Charlotte County Pride, Housing, and Heritage Featured on This Week Uncut

The latest episode of This Week Uncut on CHCO-TV, covering July 7–13, 2025, explored a wide range of community issues in Charlotte County—from Pride celebrations and affordable housing to heritage funding and environmental concerns.

The broadcast opened with coverage of Charlotte County Pride, marked by the unveiling of a rainbow crosswalk in St. Stephen. Councillor Emily Rodas reflected on its emotional significance, saying, “I wish these symbols had been around when I was growing up.” Tracy Matheson, Co-Chair of Charlotte County Pride, highlighted the region’s proximity to the U.S. border and the ongoing challenges facing LGBTQ+ rights just across it. “We are who we are. We celebrate love, we celebrate diversity, and we’re going to keep fighting for that,” she said.

Affordable housing was another focal point. In St. Andrews, Carolyn Davies spoke on behalf of the Passamaquoddy Lodge Foundation, which is seeking to secure affordable housing for both seniors and staff. “High rental costs are a significant barrier,” she noted. Minister David Hickey acknowledged a province-wide housing shortfall, citing a “40-year gap in meaningful investment.” He stressed the importance of local partnerships, adding, “We recognize that there’s a significant housing need, especially in rural communities throughout Charlotte County.”

In St. George, Habitat for Humanity dedicated a new home to Stephanie Scott and her daughter. Scott expressed deep gratitude for the security that comes with homeownership. Perry Kendall, speaking on behalf of Habitat, acknowledged ongoing challenges: “The cost of construction is high, but we remain committed to helping families make the transition.”

Heritage preservation also made headlines. At Minister’s Island, Executive Director John Kershaw pointed to funding disparities compared to other provincial heritage sites. “King’s Landing received $3.6 million, while Minister’s Island got $100,000 despite comparable visitor numbers,” Kershaw said. He advocated for new exhibits and programming to enhance the site’s appeal and long-term sustainability.

Environmental concerns in Lorneville were also featured. Residents voiced strong opposition to rezoning for industrial development, citing threats to old-growth forests and nearby watercourses. The advocacy group Save Lorneville raised concerns about the transparency of the public consultation process. Meanwhile, the City of Saint John defended the plan, pointing to its potential as a site for green industrial development.

This episode of This Week Uncut painted a nuanced portrait of the ongoing conversations shaping Southwest New Brunswick—balancing community identity, development, heritage, and environmental protection.