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Sunday, July 31, 2011

Community Groups Hold Day of FRACtion

It may be the long weekend, but organizations fighting against shale gas exploration in the province aren't taking any time off.

Stephanie Merrill with the province's Conservation Council tells CHSJ News 16 community groups will be gathering in Fredericton tomorrow to march in an Atlantic-wide day of action, or in this case, a day of "FRACtion."

She says it's encouraging to see such a high level of grassroots involvement.

The march kicks off at noon at the Old Burial Grounds and stops outside the Legislature where various speakers will voice their concerns over fracking, the process where fluid is pumped into formations of rock to release gas.

Quispam Hosts This Year's Provincial Party

The town of Quispamsis is hosting the official New Brunswick Day celebrations tomorrow.

Lots of activities are planned including a speech by the Lieutenant-Governor,military displays and exhibits by CFB Gagetown, music, and helicopter rides.

Mayor Murray Driscoll says it's going to be a first class event and you don't want to miss it.

The fun is taking place at the town's new Q-Plex and a free shuttle service will be running from 9am to 6pm at the Superstore and Co-Op parking lots.

Things kick off at 10am.

Splash Pads A Community Hit

Complete with rotating buckets, water guns and sprinklers, two Saint John neighbourhoods are now spending hot summer days at their new splash pads.

Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News splash pads are a great option for people who can't travel far to have summer fun.

Now that Crescent Valley and the South End have splash pads, Court says the city could eventually see them in all four wards.

Saint John Portland M-L-A Trevor Holder says he thinks their popularity is simple: people just love the water.

He says they gets kids out of the house and outdoors where they can exercise.

Listeners Debate Price Of Parking

Our listeners weighing in on the price of parking going up on our Facebook page.

Come August 1st parking meters and pay-and-display rates are going up to $1.75 an hour.

One man wants to know if the city will use the extra money to fix the streets.

Another woman says this is one of the poorest provinces in Canada and we already pay enough for food, rent and gas.

Someone else suggests taking the bus for 2.25 and leaving your car at home to save money.

In yesterday's CHSJ News Poll Question we asked if the increase in the uptown parking rate would make you less likely to come uptown.

Seventy-five per cent of you said yes.

Locals Recognized In Provincial Contest

Out of 14 hundred entries, 11 aspiring artists and authors from greater Saint John are being recognized by the province in the annual New Brunswick Day Writing and Drawing Contest.

Eight-year-old Zachary Raver from Hampton was one of the first place winners in the drawing component of the contest and will get to visit an area of the province he's never been to with his family.

Lee Ellen Pottie with the province's Capital Commission says many young New Brunswickers don't realize the rich cultural diversity the province has to offer, and by visiting an unfamiliar area the winners will develop a sense of pride in their province.

Other winners include eight-year-old Heather Totten from Saint John and 15-year-old Victoria Harvey from Quispamsis, who both placed first in the writing portion of the contest.