City Shines In Readers Survey

2009-03-22

21:48:44

Saint John businesses and attractions are holding their own against others in Atlantic Canada in a recent poll by Progress magazine.
The business publication's survey of readers ranks Java Moose as the best in the east for your early morning caffeine fix beating out coffee shops in Halifax and Charlottetown.
Best cultural space goes to the Imperial Theater which beat out the Confederation Center of the Arts in Charlottetown and Neptune Theater in Halifax.
Handworks Gallery comes in as the best place in Atlantic Canada to buy staff thank you gifts.
And the best place to jog honors go to Harbor Passage which topped Point Pleasant Park in Halifax and Victoria Park in Charlottetown.

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NB Power Rate Increase Under Review

2009-03-22

21:45:51

The Energy and Utilities Board is set to begin a review of N-B Power's latest rate increase -- the utility plans to raise power rates by three percent on April Fool's day.
The review was ordered late last week by Energy Minister Jack Keir who says it's a matter of accountability and transparency.
Under current legislation -- N-B Power isn't required to apply for a rate increase is not more than three percent -- but -- Keir has power to ask the board to investigate the necessity for the rate change.
Saint John Energy has also announced it will pass along the three percent increase to its customers.

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Refinery Air Quality Approval Open For Comment

2009-03-22

21:41:17

The clock is now ticking for the 180-day public process to renew the air quality operating certificate for the Irving Oil refinery.
The process covers issues like emissions -- and -- pollution control equipment along with monitoring and reporting requirements.
You have until July 17th to submit any comments or concerns in writing to the provincial Environment Department.
You can find a link information on documentation and providing comments here: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0355/0005/index-e.asp

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Stinky Scent Evacuates Apartment Building

2009-03-22

13:45:26

Stinky sewers may be the reason behind an evacuation in East Saint John this morning--- Fire officials are leaving the scene of an apartment building where they were investigating reports of a suspicious odour. They tell CHSJ News it looks as though the smell may be coming from the plumbing in the building and so the building owner has been instructed to get in touch with a plumber as soon as possible. Officials say the stench poses no danger to the residents of the Coburg Crescent building.

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No Good News for K-P Roads

2009-03-22

10:33:55 

More bad news for Kingston Peninsula residents -- Hampton-Kings Conservative M-L-A Bev Harrison says the Transportation Department is planning to close at least two government garages in the riding.
 Harrison says the closures are part of the cuts contained in last week's provincial budget -- and -- that's going to mean even less maintenance for local roads which are already in rough shape:

Residents are already battling Transportation Minister Denis Landry over plans to eliminate river ferries in Belleisle Bay - Gagetown - and - Hampstead.

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Recruitment Drive on for SJ Auxilary Unit

2009-03-22

10:30:00 

Next month marks the 10 year anniversary of the Saint John Police Force Auxiliary Unit and the call is out for any new recruits. Since it's inception the volunteer unit has given over 36 thousand hours to the police force. Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News, the amount of hours donated by residents is incredible.

The auxiliary unit mainly helps out on the weekends, and for special events such as parades. Chief Bill Reid says the dedication of the volunteers is amazing, and that many eventually graduate to becoming official police officers. The unit is holding a recruitment drive and anyone interested is urged to contact the police department.

 

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5th Annual Womens Wellness Conference

2009-03-22

10:28:09 

Women from all ages with gather at the Delta this Friday to celebrate the 5th annual Womens Wellness Conference. It began 12 years ago as the Saint John Womens Conference, set aside to access information contributing to health, well-being and self development. Spokes-person Kim Houlahan tells CHSJ News, the keynote speaker is Josey Vogels.

There are still seats available and you can register at www.sjwomenswellness.ca or call 631-0900.

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New Name, New Sign--- Same Owner:

2009-03-22

10:25:54 

If you've driven across the Causeway this week and said to yourself......""Something looks different" you are absolutely right. The sign at the Irving Lube Plant has a new name. The sign now reads Coastal Blending and Packaging but the owner is still Irving Oil.

 

General Manager of the plant Kevin Boyle tells CHSJ News, the name change was put into place back on the first day of the new year and is there to open up the market so they can sell their other products.

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First Ferries - Now M-L-A Says Highway Garages In Danger

2009-03-22

07:30:05

More bad news for Kingston Peninsula residents -- Hampton-Kings Conservative M-L-A Bev Harrison says the Transportation Department is planning to close at least two government garages in the riding.
Harrison says the closures are part of the cuts contained in last week's provincial budget -- and -- that's going to mean even less maintenance for local roads which are already in rough shape.
The veteran M-L-A says they would become nothing more than winter storage sheds and some residents are concerned it will lead to a reduction of plowing in the winter Residents are already battling Transportation Minister Denis Landry over plans to eliminate river ferries in Belleisle Bay - Gagetown - and - Hampstead -- they meet with the minister Tuesday.

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