The latest episode of This Week Uncut on CHCO-TV, hosted by Nathalie Sturgeon and Vicki Hogarth, examined issues ranging from municipal planning in St. Andrews to the global state of human rights, underscoring the link between local governance and broader social concerns.

Draft Municipal Plan Under Review

A central focus was the town’s draft municipal plan, a 10-year framework that will guide land use and development. Public meetings on the plan have drawn high turnout, reflecting community interest in decisions affecting growth. The draft addresses short-term rentals, urban densification, and the protection of the Chamcook Lake watershed, the community’s main drinking water source. Sturgeon explained that municipal plans set the direction for a decade, making public participation crucial.

The discussion addressed the shortage of affordable housing. By standard definitions, affordable rent equals 30 percent of household income. For the lowest-income residents in St. Andrews, that translates to about $437 per month, far below market prices. Hogarth noted the impact of short-term rentals such as Airbnb on supply, observing that when owners convert units for visitors, “it doesn’t mean it’s necessarily available for an actual resident.” 

Tourism, which draws an estimated 80,000 visitors annually to St. Andrews, was another point of discussion. The draft plan seeks to balance economic benefits with residents’ quality of life. 

Global Human Rights Conversation

The episode featured Alex Neve, former secretary general of Amnesty International Canada, who discussed his book Universal: Renewing Human Rights in a Fractured World. Neve emphasized that human rights must be regarded as universal, pointing to climate change and access to technology as areas demanding urgent attention. Neve is notably a graduate of Sir James Dunn Academy in St. Andrews.

Community Initiatives

Finally, the hosts highlighted the St. George Animal Shelter, which is constructing a new facility in response to rising demand. While the new building will expand capacity, Sturgeon stressed that ongoing operations will require sustained community support.