Grand Manan gets full time air ambulance after two-year gap in service
In December 2022, new regulations from the federal government grounded the air ambulance that was serving Grand Manan Island – which is only accessible by ferry. Ambulance New Brunswick lent the island an aircraft but it was not stationed on the island permanently, creating gaps in service and worries for island residents. In September, a King Air 200 was stationed full-time on the island.
Read more: https://www.commediaportal.ca/web/en/media/chco-tv-newsbreak26-vicki-hogarth-september-3-2024
Left in the Dark: Starshine Properties left vacant and dilapidated, creating concern for residents
Nearly 20 properties were purchased by out-of-province landlords in St. Stephen. Annette Penkala has been described by some as an absentee landlord. The Courier and CHCO-TV documented some of the issues tenant’s were facing including water-shut offs, power disconnections and raids by the Department of Justice and Public Safety.
Link: https://chco.tv/in-depth-citizens-seek-answers-in-a-survey-on-community-safety-in-st-stephen/
St. Stephen gets permanent homeless shelter one year after emergency declaration
The community of St. Stephen has been grappling with an increasing number of people experiencing homelessness. In December 2023, it declared a state of emergency to try and get the provincial government to help it secure a shelter. One person died while outside in St. Stephen last winter. On Dec. 17, 2024, a new permanent shelter opened on 9 Main Street.
Read more: https://chco.tv/st-stephen-homeless-shelter-opens-up-20-beds-available/
Blacks Harbour faces continued water supply issues
The communities of Blacks and Beaver Harbour have been facing water quality issues for several years. Connors Brothers, a fish-packing and processing plant, owns the water supply. Councillors have decried the colour and sediment that have been in the water. Mayor John Craig said the solution is not simple and it is exploring all options to bring relief to those using the water supply in Blacks and Beaver Harbour.
Read more: https://chco.tv/blacks-harbour-residents-warned-to-prepare-for-boil-water-advisory-amid-repairs/
Milltown dam decommissioned to allow return of natural flow of the St. Croix River
On June 4, the St. Croix River flowed freely once again as the site of the former Milltown Dam in St. Stephen hosted a historic celebration. The event marked the removal of the dam by NB Power, a pivotal step in restoring the river’s ecosystem and enabling migratory fish to return to their natural habitat for the first time in over a century. Attendees explored the revitalized riverbank, witnessing firsthand the transformation of the landscape. The ceremony, steeped in cultural significance, was led by the Peskotomuhkati People, who honoured the moment with drumming, traditional dances, and a water ceremony.
Read more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVoOjbElmDs&t=2s
