NB's Milltown Dam Decommissioning Begins

A piece of history is making way for environmental progress. NB Power officially began the decommissioning process for the iconic Milltown dam this month. Built in 1881, it is one of the oldest hydroelectric dams in the world, but today it responsible for generating just 0.8 per cent of the province's hydroelectricity supply. While many locals lament the loss of what is believed to be Canada's oldest dam, the removal of the generating station will create additional spawning habitats for fish species, and will help restore approximately 16 kilometres of the St. Croix River to its original natural glory. The entire process is expected to continue until the spring of 2024. CHCO will be covering the decommissioning every step of the way with the newest addition to our team, videographer Jeff Lively.  

New Brunswick RCMP told CHCO they are expecting to have an update as early as this week on an investigation into a series of incidents that took place on Deer Island last week. An abandoned house with tents on the property near Fairhaven was destroyed in a suspicious fire about an hour after a car was heavily damaged by a group of people at the ferry terminal Tuesday night around the time of the last ferry. It's well known locally that RCMP are not on the island or easily able to get to it after the last ferry of the day. Some Deer Island residents have suggested on social media that this has led to many pre-planned overnight crimes, leaving some islanders feeling compelled to take matters into their own hands. RCMP are now warning New Brunswickers against vigilante justice. 

The Grand Manan V is one of five Canadian ferries and the only Atlantic Canada ferry to be featured on a new series of stamps called "Let's Take the Ferry!". The Grand Manan V has been in operation since 1990 and is one of two ferries offering year-round trips to Grand Manan. 110,000 vehicles and 200,000 passengers take the ferry to Grand Manan every year.

Finally, after 30 years as the Executive Director of the Charlotte County Volunteer Centre and foodbank in St. Stephen, Donna Linton is retiring. On Saturday at the Atlantic Superstore, the Volunteer Centre teamed up with Mark Downey from Charlotte FM to honour Linton with a final food drive as well as a cake celebration. In total, nearly 4,000 pounds of food were collected and over $1000 in cash donations were raised. Many locals, including Minister Kathy Bockus and MP John Williamson, made the trip to the Superstore to say thank to Linton for her years of service to the community. From all of us at CHCO-TV, thank you, Donna.