A recent episode of This Week Uncut on CHCO-TV spotlighted civic debates gripping two border communities: the future of St. Andrews’ historic Market Wharf and the ongoing challenges of homelessness and public safety in St. Stephen.

In St. Andrews, a special council meeting drew such a large crowd that some residents were left outside, straining to follow the proceedings. At issue was whether to advance a long-discussed plan to revitalize the town’s wharf and Market Square, a project seen as central to both tourism and community identity.

After years of debate, council voted 6–1 to proceed with the tendering process. Councillor Darryl Weare abstained—an action that, under procedure, was counted as a yes vote—while Acting Deputy Mayor Steve Neil cast the only vote against. Construction firms will now be invited to bid, with costs capped at $8 million. If bids come in higher, the project will not move forward.

The decision came despite lingering concerns over consultation and environmental review. A resident survey conducted in October 2023 drew just 191 responses, 71 of which supported the current design.

“It holds no statistical validity because it’s such a small sample size,” Councillor Weare told council.

Local engineer Steve Saunders also challenged the environmental study underpinning the project, arguing that its reliance on two-dimensional modelling was insufficient. “Something requiring this much detail really should be analyzed with a three-dimensional code,” he said.

Even as some councillors urged closure, others called for continued public involvement. “Public engagement, I feel, is critical for us as councillors to do our job,” said Acting Deputy Mayor Neil.

The program also reported on new safety measures from the town’s Business Improvement Association, which is purchasing water-filled barricades to protect against potential vehicle attacks during public events.

“These barriers act as a deterrent—both a physical deterrent, but also a psychological one,” said association secretary Katy MacDonald.

Meanwhile, in St. Stephen,the council turned its attention to issues tied to homelessness and public safety. Officials voted to remove clothing donation bins from municipal property by September 30, citing incidents in which people had sought shelter inside them.

Council also confirmed that the St. Stephen side of the annual International Homecoming Festival parade will be cancelled this year due to a lack of participation, though other festivities will go ahead as planned.