When Dr. Amy Hendricks and Paul Davie moved to Nova Scotia from the Northwest Territories in 2016, they were looking for a place to build a medical clinic. They found a beautiful 46-acre plot at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain in Antigonish.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, they soon realized that keeping the entire mountain-side for themselves felt like a missed opportunity. Seeing the local housing crisis firsthand, they decided to do something radical: they gave the land away.
A New Kind of Neighborhood
Rather than a standard subdivision, the couple envisioned an “intentional community.” This isn’t just about putting roofs over heads; it’s about designing a space where people from all walks of life—seniors, young families, and people with disabilities—actually live together.
| Project Component | Leading Organization | Goal |
| Affordable Units | Antigonish Affordable Housing Society | ~150 units for low-to-moderate income earners. |
| Transitional Care | The Naomi Society | Safe housing for those fleeing domestic violence. |
| Inclusive Living | CACL | Homes specifically designed for adults with disabilities. |
| Health & Wellness | Dr. Amy Hendricks | A medical clinic and potential daycare/retail space. |
Breaking the “Commuter Trap”
One of the primary drivers for this donation was the reality for local workers. Currently, many essential workers—like those in nursing homes or retail—cannot afford to live in Antigonish. They are forced to live 40 minutes away, spending significant time and money on gas just to get to work.
By placing housing, healthcare, and services in one walkable hub, the Sugarloaf project aims to:
- Reduce transportation costs for residents.
- Foster social connection to combat isolation.
- Preserve green space by clustering buildings and keeping the mountainside accessible for recreation.
“Our goal is that people can live here, see their doctor here, and maybe even work here.” — Dr. Amy Hendricks
The Road Ahead
With the land donation acting as a $2-million catalyst, the project is moving into high gear. While the medical clinic and CACL facilities are already under development, the larger housing phases are slated for construction throughout 2026.
