relationships:* Strong support from both town and county councils* Financial contributions for each of their four builds* Council members have served on the organization's boardSystemic issues identified:* Federal government stopped investing in public housing 30 years ago* Current system pushes responsibility from federal → provincial → municipal → volunteers* Process for developers to access affordable housing funding is overly complicatedPublic Misconceptions* Affordable housing often confused with public housing* Residents include working professionals, not just lowest-income individuals* Mixed-income community is intentional and beneficialBroader Housing Crisis Context* 25% of Antigonish residents are over 65, many seeking smaller accommodations closer to town* Food insecurity has grown significantly alongside housing affordability issues* Low turnover in affordable units due to dramatic rent differences with market housing* Current model may inadvertently discourage income growth to maintain housing eligibility Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

Anuj and Justin reflect on the past 13 episodes of the podcast and reveal which episodes received the most listens. We discuss our long list of ideas for future episode, and provide our top 3 most important lessons learned since launching the podcast. We invite our listeners to fill out this poll letting us know which episode subject ideas interest you the most: https://form.jotform.com/251993330982263As always, thanks for your support!-Anuj and Justin Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe

We sat down with electric car owner and EV aficionado Allan Briggs to figure out if it’s worth owning an electric vehicle as your only car here in Antigonish. The short answer: it’s certainly possible, but it depends on how far you need to travel. For everyday use here in town, Allan says electric cars are fantastic. But if you’re taking regular trips to far flung destinations, you have to plan a lot more to use your electric car, which could be a dealbreaker for some. But, there are positive changes coming to both battery technology and the charging station infrastructure here in Nova Scotia, so it will be getting easier and more worthwhile to own an EV going forward. So an EV might well be for you! But have a listen to Allan to hear about the pros and cons. Get full access to Let's Talk Antigonish at letstalkantigonish.substack.com/subscribe