Hundreds without a family doctor attend NB Health Link event in St. Stephen

Several hundred people attended an event in St. Stephen to help them connect to NB Health Link through the Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission. 

Regional Director Charlane Hatt told CHCO-TV, it sensed there was a need in the community – so it held the event at the Garcelon Civic Centre on Jan. 22. 

Mel Walker has been without a family doctor for about a year. 

"We need a new family doctor is what we need," said Walker, a resident of St. Stephen. "But I mean, better access to health care, and its a good thing they’re doing this to let the province know we need doctors down here." 

He says he found it helpful, but wished there was better organization of the line of people waiting to be seen. 

Philip Holmes said while he has a family doctor, he is inaccessible due to the doctor’s personal health. 

"I don’t want to have to run all over the place getting prescriptions and stuff and that’s my biggest fear right there is what the heck am I going to do," said Holmes, also a St. Stephen resident. 

Many people who need access to prescriptions were there, some with young children. 

"We can’t go to the ER with the kids to get the prescriptions filled. I have four. So it would be important for you to have someone that is consistent. Very. Our luck is not that great," said Miranda Dickens-Crisp.

NB Health Link aims to provide primary health care to those without it. 

You can register online for the service, but some locals say they want more doctors in their area – and better resources for them. 

"Let's Solve the Housing Crisis" event coming to St. Andrews

The housing crisis in New Brunswick isn’t just a headline—it’s a reality felt across the province.

On Monday, January 27th, Peter Corbyn, Executive Director of the New Brunswick Nonprofit Housing Association, will host an interactive talk called “Let’s Solve the Housing Crisis.” The event, cohosted by CHCO-TV, takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the WC O’Neill Arena Theatre in St. Andrews. Admission is free, with donations accepted for local non-profit Neighbourhood Works.

Corbyn says the roots of the crisis stretches back to the 1990s when government funding for nonprofit housing dropped significantly.

“A lot of us in the nonprofit housing sector will say we were abandoned 30 years ago," said Corbyn.

Corbyn's talk will look at how we got to the situation we are now in and will invite the audience into a dialogue about possible solutions. With 1,500 people unhoused in the province’s major cities alone and countless others struggling to afford rising rents, Corbyn hopes the event will inspire action.

“There’s a role for everyone to play,” said Corbyn.

Mark your calendars—January 27th could be the start of something impactful.

St. Stephen council considers new bylaw for themed sidewalks

In St. Stephen, the council is considering a new bylaw that would require residents or organizations who want coloured or themed crosswalks to pay for it and the upkeep.

Anyone who would want to paint a crosswalk would be required to submit an application to the municipality, which would review the application, and provide a costing for that project.

"It does require support from the surrounding area, we would require that in writing, and is at the cost of the applicant,”  Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Renaud said. “A small community group could gather some money to fund that installation."

It would require a petition of 60 per cent of the neighbourhood, Renaud explained.

Several councillors say they are in favour of the policy creation, but want more time with it to consider some amendments, including parameters for upkeep and quantifying support, narrowing the criteria for who could apply.

"We want to make it accessible to the grassroots folks who want to do something good,” Renaud said.

Charlotte County Archives bring back Historic Home Movies

The Charlotte County Archives is bringing its popular Historic Home Movies series to NBCC St. Andrews.

The first screening kicks off this Sunday, January 26th, at 2 PM, with a nostalgic look back at the creation of the St. Andrews Community Playground at Vincent Massey Elementary in 1993, which includes familiar faces such as the late Chris Flemming, co-founder of CHCO-TV. Flemming hosted the first-ever show on CHCO-TV called St. Andrews Today, which covered the planning, construction and unveiling of the now famous playground.

The screenings continue every Sunday at 2 PM through February 18th, offering a glimpse into the the region's past, complete with heartwarming memories from key community figures. Admission is by donation.