2009-04-07:
04:49:30:
Two teenagers have been released to their parents after a home was broken into in the North End last night. City Police tell us they were called to an apartment on Main and Albert Streets at seven o'clock to find two people that don't live there inside.
No word on charges but they will appear before a judge in the coming weeks.
2009-04-07:
04:48:36:
We should find out later this morning what happened in Grand Bay-Westfield last night. Reports indicate there was a huge fight on Bayview Road where RCMP were called around eight o'clock. Up to 20 people were at the scene and word is some had baseball bats and knives. City Police were called for back-up but sent back to Saint John before they reached the area.
We did speak with the RCMP dispatch in Fredericton who tell us more details on what happened should be available later this morning.
2009-04-07:
04:47:27:
The first major evacuation of the spring flood watch happened last night in Perth Andover. Over two hundred people were asked to leave their homes as the St. John River swelled with ice jams and the heavy rain. The level dropped by eight feet as of three this morning and residents will be allowed to return home today. The situation is similar along the Nashwaak River with an ice jam near the bridge which has forced the evacuation of several homes. Andy Morton is the Director of the Emergency Measures Organization and tells CHSJ News, there are risks that go along with living near the water.
Morton adds they will keep their river watch going 24 hours a day to make sure the public is kept up to speed about water levels around the Province.
2009-04-06
17:53:19
One person is facing charges after drugs and a vehicle were confiscated from a visitor at the Dorchester Penitentiary on Sunday. The person was visiting an inmate when Correctional Service of Canada seized 60 pills, 104 nicotine patches and a small quantity of marijuana and meth.
The estimated institutional value of these drugs is 11 thousand dollars.
2009-04-06
16:46:44
The provincial Emergency Measures Organization is expecting water levels in the St. John River to rise as we get more rain tonight and tomorrow. Sections of Route 105 remain flooded from ice jams including one that formed in the Simonds/Hartland area late Saturday night and remains in place. The Department of Transportation is re-routing traffic in the affected areas through Routes 130 and 103.
Those living and working along rivers are advised to pay close attention to water level increases and ice movement. EMO says an ice-jam can form unexpectedly, and flood waters can rise very quickly.
2009-04-06
15:15:59
A 16-year old boy has been charged with manslaughter in the death of a Sheffield man this past weekend. 43-year old Michael Thurber was found dead in an apartment on Covert Street in Oromocto Sunday. The teenager who has been charged cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. An autopsy is scheduled for later today.
Meanwhile, in Moncton a 31-year old man is dead and RCMP confirm it was homicide. RCMP were called to a home on Ayer Avenue yesterday morning and the man died while being taken to hospital for treatment. A 25-year old woman who knew the man has a date with a judge today.
2009-04-06
15:13:30
Premier Shawn Graham and opposition leader David Alward are forming a task force to try to convince Canadian Blood Service to reverse its decision to close Saint John's blood distribution centre. Health Critic Margaret Ann Blaney tells CHSJ news she will sit on the board with a fellow Conservative and two Liberals.
She says the task force is a result of the motion unanimously passed last week in the Legislature to work together to have the decision to move the Saint John centre reversed. Meanwhile, Blaney says the opposition is not rescinding its request to have Health Minister Mike Murphy removed from his post.
2009-04-06
15:12:36
Saint John Water is seeking public input on a multi-million dollar capital upgrade of the City's water system. A team of experts will be evaluating the alternatives for a clean drinking water system in early May and is looking for input regarding the design, financing, and construction of the system.
The city is considering three options for the project including: public private partnerships for the construction, operation or ownership of the drinking water plants. Written responses must be received by Saint John Water on April 28th at 11AM.
2009-04-06:
12:33:34:
Murder is the cause of death of 43-year old Michael Thurber over the weekend in Oromocto. He was from Sheffield and RCMP are not saying how he died just that he did on Saturday. Two 16-year old boys are locked up but no word on charges. Thurber's body was found at a Covert Street apartment. An autopsy is scheduled for later today.
In Moncton, A 31-year old man is dead, but how he died also remains a mystery. RCMP were called to a home on Ayer Avenue yesterday morning and the man died while being taken to hospital for treatment. A 25-year old woman has a date with a judge today but no word on the charge. The man and woman knew each other.
2009-04-06:
12:25:49:
Law enforcement agencies around the Province are getting a nice shot in the arm. New legislation passed in Fredericton gives the Attorney General power to sell or dispose of property that has been seized, restrained or forfeited to the provincial government under the Criminal Code and the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
A proceeds of crime trust fund has been established for the deposit of any funds recovered from the sale of forfeited property or liquid assets seized that are the proceeds of crime. A proceeds of crime strategic management committee has been established to advise the attorney general about the management and administration of the trust fund.
2009-04-06:
12:24:49:
Anyone working for Castle Rock Construction will be happy to here there is steady work for the next several months. The Saint John company has been awarded the contract to build a new $14 million dollar school in New Brandon between Boisetown and Doaktown. The school is being built on 28 acres with capacity for 350 students to replace Doaktown Primary School and Upper Miramichi Regional High.
The new building should be open in time for classes this fall.
2009-04-06:
12:23:54:
A familiar voice and name is lending his support in the fight to keep the Canadian Blood Services Center in Saint John. Former MP Paul Zed tells CHSJ News, it's an important institution for all of Atlantic Canada. It was back in 2002, a similar move to re-locate the CBS Center was over-turned when the community came together.
Zed says it would be just a plain dumb decision if this proposal goes through.
2009-04-06:
12:22:32:
No time frame has been set to find out what is causing a leak at one of the holding tanks at the Irving Oil Refinery. Crews were made aware of the problem back on March.18th when a strong chemical smell in the area prompted home-owners to call and see if the smell was coming from the refinery.
Spokes-person Leslie McLeod tells CHSJ News, the "G" tank has been emptied and crews will begin cleaning and inspecting it over the coming days.
2009-04-06:
12:20:43:
Relief is in sight for all of you motorist's tired of playing ""Dodge the Pothole"" for another season. The hot asphalt plant is scheduled to open for the season tomorrow and Public Works Director Shane Galbraith tells CHSJ News, they have been doing what they can with the recycle machine and the cold mix but this will be a tremendous help.
Galbraith adds they will concentrate their effort on the main arterial routes like Millidge Avenue, Chesley Drive and Loch Lomond Road.
2009-04-06:
12:19:37:
Ottawa is putting $20 million dollars on the table to help student's find a job this summer. The announcement was made today by Southwest MP and Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson. This new cash brings the total for this program to over $107 million.
Canada Summer Jobs is focused on encouraging not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create jobs that not only meet their needs, but also benefit students looking to gain work experience.
2009-04-06
09:25:30
There could be a bit of traffic backed up passing by Rockwood Park for the next few months as phase one of the park's development plan begins today and is expected to wrap up by July 10th.
The work includes construction at the park's entrance and in the Mount Pleasant Area, so that means there will be one way traffic only along Lily Lake Drive to the main parking area at Fisher Lakes.
The only entrance to the park will be at Lily Lake and the only exit is the the Hawthorne Street extension but all businesses will remain open during the construction although there is no parking along the pavilion.
2009-04-06
09:23:21
There has been a major outpouring of support for at least one family recently left homeless after fire ravaged their Main Street North apartment.
The London family is thanking friends, family, and others for the donations of clothes and toys for their two young sons and Nick tells CHSJ News, he's blown away by the generosity.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Friday morning last week -- so far -- the cause hasn't been pinpointed.
2009-04-05
19:45:08
(Saint John Conservative M-P Rodney Weston - file photo)
The fight to save the Canadian Blood Services distribution center on University Avenue is stepping up -- Saint John M-P Rodney Weston is asking for a meeting with provincial Health Minister Mike Murphy within the next ten days.
Weston tells CHSJ News he wants to find out what information Murphy has been privy since first learning of the decision a year ago -- he says he's doesn't want to point any fingers of blame rather he wants to work together to get the decision reversed.
Meantime -- Weston is firing back at the blood agency -- he says the initial response to his letter requesting information on the decision was inadequate -- and -- he's been promised a more detailed response.
2009-04-05
10:52:29
The blaze at Dionne Auto Body shop is being called an accident. The Fire Department has determined the fire began after a light bulb broke, igniting some loose fuel. The building is being called a total loss but forunately no injuries to report. The Fire Department were able to save an antique car being worked on at the shop, but says two vehicles were destroyed.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues into a fire at 349 main street north which left at least 11 people out in the cold with just the clothes on their backs.
2009-04-05
10:51:17
Rockwood Park is going to look a little different tomorrow as work begins on Phase 1 of development at Lily Lake and the Mount Pleasant Area.
Traffic will be limited to one way from Lily Lake Drive through the main parking area at Fisher Lakes.
Businesses in Rockwood Park will remain open, but there will not be parking available at the Pavilion.
Construction is expected to be wrapped up by the 10th of July.
2009-04-05
10:49:24
The Saint John Fire Department is looking to dispell the urban myth that lighting a grass fire is a ritutal of spring. The warmer and dryer weather is coming and that means crews will be kept busy stamping out wild fires around the metro area. Divisional Chief Kevin Clifford tells CHSJ News, the message is clear........don't light them, they are dangerous:
Clifford says the number of grass fires were down in Saint John last year and they will begin visiting schools to spread the message about not lighting them.
2009-04-05
09:35:52
(Energy Minister Jack Keir - file photo)
The idea of harnessing the Bay of Fundy tides to generate energy is far from dead -- Energy Minister Jack Keir says Irving Oil continues to do the groundwork on 15-potential sites in the bay to determine the equipment needed and the amount of power they could generate.
Meantime -- the minister remains confident a major wind power development will proceed one way or another -- the private sector company has shied away because of the economic conditions.
But Keir says N-B Power is getting ready to issue a request for proposals for another 100-megawatts of wind power -- and -- the existing development could be included if the utility and its partner can't resolve their issues.
2009-04-05
08:35:55
R-C-M-P in the Moncton area are appealing to the mother of an infant whose body was discovered in a snowbank yesterday to come forward.
The Mounties say the body of the newborn baby boy was found along the Taylor Road near Mount Eagle.
Police say they don't know how long the body has been in the area and are asking anyone who may know someone who has given birth since November of last year -- but -- no longer has the baby in their possession to call 1-888-506-RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
2009/04/04
08:15:01
The blaze at Dionne Auto Body shop is being called an accident.
The Fire Department has determined the fire began after a light bulb broke, igniting some loose fuel.
There were no injuries, and the building is being called a total loss.
The Fire Department were able to save an antique car being worked on at the shop, but says two vehicles were destroyed.
2009/04/04
05:21:26
The Saint John Stamp Club is trying to convince Canada Post to put out a new stamp. They are looking to honor the man known as the Fighting Fisherman......Yvonne Durelle. Along with handing around a petition to sign, they already have a glowing endorsement from a man who knew him well, former Premier Frank McKenna.
McKenna says if Durelle could be immortalized on a stamp, that would be great for his family and the Province. If your interested in adding your name to the petition, you can drop by Loyalist City Coin on Germain Street and do so.
2009/04/04
05:19:00
If you may notice the odd person walking around in a kilt throughout the day -- there is a Scottish festival underway.
Organizer John Campbell tells CHSJ News there will be the usual fare like a highland dancing competition -- but -- there is also a "Braveheart" skate boarding competition at the Skate Park under the viaduct -- something he admits is non-traditional:
The festival wraps up with a party tonight at the Chinese Commerce Center on Coburg Street beginning at 8 -- there is no admission charge.
2009/04/04
05:17:35
They're not sitting back -- unionized workers at the Canadian Blood Services distribution center on University Avenue are fighting back.
The blood agency announced earlier this week it would move the distribution center to a new facility in Halifax.
The president of the union representing lab workers -- Ruth Whepley -- tells CHSJ News she's optimistic the agency can be convinced to rethink the decision.
The closure will result in the loss of up to 18-jobs -- and -- Whepley says morale at the center is low.
2009-04-03
18:20:38
Some city managers are feeling a bit blind-sided by a sudden wage freeze for this year and next. Management normally receive an annual increase of 2.9 per cent--but--City Manager Terry Totton tells CHSJ news given the current economic situation a freeze on raises was the right thing to do.
Totton says management knew it would happen eventually but not until next year. When the province put a wage freeze on civil servants, officials indicated municipal governments should follow suit. Totton says they were worried if council did not implement the wage freeze the province would cut funding to the city.
2009-04-03
18:19:43
Globally, work kills more people than wars--and--an Ipsos-Reid survey conducted in last February shows 57% of New Brunswicker's believe workplace injuries are inevitable. WorkSafe NB's President and CEO, Doug Stanley, says those numbers are troubling.
Those numbers are, however, down from previous years. An Ipsos-Reid survey conducted in 2005 found that 69% of New Brunswick residents believed getting hurt on the job was inevitable. Stanley, says there is a long way to go to change social attitudes. WorkSafeNB has hired additional health and safety officers to better enforce compliance.
2009-04-03
15:29:39
Fire crews have successfully knocked down a blaze at Dion Auto Body shop on Loch Lomand Road. Fire crews blocked off the road between Churchland and Owens Road to tackle the fire with worries about explosions from propane and saline tanks. The call came in just after 2pm and spread to two buildings. Crews are still on scene cleaning up. No one was injured and no word on the cause at this point.
Meanwhile, crews made quick work of a chimney fire at 2 Clarkhill Crescent that broke out just before three o'clock.
2009-04-03
15:18:20
The provincial Emergency Measures Organization is advising those who live or work along rivers to pay close attention to water level increases and ice movement over the weekend. Plenty of rain is expected over the next couple of days causing water levels along the Saint John River to rise, leading to possible ice-jams.
EMO says ice is forecast to move into the Simonds/Hartland area on Saturday evening, and into Perth-Andover on Sunday evening. The next River Watch advisory will be issued on Sunday.
2009-04-03
14:57:55
Fire crews are battling a blaze at Dion Auto Body shop at 3442 Loch Lomand Road. Fire crews have blocked off the road between Churchland and Owens Road as they tackle the blaze with worries about explosions from propane and Selene tanks. The call came in just after 2pm and has spread to two buildings. Crews have the blaze under control.
Meanwhile, crews have been called to a chimney fire at 2 Clarkhill Crescent where there is plenty of smoke in the area.
2009-04-03
14:56:51
More than two thousand New Brunswick residents have participated in public meetings to help develop a province-wide poverty reduction plan. Social Development Minister Mary Schryer says they had a great participation rate.
Bringing the pieces together will develop a high-quality plan by the end of the year to reduce and prevent poverty. The dialogue phase was completed earlier this week in Fredericton with the last of 16 public sessions held across the province including Saint John. New Brunswickers also contributed by sharing their thoughts online, or by submitting briefs and letters.
2009-04-03
13:35:24
Some more weight being added to the calls for the Canadian Blood Services Agency to reverse its decision to close the Saint John blood distribution center and move it to Halifax.
The Chief of Staff for the Region B Health Authority -- Dr Tom Barry -- says the impending closure will put at risk the health -- and -- perhaps the lives of some patients in the province.
Barry wonders what will happen if weather problems lead to problems for transporting the blood when needed -- and -- he's asking the blood agency to reconsider its decision.
2009-04-03
13:13:59
The owners of the McAllister Place Mall have plans to modernize Saint Johners shopping experience.
Cadillac Fairview has announced a 12 million dollar renovation is in the works at the regional shopping center.
Construction will begin this May and is scheduled for completion in early 2010 with work being carried out in stages over an 8-month period.
Some of the new features will include new flooring and ceiling treatments, sky lights, upgraded washrooms, and a renovated food court with new seating areas and 35 per cent more seats.
2009-04-03
12:57:47
(Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson making gas tax announcement - photo by Gary MacDonald)
Municipal politicians are smiling today -- the federal government has come through with double the amount of gas tax revenue to help with infrastructure projects.
Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson says it's in response to the needs of municipalities.
Thompson says the federal government has also cut the red tape so the money is in the bank now rather than municipalities having to wait at least three months for the cash to flow -- he says it's part of Ottawa's plan to help stimulate the economy.
2009-04-03
12:56:32
A warning today for residents living in the Model Town from RCMP about a false telephone survey.
Someone received a call from a woman who said they were conducting a survey for the Department of Public Safety.
The caller was asking questions about the women who lived in the home, whether they were over or under 18 and if they were a visible minority and other personal questions.
The Department of Public Safety has confirmed it is not conducting any telephone surveys.
If you do receive a call of this nature, your asked to call the RCMP at 357-4300 or call Crime-Stoppers.
2009-04-03
12:52:59
Officials at the Saint John Airport are counting down the days until Westjet resumes flights.
The air carrier will begin it's third seasonal schedule on May.15th.
Airport president Bernard Leblanc says they continue to meet with WestJet on a consistent basis to make their business case for year round flights but no word on when or if that will happen.
2009-04-03
12:48:36
(Blood Services location on University Avenue - file photo)
It's unanimous that both Provincial political parties in the Legislature will fight to keep the Canadian Blood Services office in Saint John.
News came out this week that CBS is looking to move this distribution center to Halifax.
Conservative Health Critic Margaret Ann Blaney tells CHSJ News, she is happy about the vote to work together but she still doesn't trust Health Minister Murphy.
Blaney says given the fact the Minister knew about this for close to a year and never said anything makes her suspicious about how sincere he is to reversing this decision.
2009-04-03
12:46:35
It will be at least next week before we know what sparked a fire that ripped through a North End building this morning.
City Crews were called to 349 Main Street to find black smoke rolling from underneath the roof.
Nick London is one of the tenants that escaped with his life and tells CHSJ News, everyone in the building is trying to look after one another.
London says he was awakened out of a sound sleep by his son crawling into his bed and someone pounding on the door.
2009-04-03:
06:19:09:
Fire crews are battling a blaze in the North End at this hour. They were called to 349 Main Street just before six o'clock to find black smoke and flames coming from the roof. Crews are cracking up the roof to get at the flames and see if they can hose down the source of the flames.
No word on any injuries but City Police and Fire Crews are going through the building making sure everyone is out of harms way.
2009-04-03:
05:22:46:
A slow thaw of ice and snow along the St. John River has been a welcome sight for thousands in recent weeks, but tensions could rise over the next 24 hours. This as a heavy rainfall warning has been issued by Environment Canada. Emergency Measures has issued several updates on the ice flow and river level in recent days with nothing major to report and their next update is expected this afternoon and that is sure to change. Up to 30 millimeters of water is expected.
Heavy flooding last spring forced several people from their homes causing millions of dollars in damage.
2009-04-02
20:12:32
A Scottish festival this weekend kicks off with a different kind of event -- the festival will honor our local military units and Afghan vets.
Organizer John Campbell tells CHSJ News the parents of Private David Greenslade who was killed in the Afghan conflict two years ago will be the honorary clan chiefs for the event.
Campbell says they will also be raising money for the David Greenslade bursary for children of fallen soldiers.
The event is set to begin tomorrow night at eight at the Chinese Commerce Center on Coburg Street -- there is no admission.
2009-04-02
18:08:58
With billions of dollars in proposed energy and industrial investments on the table for Saint John companies are being encouraged to turn to women to help fill the skilled trades shortage. Women are dramatically under-represented in the skilled trades at a time when the province is facing a significant shortage in that area. In 2006, women represented only three per cent of the total apprenticeship registration in the province. Executive Director of the Saint John Construction Association, Pat Darrah, tells CHSJ News the apprenticeship seats are there for women who want them.
Darrah says they have seen more women entering the construction industry in the last two years than they have ever seen.
2009-04-02
18:07:34
Health Minister Mike Murphy is defending his silence over word the Canadian Blood Services plans to move the blood distribution system out of our city to Halifax. Murphy says he learned of the plans during a confidential meeting and could do little until the news became public.
Murphy has faced stiff criticism for keeping the plans secret for the past 9 months--but--he says there is still plenty of time to have the decision reversed.
2009-04-02
16:15:06
The Board of Trade is sounding its concern about the loss of the Canadian Blood Services distribution center on University Avenue.
Board Chair Dr Michael Barry says it will impact on the ability to provide the best health care especially in areas like oncology - surgery - and - trauma.
Barry says the Board wants the provincial and federal governments to work with the Blood Services agency to come up with a quick solution to the issue.
2009-04-02
15:07:32
Mayor Ivan Court says he is optimistic the decision regarding the closure of the Canadian Blood Services distribution centre in Saint John can be reversed. Court met with Health Minister Mike Murphy today.
Court says he is confident both Murphy and MP Rodney Weston will fight to save the 17 jobs at the Saint John centre and keep blood donations from being transported to Nova Scotia.
2009-04-02
14:58:01
There is now another incentive to attract and retain medical professionals in Saint John. Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca Canada has donated half a million dollars to the New Brunswick Medical Education Trust. The endowment will fund an annual bursary for medical students. President and CEO, Mark Jones, says the bursary will allow more students to train at home instead of going off to university elsewhere and never coming back.
Jones says he hopes the donation will inspire other contributions to grow the Trust Fund across the province.
2009-04-02
14:43:58
(Health Minister Mike Murphy - file photo)
The Opposition Tories are hammering Health Minister Mike Murphy over word the Canadian Blood Services plans to move the blood distribution system out of our city to Halifax.
The Tories say Murphy did nothing after learning of the plan a year ago -- but -- the Minister says there is still lots of time to fight the fight -- Murphy says we have almost three years before the lock goes on the door at the University Avenue facility.
The move will mean 17-jobs will also be lost locally -- the Legislature is expected to vote on a joint motion later this afternoon calling on the Canadian Blood Services to reverse its decision.
2009-04-02
14:41:34
The president and C-E-O of the TD Bank Financial Group says his bank is weathering the recession better than most.
Ed Clark told the bank's annual meeting of shareholders at the Trade and Convention Center this morning -- the institution's loan holdings grew last year and the bank is stepping in to pick up the slack left by foreign banks and lenders who have bailed out.
Clark says he's cautiously optimistic about his bank's results in the coming year but is predicting the year will be full of even more challenges -- and -- he says he doesn't see the recession easing until well into 2010.
It's the first time in the bank's 154-year history it has held the annual meeting here in New Brunswick.
2009-04-02:
12:34:03:
No surprise from the Conservation Council that use of the co-fuel has been approved. Spokes-person David Thompson tells CHSJ News, the only new fuels that should be explored are those that are renewable.
Thompson adds this is another huge expense that rate-payers are baring the brunt for.
2009-04-02:
12:33:13:
The environmental impact assessment application by NB Power to continue using co-fire petroleum coke and heavy fuel oil at the Coleson Cove generating station has been approved by the Department of Environment.
During testing, which started in March of last year, results showed that emission levels are favorable, existing environmental technology is working well, and there has been no detrimental effect on existing equipment as a result of burning the new fuel blend.
2009-04-02:
11:38:45:
A two vehicle accident and a naked man in the North End so far are the highlights for the day shift of the City Police Department. Officers were called to the Ashburn lake Road near Strescon just after 10:30am to find one of it's cruiser and another vehicle had been in an accident. No injuries and the traffic department is trying to figure out what happened.
Then some real excitement in the North End Just after ten o'clock. A man, naked as the day he brought into the world, rolled through the drive-through of a local coffee shop and placed his order. When he pulled up to the window, the girls working were not impressed and called police. No word at this point on any charges.
2009-04-02:
11:18:51:
UNB Saint John will launch a major study on the immigrant experience in Saint John tonight. UNBSJ has partnered with Enterprise Saint John and the Atlantic Metropolis Project to undertake the year-long study to be led by Dr. Greg Marquis. UNBSJ's urban researcher Kurt Peacock says the study is meant to examine how recent immigrants to Saint John can be fully welcomed.
A reception will be held at the University’s Grand Hall on Charlotte Street at five o'clock to help build cultural awareness in the city and introduce the study to the community.
2009-04-02:
11:14:38:
It may be awhile yet before an owner is found for the old Brunswicker building in the South End. The building houses the Atlantica Centre for the Arts but was turned over to the Federal Public Works department for disposal or sale after the Department of National Defense deemed it surplus. John Irving with Commercial Properties tells CHSJ News, they have put a bid in on the property but the final approval of sale continues to be a work in process.
Irving says it is a beautiful historic building that should be preserved but needs work.
2009-04-02:
11:13:25:
Time is running short if your thinking about throwing your hat into the municipal political ring. With several vacant seats to fill, the Local Government office has announced nominations for the upcoming municipal by-election will close on the 17th at two in the afternoon.
There are twelve by-election's around the province set for May.11th including St. Stephen, Blacks Harbour, Balmoral, Alma and Nackawic. You can get more information and find nomination papers at www.gnb.ca/elections.
2009-04-02:
11:11:17:
A deer mice problem at Loch Lomond Elementary appears to be under control. Four of the rodent's and their droppings were discovered in the schools portable class-rooms the week following March Break. Douglas Walker is the Regional Director with the Saint John Branch of the Provincial Health Protection unit and tells CHSJ News, air circulation in the buildings should be improved now that the air ducts were cleaned out.
Walker adds a local pest control company is checking it's traps on a weekly basis and his team will be back for a follow up inspection in two weeks.
2009-04-02:
04:41:46:
The Energy and Utilities Board has released it's weekly price schedule and not alot of damage to report. There is a percentage points increase in the price for gasoline which comes in at 85.1 cents. Most stations in the metro are selling a litre for 85.5.
Diesel is up just over a penny at 94.9 and furnace oil is at 73.4 which is close to a two cent increase.
2009-04-02:
04:40:35:
One person was taken to the Regional earlier this morning after an assault in the North End. Not alot of details at this point as City Police continue to interview witnesses and try to piece together what happened around 1:30am.
Officer's are also trying to figure out who lit and threw a smoke bomb into the elevator at Simonds High School yesterday. They along with city fire crews arrived to find a good portion of the building full of smoke. The building was evacuated just after one o'clock and two women were treated for breathing problems.
2009-04-02:
04:39:29:
This is day two of the three day TD Bank Financial Group conference in Saint John. The annual general meeting will be held today with officials discussing the state of the world economy and providing accountability to shareholders for it's stewardship. TD Deputy Chair Frank McKenna tells CHSJ News, some hard number crunching is involved in this process.
This marks the first time in the companies 154 year history, it's annual general meeting has been held in this Province which is expected to inject one million dollars into the local economy.
2009-04-01
18:19:33
UNB Saint John will launch a major study on the immigrant experience in Saint John tomorrow night. UNBSJ has partnered with Enterprise Saint John and the Atlantic Metropolis Project to undertake the year-long study to be lead by Dr. Greg Marquis. UNBSJ's urban researcher, Kurt Peacock, says the study is meant to examine how recent immigrants to Saint John can be fully welcomed.
A reception will be held at the University’s Grand Hall on Charlotte Street at five o'clock tomorrow to help build cultural awareness in the city and introduce the study to the community. Cultural entertainment from a variety of different groups will also be part of the evening’s celebration.
2009-04-01
16:38:45
WorkSafeNB has reported a 185 million dollar deficit for last year-- which it claims is the result of the global economic situation. The Organization has released its 2008 Annual Report which presents both positive outcomes and financial challenges. The turmoil in capital markets resulted in funding levels falling to 87.7%.
On the up side, assessment rates have decreased for the fourth consecutive year--from $2.10 in 2007, to $2.05 in 2008. That's the lowest in the Atlantic region.
2009-04-01
16:29:44
(Blood Services Center on University Avenue - photo courtesy C-B-S)
Saint John MP Rodney Weston says he is very disappointed the province has allowed the Saint John Canadian Blood Services Center be moved to Nova Scotia.
He tells CHSJ News the plan has been in place since last March but there was no effort to explore other options.
Weston has put in a request to the Vice President of the organization to get more information.
He says he also wants to know what the province's input has been into this decision.
2009-04-01
16:25:14
(Mayor Ivan Court - photo courtesy City of Saint John)
Mayor Ivan Court is calling it a distraction we don't need -- he's referrng to the Canadian Blood Services decision to close the provincial distribution center here in the city.
Court tells CHSJ News it doesn't make sense with the largest number of blood donations coming from the greater Saint John area and the fact it's basically across the street from the Regional Hospital and the new medical school.
Mayor Court is calling on all businesses and agencies in the Saint John region to speak up against the move -- he's also calling on the federal and provincial governments to step up in support of reversing the decision.
2009-04-01
15:35:54
Another scam warning -- this one involving a Spanish lottery where you receive a letter advising you have won the lottery.
It involves a Spanish lottery -- you receive a letter notifying of you of your win and asking you to send a sum of cash to receive the prize.
The catch is you have to send a sum of money in order to receive your prize -- officials say you would never have to send money to receive a cash prize.
2009-04-01
14:42:22
There's another scam making the rounds -- this one involves people contacting Kingston Peninsula area residents seeking donations on behalf of the 140 Peninsula Army Cadet Corps.
The Commanding Officer says her corps isn't - and - won't be soliciting funds by phone.
Meanwhile -- the R-C-M-P have been alerted to the scam.
2009-04-01
14:37:42
Canadian Blood Services is moving its production and distribution facility to Nova Scotia from Saint John, Health critic Margaret Ann Blaney says Health Minister Mike Murphy did nothing to stop the move. She tells CHSJ news blood is currently available within minutes--but--the changes will mean blood will have to come all the way from the Darmouth, Nova Scotia.
Blaney says the minister could have garnered legions of support to keep the blood centre in Saint John, but instead decided to tell no one, even though he knew for a year it would be moved. It will result in 17 job losses in the city by 2012.
2009-04-01
14:36:53
A few students have been treated for smoke inhalation earlier this afternoon after Simonds High School was evacuated around one o'clock. Fire crews arrived on the scene to find the school filled with smoke, found no fire. It appears someone threw a smoke bomb into the elevator. Students were returned to class about an hour later.
2009-04-01
14:36:19
The province is hoping a new partnership will help non-profit organizations get the most appropriate insurance coverage at the most competitive rates available. The Community Non-Profit Organizations Secretariat is collaborating with the Insurance Brokers' Association of New Brunswick and the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Minister Brian Kenny says Insurance can be an expensive necessity for many non-profit groups in the province.
The secretariat has also been working on multi-year funding agreements for non-profits; reducing red tape in the funding application process; and developing a resource website.
2009-04-01
14:34:45
The INFOR company is launching a free directory of all businesses in Atlantic Canada and Maine that make products from natural woodland resources. The From Our Atlantic Woods non-timber forest product directory will include everything from blueberry wine and fiddle heads, to bird-watching tours and birdseye wood sculptures. There are currently more than 260 listings.
The directory will be available online and in print as of April 4th. People can pick up a copy of the printed directory at Sobey's stores in the region.
2009/04/01
12:57:11
[Members of North End Community Groups Listening to Mayor Ivan Court Announce Community Schools Are Staying Open]
The North End community group One Change is applauding Education Minister Kelly Lamrock for his decision to keep Hazen White- St Francis, and Lorne Middle School open for the next school year.
Scott Crawford tells CHSJ News, it's important for politicians to get behind residents who are normally not listened to.
Crawford says everyone has been sitting on the edge of their seats waiting to hear this decision, and says he believes Lamrock made the right decision because community schools are the glue that keeps neighbourhoods together.
2009/04/01
12:55:54
Keeping the community schools open is a win in parent Nancy Savoie's eyes.
Savoie has two boys who attend Hazen White St. Francis, and says Minister Lamrock listened to the protests from parents, and made the right decision.
Savoie feared her children would lose their identity in a big school like Millidgeville North, and says when she gave her boys the news this morning they gave her a big high five.
2009-04-01:
10:34:25:
The newly renovated chemotherapy treatment room at the Regional was officially opened today. It provides chemical therapy to treat cancer as patients can spend between an hour and a full day in the treatment chairs depending on the treatment protocol. The room has been enlarged to ten treatment chairs from six and a satellite pharmacy was created so that treatment drugs can be directly dispensed on-site.
The project cost was more than $250,000.
2009-04-01:
10:33:37:
(McKenna Makes Funding Announcment)
Photo by Jim Hennessy:
Half a million dollars has been donated to the Waterfront Development Corporation by TD Bank Financial Group. The money will go towards the construction of environmental hubs along Harbor Passage. The goal is to raise environmental awareness and will feature themes including water supply, habitiat preservation and clean air. Former Premier Frank McKenna is deputy chair of the financial group and says this is a great way to lead by example.
McKenna says along with creating a first class attraction, it is the companies hope these eco-hubs will get people talking about what they can do to protect the environment.
2009-04-01:
04:19:02:
Unlike last year at this time, nerves are alot calmer along the St. John River. Emergency measures has issued it's latest river watch report which shows levels are holding steady along the river north of Mactaquac. This after all of the rain and snow the area received over the past two days, there were concerns the level could rise.
EMO says the river level should remain steady over the next two days and will issue another report on Friday afternoon.
2009-04-01:
04:17:48:
More time has been lost on the refurbishment project at Point Lepreau. The latest update report has been released by the utility with no exact word on how much time but the last report indicated work was close to six months behind schedule. Crews are currently in the process of removing all 380 feeder tubes from the reactor but no word on when that will be finished.
The plant did receive one of the low pressure turbine rotors over the weekend which has been stored at the Saint John Port since September. The other two low pressure turbine rotors that were dropped into the Harbor last fall are due to be delivered this summer. The billion dollar refurbishment is scheduled to be finished by September.
2009-04-01:
04:16:46:
School District 8 Superintendent Susan Tipper tells CHSJ News, although the minister's decision was not what they hoped for, they have not been caught off guard. Tipper says it will be challenge balancing their budget while maintaining two old schools with fewer students each year but says they will make it work.
As for whether they will bring the recommendation to close the schools back before the Minister in the future, Tipper says she can't be sure.
2009-04-01:
04:15:55:
Residents in the North End will be pleased to know the Education Minister has decided to keep Hazen White-St. Francis and Lorne Middle School open for the coming school year. This means Princess Elizabeth will not become an elementary school. School District 8 had submitted the recommendation to the minister based on declining enrollment figures and the potential to save money.
Kelly Lamrock says new research suggests the communities surrounding these schools will undergo a period of population growth as a result of new low income housing developments. In a written statement he also says the closure of these two community schools sends a dis-empowering message to those across the province who have modelled their partnerships on progress made at Hazen-White and Lorne.
2009-03-31
15:27:14
So far it looks like building a Green Thermal Utility in Saint John to cool and heat uptown buildings with ocean water is feasible. The system of sucking up and storing water from the Bay of Fundy in a thermal unit would be the first of its kind in North America. Managing Director, David Stewart says the payback period for a centralized system would be about 10 years.
Stewart says there may be significant funding available through both federal and provincial programs if the project moves forward. Saint John could be cooling and heating five of its uptown buildings with seawater by 2012. The feasibility study is expected to be complete by years end, along with a detailed technical concept and piping installation as well as heat exchangers.
2009-03-31
15:26:14
The city has had to come up with an extra 530 thousand dollars for the re-design and construction of Simms Corner. An Engineer’s cost projection for the project estimates the total for phase one will likely exceed the amount budgeted in the 2008 General Fund Capital Program.
Common Council has directed staff to use the 400 thousand dollars set aside for easement and land acquisition, along with surplus funding from the Red Head Road project to offset the additional costs. Meanwhile, city staff are going ahead with the tender process for reconfiguring Simms Corner, Fairville Boulevard and Catherwood Street to Lancaster Mall.
2009-03-31
13:35:15
Some big changes are coming to the way Canadian Blood Services operates in Atlantic Canada. The organization is investing $38 million to replace the permanent blood donor clinics in Saint John and Halifax with more modern facilities. It will also build a new production and distribution facility in Dartmouth and open a new permanent blood donor clinic in Moncton.
In Saint John, Canadian Blood Services will move its current blood donor clinic to a new site in the city, but the consolidation of production and some support services at the new facility in Dartmouth will mean a reduction of approximately 17 full-time jobs in Saint John by 2012. Moving forward, all infectious disease testing for blood collected in Atlantic Canada will be performed out of Toronto.
2009-03-31
13:33:58
The provincial government is warning residents to act now and get their passports. Premier Shawn Graham says the province will not develop a special driver's licence for border crossings into the United States.
As of June first, all Canadians will require a passport or another acceptable document for crossing the border. Graham says they researched various options for a secure document, but found the cost to residents would be almost as much as a passport, which will still be required.
2009-03-31:
11:16:57:
No word on specific charges for a 37-year old man who will appear in Hampton Court today. Sussex RCMP were called to a home in Waterford yesterday and found a man with a knife threatening people in a home on Urney Road.
Nobody was hurt.
2009-03-31:
11:16:09:
A self-imposed deadline has arrived for Education Minister Kelly Lamrock. He has said over the past few months he would have a decision on the future of three North End Schools by the end of this month. There is a proposal on the table to consolidate Hazen White and Lorne schools and make Princess Elizabeth an elementary school. District Eight officials says the shrinking student population has forced this recommendation.
We have left a message with the Minister's office but still no word back.
2009-03-31:
11:15:17:
Residents of Campobello will soon have to travel to the mainland to do their banking.The Charlotte County Credit Union has announced they are closing their branch on the Island.
The ATM machine, the only one on the island, will be removed on Friday with reduced days hours for tellers starting immediately.
2009-03-31:
11:14:08:
The group Fair Taxes First vow to continue their fight for an independent audit of the city pension plan. This after city council last night voted down a motion for a public inquiry of the plan, something they say they never wanted in the first place. Spokes-person Brian Stone tells CHSJ News, whether you are a tax-payer or collecting a pension from the city, there is plenty of cause for concern.
Stone points out his group has never accussed anyone of wrong doing but there is something not right as this problem doesn't seem to have any solution.
2009-03-31:
11:13:17:
The first of what is sure to be several meetings in the coming weeks took place last night in Gagetown. Council called a special meeting to discuss what action can be taken to save their ferry. The province will permanetly dock this vessel along with the Bellisle and Hampstead ferries at the end of next month unless a viable solution can be found to keep them on the water. Councilor Bob McDowell tells CHSJ News, alot of idea's were put on the table but time is of the essence.
Transportation Minister Denis Landry has said what-ever idea's are presented, they can not include government funding.
2009-03-31:
04:15:00:
Saint John Energy saw no difference in the amount of energy consumption immediately before and during Earth Hour. Spokes-person Marta Kelly tells CHSJ News, the numbers didn't fluctuate because many people were taking the idea further and getting young minds thinking about energy conservation.
Kelly says they'll monitor a few extra hours before Earth Hour begins next year.
2009-03-31:
04:13:54:
A pair of calls kept City Fire Crews busy last night. They arrived at 250 Waterloo Street just after Nine O'clock to find debris in the hallway burning. Crews quickly snuffed out the flames and there was minimal damage. One woman was treated for smoke inhalation but is going to be fine.
Crews earlier arrived at the former Sobeys store to find a chair and couch on fire in front of the building. The flames were smothered and there was no major damage. Both fires are suspicious and being investigated.
2009-03-31:
04:13:04:
It's official--- the final paperwork on the land transaction has been completed and Costco is coming. Construction is underway on the site to prepare a pad-ready surface. Costco Wholesale Corporation is the largest membership warehouse club chain in the world based on sales volume.
It's expected the site preparations will be completed by August.
2009-03-31:
04:11:34:
The good news is we didn't get the volume of snow they were expecting but the bad news is, it continues to snow in Greater Saint John. Freezing rain and rain dominated most of the pattern in this part of the province yesterday but snow has been falling since late last night. Some roads are snow packed and slick so take it easy where-ever your travels take you today.
After spending most of yesterday trying to get thousands re-connected to the grid, NB Power has just over 300 of it's customers still with-out power as of 3:30am this morning. The full three day forecast is coming right up.
2009-03-31
00:57:08
Work on Peel Plaza continues to move forward as common council approved two more pieces of the puzzle last night. Council has authorized city staff to engage Deloitte & Touche to prepare the Police Headquarters facility management specifications. This will involve workshops with project and Police Commission staff to go through the detailed design of the Headquarters and begin to articulate the building's requirements.
Council has also given the go ahead to have Glenn Group prepare the conceptual landscape design and illustrations for the Public Plaza, as well as the potential impact to the Arts Centre. It's hoped that will be complete by April 9th. The total cost will be around 56 thousand dollars.
2009-03-31
00:56:07
The city is one step closer to placing a levy on West Side businesses--despite a recommendation to the Minister by the Department of Local Government to deny the request. The West Side Business Association wants to levy a Business Improvement Area encompassing 250 businesses in three separate areas. Provincial staff say the proposed area is too large--but-- Association President, Owen Boyle, says they are not prepared to alter the application.
Mayor Ivan Court says it doesn't make sense to spend five thousand dollars on an advertisement for a public hearing if in the end the province won't approve the levy. Regardless, council has narrowly approved councilor Bill Farren's motion to advertise for a public hearing on the matter.
2009-03-31
00:54:57
The city will not be going ahead with a public inquiry into the controversial pension plan. Common council voted against further external investigation or inquiry into the pension board's dealings. But Councilor Donnie Snook says action has and will continue to be taken to improve the plan.
Councilor Bill Farren has been pushing for a public inquiry and is clearly disappointed with council's decision. He and Gary Sullivan were the only two to oppose the motion.
2009-03-30
16:27:54
A community outreach initiative will be coming to a new community centre in East Saint John thanks to a partnership between the provincial government and St. Joseph's Parish.
Health Minister Mike Murphy says the St. Joseph's Community Health Centre will provide primary health care, as well as chronic disease education and management.
Murphy says it's about time we start changing the way we look at health care in this province.
The Regional Development Corporation is providing $200 thousand dollars towards the construction of the community centre, with the hopes of opening by 2010.
2009-03-30
16:26:39
Also being changed is how people are going to be buying cigarillos. Cigarillos tend to be use candy or fruit flavouring, and can be purchased individually. Murphy says the marketing is trying to appeal to young people, and get them smoking. The change will force cigarillos to be approved under the Tobacco Sales Act, and will also force manufacturers to sell them in packs of 20 or more.
2009-03-30
16:25:35
The police are going to be on the lookout for anyone smoking with children in their vehcile. Health Minister Mike Murphy announced the change in the legislation today that prohibits smoking in a car with someone under the age of 16 present.
Murphy says law enforcement is going to be on the lookout ready to hand out tickets, but says he isn't sure what the punishment will be yet. He estimates a ticket will run you between $100 and $200 dollars. New Brunswick is the fourth province to adopt this change.
2009-03-30
15:48:41
A Saint John man will be in court in the coming weeks facing a number of charges: On the list are break and enter, forcible confinement, assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon obtained in the commission of a crime. RCMP report the charges stem from an incident on March 10th on the Bacon Road in Greenwich.
24-year-old Brian Anthony Cochrane will be in custody until his April 14th court appearance to set a trial date.
2009-03-30
15:39:24
No more ligthing up behind the wheel with the wee ones in the car--- the province has implemented legislation making it illegal to smoke with children in the car and restricting the sale of cigarillos--- As you can imagine, the NB Lung Association is thrilled with the new legislation to ban smoking in vehicles with children and restrict the sale of Cigarillos. President and CEO Ken Maybee tells CHSJ News, this has been a long time coming:
The smoking ban in cars for this Province follows similar bans implemented in Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia.
2009-03-30
15:38:21
Another year of winter has come, and for the most part, gone--- but in the face showers yesterday and today, and the forecasted snow in outlying areas River Watch 2009 is keeping a close eye on the province's water levels--- Karl Wilmot tells CHSJ News so far no news is good news:
Today River Watch is advising the public the waterflow will be diminished in the northern part of the St John river due to the forecasted snow--- but the southern portion will see levels increased due to the rain. For more details check out www.gnb.ca
