A recent episode of This Week Uncut, CHCO-TV’s weekly civic affairs program hosted by journalists Vicki Hogarth and Natalie Sturgeon, spotlighted a range of persistent issues facing Southwest New Brunswick—from infrastructure challenges to grassroots initiatives working to fill service gaps.

One of the top stories was the early return of the seasonal ferry connecting mainland New Brunswick to Campobello Island. Traditionally launched in June, the service will now begin in May. The move comes amid growing concerns about cross-border tensions that have made travel to the island more complicated for Canadian residents. With over 80 percent of Campobello’s tourism traffic coming from the U.S., the ferry’s early start is being positioned as both an economic necessity and a logistical solution for the island’s isolation. Hogarth encouraged New Brunswickers to include Campobello in their summer plans, noting domestic tourism's crucial role in supporting the island’s economy.

The episode also covered efforts by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to rebuild public trust through regular community engagement. Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Peters and Sergeant Peter Lambert addressed growing concerns about online and phone scams, reportedly affecting many residents. “There’s a lot of people falling prey,” Peters warned, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

Water infrastructure problems in Blacks Harbour were another key focus. Eastern Charlotte Councillor Adam Hatt raised concerns about long-standing water quality issues, citing continued reports of discoloured and unreliable tap water. “It’s time that we do something,” Hatt said. “Our ratepayers have been more than fair.”

In addition to policy and policing, the program highlighted citizen-led initiatives making a tangible difference in the community. One such project is Paula’s Clothing Line, a free community clothesline that distributes donated garments with no barriers to access. “This gives everybody an opportunity to give back,” Paula told Sturgeon.

The show also profiled a youth-led cleanup campaign initiated by St. Stephen resident Lydia Stubbert. Now in its third year, the initiative embodies a growing spirit of grassroots civic engagement. “It feels better once you get to do it and help be a part of it,” Lydia said.

The episode wrapped with coverage of the regional YMCA’s expansion plans, highlighting the organization’s increasing importance as a community hub. With rising demand for after-hours programming and services, the YMCA is preparing to expand its offerings to better serve the local population.