Welcome to the first episode of the One Door podcast—a series that shines a light on the people, places, and ideas reimagining safety, support, and dignity for women, youth, and families in rural Nova Scotia and beyond.
In Episode 1, we explore the vision behind One Door, a purpose-built hub led by the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre & Sexual Assault Services Association (AWRCSASA). The goal: when someone walks through one door, they can access coordinated, wraparound support—so no one falls through the cracks.
Host Alexandra MacRae is joined by:
Anita Stewart – Executive Director, Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre & Sexual Assault Services Association
Natalie Leonard – Founding Partner & Senior Engineer, Passive Design Solutions
Barbara McLean – Former Deputy Chief, Toronto Police Service; former Investigations Director & spokesperson, Mass Casualty Commission
Episode 1 sets the tone for the series: real stories, honest conversations, and a clear vision for a safer future—one door at a time.
0:00 – Intro & Mission of Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre
0:20 – Welcome to the One Door Podcast & Guest Introductions
1:15 – History, Scope & Services of the Women’s Centre
3:40 – Rural Barriers, Outreach & Rising Demand for Services
4:55 – Introducing the One Door Model: One Hub for Many Services
7:40 – Reducing Trauma, System Navigation & Continuity of Care
9:05 – Why the New Purpose-Built Centre is Needed Now
9:42 – Community Needs, Social Determinants & Public Safety
12:14 – Where Systems Fail Women Experiencing Violence
14:30 – From Recommendations to Action: The ‘Know–Do’ Gap
15:27 – What the New Centre Symbolizes: Hope, Inclusion & Sustainability
19:18 – Inclusion as Prevention & Safer Communities for All
19:50 – Designing the New Building: Vision, Layout & Next Phase
22:42 – Passive Design & Net-Zero Energy Goals
24:02 – Accessibility, Privacy & Trauma-Informed Space Design
26:45 – Challenges of Funding Grassroots Public Safety Work
29:19 – Proving Impact & 45 Years of Community Leadership
31:33 – How the Community Can Support the One Door Campaign
32:18 – Policy, Rural Voices & Urban Bias in Decision-Making
33:41 – The $5M Capital Campaign & Call for Government Support
35:37 – Holding Governments to Their Existing Commitments
35:58 – Closing Reflections & A Call for Nova Scotia to Lead
36:14 – Thank You, Final Appeal & How to Donate
About Lindsay’s Health Centre
The new One Door hub will include Lindsay’s Health Centre, opened in February 2005 in memory of Dr. Lindsay Myers, a respected Antigonish psychiatrist. Dr. Myers was a strong advocate for social justice, peace, and anti-poverty initiatives, committed to building a healthier community. Lindsay’s Health Centre continues her legacy through compassionate, community-rooted health services for women, youth, and families.
Anita Stewart – Executive Director, AWRC & Sexual Assault Services Association Anita Stewart leads the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre & Sexual Assault Services Association, serving Antigonish and Guysborough counties. She and her team support women, gender-diverse folks, youth, and families navigating violence, poverty, mental health challenges, addictions, housing insecurity, and systemic barriers. Anita is a key driver behind the One Door model and capital campaign.
Natalie Leonard – Founding Partner & Senior Engineer, Passive Design Solutions With a background in construction, Natalie Leonard is the Founding Partner at Passive Design Solutions (PDS) and a senior engineer. Driven by a commitment to equality and planetary health, she became the first certified Passive House Consultant and builder in Canada. Since 2009, PDS has focused exclusively on Passive House and Net Zero projects. Their values align closely with AWRCSASA’s community-based vision for the new centre.
Barbara McLean – Former Deputy Chief, Toronto Police Service Originally from Antigonish, Barbara McLean spent 32 years with the Toronto Police Service, retiring as a Deputy Chief overseeing Human Resources Command. She later served as Investigations Director and spokesperson for the Mass Casualty Commission, examining the police response to the events of April 18–19, 2020. Now retired in Nova Scotia, she continues to champion safer, more inclusive communities and the crucial role of grassroots organizations.