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Friday, April 29, 2011

City Utility Unlikely To Pay Claims From Power Surge

If you have put a claim in with Saint John Energy asking them to pay for damages to electronics as a result of the west side power surge about two weeks ago then you're out of luck.

The board of directors says they are not responsible for any damages as the surge was caused by stormy weather and was beyond their control.


A fastener caught on fire which caused a live wire to fall into another, causing the power surge.

President Eric Marr tells CHSJ News Saint John Energy's insurance company will now be contacting customers who made claims and he expects the position of the insurance company will be similar to the utility's in denying liability and payment.

He estimates about 65 people have filed claims against the company to the tune of about 45 to 50 thousand dollars.


City Crews Battle North End Blaze



Fire fighters remain on the scene of a major blaze in the North End at this hour.
The blaze started in a 3-storey wood frame home at 148 Victoria Street and threatened a large apartment building next door -- that threat so severe a second alarm was sounded bringing more equipment and fire fighters.


They managed to keep it from spreading to the nearby building.

Everyone was evacuated safely but two cats had to be resuscitated with pet masks.  So far no word on the cause.
The Red Cross being called in for two people who need somewhere to stay at least for tonight.

Point Lepreau Refurbishments Move Forward


Finally some good news for Point Lepreau.  Atomic Energy of Canada Limited has successfully installed 20 per cent of the calandria tubes in the plant's nuclear reactor. 

NB Power President Gaetean Thomas says the next step will be to install pressure tubes that go inside of the calandria tubes.

The newly installed calandria tubes all passed the necessary leak tests and Thomas says AECL is currently on schedule to be done by the fall of 2012.

Glen Falls School Celebrates Arbour Day


Grade One students at Glen Falls Elementary celebrating Arbour Day with help from the Mayor and JDI.

The children receiving seedlings to plant as well as getting an education on the benefits of trees to the environment.

Environmentalist Reverend Llyod Lake tells CHSJ News kids always appreciate the event and are very knowledgeable about trees and the environment.

Three hardwood trees being planted on the school grounds as part of the celebration.



Province Told Not To Steamroll Ahead On Shale Gas

The Provincial Government is being told not to bulldoze ahead on shale gas exploration without having the proper regulations and monitoring in place. That from the Citizens for Responsible Resource Development which is holding rallies around the province at the offices of cabinet ministers.

Its President Bethany Thorne-Dykstra tells CHSJ News there is heightened concern in light of recent reports on possible consequences of how the natural gas is extracted from shale.

She goes on to say the process of fracking involves large amounts of fresh water and chemicals which can include hydrochloric acid, benzine, methane and diesel.

Thorne-Dykstra says they're looking for the province to have proper monitoring and regulations in place so well water is protected from contamination.

Health Minister Acknowledges Mental Health Week

The Provincial Health Minister acknowledging the start of Mental Health Week.  Madeline Dube says its meant as an opportunity to show support for and raise awareness of the importance of mental fitness and mental health.  It is also designed to shed light on stigmas that often create barriers for those who face mental health challenges every day.
 
One in five Canadians will experience a mental illness in his or her lifetime and 8 per cent of adults will experience major depression. Suicide accounts for 24 per cent of all deaths among 15- to 24-year-olds and suicide rates in this province exceed the national average.
Mental Health Week starts Sunday.   For more info on upcoming activites, click here

Traffic Disruptions

You can expect increased traffic over the next week near the Reversing Falls Bridge. Beginning today, hundreds of additional contractors will be working a scheduled maintenance shutdown at the Irving Pulp Mill until May 6th.

City police will be controlling traffic at the main entrance to the mill during the morning commute from 6:30 until 8:00 and during one afternoon between 4 and 6pm on election day.

Recreation Centre Road in Quispamsis is closed due to construction work.

The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks.

Drivers travelling to the Quispamsis Recreation Centre should proceed via the Q-Plex on Randy Jones Way, off Vincent Road.