Enbridge Gas Is Denied by Energy and Utilities Board

       (Enbridge Gas Logo)
    (Provided by Company)

Enbridge Gas has been denied an interim increase on its delivery rate for natural gas by the Energy and Utilities Board. A day long oral hearing was held at the EUB office in City Hall Monday which heard from several companies and municipalities opposed to the hike that would have taken effect January.1st. In it's ruling, the board says is not convinced the present application falls within the category of the exceptional and interim rate increases should be granted only after a full public review and only be granted in exceptional circumstances.


If approved delivery rates for residential customers would have risen by ten per cent and large corporate clients would have seen their delivery rates double.

Graham Dismisses National Poll On Popularity

Premier Shawn Graham isn't bothered by a recent national poll showing him as one of the three least popular premiers in the country.
When asked by CHSJ News -- Graham says he has more important issues to deal with than worrying about a poll.
Graham says he doesn't want to become like previous governments which backed away from tough decisions because of polling numbers -- he says his government won't be coasting in the new year even though it's an election year.

Petitions Against NB Power Proposal Still Rolling In

(Conservative Leader David Alward)
             (File Photo)

6900 and growing is the number of people who have signed one of 50 petitions that have been presented in the Legislature by the Conservatives. They are all speaking out against the proposed sale of the assets of NB Power to Hydro Quebec. Leader David Alward says the number of signatures speaks volumes about the opposition to the proposed sale.

Alward adds petitions continue to file in and his party will continue to listen to people around the Province and speak for them on this issue.

Latest Update From Environment Canada

   (Traffic Still Moving Smoothly on King Street)
              (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

The weather continues to be the conversation of many as 10-15cm's is set to land in Greater Saint John. Environment Canada Meteorologist Claude Cote tells CHSJ News, compared to some other area's of the Province, we are getting off easy where there is 30-40cm's in area's like Woodstock and further North.


Cote says the temperature will drop this afternoon and that is when the snow will get heavier but the storm will track out to Nova Scotia tonight. The full three day forecast is coming right up.

Affects of Winter Weather Being Felt

It is the storm that nobody wants with two days left to go until the holiday. Snow-fall continues in Greater Saint John but other area's of the Province are feeling the heavier affects. NB Power is reporting 79 of it's customers are off the grid including 59 in Bathurst and 20 in the Fredericton area.


Flights at the Saint John Airport are feeling the sting of Mother nature as well. One from Montreal and Toronto are delayed and you can call 696-0200 to check on any flights coming or going. Police also remind everyone doing some last minute shopping or travelling to slow down and take your time.

Single Vehicle Accident in Grand Bay-Westfield

Damage is estimated at 10 thousand dollars after a car, in slippery road conditions, left highway 102 at Morrisdale last night before 11 and went over a guardrail crashing into a tree. Two teens, aged 16 and 15, managed to emerge unscathed.

New Message From Quebec Government on NB Power Sale

The Quebec government is singing a different tune about the sale of NB Power scrambling to clarify a suggestion that its purchase of the utility is a done deal with no chance of making changes.
Quebec's Natural Resources Minister Nathalie Normandeau has changed her tone, one day after saying the agreement is final and not open for renegotiation.
She's now saying that only an agreement-in-principle was signed in late October and negotiations are ongoing with a more comprehensive final deal not expected before March.

Crash Victim Identified

The 22-year-old woman killed 4 days before Christmas in a highway crash in Lorne has been identified.

Christine Ouellette lost control of her vehicle Monday morning and struck an on-coming truck.
She died at the scene.
Ouellette was originally from Campbellton but, had been living in Moncton.

Acadia Broadcasting Launches New App For Smart Phones

If you're on the receiving end of a new iPod Touch or iPhone this Christmas -- you will be able to take along Country 94 and sister station 97.3 the Wave where ever you go.
Our parent company - Acadia Broadcasting - has just launched an new app which allows you to listen to our station - see what song is playing and the name of the artist.
It also allows you to see the last ten songs played and direct access to the station's web page.
You can get the free app by going to our web site at country94.ca or thewave.ca and clicking on the iPhone - iPod button -- and -- for you Blackberry users -- there is a similar app currently under development which should be available soon.

New Income tax Reductions as of January.1st

If your trying to keep all your paper-work in order for tax time, here is something else to consider. As of January.1st, the province's tax brackets and non-refundable amounts for personal income tax will be indexed by two per cent. That means there are several scenario's which can save you money including a one-earner family earning $25,000 per year will pay no provincial income tax, and will save $219 next year or 100 per cent of the tax paid in 2008.

The Province says the four year plan for lower taxes will deliver $380 million dollars in savings over that time. For a complete look at what savings are available next year, they are posted on our website at country94.ca just click news.

For the 2010 taxation year:
---------------------------
a single earner with taxable income of $15,000 per year will not pay provincial personal income taxes in 2010, a 100 per cent saving of the tax paid in 2008;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a single earner with taxable income of $25,000 per year will save $376 in 2010, compared to 2008:
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a one-earner family earning $25,000 per year will pay no provincial income tax, and will save $219 in 2010, or 100 per cent of the tax paid in 2008. 

Ikea Recalls High Chair-----Story Courtesy of the Canadian Press

A potential safety hazard has prompted Ikea to voluntarily recall the Leopard children's high chair. Snap locks that secure the seat to the frame can break, posing falling and choking hazards to children. There are no reported incidents in this country.

Ikea says customers should stop using the chair immediately and take it to any Ikea store for a full refund. Parents can get more information at www.IKEA.ca.

Changes to Motor Vehicle Program

A contract signed recently by the province will modernize the Department of Public Safety's motor vehicle program. DMR, a division of Fujitsu Consulting Canada is the successful bidder on the contract worth up to seven million over the next three years.


Work set to get underway will see the creation of a modern technology platform, replacing the outdated system currently in use. This will result in easier and more timely access to issues such as information on driver and vehicle data.

Work Continues on New Interchange

(Shot of Ramp on One Mile Interchange)
            (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

A new contract has been awarded as part of the Route One Interchange Project in Saint John, New Brunswick. Valued at $2.57 million dollars, Debly Enterprises will complete the grading and paving on the highway adjacent to the westbound lanes of Route 1. Phase 2 of the project will continue during the winter with Fundy Contractors of St. George and three subcontractors are building the viaduct substructure.


Work includes driving piles, construction of the north abutment and construction of a pier adjacent to Rothesay Avenue. Total cost of the project is close to $65 million dollars.

Premier Says Controversial Decisions Stirring Interest In Province

Premier Graham says lower corporate taxes and the potential of lower power rates through the Hydro Quebec deal are positioning the province for significant investment opportunities.
And during a year end meeting with reporters -- the Premier says the government's position is already producing results with a major announcement scheduled for the Fredericton area early in the new year.
Graham says the province is receiving more calls from large companies who are taking notice of the advantages of setting up shop in New Brunswick.

Elsie Wayne Still in Hospital

(Elsie Wayne--File Photo)

The former MP and Mayor of Saint John continues to make steady progress. Over a month after suffering a stroke, Elsie Wayne continues her road to recovery at the Regional Hospital. Her husband Richard tells CHSJ News, she is doing alright but no word on whether she will be home for the holidays.


The 77-year old Wayne has been working with a therapist to correct some of the effects of the stroke for the past several weeks.

Nazi Markings Show Up in Morna Heights

One of the most recognizable signs of hate around the world has shown up in Morna Heights. Public Information Officer Sargeant Pat Bonner tells CHSJ News, officers found swastika's on a van yesterday in a sub-division, put there by a marker. Earlier this morning, officers were called to the Morna Heights School to find more swastika's spray-painted on a shed along with the term ""Nazi Bitch""

Sargeant Bonner adds there was some additional damage done to the van but the shed wasn't broken into.

Sale of NB Power Not To Be Renegotiated

The Quebec government says it has no plans to renegotiate a deal to buy NB Power dismissing suggestions the multibillion-dollar agreement remains a work in progress.
Natural Resources Minister Nathalie Normandeau quashed talk of renegotiation as she exited a cabinet meeting saying`That's not on our radar screen. There's a signed agreement and it was negotiated beforehand. Voila.'' Those remarks appear to pour cold water on the suggestion, coming out of this province that the deal is somehow still in flux.

Fire At Sobeys in the North End

Fire crews were called to the Sobeys store on Lansdowne Avenue in the north end yesterday afternoon after a garbage compactor caught on fire. District Fire Chief Gerry Morris says the compactor was connected to the store itself. The store had to be evacuated because of smoke seeping into the building but has since reopened. There were no injuries and no fire damage to the building itself. The fire department was on the scene for about two hours.

Moncton Woman Killed in Crash

A 22-year old woman from Moncton is dead after an accident this morning on Highway 11. RCMP say the vehicle the woman was driving north-bound, lost control and hit an on-coming truck. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.


Her name will not be released until family have been notified and no word at this point on what caused her vehicle to lose control.

Conditional Discharge for Noonan woman

A woman from Noonan who claimed to be abducted back in August and taken to Ontario was in court today.
44-year-old Marcia Simmons was charged with public mischief with the intent to mislead police back in October.
In court today in Burton, Simmons recieved a conditional discharge and probation for two years and she must pay a victim fine surcharge of $100.

Property Owner Considering Going Back to Oil

With Enbridge Gas New Brunswicks proposal to increase distribution rates in the province, several businesses are speaking out about negative affects.

President and CEO of Killam Properties Philip Fraser says Enbridge isn't improving the distribution lines enough to justify increasing the rates.
Fraser says he has properties in other provinces, and it's a lot cheaper to use natural gas elsewhere.
Fraser says his company has been looking at converting back to oil over the last month, and says in several cases they've already switched. He says if the proposal is accepted by the EUB, Killam Properties has a concrete plan to convert buildings back.

Enbridge Gas New Brunswick Looking to Increase Rates

The Energy and Utilities Board is mulling over whether to approve Enbridge Gas New Brunswicks request to increase delivery rates.
EGNB General Manager Dave Charleson says even if the rate is increased, natural gas will still be competitive.
Charleson says due to the size of the market in this province, it will never see the same rates as other provinces in the country. He says New Brunswick just doesn't have the demand other provinces do.

Mayor Court Talks About Budget

    




(Mayor Ivan Court - file photo)

Saint John Mayor Ivan Court says he is feeling no pressure when it comes to finalizing the budget. The question was asked because with the exception of Grand Bay Westfield, all of the outlying municialities have cut their tax rates but Court tells CHSJ News, Saint John provides most of the infrastructure for those people living in those communities to come to work so he can't see how the city budget can be cut by the five cents recommended by the Province.


Court says the budget for Saint John will be handed down the first or second week of January.

Cable Breaks on Westfield Ferry

   (WestField Ferry in Action)
            (File Photo)


An update on the ferry from the Westfield landing which broke loose earlier today. Department of Transportation spokes-person Andrew Holland tells CHSJ News, the ferry has been towed back to shore and everyone on board, including a school bus and it's driver are fine.


Holland says it will take some time for inspectors to figure out what made the cable snap but it could be something as simple as wear and tear.

Ambulance New Brunswick Grabs Saftey Award

Ambulance New Brunswick is being awarded the first ever EMS Safety Foundation Award. It's to recognize the companies dedication to world-leading ambulance safety policies and practices. Matt Crossman is vehicle safety manager and will take possession of the hardware early in the new year.


Ambulance New Brunswick has more than 900 paramedics stationed across the province.

Province on Board With Saint John 225

(Tourism and Parks Minister Stu Jamieson at City Hall)
                 (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Just days after announcing the line-up for the Saint John 225 celebration, the Province has come on board with some funding. $225,000 dollars was presented to chair Peter Buckland at City Hall earlier today. Tourism and Parks Minister Stuart Jamieson says this is a winning formula the Province is happy to be part of.

Ottawa is on board with $750,000 dollars in funding for the event and the City has matched the Province with $225,000 dollars.

Canada Games Stadium Upgrade

    (Canada Games Stadium in Millidgeville)
                    (File Photo)

Premier Graham remains committed to kicking in some provincial money to help with the six million dollar make over of the Canada Games Stadium and track. Graham tells CHSJ News the province is working with Ottawa to get some federal cash to help with the expansion of internet broadband in the province -- cash which could be directed to projects like the Stadium upgrade.

The federal government has already committed 1.4-million dollars to the project while U-N-B -- the city -- and -- the private sector have also committed funds.

Saint John Store Broken Into For a Third Time

The Long and McQuade Music Shop on Rothesay Avenue at McAllister Drive was broken into for the third time. A window was smashed and city police have one person in jail with charges pending including probation violation.

Price of Natural Gas Could Go Up

The price of natural gas in the province could rise January 1st if Enbridge Gas gets approval from the Energy and Utilities Board for an interim increase on its delivery rate. A hearing is being held in Saint John today.
If approved, delivery rates for residential customers will rise by about 10 per cent until the company gets a formal ruling on its request to make the increase permanent.
But some large corporate clients would see their delivery rates double if the interim increase is approved. The town of St. Stephen is opposed and will talk about the impact a 114 per cent increase on delivery rates would have on the community's two major employers, Flakeboard and Ganong Brothers.

Fire in Lower Burton

Remembering to check the battery in a smoke detector helped save a family from disaster when their house caught on fire early this morning in Lower Burton.

Around 3:30 the family of 5 woke up to the smoke detector and were able to escape injury.
Canadian Red Cross volunteers are arraging emergency accomodations while the insurance adjustors inspect the damage and process the claim.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the Oromocto Fire Department says it looks like it started in the chimney and spread through the walls.

Holiday Travel Tips

[President and CEO of Saint John Airport Bernie LeBlanc---File Photo]

Adding to the chaos of this time of the year is those who are travelling to be with loved ones for the holiday. Nobody knows about the traffic ramping up better than the President and CEO of the Saint John Airport. Bernie Leblanc tells CHSJ News, if your travelling with gifts, leaving them unwrapped until you arrive at your destination is going to be a big help:
Weather is also a big factor when travelling this time of the year and Leblanc points out, weather can change very quickly so get to the airport a little early and keep an ear to the latest weather forecast.

Saint John Community Arts Board Looking for New Members

Tomorrow nights Common Council meeting will put some focus on finding new members for the Saint John Community Arts Board. 6 members of the board will be stepping down in the new year. So far names brought forth to replace members include Stephen Tobias, Steve Carson and Signe Gurholt.
The Board was established in 2003 to develop, advise, and recommend to Common Council, policies, activities, and initiatives in arts and cultural matters in Saint John.
Council starts tomorrow at 6:30.

Another Run For Dr. Ed Doherty

The Minister of Supply and Services is sticking with Provincial Politics. Despite alot of speculation to the contrary, Ed Doherty tells CHSJ News, he will re-offer next September:

One member of the Liberal Party that won't re-offer is Saint John East MLA Roly MacIntyre and Saint John Fundy MLA Stuart Jamieson told our news-room back in October he still hasn't made a decision on whether he will re-offer.

Nearly $400,000 Expected From Hospital Home Lottery

Another Hospital Home Lottery has come and gone so what was the bottom line. Executive Director of the Foundation Tim Cameron tells CHSJ News, he is very pleased with how things finished up....22,000 tickets sold.
Cameron expects when the numbers are added up, they will be close to $400,000 dollars which will be used for cancer, heart and mental health projects at the Regional. As for next year, Cameron tells us the draw will be the same but different.

The Home For the Holidays Program

The Delta Brunswick is again giving during the Christmas season. The Home for the Holidays program is in affect again this year and General Manager Paulette Hicks tells CHSJ News, this is the 20th year they have put the offer out for families needing a place to stay.
The program runs between the 23rd of this month til the 3rd of January. Families interested in taking part in the program should contact the hospital at 648-6000.

Long Wharf Lobster Sale

Lobster for Sale at Long Wharf

In case you couldn't make it to Long Wharf for the Lobster Sale.....here are some pictures taken by Jim Hennessy.

          (Fishing Vessels Pull into Long Wharf)

        (Lobster Fans Line-Up for Crustaceans)

          (Cooked Lobsters Ready to Be Sold)

     (The Line-Up for Lobsters Continued to Grow)

Lobster For Sale on Long Wharf

(Line-Up at Long Wharf Looking for Fresh Lobsters)
                  (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

They were hoping for a big crowd and that is exactly what local lobster fisherman got. The line-up started at ten in the morning and a steady stream of people with coolers continue to show up at Long Wharf for an amazing deal on crustaceans. They are going for between four and five dollars a pound. Colleen Lynch is spokes-person for the Fundy North Fishermans Association and tells CHSJ News, they should have known plenty of people would turn out but you never want to take anything for granted.


Lynch adds an important part of today is to keep awareness front and center that there is a local fishery. The lobster are on sale until three o'clock.

Pemier Graham Talks About Proposed NB Power Sale To Hyrdo Quebec

Wrong Way Driver

One man charged with impaired driving last night after driving the wrong direction on the highway. Early this morning police followed a vehicle heading eastbound in the westbound lane on Highway 1. The 28 year old driver proceeded to hit an oncoming vehicle before pulling over on the Fox Farm Road.

No one was injured. The man has been charged and released.

Impaired Driving

A Rothesay Regional Police officer thinks a move by the Conversative opposition to tougher the penalties for drunk drivers is a good idea. The Conservatives want to see the number of days a person's licence would be suspended if they blow a warning after a breathalyzer from 24 hours to 5 days.
Sargeant Evan Scott tells CHSJ News any kind of a deterent against impaired driver is a positive move. Scott says their officers will be out doing random checks through the Holidays looking for impaired drivers. He encourages anyone who suspects they see an impaired driver on the road to call 911.

Randy Nelson Trenholm Inquest

The death of Randy Nelson Trenholm will go under the spotlight during an inquest to be held in the new year between Feb. 22nd and the 26th. It was back on June.2nd of 2007 that Trenholm was unresponsive while in the custody of RCMP. Emergency medical services transported Trenholm to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Presiding coroner John Evans and a jury will publicly hear evidence from subpoenaed witnesses in order to determine the facts surrounding the death. The jury will have then make recommendations aimed at preventing future deaths under similar circumstances.

Rothesay Regional Police will conduct spotchecks over the Holidays

Rothesay Regional Police will be stepping up their spotchecks between Christmas and New Year's looking for impaired drivers.
Sargeant Evan Scott tells CHSJ news they encourage people to call 911 if they see a possibly impaired driver on the roads.
Scott add they will be doing random checks and in the past they have apprehended drunk drivers at all hours.
Sargeant Scott believes the Provincial Conservatives have a good idea in proposing that the license suspension when a person blows a warning level after a breathalyzer be increased.  It's 24-hours now and the new amendment would increase it to five days.

Chief Coroner Calls For Inquest

The death of Randy Nelson Trenholm will go under the spotlight during an inquest to be held in the new year between Feb. 22nd and the 26th. It was back on June.2nd of 2007 that Trenholm was unresponsive while in the custody of RCMP. Emergency medical services transported Trenholm to hospital where he was pronounced dead.


Presiding coroner John Evans and a jury will publicly hear evidence from subpoenaed witnesses in order to determine the facts surrounding the death. The jury will have then make recommendations aimed at preventing future deaths under similar circumstances.

Premier Firm Hydro Deal Will Pass

Premier Graham is sidestepping questions about his political future.
When asked by CHSJ News if he would resign if the deal fails to clear
the Legislature - Graham responded it will be approved by the
Legislature by the March 31st deadline.
But - the Premier was more vague about his future if his party loses
the fall election - he does say his government won't be coasting in
the final year of it's mandate.

Sent from by iPhone

Final Mass H1N1 Clinics Go Today

Today is the final day for the mass H1N1 immunization clinics. Chief Medical Officer of Health Eilish Cleary says 62 per cent of people in the Province have been vaccinated since the campaign began Oct. 26. When the clinics finish up, vaccine will still be available to anyone wanting a shot through smaller clinics, your family doctor and the VON.


Today's clinics are at the Bill McGuire Center between one and seven o'clock and in St. Stephen at the Public Health Office until seven tonight.

Record Cold Up North

It has been unusually cold over the past few days with the wind-chill and so cold in one part of the Province, they have set a new record. Environment Canada tells us the temperature dipped to -18.3 yesterday in Bathurst which shatters the old mark of -14.8 set back in 2000.


It should begin to warm up over the weekend. A full look at the three day forecast is coming right up.

City Police Stepping up Patrols Over the Weekend

With a week left to go until the big day and Christmas parties ramping up, the City Police Force is stepping up patrols this weekend. They will be working with the Provincial Vision 2010 Committee to conduct roadside checks starting today and running until Sunday.


Officers and committee members will conduct roadside and random vehicle checks.

Multi vehicle Crash in Grand Bay-Westfield

The RCMP in Grand Bay-Westfield are investigating a two vehicle crash that happened last night around 8 in the intersection of River Valley Drive and Epworth Park Road involving involving a Van and S-U-V. A young boy was taken to the Regional Hospital for observation for undetermined injuries. Total damage to both vehicles is estimated at 12 thousand dollars.

Saint John businesses offer help to North End Famillies

Restaurants in Uptown Saint John are going to help out the North End famillies burnt out of their homes just before Christmas.
Margret and Axel Begner of Opera Bistro have started a fund to donate to the famillies.
They challenge all the uptown dining establishments to support it.
All proceeds will be distributed through the proper personnel on behalf of the uptown restaurants and social establishments.
If you would like to help call, 642-2822.

Update on Point Lepreau

With the future of NB Power still up in the air......an update today on how the refit at Point Lepreau is coming along. Several inspections by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited have taken place since 380 calandria tubes were removed and officials have given the reactor a clean bill of health and that it is good to run for the next 25-30 years.


Workers are now in the process of putting the reactor back together and work also continues on the installation of 760 upper feeders. As far as the turbine and generator is concerned, the rotor has been re-installed and final assembly activities are underway. AECL announced back in September, the project is 16 months behind schedule and isn't expected to go back on-line until February of 2011.

Second Wind Farm Up and Running

The Province's second wind farm is now operational. Turbines are turning at Caribou Wind Park about 70 kilometers northwest of Bathurst. The 99 mega watt facility will provide all of its power to NB Power to fulfill a 20-year power purchase agreement with the utility.


The turning of the turbines is producing enough electricity to supply electricity to 30,000 homes. It will provide about 2 percent of the electricity needs in the province. The Kent Hills wind farm in Albert County has a capacity of 96 mega watts which went on line back in the spring.

Grade 7 Student raises money for other kids in need

A Grade 7 student at Rothesay Park elementary understands the reward of giving back at Christmastime.
12-year-old Becky Dempster was part of a sponsored family just four years ago and decided this year she wanted to give back. She put on bake sales during the lunch hour at her school and with other donations raised $584 dollars.
The K.V. fire department gave her the names of two 3-year-old girls from different famillies who are in need. Dempster went shopping for the little girls she sponsored and bought them Barbies and other toys, clothes and slippers.
She says she would like to do this every year.

Chimney Falls on Man in Lepreau

One man is at the Regional in serious condition after a bizarre accident in Lepreau this morning. The Musquash Fire Department arrived at the man's home to find both his arms pinned by a brick chimney. Officials believe the man was trying was removing layers of bricks when the weight of the chimney caused it to slide straight down which in turn pinned his arms.


One firefighter used a crowbar to try and lift as much of the chimney off the man's arms before paramedics arrived.

Canadian Red Cross Reminds Everyone to Be Prepared

In the wake of yesterdays fire that left thirteen people homeless the Canadian Red Cross is continuing to spread the message of preparedness.

Red Cross volunteer Deborah Stewart was in the North End yesterday for the fire, and says when arriving on a scene you have to keep the families occupied.
Stewart says to be ready for an emergency people need to be prepared for 72 hours. She says one thing people rarely think of when getting preparing for an emergency is cash. Stewart says people often forget when the power goes out, bank machines no longer work.

Unusual Robbery in South End

City Police investigating an unusual theft in the south end. They tell CHSJ News a man walked into Sam's Variety on Carmarthen Street and made off with a bag of milk. A store employee gave chase down the street but backed off when threatened with a knife. The suspect then fled.

Gas Prices Drop After Weekly Setting

Drivers in the Saint John area are getting a price break with gas after the weekly setting. The maximum price for self serve regular is 96 cents a litre. That's down more than 4 cents from last night but a caller to our 648-3000 newsline tells us it's selling for 92.4 cents a litre in Grand Bay-Westfield and 93.4 at most stations in the city. The maximum price that can be charged for diesel is 103.4 which is more than 2 cents lower than yesterday and furnace oil is also less expensive at 86.3, down from 88.4 this past week.

Water Break Closes Part Of Germain Street

City crews are working to repair a water main on Germain Street this
evening.
The break has left a number of multiple-famly units without water and
has forced the closure of Germain between Duke and Horsfield Streets
until further notice.

Sent by iPhone

Local Artist Hits Vancouver Olympics

(Jackson with his latest painting - photo by Gary MacDonald)



Saint John artist Norm Jackson is at it again -- he will be off to Vancouver over the holidays to present another of his paintings to the Olympics Committee.
The painting is called "North to the Olympics" featuring a northern scene complete with Inukshuk -- and -- Jackson tells CHSJ News it caught the eye of one of the Olympic torch relay members during a recent stop in the province who started the ball rolling.
The painting will be on display at Print 3 in Brunswick Square until Christmas -- prints are also available for sale.

District 8 Superintendent Reaction

[District 8 Superintendent Susan Tipper----File Photo]

District 8 Superintendent Susan Tipper tells CHSJ News, the district is concerned about the provincial assessment results, but there is more to it than just test scores.

Tipper says she's happy that Bob Manning addressed the District Education Council with his concerns, but he needs to get all the information first.
Tipper says there isn't a quick fix to increase all test scores.
Tipper says there are many schools in district 8 which caters to poverty areas, and many classrooms have many students who require specialized curriculum. She says those issues are not taken into consideration on provincial assessments, and every student learns differently.

Concerns Over Provincial Assessment Scores for District 8

[Enterprise Saint John Chair Bob Manning----File Photo]
The chair of Enterprise Saint John wants to know how District 8 provincial assessment scores can be improved.
Bob Manning spoke to the District Education Council, as a representative from Enterprise Saint John and a parent.
Manning tells CHSJ News, low education scores can negatively affect someone from moving to the city.
Manning says the scores are better in the districts just outside the city, and wonders if that has something to do with more people migrating to Greater Saint John rather than inside city limits.
He says it's getting to the point of crisis.

North End Fire Update

Thirteen people from two North End famillies are temporarily homeless after a fire late this morning.


Firefighters called to Bryden Street just before noon to find flames shooting out of the house. Laura White, her four kids and boyfriend live there and she tells CHSJ News, she heard a loud bang upstairs, smelled smoke and got out. District Chief Peter Saab says considering the wind and cold, they are lucky the flames didn't jump to neighbouring homes. The Red Cross is providing assistance to the displaced famillies.


The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Saint John Ready to Celebrate it's Anniversary

           (Original Charter of the City of Saint John)
                       (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

The City of Saint John celebrates it's 225th anniversary next year and there is plenty for everyone to get involved. The festivities kick off on May.18th......the same day the city was incorporated back in 1785. Chair of the Committee is Peter Buckland who tells CHSJ News, this is a very exciting time for the city and all it's residents.

There will be a huge day long celebration July.3rd at Rockwood Park along with festivals through-out the summer and programs designed to celebrate and highlight the city's arts, culture and history. The website for the celebration is www.saintjohn225.com and should be up and running early in the new year.

Drug conviction from Operation Junebug

30-year-old Michael Dallon Bowlin of Saint John was found guilty of trafficking in cocaine in court yesterday.
Bowlin pled not guilty to the charge on May 25 and will be back in court on January 29 for sentencing.
The charges stem from Operation Junebug, a joint investigation carried out by the Rothesay Regional Police, Saint John Police and RCMP.

Parent arrested in Sussex

A disturbance over the lunch hour at Sussex Middle School School today will mean charges for one parent.
Sussex RCMP tell CHSJ News the 33-year-old man became irate in the principal's office and police were called.
No word on what he the man so riled up but, it does have something to do with his child, a student at the school. When police arrived, he did co-operate and was arrested.
Police plan to talk to teachers and others at the school as part of their investigation.
The man could face several charges including uttering threats and property damage.
He is due in court in February.

Fire in the North End

(Fire Fighters Look Over the Scene of North Fire)
               (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Investigators still are trying to figure out why fire ripped through a pair of homes in the North End today. Firefighters were called to 18-20 Byrden Street just before noon to find flames shooting out of the duplex. Laura White lives at 18 Bryden and tells CHSJ News, she heard a loud bang upstairs, ran down to investigate, smelled smoke and then got out as quick as she could.


District Chief Peter Saab says the good news is no one was hurt but the damage to both home is extensive. No word on how many people were living in the duplex but District Chief Saab says right now, it looks as if the fire started in the back corner of the home.

Firefighter Dispute in the K-V

The Kennebacasis Fire Department is being asked by the town of Rothesay to reduce it's budget by 100 thousand dollars and to eliminate a new firefighter position. Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ News he cannot support this decision because one station in the valley only has 3 firefighters on duty at a time, which doesn't meet regulations. Driscoll says regulations require when two firefigthers enter a building, two more need to be outside in case of an emergency. Driscoll adds he will request a meeting with Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop to discuss the issue.

Police Release Name in Fatality

The RCMP have released the name of a 19-year-old Fredericton Junction woman who was killed earlier this week in a single vehicle accident. The RCMP say Rebecca Webb's vehicle left a road in Upper Tracy, struck a pole and rolled over. According to police, she wasn't wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle. The accident is still being investigated but the RCMP earlier said alcohol and speed may have also played a role in the fatality.

Apartment Vacancy Rate in Saint John

If you're apartment hunting - you may notice a few more listings of late -- a survey by Canada Mortgage and Housing shows the city's apartment vacancy rate in October sitting at 3.6-percent -- up from 3.1 in October of last year. The federal housing agency is also reporting the average rent for a two bedroom apartment in the greater Saint John area at 644-dollars a month in October -- that's up 4.5-percent from a year ago.

Cause of Fire in Seeley's Cove

More details released on a home that was destroyed by fire in Seeley's Cove last Wednesday. The RCMP tells us the couple's home lost power during the storm and high winds so they decided to go out in the trailer which was parked in the garage to keep warm. Police say the owner had some clothes on a rack and the heater vent from the trailer was too close to the clothes which caught fire. The home was worth 1.9 million dollars.

Former Fire Chief and Common Councillor Running Provincially

Former Fire Chief and Common Councillor Glen Tait is going after the nomination to run in the next provincial election as a Conservative in East Saint John. He tells CHSJ News there are alot of issues in that part of town including traffic, the need to realign the exit off the highway at Ashburn Lake Road and flooding. Tait says what frustrated him during his time on Council was that you needed help from the other two levels of government to get anything done. The riding is currently held by Liberal Roly Mcintyre who's retiring.

Hospital Lottery Winners Come Forward

(Barley Family at the Front Door of Their New Home)
                 (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

It didn't take long for Michael and Lynn Barley to make the trip from Gagetown to collect the top prize in this years Hospital Home Lottery. They received the keys to their $750,000 dollar home in Drury Cove today and Mike tells CHSJ News, he and his wife are in shock. The winner of the Toyota Tundra Truck is 88-year old Milton Wallace of Moncton. The ticket for Wallace was purchased by his grand-daughter Mary Ramsey who tells CHSJ News, she bought it as a Christmas present so it was a huge shock for her grand-father.
22,000 tickets were sold for this years lottery and Executive Director of the Hospital Foundation Tim Cameron says that translates into close to $400,000 dollars for projects at the Regional.

Apartment Vacancy Rate On The Increase

If you're apartment hunting - you may notice a few more listings of late -- a survey by Canada Mortgage and Housing shows the city's apartment vacancy rate in October sitting at 3.6-percent -- up from 3.1 in October of last year.
And the federal housing agency is also reporting the average rent for a two bedroom apartment in the greater Saint John area at 644-dollars a month in October -- that's up 4.5-percent from a year ago.

Saint John Regional Hospital Home Lottery Winner Chosen

A husband and wife from Gagetown have won the 750 thousand dollar luxury home in Drury Cove which was the top prize in the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation's Home Lottery. Micheal and Lynn Barley bought three tickets. The winning ticket was selected from almost 22 thousand that were sold. Micheal Wallace of Moncton took the second prize, a 2010 Toyota truck.

Taxes Going Down in Quispamsis

[Mayor Murray Driscoll---File Photo]
Taxes in Quispamsis are going down.
As apart of the 2010 operating budget, the tax rate is decreasing by 2.2 cents, putting it at 1.20.
The entire budget is at $18.12 million dollars, and Mayor Murray Driscoll says there will be increased spending on road infrastructure as the town continues to grow.
Driscoll says the town is in good financial shape because it isn't borrowing money to pay for projects, with the exception of the Q-Plex. Driscoll says by not financing projects, and paying off the current debt, the town is realizing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of savings.

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll Addresses Town

Airport Looking for Your Feedback

(Runway Activity at SJ Airport)
  (Compliments of SJ Airport)

The Saint John Airport wants your feedback as officials go over the paperwork for it's strategic and 20-year master plan. They want to hear from residents in Saint John and all points in between Sussex and St. Stephen in putting the final document together. Input and comments can be forwarded to fly@sjairport.ca by January 08.

Results of the planning effort will be released at the Airport's Annual General Meeting in May.

Both Lanes of Highway 1 Eastbound open to traffic

The commute to the KV will be a lot easier this afternoon.
One lane of Highway 1 Eastbound was closed and the speed reduced near Strescon since last week while work crews put up a new sign for the Ashburn Lake Road exit.
It was gridlock on Highway 1 on the drive home last night with traffic backed up as far as the Harbour Bridge.

MP Moore wants the gutting of Bill C-15 reversed by the Liberals

[M-P Rob Moore---File Photo]
Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore is calling on Michael Ignatieff and his Liberals to reverse changes to Bill C-15, legislation to establish mandatory penalties for serious drug crimes.
Moore tells CHSJ News the problem is the Liberal controlled-Senate creating loopholes to delay passage of the legislation.
The House of Commons including the Liberals passsed the bill and then Moore says, the Senate did their dirty work and that is what the Conservatives want addressed.
The bill would make drug trafficking for organized crime purposes with a weapon carry a mandatory prison sentence.
Moore says the stalling shows the Liberals are soft are crime.

Moosehead on Board With Q-Plex

(Starting from Left...Mayor Driscoll, Joel Levesque
     and Derek Oland....Photo by Jim Hennessy)

When the Q-Plex in Quispamsis is complete, the name of the it's 4000 square foot meeting area will be known as the Moosehead Conference Center. In exchange for the naming right, the brewery makes a $125,000 dollar committment to the facility. Mayor Murray Driscoll says Moosehead continues to show why it is such an amazing community minded business.

Driscoll adds the search continues for a sponsor name for the facility. Along with the name of the conference center, Moosehead becomes the sole beer supplier for the facility for the next ten years.

Cartoon Attacks Premier and Irving

(Sign in Protest of NB Power-Hydro-Quebec Deal)
              (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Black and white cartoons have begun showing up in store front windows around the Greater Saint John area. They show a man in a suit holding a wrench with the Irving logo on it and the head of Premier Shawn Graham as to top of the tool. The writing on the sign reads ""The Only Tool Needed to Dismantle Public Assets""


The signs are showing up a day after the group calling itself Put NB People First held a rally on Germain Street and the offices of three area MLA's to voice their displeasure with the proposal to sell NB Power's assets to Hydro Quebec. So far, no one has taken credit for the cartoon. 

New Incentive to Recruit Nurses

[Health Minister Mary Schryer]
Talk is being replaced with action in the drive to bring more nurses to the Province. The Graham Government has announced a $10,000 incentive to nursing graduates who accept positions targeted as being hard to recruit. Health Minister Mary Schryer says this is a necessary tool to continue boosting the ranks. President of the Provincial Nurses Union Marilyn Quinn says this is another positive step in recruitement.

The program is available to nurses who graduated after March 3 of this year and to nursing students in their fourth year of studies who accept positions identified as hard to recruit. Since October of 2006, 357 nurses have been recruited to the Province.

Teenager Killed in Single Vehicle Accident

A 19-year old girl from Fredericton Junction is dead a single vehicle crash yesterday. RCMP were called to the Back Tracy Road to find the vehicle she was driving left the road and hit a pole. She was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle.


A 19-year old man in the vehicle suffered a few cuts and bruises but officers believe alcohol, speed and slippery road conditions all contributed to the accident happening. The name of the woman killed is not being released until family have been notified.

Construction Work Continues Along Highway Seven

Two contracts worth $11.8 million have been awarded as construction continues on the Route 7 Welsford-Nerepis bypass. Redem Construction Ltd. of Rusagonis won the job to construct a viaduct on Route 7 and Debly Enterprises of Saint John won a tender for work on a 2.6-km stretch on Route 101 to the transmission line near Route 7.

The total project cost for Phase 1 is $29.2 million and is scheduled to be finished in 2012.

Coleson Cove Gets a New License

The Provincial Environment Department has awarded Coleson Cove a new Class 1 air quality license approval. The company's current air quality operating approval will expire on Jan. 14.


The renewal follows a public consultation which included a 120-day public review between July 13 and Nov. 16. The new license is good for the next five years.

Where You Can Mulch Your Christmas Tree

We have the locations where you can take your Christmas tree to be mulched after the holiday. In Quispamsis, your tree can be dropped off at the parking lot of the Recreation Center off Meehan's Cove Road and the Walter Jewett Ballfield parking lot. Trees must be dropped of by Jan.8th. In Rothesay, there are four drop-off area's. The Bill McGuire Center, Wells Recreation Field, East Riverside Kingshurst Park and the front lot of the Rothesay Arena.


In Saint John.......you can take your tree to the Gorman Arena in Millidgeville, The Peter Murray and Hilton Belyea is taking tree's for the West Side and in East Saint John it is the Forest Hills Ballfield. A location for the South End is still trying to be found. All tree's will be mulched on January.9th and the complete list is available on our website at country94.ca just click news.

Proposed Bus Cuts

The Energy and Utilities Board wants to hear more from Acadian Coach Lines about its planned cuts to bus routes in the province. The Board wants more detailed information about ridership and costs on the two routes it wants to drop. Acadian is asking for approval to eliminate its routes from Saint John to Bangor which also serve Charlotte County as well as the Fredericton to Miramichi routes, which also stop in communities along Route 8. While asking for cuts, Acadian would like to increase the number of express buses between Saint John, Fredericton, Moncton and Halifax.

Quispamsis Girl Makes a Difference at Christmas

A young girl from Quispamsis is trying to make a difference and encourage others to do the same. For the past several weeks, 12 -year old Rebecca Dempster has held a bake sale at her school during the lunch hour. With the $230.00 dollars she has raised, Rebecca is sponsoring a young girl through a program with the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department. Dempster tells CHSJ News, four years ago, she and her family were sponsored. She is encouraging companies and individuals to support someone through the program. For more information you can contact the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department.

Tax Rate Maintained in Grand Bay-Westfield

(Mayor Grace Losier)

(photo by Tamara Steele)

There will not be an increase in the tax rate in Grand Bay-Westfield for 2010. Town Council passed the budget and kept the tax rate at $1.37. The 4.8 million dollar budget includes a nearly 20 thousand dollar increase in the cost of RCMP services to $627-thousand dollars. 2-million dollars will be borrowed in 2010 for the Colonel Nase Boulevard project connecting Highway 7 to River Valley Drive. The user fee for sewerage services will remain the same at $270 per unit.

Condo Project in Rothesay

The plan to build condos at 23 Marr Road has passed first reading so it can proceed for now. The town of Rothesay is allowing Rod Crowther to begin phase 1 of the development but is tabling the zoning by-law until more information can be given. Crowther wants to build 4 or 5 buildings, which will hold approximately 160 units. Phase 1 will consist of one buiilding with 20 to 24 condos and Crowther says the entire project benefits the town by putting nearly 160 housing units on 6 acres of land. Before approving the by law amendment, town council requires more information on how the development will affect neighbouring properties in terms of storm water management, as well as the scale of development.

Rothesay Tax Rate Goes Down

[Mayor Bill Bishop---File Photo]
The Town of Rothesay is reducing it's tax rate by 2 cents. The town's tax rate is down to $1.21 cents and Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News, unlike other municipalities, Rothesay includes garbage pick up in it's budget. Bishop says if the cost of garbage pick up wasn't included in the rate, it would be in the area of 1.16 cents, which is close to where the province recommended it to be. The town will increase spending on recreation which is something Bishop says residents have been asking for. The town will conduct a study on trails in the community, as well as major renovations to the Rothesay Arena, and the Renforth Wharf. The town's total general budget amounts to $14.85 million dollars.