Former DEC Member Continues to Speak

(To the Right is Acting DEC Chair Mark Henderson)
                    (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

A former member of the District Six Education Council continues to try and make his voice heard. Tom Oland showed up at last night's meeting and brought up the subject of charter schools, which he feels is the reason why he was dismissed from the DEC to begin with. After touching on that subject, Oland then asked each member to speak up if any of their family was enrolled in French Immersion.



Acting Chair Mark Henderson pointed out specific questions can not be adressed to DEC members but Oland continued to press the issue. After asking the question a third time and getting no answer, Oland reached his boiling point, grabbed a stack of papers and told the Council he would be back for next months meeting.

Early Start to Grass Fire Season in Saint John

There are many benefits to this early thaw but an early start to grass fire season isn't one of them. Since the first of the month, the Saint John Department has been called to snuff out 15 of them. Inspector Mark Wilson tells CHSJ News, there are many dangers associated with a grass fire and taking equipment away from certain medicals calls can be deadly.




Inspector Wilson adds the Saint John Fire Department used to conduct a controlled burn every spring but stopped because of legal concerns and the trouble controlling the flames.

Shaping the Future of Rockwood Park

                 (Lily Lake Pavilion)
                      (File Photo)

The future look of Rockwood Park is up for discussion at a pair of public meetings today. City Hall wants to know what could or should be developed along sections of the Sandy Point Road or should it be left alone because it is encroaching upon park land. A moratorium is in place for any development on city owned land along the Sandy Point Road until staff determines the best use.


Many home-owners in the area are upset that proposed housing developments are taking away greenspace from Rockwood Park. The meetings are scheduled for 3:15pm and 7:15pm at the Pavilion.

Maintenance Work at Canaport LNG

      (Canaport LNG Terminal)
                (File Photo)

Despite recent labour problems, completion of the third storage tank at the LNG Terminal is getting close. Construction crews hope to finish up the work by the end of May and Canaport Spokes-person Kate Marie Shannon tells CHSJ News, over-all, the terminal is operating the way it should.


Marie Shannon adds as part of the work, flaring will take place over the next two weeks. Since the terminal came on line, there have been 20 shipments with the next super tanker set to dock in the next two weeks.

Auxilary Police Play a Huge Role

       (Saint John Police Chief Bill Reid)
                    (File Photo)

The Saint John Police Force has 22 auxiliary members, up from 8 last year. They each contribute about 140 hours of service a year after completing 100 hours of training. Chief Bill Reid says they had 80 applicants for the auxiliary policing positions.
Reid adds the auxiliary officers often come with a deep knowledge of their own community because some already have careers.

Mayor of Saint John Travels to Ottawa

The Mayor of Saint John is in Ottawa over the next two days discussing policing issues. Ivan Court will be in the capital in his role as Vice-President of the Canadian Association of Police Boards. It's the national association which oversee more than 75 per cent of the municipal police services in the country.


On the agenda will be support for a new national strategy on firearms and strengthening laws to criminalize cyber-bullying behaviours.

Community Consultation Underway On Plan To Revitalise Crescent Valley

(Saint John Mayor Ivan Court)

(File Photo)

Finding out what the residents want about what should be included in the Cresent Valley Master Plan has started. The Graham Government earlier unveiled an ambitious revitalisation plan spanning 20-years that would add 1373 new homes in the area along with new and upgrades to green spaces already there. Now comes the community consultation. Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News its a golden opportunity to turn things around in one north end neighbourhood. The key, according to Court, is to have mixed housing with people from all income levels living in the same area.
Court says it's already happening in Saint John where you have people living along the waterfront in 400 thousand dollar condos along with others in the same neighbourhood who are paying as low as 200 dollars a month and enjoying the same view and quality of life.

A Setback For Repairs To The Harbour Bridge

(Harbour Bridge)

(File Photo)

A new development in the ongoing saga of getting the 35 million dollars needed for repairs to the Harbour Bridge. The federal government is not signing off on giving the okay for the Harbour Bridge Authority to borrow the money from a pension plan without alot more detailed information. Bob McDevitt, who chairs the Harbour Bridge Authority, calls it a stalling tactic.
McDevitt warns getting together the information the federal government is looking for will take too much time and there's a good chance the Harbour Bridge Authority may lose out on this upcoming construction season. He tells CHSJ News the Harbour Bridge Authority finds itself stuck in the middle of a dispute between the province and Ottawa with the common thread being the tolls and what's being lost is the need to keep the bridge in top notch condition. Premier Shawn Graham says the province has made the federal governemnt an offer to take over the bridge but has never received a response.

Intelligence based policing is working in Saint John

(Saint John Police Chief Bill Reid)

(photo by Tamara Steele)

Positive news from the Saint John Police Force on crime reduction. The Police Commission has been informed that intelligence led policing has resulted in a reduction of the numbers for break and enters and auto theft.
Chief Bill Reid tells CHSJ News that what these numbers really represent is quality of life.
In 2009, they had a 28 per cent reduction in the number of break and enters and a 18 per cent reduction in stolen autos.
To learn more on crime reduction economics go to:
www.saintjohn.ca/crimereductioneconomics

New library for The Valley

A question mark remains hanging over the future of the Ken Valley library. The library board meets this week and is struggling with whether to expand or build new. Rothesay Councilor, Don Shea tells CHSJ News many factors need to be considered.Whether or not it should be located in the centre of the Valley, combined with district 8 or be part of a larger complex. Shea says he prefers the option of building new. The current library in Quispamsis wasn't designed to expand vertically, which would require more land.

Rothesay Meets With Premier Graham

      (Town of Rothesay Coat of Arms)

With a $3 to $4 million dollar solution on the table for recent flooding issues in Oakville Acres, The Town of Rothesay is looking for some funding help from Fredericton and Ottawa. Officials recently had a one on one meeting with Premier Graham and Deputy mayor Blair MacDonald tells CHSJ News, there are no commitments at this time.




The Town is also looking to secure funding for renovations to the Rothesay Arena which incoude re-locating and expanding the lobby and an upgrade for changing rooms. In order to do that, the Town is looking to secure property between the building and Scott Avenue.

Four Open Houses To Discuss Cresent Valley

(Social Development and Housing Minister Kelly Lamrock)
                             (File Photo)

There are four community information sessions regarding the Cresent Valley Master Plan over the next week and the first goes tonight. The Graham Government has unveiled a 20-year, five phase proposal that would add 1373 new homes in the area along with new and updates to current green spaces.


Along with tonight's meeting, there is one scheduled for Thursday of this week and then Tuesday and Thursday of next week as well. They all get started at seven o'clock at the Resource Center in Cresent Valley.

More Conversation Concerning Valley Fire Budget

       (Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop)
                 (File Photo)

After weeks of bickering, it appears an impasse may have been reached between the Towns of Rothesay and Quispamsis. Both have been at odds about the Kennebecasis Fire Department budget with Quispam looking to hire a new fire-fighter even though there needs to be a $100 thousand dollar cut in the budget. Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop says the issue was discussed in closed session at last night's meeting and expects an announcement on what conclusion they have come up in the coming days.


Bishop adds it is a delicate issue and wants to make sure the wording of a letter indicates what the Town really means.

Proposed Changes to Scribner Cresent

(Director of Development Services for Rothesay Gay Drescher)
                        (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Proposed changes to Scribner Court in Rothesay only has one hurdle left to clear. First and Second reading was approved at last night's council meeting with the third and final vote to be heard next month. The application is to re-zone a single property on the northern boundary of the property to residential two family. The area is vacant except for a private tennis court which won't stay if the re-zoning is approved.


The plan for the area is to build a semi-detached building to live in one half and sell the other. There was no one on hand to speak against the proposed re-zoning.

Grand Bay Council Calls for Pay Equity

(Grand Bay Westfield Mayor Grace Losier)
               (File Photo)

Grand Bay council is waiting into the debate over pay equity in the private sector. The council is sending a letter to the premier, asking for legislation. Mayor Grace Losier tells CHSJ news it's a issue whos time has come.


Council picked National Womens day to approve the decision to send the letter.

One City Councilor Wants Streetcars to Return

They roamed city streets years ago -- and -- if Councilor Patty Higgins has her way -- streetcars will once again have a place in our streetscapes. Higgins says with cheaper hyrdo power becoming available -- replacing buses with streetcars makes economical and environmental sense.


Higgins says the streetcars would be quieter and also be a tourist attraction.

Premier Calls Increases In Property Tax Bills "Unacceptable"

(Premier Shawn Graham)

(File Photo)

If homeowners feel they're being gouged after receiving their property tax bills, Premier Shawn Graham says they should be talking to their municipal Mayors and Councillors because he maintains the province tried to keep any increases in the assessments from being over the top. Graham charges the vast majority of municipalities chose not to follow the legislation.
The Premier is promising what he calls a more proactive approach without being specific about what he has in mind. Mayor Ivan Court says a cap on assessments would be the worst thing that could happen in Saint John because the city wouln't be able to operate financially. He claims there are many properties in the city that are undervalued. Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll points out the tax rate in his town has been dropping but housing prices have been escalating well above the rate of inflation and this is a factor in rising property assessments.

Rothesay Mayor Supports Expansion of McKay Highway

(Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop)

(File Photo)

Making a section of Highway One six lanes between Rothesay and Saint John gets the thumbs up from the Mayor of Rothesay. Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News he is thrilled the area is getting some much needed attention.
Bishop adds traffic in the area near the fire station has been a nightmare to say the least for the longest time. A final draft of the project is expected soon with construction set to get started this summer and finish up in 2013.

Construction Set To Start On The Two Busiest Streets In Grand Bay-Westfield

(Grand Bay-Westfield Mayor Grace Losier)

(File Photo)

Two of Grand Bay-Westfield's busiest streets will get a facelift.
The project includes storm sewers on the Woolastook and Inglewood drive this year and resurfacing next year. Along with River Valley Drive, Woolastook and Inglewood provide access to all of the town's subvisions and streets.
Mayor Grace Losier tells CHSJ news the work begins this spring and will be complete before the summer 2011.

Trade And Convention Centre Receives City Funding As It Faces Competition

(Market Square)

(File Photo)

The city is earmarking 550-thousand dollars for the proposed upgrade and expansion of the Trade and Convention Center at Market Square. City manager Pat Woods says the money will move the project forward.
Meantime -- Woods says negotiations will begin with the Hardman Group for additional space for the expansion while other funding sources will be sought.
The plan calls for construction on the 6 to 8-million dollar project to begin early in the New Year. Saint John now faces some competition for the convention business.
The City of Fredericton says it should start seeing the economic return on its new convention centre as early as December.
Sales director Cathy Pugh says interest is already being expressed in the centre and the adjoining, 700-seat Playhouse theatre.
The 24 (m) million dollar convention centre, which is part of a larger complex, is slated to open in December.
Pugh says she already has 12 tentative bookings lined up that will see events held through 2015.

Court And Chase Lock Horns Over Peel Plaza - Again

More sparks flying between Mayor Ivan Court and Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase over the controversial Peel Plaza project.
The latest verbal duel came as council dealt with the new capital budget -- a budget without any specific dollars set aside for the police station and parking garage development -- a development Chase says the city can't afford.
That prompted Court to suggest Chase is nothing more than a "bad news bear" - he later apologized.
Chase accepted the apology and reminded the Mayor he believed the Bad News Bears won the championship with Court quipping "with a good coach."

Peel Plaza Report Going To Council Soon

Common council should be receiving a final report on the cost of a public - private partnership for Peel Plaza soon.
City Manager Pat Woods says the numbers from the request for proposals are due in the next day or so.
Woods says the city's finance department will then review the costing on the public-private partnership followed by a meeting of the steering committee on Thursday -- and -- finally a recommendation to council hopefully by next week.
Council will then make a decision whether to proceed in partnership with the developer or proceed with financing the project on its own.
The development will see a new police station and parking garage constructed in addition to a new provincial justice complex.

Council Approves 45-Million Dollar Capital Budget

Common council has nixed 600-thousand dollars earmarked for Saint John Transit to buy a new bus.
Instead -- councilors have redirected the money to help bolster the money allocated for road repairs and upgrades which is a top priority for Councilor Bruce Court -- he's been pushing for more money for roads especially those out east.
Just over 11-million dollars has been allocated for road repairs and upgrades.
Council approved this year's 45-million dollar capital budget after making the change -- the final vote was 8-2 with Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase and Councilor Patty Higgins voting against while Councilor Chris Titus was absent.

Council Giving Proposed Capital Budget A Look

Common council is being asked to set aside money in this year's capital budget to begin preliminary design work for an expansion of the Trade and Convention Center -- the request is part of this year's proposed 45-million dollar capital budget.
City manager Pat Woods says 550-thousand dollars will help move the proposed makeover and expansion to the design stage which should be completed by the end of September.
Woods says by the time tenders are called and awarded -- it will be close to year end so any money spent on the actual work will be included in next year's capital budget.

Visitors allowed again at Loch Lomond Villa

Visitor restrictions have been lifted at the Loch Lomond Villa that were put in place because of the Norwalk virus.
CEO Cindy Donovan tells CHSJ news visiting is now permitted but, if visitors are not feeling then they are discouraged from visiting.
All visitors are encouraged to use hand sanitizers when entering the complex.

Attempted Pin Pad Theft in Quispamsis

Rothesay Regional Police have arrested three Montreal men after they attempted to steal a pin pad from a business.

The business called police as the result of a province-wide alert.


Officers responded at 4 this morning and the men were in a late model rental car on Highway 119 in Quispamsis.
All three were before a judge in Hampton today charged with attempting to commit the idictable offense of theft.


The men will remain in custody until bail hearing on Thursday morning in Sussex.
Police tell us similar complaints are being investigated in other areas and more charges are expected.

A New Face at Saint John Destination Marketing

The former General Manager of Waterfront Development has found a new home at City Hall. Ross Jefferson is the new executive director of Saint John Destination Marketing. How-ever, there is some confusion over the new position. It was just last year in January, that Gail Bremner accepted the job as Executive Director of Saint John Destination Marketing Orginization.


We have a call into the City Hall Communications department looking for clarification.

Lottery Winner Claims His Prize

For the second time in three weeks, a lotto winner is from Saint John. Steve Hannerhan made the trek to Moncton today to pick up his cheque for one million dollars after winning the Atlantic 49 draw on Saturday. Currently working as a health-care professional, Hannerhan says he bought the winning ticket at the Superstore on Rothesay Avenue.


Hannerhan says he and his wife Karen still don't have any major plans for their new found cash and doesn't plan to retire. Atlantic Lotto still hasn't revealed the identity of a man on the West-Side that had a multi-million dollar winning ticket last month.

Big Plans for Highway One

                      (Premier Shawn Graham)
                              (File Photo)

Dexter Construction has been chosen by the province to be in charge of twinning the rest of Highway One from Saint John to St. Stephen, all 55 kilometers which will also include more than 100 kilometers of wildlife fencing. The final agreements on the privatised deal still have to be negotiated. Premier Shawn Graham also announcing upgrades will be done in the Saint John area itself.
Construction begins this summer with completion set for the end of July in 2013. Dexter will also be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the highway from St. Stephen to River Glade until 2040.

Rothesay MLA Taking Heat over Assessments

(Rothesay Conservative MLA Margaret Ann Blaney)
                      (File Photo)

Home-owners in Rothesay continue to vent their frustration over this years property assessments. MLA Margaret Ann Blaney tells CHSJ News, she has been swamped with calls since letters starting arriving at homes last week and the problem should have been dealt with by the Graham Government last year.
Blaney adds one of the home-owners in her riding, who live in a very modest home, had their assessment increase by 118% from last year.

Quispamsis Mayor Talks About Property Assessments

(Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll)
               (File Photo)

The provincial government is blaming municipalities in large part for the big increases in property bills that homeowners are angry about. Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll points out the tax rate in his town has been going down.


Driscoll also says the real estate market in Quispamsis has been hot with rising prices and that is a factor in higher property assessments.

Robbery and Fire

It was a busy weekend for Sussex RCMP. It was just before two this morning when officers were called to a business on Park Street for a break and enter. A thief or thieves got into the building through the roof and managed to get a safe full of cash out of the business. Officers are going over the surveillance tapes for clues.




Also, the search is on for someone who likes to play with matches. Officers were called to Hatfields Point Saturday night to find a fishing shack on Bellisle Bay on fire. An ATV was spotted driving away from the shack with it's lights off but fire crews were able to save the ice fishing home. Close to $150 dollars in damage was done.

Cigarettes Stolen in St. Martins

A store in St. Martins is shy plenty of smokes today.


Hampton RCMP tell us someone broke into the Huttges General Store after midnight and got away with close to $2000 dollars worth of cigarettes.

Attempted Holdup Under Investigation

Two youths are behind bars after what City Police describe as an attempted robbery last night on Paddock Street. Police believe a weapon was used but the intended victim wasn't injured.

Costco Job Fair Ends

(Job Fair At Costco)

(File Photo)

One thousand people were interviewed at Costco's three day job fair which ended yesterday afternoon. Costco's Director of Human Resources for Atlantic Canada, Tracy Knocker estimates close to 2 thousand people showed up but not everyone was able to be interviewed one on one. Now the hard part starts........Who to choose? Costco is hoping to have its hiring complete in the next 2 to 3 weeks. The lucky ones will be starting work in early May. The store's official opening is scheduled for May 27th.
There are about 100 jobs to be filled.

On The Vine Setting Up Shop In The K-V

The former Brookside Market is getting a second lease on life. In what might be the worst kept secret in the Kennebecasis Valley, On the Vine is setting up shop along the Old Hampton Road in Rothesay. Owner Sean Fillmore tells CHSJ News  they have been eyeing this location since the property became available.

This is the second attempt for On the Vine in Rothesay after a short stint near the entrance to K-Park with a store a few years ago. Fillmore says he will hire over 30 employees for now and hope to have the store open by the end of this month with renovations on-going. This new location is owned by Fillmore and his wife Mandy.  

International Women's Day Being Marked

Over 100 years since the first International Women's Day and thye Canadian Union of Public Employees thinks women in this province are still fighting for equality. Maureen Michaud of CUPE tells CHSJ News the federal government is stifling the progress of women. She cites the failure of Ottawa to establish national childcare. CUPE also takes issue with the Provincial Pay Equity Act which comes into force on April 1st but covers public sector workers only. Michaud adds CUPE believes a number of challenges face women this year including the continuing promotion of privatization which the union charges is an attack on women and other equality-seeking groups.

Tuition Rebate Program Reminder

Recent university or college graduates looking for some extra cash this tax season are being reminded to apply for the provincial tuition rebate program.

Eligible applicants could receive up to $20 thousand dollars in rebates over 20 years, with the maximum rebate being $4 thousand dollars a year.
The amount received equals the amount of provincial tax payable on your tax return.
To qualify for the program you must have paid tuition at a post secondary education institution after January 1st, 2005, live in New Brunswick, file an income tax return, and be a graduate.

Last Chance to Attend Costco Job Fair

[Costco at Eastpoint Shopping----Photo by Jim Hennessy]

Just a heads up for anyone thinking they may have missed the job fair at Costco.
Today is your last chance to hand in your resume, or fill out an application at the store in East Saint John.
Regional Operations Vice President Gary Swindells says the store plans to hire nearly 100 people.
The fair runs today until 3 o'clock, and is pegged to open it's doors on May 27th.

More Government Money Needed to Continue Improving Water System

Since the year 2000, the city has spent more than 60 million dollars on improving the water system in Saint John. The head of Municipal Operations, Paul Groody says there's still alot more to be done.
Groody concedes for the job of bringing Saint John's water system up to be brought up to where everyone wants it to be, the federal and provincial governments will have to help out with fuunding.

Saint John Animal Rescue League Future

The Saint John Animal Rescue League will be building a new home for their animals at the old Peacock's garden centre.

The local shelter owns 17 acres at the site and has already torn down the greenhouses.
Outgoing Executive Director Janet Foster tells CHSJ News that it's perfect location.
No word yet on when shovels will go in the group since, the Rescue League needs to mount a capital campaign to raise the expected $3 million dollars required for the new location.

Childhood Obesity Rates Rising

There's a connection between the demise of the family sitting down together to eat and a tripling over the last 25 years of childhood obesity. So claims registered Dietitian Nadine Day, who's with Loblaw. She tells CHSJ News there's a way parents can get their children more enthused about the traditional family dinner.

Day says another aspect of that is to get children to help selecting food items in the supermarket.

Surveillance Video Released Of Missing Woman In Moncton

The R-C-M-P in Moncton say they have received more than 200 tips from the public about the disappearance of Donna O'Rielly.
The 54-year-old woman was last seen leaving her job at the Highfield Square shopping centre a week ago last night.
The Mounties released surveillance video of her leaving the mall. She never did make it to her car in the mall parking lot.
Police say O'Rielly, who is originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, did not suffer from any medical condition and they have not ruled out an abduction.

Anger Over Increase In Property Assessments

Outrage is being expressed by many homeowners after they got their property tax bills in the mail this week. The provincial government's attempt to get municipalities to keep tax rates stable for property owners has apparently failed miserably.
In November, the province encouraged municipalities to stop introducing property tax increases that were significantly higher than inflation. It created the Property Tax Assessment Mechanism to address rapidly rising tax bills.
Finance Minister Greg Byrne finds it disappointing only five of the 83 municipalities in the province where a reduction was recommended did so.
Eighteen communities weren't encouraged to take action because there was little change in the market value of properties.

Watermain break on the West side

A broken watermain on the Dever Road mean some residents will not have water between Greenhead Road and Manchester Avenue.  The residents should have their water back tomorrow.

Saint John Water also tells CHSJ news that some customers in the Randolph and Milford area may experience low water pressure.
The 24 inch cast iron pipe is from 1899.

Harbour Bridge GM wants repairs to start in May

(Saint John Harbour Bridge)

(file photo)

There may not have been any money in the federal budget for repairs to the Harbour Bridge but a potential source of funding has been lined up.
The General Manager of the Harbour Bridge Authority Ken Anthony tells CHSJ News they might be able to borrow the needed funding from a pension fund.
Anthony says they're waiting for approval to move ahead from the federal government.

Provincial Anti-Poverty Group disappointed in Federal Budget

The losers in the budget are those people who lost their jobs and other victims of the recession. That criticism coming from Acadie-Bathurst M-P Yvon Godin. He also warns every wage earner and employer will be saddled with 19 billion dollars in new taxes next year when the freeze on Employment Insurance premiums comes to an end.
Jean Claude Basque of the Common Front for Social Justice tells CHSJ News there wasn't much of anything to help those people struggling in poverty.
Basque does applaud the fact a billion dollars will be spent on social housing.

Response To Costco Job Fair Is Overwhelming

(Job Seekers Lined Up Outside Costco At Eastpoint Shopping)

(Photo by Brian McLain)

Hundreds of people have shown up at the Costco job fair in East Point shopping centre.
The job seekers spilled out in the parking lot which was pretty much filled with vehicles with more coming and going. Those who showed up at noon today were told to come back tomorrow at 9am. Donald Parks tells CHSJ News thinks the company will be good for the city.
Parks says it will be great for the local economy and he wants to get a job in the warehouse.
Another applicant Josh Tobias thinks Costco might drive smaller businesses out because they pay more than minimum wage. The retailer plans to hire almost 100 people for the new store opening May 27th. The wages being offered will range from 11 to 22 dollars an hour depending on the job. Job interviews will continue on Sunday as well as tomorrow. 

Costco Job Fair Starts This Morning

(Costco At Eastpoint Shopping)

(Photo by Jim Hennessy)

A lot of eager job-seekers in the Port City will be freshening up their resumes and putting on their dress clothes this weekend.
Today is day one of a 3-day job fair for the new Costco store in East Saint John opening on May 27th.
Regional Vice-President Gary Swindells tells CHSJ News they offer very competitive wages ranging from $11 to $22 dollars an hour. Swindells adds they plan to hire almost 100 people.
The fair is underway and continues tomorrow and Sunday.

Saint John Board Of Trade On Federal Budget

(Saint John Board of Trade President Imelda Gilman)

(File Photo)

The federal budget is getting a cautious thumbs up from the Saint John Board of Trade. Its President Imelda Gilman says it should help with job growth but she's anxious there was no specific mention of any money for the Harbour Bridge.
On the other hand, she says there will be money for ferries and that's good news for Saint John to Digby service. Gilman calls it a safe, stay the course budget.
 Pat Darrah of the Saint John Construction Association is happy infrastructure money will continue flowing for the next year which spells good news for social housing and the local anti-poverty initiative. He is concerned about any increase in E-I premiums that might be implemented next year, calling it a tax on employment which stifles job growth.

Saint John M-P Rodney Weston On Federal Budget

(Saint John M-P Rodney Weston)

(File Photo)

The federal government has promised to slash the deficit with its latest budget which forecasts a shortfall of 53.8 billion dollars this year.
There's also a freeze on the E-I premium rate paid by workers and employers which continues until the end of 2010.

Saint John MP Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News he did not expect any funding in the budget for repairs to the Harbour Bridge. Weston adds funding for Marine Atlantic is good news because the Princess of Acadia ferry is a vital transportation link for the region. There will be no break for MP's between now and May and this session of Parliament will run until June.

Some city residents will be without water

Repair work will continue overnight on a broken water main in East Saint John located along Loch Lomond Road near the intersection of Hickey Road.


Saint John Water tells CHSJ News that some people will be without water because of the work.

Snow and wind create poor driving conditions

The trek home is difficult today.


Road warriors letting us know that several cars went off the road near Spruce Lake - and - now City Police have called to let us know there are white outs in the area of Spruce Lake and driving conditions on Highway 1 over west are poor.


Conditions are slippery, so reduce your speed and take your time on the way home tonight.

BMO Survey finds fewer Canadians contributed to their RRSPs

(logo courtesy of  BMO)

The 2009 RRSP deadline has passed and a new survey finds a lot of Canadians cheaped out on contributing this year.
Bank of Montreal Financial Group found that 68 per cent of us did not have money for lump sum contributions to their RRSP's.
BMO's Jason Schella tells CHSJ News the economy is one factor in that result.
Schella adds if you set up an automated savings account then you don't need to worry about making a large payment by the RRSP deadline.

Foster Resigns from Saint John Animal Rescue League

 

Janet Foster is stepping down after six years as Executive Director of the Saint John Animal Rescue League.

Foster tells CHSJ news she has done everything she set out to do now that things at the shelter have turned around.
She says they bought the old Peacock's garden centre site for a new shelter and they have money in the bank so things look really solid.
Foster says she stayed two years past her retirement and planned to stick around until the new shelter was built but, says she would be 70 years old by then so, right now feels the right time to go.

Work continues on broken water main on Loch Lomond Road

Crews are making repairs to a broken water main in East Saint John located along Loch Lomond Road near the intersection of Hickey Road.

The break resulted in low water pressure for users east of the Reversing Falls Bridge.
Saint John Water crews isolated the water main yesterday just after 5pm and crews worked through the night and that repair work will continue today.

If you experience discoloured water, just run your tap until the water runs clear.

Dispute Between Blue Cross And Shoppers Drug Mart

The consumer advocate for insurance concedes there's not much he can do about finding a resolution in the dispute between Blue Cross and Shopper's Drug Mart. Ron Godin says he nevertheless is monitoring the situation.
Most Shoppers Drug Mart stores in Atlantic Canada will no longer accept Blue Cross cards because of fee changes. This means you have to pay up front and then send in the receipts to be reimbursed later.

Funeral Service Today For Saint John Man Who Died In B-C At The Olympics

A large turnout is expected at noonhour for the funeral of a 20 year old Saint John man who died in B-C while attending the Olympics. The funeral service is taking place at Our Lady of Assumption Church. Silas Rogers, who graduated from Saint John High in 2007, was found unconscious in an apartment on the campus of the University of B-C after he was released by the RCMP in Whistler. Rogers, a student at the university, had been in custody for being drunk in public and reportedly fell several times while in lockup. Vancouver Police have been brought in to conduct an external investigation of his death but say it could take months to complete.

One Youth Arrested After High Speed Chase

One youth is behind bars after a high speed chase with city police. The pursuit began on Bayside Drive and proceeded eastward. Police tell CHSJ News they called off the pursuit at one point because of worry someone night get hurt. It was resumed later, however, and the car was eventually stopped at Baxter's Corner with no injuries being reported. Several charges are expected to be laid including possession of a stolen car and dangerous driving.

Gas Prices After Weekly Setting

A mixed bag when it comes to gas prices after the weekly setting. The maximum that can be charged for self serve regular has risen to $104.4 a litre. It's being sold in Saint John for $101.8 a litre. The max for diesel went down slightly to $106.9 and is being sold in the city for $105.2 a litre. Furnace oil remains the same at 90.4 cents a litre and propane has gone down to $111.9.

Quispamsis pleased with Bell-Aliant's involvement in the Q-Plex

(file photo)

It's all smiles from Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll on the newest Q-Plex sponser.
Driscoll tells CHSJ News, the town is proud to have Bell Aliant involved in the facility.



Driscoll says it's fitting Bell Aliant get involved with the Q-Plex, because there are over 300 people who live in the area who work for the company.
Driscoll says this advancement in telecommunications is another example of the innovative ideas going into the Q-Plex.

Bell Aliant will handle all telecommunication needs for Q-Plex

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Another sponser for the Q-Plex is pushing it's capital campaign to it's 1 million dollar goal.
Bell Aliant is becoming the official telecommunications supplier for the facility, and Vice President of Customer Solutions Kelly Duplisis tells CHSJ News, it's going to be the most tech smart municipal facility in Atlantic Canada.


Duplisis says there will not be a better equipped facility, maybe in the country.
Bell Aliant is the fifth major partner to get involved in the Q-Plex, and has helped it reach it's goal of raising 1 million dollars. With more relationships in the works, the q-plex capital campaign is upping it's goal to 1.5 million dollars.

New Fire Chief and Deputy Chief Appointed in the K-V

There's a new Fire Chief appointed in the K-V.......The fire department's Board of Commissioners has selected Bill Ireland as the new chief replacing Larry Greer, who's retiring. Ireland has for the past year served as Divisional Chief of Fire Prevention and Training for the K-V Fire Department. He has over 15 years of experience and is pursuing a Bachelors of Fire and Safety Studies through the University of Victoria. The incoming Deputy Fire Chief is Dan McCoy who has been the Fire Chief in Grand Bay-Westfield since 1998 and was responsible for the Emergency Measures Organisation in the town. McCoy is replacing Deputy Chief Brian Jensen who's also retiring.

Hazardous Materials Unit Called To Highway One

A 45 gallon drum containing sodium hydrochloride, which is used as a industrial bleach, was discovered in a ditch yesterday afternoon along Highway One eastbound. District Fire Chief B-J MacDonald says the Hazardous Materials Unit was brought in to safely get rid of it. It was taken to an industrial site and disposed of.
Meantime, Fire officials believe the cause of yesterday morning's fatal fire which killed a 53 year old man at 120 Prince Street was accidental. The investigation continues to determine how he died.

$44.000 Scoreboard For Q-Plex

The town of Quispamsis is accepting the bid from Secor Athletic for the electronic scoreboard system for the Q-Plex. For just over $44 thousand dollars the company will install an O-E-S scoreboard system.
The town is also unveiling another sponsor this morning at 10 o'clock in the town hall.

Speed Limit On Meenans Cove Road To Be Examined

A concern from a District 6 bus driver may be resulting in a reduced speed limit for Meenans Cove Road.
Quispamsis Director of Engineering Gary Losier says staff is going to have to look into the traffic numbers and will also be asking Rothesay Regional Police for any data on the road.
Losier says once all the information is gathered, the town will try and reduce the speed limit from 60 km and hour, to 50 hm/hr. He says the plan is to have the lower limit in place by May. The bus driver also requested improving school bus stop signage in the area but Losier says that would be a band aid for the problem, and changing the limit it the fix.

Former Olympian to visit Saint John next month

(logo courtesy of P.R.O. Kids)

A 3-time Canadian Olympic medallist in rowing will use her motivational speaking skills to inspire the crowd at the 2010 PRO Kids Dinner next month.
Silken Laumann has become a child and youth advocate and has faced some tough times in recent years.
PRO Kids program manager Tammy Desaulniers tells CHSJ News Silken Laumann advocates for groups similar to PRO Kids in British Columbia.

The PRO Kids Out of the Park FUN-raising dinner is coming up April 8th at the Delta Hotel.
For tickets, call 642-7529 or email prokids@saintjohn.ca
To learn more about Silken Laumann, go to http://www.silkenlaumann.com/

Radio Renovations Week 7

Blue Barrel Spotted in the Ditch

A blue barrel full of chemicals has been removed from a ditch along Highway One by the Saint John Fire Department's Haz-Mat unit. It was discovered just before three this afternoon by someone driving by the Waste Water Treatment Facility and it does contain a mixture of chemicals.


No word at this point where it may have come from and it doesn't appear the barrel was leaking any of the chemicals.

Drugs and Weapons Found in Home

A 45-year old man could be facing charges after RCMP in Oromocto conducting a raid on a home on Mahsos Street.


Officers came away with marijuana plants, cannabis resin, hash and guns were taken from the home as well.

Refinery License is Renewed by the Province

The provincial government has issued a new Class 1 five year air quality approval to the Irving Oil refinery. The company's current air quality operating approval expires at the end of the month. The renewal follows a public consultation exercise, which included a 120-day public review period between March 20 and Aug. 31 of last year.


A six week maintenance project at the refinery is underway with the gasoline treating and heavy oil conversion units getting most of the attention.

City Councillor Tells Enterprise Saint John to Back Off

Councillor Bill Farren is suggesting Enterprise Saint John may be inadvertantly preventing a major retail deal on the West Side. Farren has eluded to a retail development he has been working on for the west side and says Enterprise Saint John has been calling the Toronto developr to get a heads up. Farren says he's not looking to be a star and take all the credit for a new business, he just wants the city to prosper.


Farren says he's been working on the deal all along and doesn't want the developer to be scared off by Enterprise Saint John.

North Old Garage Will Live Again

If you've been wondering what the future holds for the former Ultramar Gas Station on Somerset Street, so have we and here is what we can tell you. The former operator Danny Joyce tells CHSJ News, Ultramar still owns the building and are currently conducting site tests to make sure there is no contamination. They plan to dig up the gas tanks in the spring and the company then gives Joyce the first option to buy the property.


Joyce tells us his son Brad is going to school to become a mechanic and will re-open the business as a garage only but no word on when that will be.

BlueBerry Hill Gets Funding from City Hall

The city is giving the Nature Trust of New Brunswick a 5 thousand dollar shot in the arm to take over Blueberry Hill. The friends of Blueberry Hill asked council for the cash and whatever in-kind work that could be done in regards to development. Mayor Ivan Court says on top of the donation, the city should lobby the Fundy Solid Waste Commission to make this project it's funding priority.


The Nature Trust protects valued Green portions of land in the province and this is the second piece of land in Greater Saint John it is taking ownership of.

Thieves Working Hard in Oromocto

RCMP in Oromocto are investigating a string of debit and credit card fraud in the area only two days into Fraud Prevention month. Over the past few days, a number of people have been advised by their financial institution that various amounts of money were taken from their accounts as someone gained access to the card's information.


RCMP remind people to always keep an eye on the activities in their bank account to check for possible fraud and to never give out credit or debit card information over the phone.

Man Dies In Early Morning Fire

A 50 year old man is dead after a fire early this morning shortly after 3:00 in a 4 unit apartment building at 120 Prince Street. City Police say the major crime unit is investigating. The fire itself was quickly extinguished. There's no word yet on how it got started.

Convenience Store Owners Say They're Getting Squeezed Over Sale Of Gasoline

An association representing convenience stores in Atlantic Canada has asked the Energy and Utilities Board to review the profit margin on the sale of gasoline in the province.
Atlantic Convenience Stores Association president Mike Hammoud says many store owners who sell gas are ``getting squeezed.'' Hammoud says costs including wages are rising while wholesale and retail margins on gasoline haven't increased since the province began price regulations in July 2006.
The board reviewed the margins in 2008 but didn't approve an increase.
The association is asking the E-U-B conduct a review of maximum margins, maximum delivery costs and the maximum full-service charge to ensure they are justified under the Petroleum Products Pricing Act.
The Canadian Independent Petroleum Marketing Association is also supporting the request for a review of an increase in the gasoline margin.

Common Council Debates Whether There's Too Much Debate Over State of Rural Roads

After spending over a half an hour debating on whether or not the city should permit the use of chip seal on new rural roadways, Councillor Donnie Snook suggested Common Council not spend so much time discussing it. Snook spoke up after there were comments about the terrible conditions of every road in the city. Snook says that's untrue statement, there are a lot of roads in good condition and council should spend less time debating over issues like "what manholes to purchase" and more on the positive things they are doing.
The report from city staff suggested city works use chip seal on new rural roads as a cost saving measure, and not to use it on roads already paved with asphalt. Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase says there was a proposal for a committee system of municipal government to take over issues like this but the majority of council voted against that so whether they like it or not the debate will continue.

Change Coming In The Way The City Budget Is Put Together

(Common Council)

(File Photo)

The next city budget is going to be service based.
Common Council received a presentation on how service based budgeting works and Stephanie Roach with the Corporate Planning department says using the method will make it clearer to residents where their money is going.
The budget for each department will be broken down into how much each service provided costs.
Deputy City Manager Andrew Beckett says using this method will allow the city to spend less time focusing on cost and more on providing effective services.
City Manager Pat Woods claims this method will make every department more efficient.