This Week Uncut on CHCO-TV

The latest episode of This Week Uncut on CHCO-TV explored a range of civic issues affecting Charlotte County, including the return of The Courier to print, ongoing debate over the St. Andrews Wharf refurbishment, historical research into Civil War veterans buried in New Brunswick, and persistent water quality concerns in Blacks Harbour.

The episode opened with the announcement that The Courier—a newspaper with roots dating back to before Confederation—will return to print starting June 1. Co-host Vicki Hogarth noted that The Courier has been a part of life in Charlotte County for more than 160 years. The new print edition will be free, supported through advertising and a grant focused on engaging senior readers.

Nathalie Sturgeon, who has served as the online editor since CHCO-TV acquired the publication nearly a year ago and restructured it as a nonprofit, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the revival. She acknowledged the extensive work that has gone into the project and noted that advertising remains a critical component of its sustainability. The first issue will be distributed in St. Andrews, St. Stephen, and St. George, with the possibility of expanding circulation depending on community interest. To improve accessibility, the print edition will feature larger type and aim to reach residents less inclined to read news online.

Attention then turned to the debate over the planned refurbishment of the St. Andrews Wharf. The proposal involves replacing the traditional wooden structures with concrete decking and metal railings—changes that have sparked concerns about both aesthetics and potential environmental impacts. Sturgeon remarked that “the clock is running out,” referencing the deadlines attached to federal infrastructure funding. St. Andrews Mayor Brad Henderson acknowledged the complexity of the issue, explaining that this isn’t a decision the town could easily reverse. He said the council is carefully considering community input, engineering assessments, and the terms of the grant.

The episode also featured Troy Middleton of the New Brunswick Historical Society, who is conducting research into Canadians who fought in the American Civil War and are now buried in New Brunswick. Middleton described Canadian involvement in the war as a little-known aspect of history and shared that his project aims to document the names and stories of Union veterans interred in the province, ensuring their contributions are remembered and better understood.

The final segment addressed the ongoing water quality issues in Blacks Harbour. Residents have faced repeated boil water advisories and bouts of discoloured water over the past year. Laura Leget, representing the engineering firm Englobe, discussed recent test results and the firm's recommendations. She said the water is currently safe to drink but stressed that continued monitoring remains essential. Community members, however, have voiced growing frustration over the frequency of disruptions and the lack of permanent solutions.

Throughout the program, the hosts underscored the importance of community engagement and transparent decision-making. From infrastructure and public health to media access and historical memory, the episode reflected the broad range of challenges confronting rural communities across New Brunswick.