Saint John Portland MLA Predicting a Busy Year

(Saint John Portland MLA Trevor Holder)
             (File Photo)

The MLA for the riding of Saint John Portland is gearing up for what he knows will be a busy year. Trevor Holder tells CHSJ News, with a Provincial Election in the fall and the future of NB Power still un-decided, there will be no rest for the weary.


Holder says he will also keep a close watch on what the Graham Government has planned for the future look of the Cresent Valley project.

Robbery on Rothesay Avenue

Even with the weather as miserable as it was last night, a thief found time to hit a business on Rothesay Avenue. City Police tell us someone broke into Kustom Auto Sound just after one this morning.


The good news is the thief stole nothing and took off from the store as quick as he broke in.

No Major Accidents to Report From Storm

As for accidents.......Police Forces in the metro area are reporting a good night. City Police tell us they were called to a few fender benders late yesterday afternoon but for the most part, no serious accidents or injuries to report. Same story for the Rothesay Regional Police. A reminder that the snow is heavy, so take you rtime and save your heart and back some pain.


The Saint John Airport is reporting all runways open and flights are arriving and leaving on time. As for the highways, there is a new service you can call.......511 to check the area your might be travelling to around the Province.

Snow Clean-Up Continues

The first snow storm of the new year was a beauty. It snowed all day in Greater Saint John and left roads, driveways and sidewalks full of wet, heavy snow. The clean-up has been on-going since yesterday and the Deputy Commissioner of Municipal Operations for Saint John Kevin Rice tells CHSJ News, this storm kept crews busy because as soon as they would clean a street, it would need another pass in less than an hour.


Rice adds they had a few issues with vehicles parked on the street but for the most part, had good access to most area's. Rice also reminds private operators and home-owners that there is a bylaw about plowing snow on to sidewalks. You could face a fine of up to $500 dollars. As for the gear and the crew, Rice says both are holding up just fine.

Plenty of Snow to Clean-Up

(Snow Fall on King Street During Recent Storm)
            (Photo by Dave Briggs)

So Just how much snow did we get? Environment Canada tells anywhere between 20-25cm's fell in Greater Saint John. Bathurst appears to be the early winner of the snow-fall contest with 27cm's of fresh powder. Meteorologist Andy Firth tells CHSJ News, it is a slow moving system, just south of Maine and give more snow this afternoon and into this evening.


NB Power continues to be plagued with problems. As of ten o'clock, the public utility is reporting 10,739 of it's customers around the Province are with-out power. 599 in the Sussex area, 1629 in Moncton, 2846 in Miramichi and just over 700 in the Fredericton area.

Update on Latest Blast of Winter

It's just past 10:00pm and the snow has changed over to rain. There is a lot of snow down since it started falling last night but no officially word on how much at this point but we can tell you it is heavy.  An accurate number is going to be tough considering the amount of drifting snow due to the high winds. City Police report a few minor accidents and Rothesay Regional tell us most people are playing it safe and staying off the roads unless they absolutely have to be out.

NB Power crews are out battling the conditions trying to get thousands of it's customers back on line. As of 10:08pm Saturday night, 7947 customers are off the grid with the largest area in Moncton with 3823 homes and businesses off the grid. 291 in the Grand Bay Westfield area, 120 in Quispamsis, 321 in Sussex and 128 in Fredericton. Saint John Transit took the fleet of forty foot limos off the roads at 8:30pm and Municipal Crews along with Department of Transportation are trying to get the roads cleaned up.  

Here is the latest forecast from Environment Canada:Tonight:

Snow at times heavy and blowing snow changing to rain at times mixed with snow near midnight. Snowfall amount 10 to 20 cm. Heavy winds as well. Temperature rises to 3 by the morning. Periods of snow tomorrow mixed with rain and windy. Temperature falling to zero by the afternoon. Flurries tomorrow night and a low of -1.

More snow in the forecast Monday and a high of 1. Flurries expected on Tuesday.

Seadogs Vs Wildcats Game at Harbour Station Has Been Cancelled

If you had tickets for tonight's game at Harbour Station between the Wildcats and the Seadogs, you won't be able to use them tonight. Due to the winter storm barreling down on this region, the game has been cancelled. Seadog officials tell us the Wildcats started out for Saint John but quickly turned around as conditions grew worse.


Officials also tell us no make-up date for the game has been scheduled but all tickets purchased for tonight's game will be honored when the make-up date is announced. Again, tonight's game between the Wildcats and Seadogs at Harbour Station is cancelled.

Winter Storm on it's Way

Make sure the shovel is handy, and the snow blower is gassed up, The first storm of 2010 is on it's way .

Environment Canada is a winter storm warning in effect, and the snow is expected to begin this morning, about 10 centimetres, with winds reaching 40 to 60 kilometres an hour this afternoon.
Snow is expected to continue this evening, accumulating about 20 centimetres.
The radar is showing the warmer, wetter weather is heading towards Nova Scotia, but appears to have stalled over Maine.
Drivers are being warned to watch out for whiteout conditions on highways.

Rothesay Looks Ahead to the Next Twelve Months

               (Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop)

Finishing the Renforth Wharf, cementing plans for the field house project and finishing up the infrastructure project which runs water lines from Grove Avenue to Fox Farm Road. All on the to do list for the Town of Rothesay in this new year. Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News, he has heard the continuing chatter concerning amalgamation and doesn't believe Quispamsis is interested.


Mayor Bishop says the feed-back he is hearing from home-owners is positive with how the Town is being run.

Quispamsis Ready For a New Year

(Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll Chatting With
  Residents at January.1st Levee at Town Hall)

Completion of the Q-Plex, an expansion for the library and finishing up sewerage lines along the Hampton Highway. Just a few of the projects the Town of Quispamsis looks to finish up over the next 12 months. Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ News, they are also keeping an eye on any new commercial development.


The first phase of the Shannex Development at the end of Millenium Drive is due to open in March and the ribbon on the Q-Plex is scheduled to be cut in the fall.

Working on the Budget at City Hall

(Mayor Ivan Court with Police Chief Reid and Fire Chief
               Simonds at the January.1st Levee)

With preliminary numbers to be rolled out Monday night, City Hall is getting closer to finalizing the tax rate for this year. Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News, they remain focused on trying to hold the rate at $1.72. Court adds even if they were to freeze all budgets, they would still need an additional four million dollars to run the city this year than last.

Once the preliminary numbers are revealed Monday, Court hopes to have a final budget vote two weeks later.

Moosehead Has Another Hit On It's Hands

Moosehead Breweries has closed out the year on another high note. After Moosehead Light Lime took the Maritimes by storm over the summer, the brewery has another hit in it's Camouflage Cans. The campaign made Alpines 12-pack the number one selling beer package around the Province for the month of September and also netted a Grand Bay Westfield man a huge prize.


19-year old Curtis Dykeman won a 2009 Yamaha Grizzly all terrain vehicle by filling out a ballot from one of the 163,000 beer that was sold during the campaign.

Snow is Falling and More Is on the Way

You have been hearing about it and here is the latest we can tell you about some winter weather headed our way over the next 48 hours. Environment Canada has just posted the a snowfall and wind warnings for the following areas leading into Saturday night:

snowfall warning for:



_new_ acadian peninsula


_new_ bathurst and chaleur region


_new_ campbellton and eastern half of restigouche county


_new_ fredericton and southern york county


_new_ fundy national park


_new_ grand lake and queens county


_new_ kent county


_new_ kouchibouguac national park


_new_ miramichi and area


_new_ moncton and southeast new brunswick


_new_ mount carleton - renous highway


_new_ oromocto and sunbury county


_new_ st. stephen and northern charlotte county


_new_ stanley - doaktown - blackville area


_new_ sussex/kennebecasis valley and kings county


_new_ woodstock and carleton county


grand manan and coastal charlotte county


saint john and county.




total snowfall amounts of 15 to 25 centimetres are expected by


sunday morning.



wind warning for:


_new_ acadian peninsula


_new_ bathurst and chaleur region


_new_ campbellton and eastern half of restigouche county


_new_ western half of restigouche county


_new_ edmundston and madawaska county


_new_ fredericton and southern york county


_new_ fundy national park


_new_ grand falls and victoria county


_new_ grand lake and queens county


_new_ grand manan and coastal charlotte county


_new_ kent county


_new_ kouchibouguac national park


_new_ miramichi and area


_new_ moncton and southeast new brunswick


_new_ mount carleton - renous highway


_new_ oromocto and sunbury county


_new_ saint john and county


_new_ st. stephen and northern charlotte county


_new_ stanley - doaktown - blackville area


_new_ sussex/kennebecasis valley and kings county


_new_ woodstock and carleton county.


winds gusting to 90 to 120 km/h expected saturday night.
 
The snow began falling in Saint John just before three this afternoon (New Years Day). Anyone travelling over the next two days is reminded to slow down and give yourself plenty of time to get where your going.

Fire in Rothesay New Years Eve

The New Year got started the wrong way for a family in Rothesay. Their home suffered extensive damage after fire ripped through it on New Years Eve. The Kennebecasis Department was called to 46 Second Street off the Fox Farm Road just after six o'clock last night.


The good news is no one was hurt but Divisional Chief Bill Ireland tells us the fire is being ruled an accident and there is nothing suspicious about how it started. The owners of the home say they have plenty of family in the area they can stay with.

Impaired Driving Down

For New Years Eve, Police Forces in Greater Saint John are reporting a fairly routine night. Rothesay Regional tell us with several check-points in place, they didn’t use the breathalyzer once. In Saint John, although the record isn’t as spotless, they report only three driver’s being charged with impaired driving.

Officer's say the number of New Years impaired drivers have been on the decline for the past few years.

Man Killed on the West Side

The first day of 2010 has started off with tragedy for one Saint John family. A 19-year old man was killed early this morning in a single vehicle accident along the Sand Cove Road West. City Police tell us they were called to the scene near Driftwood Lane just after four to find the vehicle and three people inside had left the road.

The jaws of life had to be used to get all three out of the vehicle. The woman driving has submitted a blood test but no word yet on whether alcohol was a factor in this crash. Major Crime has taken over the case and have not yet released the name of the 19-year old man killed.

More Information Released on Crash near Petitcodiac

The RCMP are releasing more details around the crash on highway 1 near Petitcodiac yesterday that claimed two lives.

31 year old Gregory Banguay of Saint John, and 29 year old Michael McAloon from Fredericton were killed when their vehicle rear ended a transport truck that was gearing down.
The roads were extremely slippery and icy at the time, and the RCMP want to remind motorists to slow down, and take your time while travelling.

Smoking Law Starts Friday

The provincial ban on smoking in a vehicle when a child is present goes into effect at midnight.

The Smoke Free Places Act prohibits smoking a vehicle when someone under the age of 16 is present.
Offenders could face fines between $140 and $570 dollars, and this act is one of many initiatives put in place to try and decrease, and recoup costs associated with tobacco use.
2009 saw a ban on tobacco displays and point of sale tobacco advertising, as well as a lawsuit from the province against tobacco companies.

Rothesay Regional Police Ready For Tonight

It's business as usual for Rothesay Regional Police this evening.
Patrols will be no different than any other weekend, with road blocks and random spot checks.
The police tell us, New Years Eve generally isn't too bad in the valley---but patrols will be watching for impaired drivers coming back from the city.

A Few Reminders

A couple of reminders from the city. All city owned parking lots will be free for overnight parking this evening, and on-street parking in the South Central Peninsula will be changing sides.
Anyone who would normally put their garbage out tomorrow should do so, because garbage collection is running on it's regular schedule.
And, Mayor Court and Common Council are holding it's levee tomorrow at the HMCS Brunswicker---things get started at 11 o'clock.


Out in the Valley, Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll is hosting a levee at the town hall at noon, and Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishops event gets underway at 11 at the town hall.

Pilot Road Projects

[Transportation Minister Denis Landry----File Photo]
A couple of new projects from the provincial government is aiming to reduce the amount of snow building up on highways.

Transportation Minister Denis Landry announced the four pilot projects, that will include using salt brine before a storm to reduce the amount of accumulation.
Highways in the Miramichi, Moncton and Sussex will be used to test the effectiveness of using salt brine.
Landry says previous attempts to weaken the build up of ice and snow using de-icing materials were not effective, because it would blow off the roads. He says salt brine will stick to the roads better, and hopefully make highways safer during the winter.

KV Fire Chief Larry Greer Reflects on 2009

[KV Fire Chief Larry Greer---File Photo]
A new pumper and ladder truck definitely the highlights of 2009 for the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department. Chief Larry Greer tells CHSJ News, training for both has been a success and he is now focusing on hiring a few more bodies.
Greer adds volunteer fire-fighters are a valuable asset to the department but it is becoming tougher to recruit them with everyone carrying heavier workloads. Chief Greer will retire this year but nodate has been confirmed.

Mayor Bill Bishop Looks Back on 2009

[Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop---File Photo]

With the finishing touches still to be ironed out for it's municipal plan, the Town of Rothesay likes what it accomplished over the past 12 months. Engineering work is being carried out on an eight million dollar infrastructure grant will be finished by next year with work still to come on the recreation file and an eye on more seniors housing and condos. Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News, there is still plenty of property to build homes.
Bishop adds they hope to finish up renovation work for the wharf in Renforth in the spring.

Canadian Blood Services Looking For Donations

Before the end of 2009, you can do a good deed by donating blood this morning.

Canadian Blood Services has special holiday hours from 8am until Noon today at
405 University Avenue.
Spokesperson Amanda Cullen tells CHSJ News this time of year it can be tough to keep donations.
Canadian Blood Services will be closed tomorrow.
To book an appointment for blood donation, call 1-888-2-DONATE.

Gas Prices Increase Again

Gas prices are creeping up again.


The Energy and Utility Board is reporting the maximum price for regular self serve is now 101.3, and Diesel can be sold for 107.8.
Furnace oil has maxed out at 90.4 cents, and propane can be sold for a 112

Car Goes Off Road on West Side

Slippery roads are the cause of a single vehicle accident on the west side this morning.

Around 2:30, a car went off the road on Bay Street, with three people being sent to the hospital with minor injuries.
City police are urging motorists to be cautious of ice while driving during the cold snap.

Crash Kills Two Near Petitcodiac

Two men are dead after a two vehicle collision near Petticodiac this afternoon. It was just before one this afternoon when a transport truck which was gearing down was rear-ended by a small vehicle. The driver of the rig and of the smaller vehicle were both in their thirties and pronounced dead at the scene.

RCMP is still trying to piece together what happened but alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. The section of Highway one was very slippery at the time and no names are being released at this time.

Saint John Art To Be Part of Winter Olympics

(file photo)

Chalk up another dream for local artist Norm Jackson -- he's presented his latest painting dedicated to the winter Olympics to the Vancouver Olympic organizing committee.
Jackson flew out to Vancouver earlier this week and met with committee reps yesterday.
He tells CHSJ News he also presented a letter from Mayor Ivan Court -- the painting featuring the Olympic Inukshuk symbol along with northern lights will eventually hang in an Olympics museum to be established in Vancouver.

North End Vandalism

A bizarre case of vandalism in the north end has forced a man from his apartment. A building at 13 Main Street was vandalised which included a water pipe being broken. This caused flooding and the power being shut off. The Red Cross has arranged for the man to have accomodation until the damage is fixed. City police are investigating.

Swine Flu Death in the K-V

A 27 year old Quispamsis man has died from the swine flu virus after spending nearly a month in intensive care. Doctors had tried treating him with the anti-flu drug Tamiflu but Dr. Paul Van Buynder, the province's Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer, says he had a number of underlying medical conditions and its unlikely he had received an H-1-N-1 flu shot.

Power Outages Wide-Spread Across the Province

It's two steps forward and three steps back for NB Power crews. They have been battling the weather all day trying to get a good portion of it's customers back on the grid. As of eleven o'clock Tuesday night, December.28th, 2285 are still with-out electricity. 1297 are in the Fredericton area, 330 in Rothesay, St. Stephen has 567 homes and businesses in the dark and Bathurst has 88.

Our radio stations, CHSJ and 97.3 The Wave were also hit by the power outage, with the signal for both stations down for a good portion of the day

Stricter Regulations at Saint John Airport

[Saint John Aiport---File Photo]

With stricter regulations in place about what passengers are able to carry onto an airplane, the Saint John Airport is recommending people travelling to the United States arrive earlier for their flights.

President Bernie LeBlanc tells CHSJ News, the regulations do not have a significant impact on operations.
There are exceptions to the regulations. Laptops, cameras, medications and small purses are still allowed onto the plane.
LeBlanc says nearly 25 per cent of traffic from the Saint John Airport travels to, or from the U.S.
The regulations have been increased due to a failed terrorist attack on Christmas Day in Detroit.

Vehicle Ends Up in Ditch Near Norton

Sussex RCMP are reporting a single vehicle accident near Norton yesterday.

The accident happened on Highway 124, when the 34 year old driver lost control on an icy road and ended up overturned in a ditch.
The vehicle was carrying 3 children, and the drivers 9 year old son was taken to the Sussex Health Centre, to be later released with minor injuries.

City Roads Getting Cleared

[Germain Street at 1:35pm----Photo by Dave Briggs]

Municipal Operations are on target for having all priority roads cleared this evening.

Deputy Commissioner of Municipal Operations Kevin Rice tells CHSJ News, so far operations have been running smoothly, with just a few minor maintenance issues this morning.
Rice says he's been getting great feedback from plow operators about the level of cooperation from uptown residents with vehicles.
Rice says plows have been able to clear uptown roads after one or two runs, rather than three to four like last year.
He says the important thing to remember during a snowfall is to be patient, because every road will be cleared.

Update on Barnwood Pub Robbery

The 55 year old Saint John man appearing in court in relation to an incident at the Barnwood Pub in Rothesay is being remanded for a psychiatric exam.

Adrien John Lepage appeared in court today in connection with the armed robbery of the pub, and the abduction of an employee.
Lepage did not enter a plea during his initial court appearance, and will be back in front of a judge on January the 5th.

New Rules for Selling or Purchasing a Condo

For the first time since 1969, a change is being made to the purchase and sale processes for condominiums in the province.

The Condominium Property Act aims to modernize the approval process, as well as increase transparency in the purchase and sale process.
Those looking to buy a condo will be given a 10 day cooling off period to obtain legal advice and to review any documents outlining the rules and requirements for living in a condominium community.
Over the past 15 years, condos have become popular housing choices, with more than 200 community's located throughout the province.
The new act goes into place on January the 1st.

BOT Expects Costco to Attract More Shoppers

[President of the Saint John Board of Trade Imelda Gilman----File Photo]

2009 was a good year for Saint John. So says the President of the Saint John Board of Trade, Imelda Gilman who tells CHSJ News it could have been alot worse considering the economic meltdown.
Gilman is looking forward to the opening of Costco in the spring which she says will attract more shoppers to Saint John.

Accident in St. George

Traffic along highway one westbound at St. George had to be detoured this morning after a head on-collision involving two cars. One person was taken to hospital after complaining of some pain.

MacIntyre Looks Back on 2009

[M-L-A Roly MacIntyre---File Photo]
 
The court house issue has been resolved, the emergency room expansion at the Regional continues to move ahead and the first students for the new Medical School are being interviewed. Just some of the highlights for the city from the eyes of Saint John East MLA Roly MacIntyre. He tells CHSJ News, regardless of the attention the NB Power proposal has and continues to receive, they are moving ahead with the capital budget.
MacIntyre adds not only is he proud of the work in the past year, very pleased with the accomplishments over the past 15. He will not re-offer in the Provincial election in September.

Accident in Hampton

The RCMP in Hampton reporting a single vehicle accident last night in the Hammond River area which injured three young people. police say their vehicle hit a patch of ice and left the road. Their injuries were not serious even though one of them was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.

Road and Weather Conditions this Morning

If you are out and about on the roads this morning, we are getting reports of very treacherous conditions. There was a report earlier of a tractor trailer that jack knifed on Highway one westbound just past the Lorneville exit and a car went off ther McKay Highway going westbound between Quispamsis and Hampton. Linda Libby of Environment Canada tells CHSJ News the snow is expected to end around noonhour and then it gets alot colder tonight and tomorrow morning.

By contrast, the temperature yesterday reached plus 6. Libby didn't know for sure but says it could very well have set a new record high for the date.

Fire Chief Reflects on 2009

[Fire Chief Rob Simonds---Photo Courtesy of saintjohn.ca]
Looking back at the past 12 months, there certainly was a lot of down time for the City Fire Department. Along with the thousands of calls, they were kept busy with operational training, capacity building a full review of services at the request of council. Chief Simonds tells CHSJ News, he was thrilled to see members of his force iron out a new contract.
Chief Simonds adds although the fire services review took a great amount of time, it was over-due and helped highlight why they need the resources they have.

The Premier Says The New Year Will Be Challenging

[Premier Shawn Graham----File Photo]
He's calling it the most challenging year of his mandate -- and -- Premier Shawn Graham says the new year will be just as challenging.

Graham says his government has been dealing with reforms of the education - healthcare - and - taxation systems while struggling with the impact of the global recession.
Graham says his government isn't going to coast through the new year while preparing for the fall election -- he says he will continue to move ahead with reforms and the controversial sale of N-B Power to Hydro Quebec.

More People Moving to New Brunswick

Statistics Canada is reporting the population in this province is increasing.

New Brunswick's population increased by .13 per cent, which is the highest quarterly growth since 1991 for this province.
There is growth in population in every Atlantic province, and strong numbers of growth in the west.
This province has the smallest percentage of growth of all Canadian provinces this quarter.

Getting Rid of Your Christmas Tree

Instead of just tossing your Christmas trees on the street, getting them mulched is a far better idea. In Saint John.......you can take your tree to the Gorman Arena in Millidgeville, The Peter Murray and Hilton Belyea are taking trees for the West Side and in East Saint John,it's the Forest Hills Ballfield. A location for the South End is still trying to be found........ In Quispamsis, you can take your tree to 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.

Vandals Hit Two East Saint John Car Dealerships

Some vandals spent the long weekend breaking car windows at two dealerships on Rothesay Avenue.

Damage was done to vehicles at Saint John Hyundai, and Saint John Toyota. An employee tells us, there is a total of 15 vehicles vandalized.
He says the estimated cost of damage is not known, since the damage was found this morning.
City police are investigating.

The Mayor Looks Back on 2009

[Mayor Ivan Court---File Photo]
There was plenty on the plate of Saint John Mayor Ivan Court as we look back at 2009. The on-going pension woes, contract negotiations and locking up funding for several projects including harbor clean-up. Court tells CHSJ News, the mayor's job is a 365 day commitment:
Court says the recent survey by Ipsos Reid shows the majority of citizens are happy with the job he and council are doing with more road repairs and safe drinking water high on the priority list for next year.

Police Investigating Shot Fired at Home

City police are looking into a bullet being shot into a home in the South End.

The police tell us, just before seven o'clock last night a bullet was fired through a window in the central south area.
There were no injuries, and Major Crime is currently investigating.

Malls Crowded

Once you manage to fight the traffic gridlock and find an elusive
parking spot - the malls are almost wall to wall people with lots of
line ups to even get through the doors of some stores.


Sent from by iPhone

Bargain Hunters Swarm Eastern Retail Area

Traffic backs up on Westmorland Road as throngs of shoppers descend on
the eastern retail area in search of Boxing Day bargains.

Sent from by iPhone

District 8 Looks Back and Forward

Technically, school District Eight is only halfway through it's year despite the rolling of the calendar in a few days. Officials have plenty left to do with a new literacy plan, rebuilding the district education plan along with revised math curriculums. Director of Education Bev MacDonald tells CHSJ News, one of the biggest achievements has to be how smoothly the H1N1 vaccination process rolled out.

MacDonald says in the new year, the District Education Council will hold open houses to ask parents and the public what they feel should be priorities as far as infrastructure needs are concerned.

Holder Reflects

[ Trevor Holder -- on file]

The MLA for Saint John Portland looks back fondly on alot of things accomplished in 2009. Trevor Holder tells CHSJ News, he never imagined how-ever his party would be locked in a debate over the future of NB Power.
Holder says despite the NB Power-Hydro Quebec bombshell, alot of positive things were accomplished including setting up a nature preserve in Millidgeville and great strides continue to be made in the Old North End.

Boxing Day Sales Start Today

[Photo taken by -- Melissa O'Rourke]

It may say the 27th on the calendar but for the die-hard bargain shopper’s, today is the yearly Boxing Day sales at most stores through-out the metro. Advertising on store-wide bargains were announced two days before Christmas to lure those looking for a sale or someone who snatched a gift card from Santa this year to come and see what was up for grabs.
Many people showed up at malls around the region yesterday hoping to get a head start but because of the Provincial Days of Rest act, stores were closed with the exception of a few. There are reports out of Moncton that some stores opened at six this morning to try and draw in those hungry to get back to the mall and do some shopping.

Accident on the MacKay

[Photo taken by -- Mark McGraw]

An accident last night on the MacKay highway.

9 o'clock last night a car rolled onto it's roof after a collision with another vehicle.

There was one injury, but nothing serious.

Cars were backed up for over 30 minutes in some area's.

All is Normal For Christmas Day

As it should be, for the most part, all was peaceful in Greater Saint John on Christmas Day. City Police and Fire, Rothesay Regional and RCMP were all steady but nothing serious to report. As far as the weather is concerned, here is what the three day forecast looks like:

A mix of sun and cloud today and a high of -1. Cloudy tonight with a low of zero except inland where the temperature is supposed to drop to -5. Rain expected late tomorrow afternoon....about 10mm's, windy and a high of 4. Cloudy Monday and a high of 2.

Merry Christmas From CHSJ News

Merry Christmas from the CHSJ News Department. We hope your having a wonderful day with family and friends. A reminder from police forces in Greater Saint John to drive with care and caution and please don't drink and drive.

If you do spot news happening, feel free to call the news-line at 648-3000 and leave a message. We are checking them over the holiday.

A Steady Night for Emergency Officials

Plenty of calls for emergency officials in Greater Saint John on Christmas Eve but nothing major. Rothesay Regional Police say they were called to a few accidents last night when freezing rain was falling. Nobody was seriously hurt.


City Fire Crews were called to a fuel spill in Millidgeville late yesterday afternoon. After laying down some peat moss, the fuel was soaked up and didn't cause any major damage.

Another Dumping of Snow for Greater Saint John

(Shot of King Street During Recent Storm)
         (Photo by Dave Briggs)

The second major winter storm of the season is giving most what they had hoped for.....a white Christmas. Environment Canada Meteorologist Mike Campbell tells CHSJ News, Greater Saint John is pushing back over 15cm's of fresh powder, Fredericton is cleaning up just over 23cm's while Woodstock and area's north are reporting 25 and even 30cm's of snow on the ground.


In Moncton.....it was nothing but rain with 25mm's falling. A good portion of Saint John was with-out power for most of the over-night hours with the power coming back on at five this morning. We have placed a call to Saint John Energy but still haven't heard back as to what the problem was.

Gas Prices Back on the Climb

(Energy and Utilities Board Logo)
              (File Image)

After enjoying a drop over the past few weeks, the price for gasoline and other petroleum products is up this week. The Energy and Utilities Board has released it's weekly price schedule which shows gasoline at a maximum total price of 98 cents. Most stations are selling a litre of self-serve for 95.3. Diesel has a maximum total price of $105.6 with most stations selling a litre for $102.8.

Furnace oil has maxed out at 88.3 for a total price but the retail number comes in at 82.6 and the maximum total price for propane is $109.2 but selling for 97.9.

Premier Graham Not Paying Attention to the Poll Numbers

(Premier Shawn Graham)
        (File Photo)

Premier Graham is dismissing a recent national poll showing him as one of the least popular premiers in the country. Responding to a CHSJ News question -- the Premier says he's not going to govern based on polling numbers

Graham admits 2009 has been the most difficult year of his mandate with the impact of the global recession - the swine flu pandemic - ongoing reforms in health - education - and - taxation -- and -- the controversial proposal to sell off N-B Power to Hydro Quebec.

A Request for More Ward Meetings

City staff are looking at a possible spring date for another set of Ward Meetings. Councillor Bill Farren is asking staff to look into possible dates as a way to increase communication with taxpayers. Mayor Ivan Court says the meetings should all be held on the same night in the middle of a week.


Court says as long as both councillors from each ward can attend and a member of staff they should run smoothly.

Murray Driscoll Happy with 2009

(Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll)
          (File Photo)

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll is looking back on 2009 with a smile. Driscoll says over the year, a lot has been accomplished in the town including reducing some costs to an all time low.


Driscoll says at the beginning of this year, there was a 17 per cent increase in the tax base, but the town was able to cut the tax rate by close to 4 cents.

A Request for More Lights

By the end of next month, the issue of lighting on the Westfield Road may be found. Councillor Peter McGuire is looking for advice from Saint John Energy on helping find a positive change to the dark road.


McGuire says even at the best of times the road is hard to manoeuvre and is terrible at night. The acting city manager is being asked to report back on his discussions with the utility by the end of next month.

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:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.