Building on the legacy of pioneering Scottish and, later, Dutch immigrants, St. Andrews, a rural agricultural community of 1,100 people located in northeast Nova Scotia, has maintained an over two centuries-long tradition of forging its own development. Yet it was not until the Coady International Institute shone light on local successes by documenting them as part of a collection of case studies of citizen-led development from around the world, that they understood they might be doing something unique in the field of community development.

This experience has inspired St. Andrews to build on its legacy of “community spirit” and undertake a number of new initiatives.

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Other asset-based community development case studies from around the world are available on the Coady International Institute's website >>

This 22 minute video explores some of the reasons why this has been possible. At its base is a set of values that puts a premium on self-sufficiency, community spirit, and care for others.

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