Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 6

188 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6 from beyond Atlantic Canada. “StFX is a highly rated university across the country,” McCarron says. “Their ability to keep the campus open to safely hold in-person classes amidst COVID is truly a reflection of the tight-knit relationship that our community’s students share. Just another excellent reason for people to come here. And we’ve got a very good hospital, St. Martha’s Regional, here as well.” Like many communities across Atlantic Canada, physician recruitment and retention has been a challenge in Antigonish. The Town and County, alongside the St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation, have taken this challenge head on by forming an Inter-Municipal Agreement to create a Community Navigator position. This role has already seen some success in the community with new specialists and their families already setting down roots in the community. “Restaurants are also very big here, especially in the Town,” says Boucher, picking up the thread. “We have two new craft breweries that are currently setting up shop in Town. We also have Coldstream Distillery distribution center that just opened last year and Steinhart Distillery in the County that has received international acclaim. Our Farmers’ Market attracts hundreds of visitors from across the Town and County every weekend. What we’re noticing is that a lot of people living in our area are very socially conscious, and what COVID has done is highlighted the need for our independence. At least three of our restaurants buy produce, meat, and other supplies directly from local farmers. We’re very lucky to be connected to such a forward-thinking community where people are willing to support local, whether that’s our independent farmers, artisans, or taking advantage of our unique shopping district. Antigonish is lucky to be home to such unique shops from our hometown staples that have been around for decades to newer shops being opened by keen young entrepreneurs.” From an accessibility aspect, Antigonish is Town Mayor, Laurie Boucher