NB Power Warns Of A Scam

Someone is trying another scam over the phone and this time using NB Power's name.



Several calls to the public utility say they have been contacted by someone offering a device for sale that can save them up to 40 per cent on their electricity bills.


It is believed the caller claims that he/she is calling on behalf of NB Power, or that he/she is calling on behalf of "your electricity provider" or " your hydro provider."

NB Power says it is not selling any devices and if you do get this type of call to get in touch with police right away.

Future of Campobello Island Goes to a Vote

A huge decision has been put before the residents of Campobelo Island.


Residents will vote through a plebiscite on May.10th if they want to become a rural community or remain a local service district.


Last year, 50 residents petitioned Fredericton to conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing a rural community.


The study shows of the 330 residents who are qualified to vote, 90 per cent were in favour of both establishing a rural community and holding a pledbiscite."


Unlike a local service district, a rural community includes a mayor and four councilors that has decision-making authority over certain areas.

Two Premiers Team Up to Help Haiti

(Former Premier Frank McKenna Speaking to Reporters)
               (Photo by Stephanie Davey)

$60,000 dollars raised at the Saint John for Haiti fundraiser today at the Delta.


Former Premier Frank McKenna was the key note speaker for the sold out luncheon.


McKenna says he understands why some are skeptical about giving money to Haiti but he says this time it's different.


McKenna says the country should include women more in the rebuilding of Haiti and begin teaching english or spanish in the school system.

Premier Not Offering Any Apologies

He's not sounding very apologetic -- Premier Graham isn't backing down from his comments about municipalities taking a tax grab this year at the expense of New Brunswickers.
Graham says the increased assessments this year would produce extra revenue for municipalities -- and -- his government felt the municipalities had a responsibility to give up some of that revenue to give tax relief to home owners -- but -- they chose not to.
The Premier says he had a good meeting with municipal reps yesterday to discuss how to produce the rate relief New Brunswickers are looking for -- his government has already indicated some changes are coming.
Quispamsis council isn't happy with the Premier's comments throwing the responsibility for high property tax bills back to the council level and is seeking an apology.

Gas Leak Forces Evacuation Of Imperial Theater

(District Fire Chief Lew MacDonald)

Enbridge Gas crews are repairing a leak which caused some anxious moments in the uptown early this afternoon.
District Fire Chief Lew MacDonald says passerbys noticed a strong odour of gas in the area of the Imperial Theater.
MacDonald says fire crews took readings in both the Imperial and the nearby Admiral Beatty Seniors Complex -- and -- didn't find any gas in the buildings.
The leak is outside the Imperial -- that building was evacuated but MacDonald says there was no need to evacuate the Beatty complex.

ACAP Future Undecided

The Atlantic Coastal Action Program is growing concerned about it's future.

It is waiting for word from Environment Canada as to whether or not current yearly funding which totals over $82,000 dollars will be renewed.

The deadline is the end of the month and Executive Director Tim Vickers tells CHSJ News, he is trying to remain optimistic.


Vickers adds the federal cash is project specific money and not core funding and points out with great community partners, ACAP is more fortunate than other organizations that with-out funding, will close.

Fraud Exhibit on Display

(Exhibitors on Display at Brunswick Square)
           (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

In this day of scams and someone always trying to make an easy buck, the New Brunswick Securities Commission is trying to help you hang on to your cash.

It is hosting a fraud prevention exhibit at Brunswick Square with several firms taking part.

One is the Bank of Canada and spokes-person Allan Paquet tells CHSJ News, they are always trying to stay one step ahead of thieves.


Paquet points out a quick way to examine your cash is by holding any bills you might think are phoney up to the light.

If you see a face in the middle of the note, it is real. The exhibit is being hosted by the New Brunswick Securities Commission.

Saying Goodbye to Winter in Quispamsis

As the winter season winds down, not many battle scars showing in the Town of Quispamsis. With storms few and far between, Director of Engineering Gary Losier tells CHSJ News, they have come to the conclusion that an extra route for plowing has to be added bringing the total to 12:


Losier adds the lack of big storms gave crews the opportunity to get in between and clean up properly with their supply of salt not taking a huge hit like last year.

Mayor Maintains Saint John Has Not Lost Its Momentum

(Saint John Mayor Ivan Court)

(File Photo)

Mayor Ivan Court refuses to accept the notion that Saint John has lost its mojo from the days just a couple of years ago when former Premier Frank McKenna predicted the city would become Alberta with a view. Even though the second oil refinery in Mispec and Irving Oil's world headquarters at Long Wharf won't be built, the Mayor tells CHSJ News, there are other projects in the works. He points to the Justice Complex on Hazen Avenue, the new police headquarters and parking garage as part of the Peel Plaza development. Court is also predicting there will soon be word about progress with the Coast Guard site opposite Market Square where a new hotel and condos have been proposed. He goes on to say an effort should be made to ensure young Saint Johnners have the jobs skills necessary to take advantage of the new opportunities that Court believes will arise. The Mayor is a big supporter of the co-op programme as a way to secure employment. He acknowledges going to university can be unaffordable for many families and may not be necessary depending on what career you want to pursue.

Rothesay Mayor Says Town Is Not Being Unreasonable In Dispute Over Fire Service

(Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop)

(File Photo)

If the new fire chief and deputy chief in the K-V recommend the hiring of another firefighter, Rothesay town council will do the right thing. That word coming from Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop after Quispamsis town council voted for arbitration to settle the dispute. Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll says there should be the same number of firefighters at the fire stations in his town and Rothesay. Bishop tells CHSJ News he can see where Driscoll is coming from because Quispamsis has more people and pays more for fire protection and, as such, wants equal status with Rothesay.
Bishop would prefer to see another meeting with Quispamsis and the K-V Fire Board before hiring an arbitrator because he says you never know how that will turn out and there's always a cost. Rothesay has been pushing for a 100 thousand dollar reduction in the fire budget.

Record High Temperature Reached

If you thought it was abnormally warm yesterday afternoon, you're right as Environment Canada is reporting a record high was reached. The temperature at the airport got up to 11.4 celsius. That breaks the old mark of 10.6 that was recorded back in 1984.

Man Injured In The Woods In Quispamsis

Emergency crews had to rescue a man from the woods early last night in Quispamsis. Rothesay Regional Police say the victim, in his 60's, suffered undetermined injuries. He was working in the woods when police believe a tree may have fallen on him off French Village Road. They go on to say the victim had to be carried quite a distance before he was rushed to hospital for treatment.

Quispamsis Mayor and Council Not Happy with the Premier

(Quispamsis Councilor Daryl Bishop)
       (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

There is alot of anger around the council chamber in Quispamsis and all of it is pointed at Premier Shawn Graham.


This is over a recent comment in which the Premier singled out the town as tax gougers and the reason home-owner's experienced a huge increase in it's property assessments.


Councilor Daryl Bishop tells CHSJ News, Premier Graham owes the town and it's staff an apology.


A letter will be sent to the Province from the Town to voice concern with the way it was singled out as not doing it's part to keep property assessments down.

Road in Quispamsis Will Remain Closed

Home-owners in the Hillindale sub-divison of Quispamsis are celebrating a victory.


Town council has voted down a request by the Ken-Val Co-op to re-open Autumn Avenue to through traffic.
Resident spokes-person Tammy Nadeau says she is pleased with how council received the group.


Nadeau adds if the road had been re-opened, this would have infringed greatly on both their safety and quality of life.


This is third time Co-op has tried to re-open the road and no representative from the store was at the meeting.

Valley Fire Fight Continues

(Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll)
             (File Photo)

The dispute over the number of firefighters in the Kennebecasis Valley has taken it's latest turn.


Quispamsis town council has voted in favor of an arbitrator being brought in as they argue with Rothesay about hiring another fire-fighter.


Rothesay points out there needs to be a $100,000 dollar cut in the budget but Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ News, this doesn't mean further negotiations won't take place.


Currently, there are four fire-fighters working at Station One and Quispamsis is looking for the same number of bodies at the station with-in it's town limits.

Liberals On the Hunt for Candidates

With six months to go before the vote, the active search by the Provincial Liberal Party for candidates in Greater Saint John is ramping up.


Bruce Court is the front-runner in Saint John East, Gary Keating Saint John Fundy and Danny Joyce in Saint John Portland.


MLA Roly MacIntyre tells CHSJ News, they also are keeping a close watch on the riding of Rothesay with one person backing out but another still weighing the decision.


MacIntyre expects over the next month, the dates for the nomination parties will be announced.

McKenna and Graham to speak at fundraiser for Haiti

(Former Premier Frank McKenna)

(file photo)

Some Saint Johners will spend part of St. Patrick's Day listening to the current Premier and a former Premier talk about Haiti.
Shawn Graham and Frank McKenna will both speak at a fundraising luncheon tomorrow for Haiti at noon at the Delta hotel.

Judith Irving, who recently visited the country, will also speak along with some Haitian university students from Moncton.
The fundraiser will benefit the OneXOne foundation of which Frank McKenna is the chair.

Coast Guard Activity in the Bay

Several calls to 648-3000 news line are reporting activity in the Bay near the Irving Nature Park.

We can tell you the Coast Guard is conducting exercises in the area and anything that you might see hitting the water or low flying planes is the reason why.


Again, the Coast Guard is conducting exercises in the Bay of Fundy and that is the reason for low flying planes and anything someone might have seen hitting the water in the area of the Irving Nature Park.

Councilor Pushes for Repairs to Roads

There are four or five roads in the Quinton Heights neighbourhood that you can barely drive on.


That word from West Side Common Councillor Peter McGuire who would like some major work carried out, if not this year, then next.


McGuire says he just wants to keep the need for upgrades to the roads on the radar screen.

Seadogs Gearing Up For First Round Series

With three days left until their opening round series with the Rocket gets started, the Saint John Seadogs remain focused on the task at hand.


President Wayne Long tells CHSJ News, head coach Gerard Gallant and his staff have the team where they want to be.....looking no further ahead than Prince Edward Island.


At this point.....Long says close to three thousand tickets have been sold for game one.

Ward Three Councilor Makes His Pitch for Provincial Politics

(Ward Three Councilor Carl Killen)
           (File Photo)

He hasn't been approached by the Party to do so but that isn't stopping one city councilor from seeking the Conservative nomination in Saint John Harbor.

Carl Killen, who represents Ward Three is looking to carry the flag for the party in the September.27th vote. Killen tells CHSJ News, his personal life is lining up to make this a reality.

When asked if he feels those who supported him in the municipal election would be let down should he be elected, Killen says he will continue to serve but just in a different function.

New NBCC courses offered

If you want in a career as a practical nurse or a carpenter-you can get the required training right here at home starting in September.
The province has announced seven new programs will be offered at four different campuses of the New Brunswick Community College.
Four of the programs will be offered at NBCC St. Andrew's and they are courses in plumbing, carpentry and nursing and electrical installation.

Murder Charge Laid In Uptown Stabbing

A 27 year old woman appeared in provincial court to be charged with second degree murder in the stabbing death Monday morning of 29 year old Patrick Andrew Thomas. Chrystal Dawn May McKenzie was remanded in custody until Monday morning when she returns to court. In the meantime, an in jail assessment will be carried out to determine her fitness to stand trial and mental state at the time of the stabbing. No plea has been entered. The accused was placed under arrest after police were called to Alma Street off Waterloo.
Meantime, another woman, Sandra Lee Ross appeared in court to be charged with defrauding Independence Plus of more than 5 thousand dollars. The court was told she's an outpatient at the Mental Health Clinic and wants to be dealt with in Mental Health Court. Ross will be back in court March 31st.

Woman To Be Charged In Uptown Stabbing Death

A court appearance is expected this morning for a 27 year old woman who was arrested in the stabbing death of her 29 year old common law husband. The name of the victim has not been released. He was taken to hospital after police were called to Alma Street off Waterloo early yesterday morning.

Fires Quelled In The K-V And North End

A car on Newman Street was fully engulfed in flames early this morning when firefighters arrived and is described as a total loss. The possibility of an explosion caused some anxious moments. Fire Crews in the Valley were called to Greco Pizza in Rothesay which had to be evacuated evacuated last night after the kitchen was filled with smoke from a bag of smouldering rags. There was no damage and no injuries.

Common Council Gets Pitch For Green Space On East Side

A patch of green space in east Saint John will cost an estimated 600 to 800 thousand dollars to establish. Common Council heard the pitch from the Little River Resevoir Association and appeared to be in full support although there is no commitment of any funding yet. The Association's Glen Creamer tells CHSJ News there is all sorts of potential here.
Right now the area has been used as an illegal dumping ground with vehicles being burned and four wheelers creating havoc. Council has not made any funding commitment but referred the issue to the city manager and Leisure Services for further analysis with a report to be brought back.

Traffic Study In East Saint John Approved

The opening of Costco in late May at Eastpoint is expected to increase traffic in an already congested area of east Saint John. What can be done to alleviate the congestion is anyone's guess but the city will carry out a traffic study nonetheless. Common Councillor Bruce Court sees a safety problem developing on Ashburn Lake Road at the train tracks as you exit off the highway to get onto Rothesay Avenue.
Court points out there is already alot of congestion on Ashburn Lake Road during the afternoon rush hour even without any new stores opening. He also sees gridlock developing on Westmorland Road as you make the left turn onto Retail Drive.

Remembering a Friend and a Colleague

Greater Saint John continues to be in shock over the loss of Gary Mittelholtz. 
The former CBC reporter and owner of the River Valley News passed away over the weekend. Good friend and Energy Minister Jack Keir tells CHSJ News, it is sort of fitting that he passed away doing something he loved....cross country skiing.
The funeral for MIttelholtz will be held on Thursday at St. Mathews Church at eleven o'clock.

JD Irving Excited About This Project and Others

(Jim Irving Speaks at a News Conference at Pulp and Paper Mill)
                       (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

J.D. Irving says since 2008 and up until next year, the company will spend $69 million dollars on energy efficiency projects. 
Jim Irving says they are working on a project that could benefit their neighbours on the West Side as well. 
It's a possible district heating operation where surplus heat from the mill will help keep it's tissue plant warm.
The pipe is already underground and could also provide surplus heat to Mooseheads Breweries and the T.S. Simms Brush Company as well.

Premier's Popularity Plummets

Premier Graham now has the distinction of having the worst approval rating of any premier in the country.
A new Angus Reid survey puts Graham at the bottom of the heap with only 15-percent of those surveyed in the province approving of his performance.
The ranking comes days after the latest Corporate Research poll showed Graham's Liberals losing ground to the Conservatives.
By comparison -- Newfoundland and Labrador premier Danny Williams is on top with 80-percent of those asked on the "Rock" giving top marks to his performance -- the survey doesn't include Prince Edward Island.

Provincal Cash For Energy Efficiency Projects

                 
(Environment Minister Rick Miles -photo by Jim Hennessy)

The Irving Pulp and Paper Mill provided the back-drop for an announcement from the Provincial Government. 
$3.5 million dollars will be spread out through 16 new projects to the Industrial Energy Efficiency Implementation program.
Environment Minister Rick Miles says this program will help remove over 155,000 tonnes of GHG emissions every year.
That is the equivalent of taking close to 30,000 vehicles off the road every year. 
A few of the companies receiving the funding are J.D. Irving, McCain Foods, Fraser Papers and Marwood Ltd.

Update on Uptown Stabbing

      
(Police at the Scene of Stabbing on Alma Street - photo by Andrew Sanojca)

A man who was stabbed this morning in the uptown is dead.
City Police have not yet released the name of the 29-year old who was found with a knife wound just after two o'clock.
One person is in custody but no word yet on any charges.

Letter of Intent Signed Between Ports

                (Port Authority Captain Al Soppitt - photo by Jim Hennessy)

A new relationship between the Ports of Saint John and Argentina is slowly growing. 
A letter of intent between the two was signed over the weekend with further discussions to take place next month in Brazil. 
Captain Al Soppitt says there is no indication on how much new business this set-up could bring.
Right now, the Port of Saint John deals with over 26 tonnes of cargo every year, most of that petroleum.

City Still Exploring Water Meters

Even after years of debate, Common Council has not decided whether or not it wants to implement city wide water metering. 
A study is being conducted by the city to give Council members a better idea what effect they would have on families. 
Brent McGovern of Saint John Water is happy with what the study is showing.
Mayor Ivan Court has resisted water meters believing they would financially penalise larger families but the head of Municipal Operations Paul Groody argues the flat rate charged for water results in too much being wasted because you're not charged for how much you use.

Board of Trade on Harbour Bridge

The Saint John Board of Trade is keeping up the pressure for repairs to the Harbour Bidge. 
A letter has been penned for Federal Transport Minister John Baird from the Board of Trade, Enterprise Saint John, Atlantic Trucking Association and Access Atlantica. 
It requests a meeting sooner rather than later to discuss the needed repairs for the Harbour Bridge. 
BOT President Imelda Gilman tells CHSJ News, time is of the essence.
Gilman says the same letter has been sent to Transportation Minister Denis Landry.

What Does the Future Hold for Long Wharf

(Cruise ship docked at Long Wharf)

When will Long Wharf be restored to it's original state?
That is the question on the minds of many now that Irving Oil's plan for development on the site have been scrapped. 
Spokesperson for the International Longshoremans Association Pat Riley CHSJ News, the sooner it's open for business......the better.
Riley adds a final time line on when the site will be restored is a decision to be made between the Saint John Port Authority and Irving Oil.

Millidgeville Ferry Undergoing Repairs

(Peninsula Princess Ferry - DOT photo)
              
Repairs and plenty of them are being carried out on the Peninsula Princess Ferry in Millidgeville.
The work is taking place in Lunenberg at a cost of half a million dollars. 
Some of the work includes a new propeller, sand blasting and paint.
Spokesperson with the Department of Transportation Andrew Holland tells CHSJ News, the 24 vehicle ferry is 20-years old and this work is necessary to keep her in running order. 
Holland adds depending on the weather, the vessel could be back in the water by early May.

East Side Councillor Wants Study Done On Traffic With Costco

An east side councillor is concerned with what traffic implications the grand opening of the new Costco store will have.
Bruce Court is asking the city manager to conduct a traffic study on Retail drive, Westmoreland Road and other streets in the vicinity of Costco.
Court says in a letter to Council, residents will likely have a hard time getting access to their homes when the big box store opens on May 27th.
Common Council will  get together for its regular meeting starting at 5 o'clock this afternoon.

New Housing Development Awaiting Approval From Province

A controversial housing development that surfaced over a year ago is back on the horizon. The Kingston Cliffs is located roughly 5 kilometers left of the Gondola Point Ferry past the legion and fire hall. 
David Peacock is spokesperson for the proposal and tells CHSJ News, at this point, there is a preliminary road lay-out with water tests complete but still awaiting approval from the Province.
Peacock adds they are roughly two weeks away from finding out if the proposal will be approved and points out the developers are not in a hurry.

Plans For New School In K-Park Move Forward

(District 6 School Superintendent Zoe Watson)

It's full steam ahead with plans to build a new school that will be larger to replace K-Park Elementary. 
District Six Superintendent Zoe Watson tells CHSJ News, the first meeting with the Department of Education is in the books. 
K-Park elementary has fallen below code in many areas over the years and several mobile class-rooms are being used as well. 
The planning stage will continue this and next year with construction to get started the year after.

No Talk Of Raising Bus Fares

If you use Saint John Transit to get around.....you will be happy to hear this. 
There are no discussions going on about a fare increase at this time. 
General Manager Frank McCarey tells CHSJ News that could change depending on what is happening with the cost of fuel.
McCarey adds one thing they are working on is new Park and Go set-ups which allow you to leave your vehicle, jump on a bus to do your shopping and it will then take you back. 
The new lots will be on the Loch Lomond Road, Spruce Lake, Golden Grove and Latimore Lake Roads.

More Wildlife Fencing Being Erected

Wildlife fencing and plenty of it will be going up around the Province during this construction season. 
Between Campbellton and Oromocto, over 70 kilometers will be erected with over 100 kilometers to be in place between St. Stephen and Saint John. 
Provincial Transportation Minister Denis Landry tells CHSJ News, depending on the area, the new fencing will be up this spring summer and fall.  
Landry adds when all this work is complete, there will be over 400 kilometers of wildlife fencing in place around the Province.

Fatal Crash in Hammond River

A Saint John woman is dead after a collision on Highway 1 in Hammond River last night.
RCMP responded to the accident after 7 o'clock, when the vehicle entered the median, and subsequently rolled over.
The 46 year old driver was ejected from the vehicle and died on the scene.
The victims name is not being released until the family is notified, and the crash is still under investigation.

Local Donations Continue to Pour in for Haiti

Almost two months after a devastating earthquake hit the country, money continues to roll in for the relief effort in Haiti. 32 Kent Stores through-out Atlantic Canada have wrapped up an in-store campaign with customers and staff donating close to $34,000 dollars.

The company also wrote a cheque for $25,000 dollars to help with the effort.

Slow Housing Permit Start in Rothesay

A slow start to the year in Rothesay on the housing permit end of the scale. For last month, the total is just over $99,000 dollars compared to last year when the same month finished up at over $300,000 dollars.

So far this year, home-owners have completed over $250,000 dollars worth of renovations to homes. The total for last year came in at over $1.8 million dollars.

Mayor of Grand Bay Westfield Suggests Prior Property Assessments Were Low

[Grand Bay Westfield Mayor Grace Losier---File Photo]

The Mayor of Grand Bay Westfield thinks homeowners need to ask themselves a question about property assessments? Does it match the value of your house? Grace Losier tells CHSJ News, if it does, you need to pay your taxes and if it's gone up dramatically then you have likely been getting a break:
Many homeowners have been calling their MLA's in the last week, irate over increases in their property assessments.

Dragon's Den Coming to Saint John

Do you think your sitting on a million dollar idea but need investors to back up your plan? If so, you will be happy hear the show Dragons Den is holding an open audition on the 24th at Enterprise Saint John. Lindsey Neely is an Associate Producer with the program and tells CHSJ News, idea's that catch their eye are those that already have generated sales.
The show was in Saint John a year ago and anyone chosen to make their pitch in Toronto, the shows will air starting in September. For more information about the audtion, get in touch with Enterprise Saint John.

Seadogs Playoff Tickets Go on Sale Today

Play-off tickets for the Saint John Seadogs opening round series against the Rocket go on sale today. The series will get started Friday night at the Station and President Wayne Long tells CHSJNews, they are cautiously optimistic about their chances.


Long adds season ticket holders get first right to renew play-off tickets and right now that sits at 90% which works out to roughly 2000 seats. The Harbour Station Box Office opens at Noon.

Time Change Happens Today

Even with little snow to prove it is winter, a sure sign spring is around the corner happens this weekend. We make the leap into daylight savings time with a reminder to set your clock ahead one hour before going to bed. Dr. Rachel Morehouse is a Sleep Specialist with the Horizon Health Network and tells CHSJ News, sleep is something many people take for granted.


Dr. Morehouse adds the loss of an hours sleep does provide some problems in many area's including behind the wheel where this Monday, on average, there are more accidents on the roads because of sleep deprived drivers due to the time change.

Clean and Change Batteries in Your Smoke Detectors

Smoke alarms in your home should also be given a fresh battery as the first time change of the year unfolds. Andrew Sanojca is with the Musquash Fire Department and tells CHSJ News, many homes now have fire extinguishers and it never hurts to check the levels.


Sanojca adds a smoke detector is your families first line of defence so along with the fresh battery, make sure you clean away any dust from the unit as well.

Mayor Bill Bishop on Property Assessments

(Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop)
          (File Photo)

Rising property assessments continue to be a hot issue of discussion around the Province. Many home and property owners have seen an increase upwards of 100% since last year. Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News, there is no easy solution to the growing problem.


Bishop adds he has heard from residents including one who just owns a property with no home on it and his assessment has increased 400% from last year.

Head-on Collision on Route 790

(A Car involved in a collision on Route 790)

(photo courtesy of Andrew Sanojca)

Route 790 is back open to traffic after a head-on collision between a car and a pick-up truck.
The jaws of life were required to remove one person from the car.
The nature of the injuries are unknown but, the occupants of the vehicles were taken to hospital.
The roadway was closed between Highway 1 and Lepreau Village road for more than an hour.

Saint John MP on hold up for funding for Harbour Bridge repairs

(Saint John MP Rodney Weston)

Over 30 million dollars in repairs to the Harbour Bridge are stalled, while the Authority waits on the Federal government.  They have secured a lender for the money but, require Ottawa's approval to move forward.

Saint John MP Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News that Transport Canada has asked for more information.

He says they want to know who the lender is, what the interest rate will be and what the cost will be to Saint Johners. Harbour Bridge Authority general manager Ken Anthony has said a speed reduction and lane closures are possible in the future if the repairs are not made.

More Construction Slated For Park Entrance

Tenders close Wednesday afternoon for work on the second phase of the upgrade to Rockwood Park's main entrance.
The work will include a realignment of Mount Pleasant Avenue in the area of the entrance to the park as well as two new parking areas.
The project is expected to cost just over 3-million dollars with the Saint John Horticultural Association kicking in 1.2-million to help with the costs -- the city has included its share in this year's capital budget approved Monday night.

Home Show Invades Harbour Station

(Floor Shot of the Home Show - CHSJ News Photo)
     

Another edition of the Saint John Home Show is alive and well with-in the confines of Harbour Station. With over 250 exhibitors, the publicist for Master Promotions Denise Miller tells CHSJ News, there is plenty for home-owners to go over.
Miller adds the spring like weather is a huge bonus for the show as it gets home-owners in the mood to think about renovations and new additions. The doors are open until nine tonight, between ten and nine tomorrow and Sunday eleven til four.

Explosion at New Brunswick Community College

A student and instructor had to be rushed to hospital after an explosion Wednesday night at the NBCC Campus in Saint Andrews. It happened during a scheduled training activity for the Hospitaility and Toursim program.


Principal Terry Dempsey tells CHSJ News, the instructor continues to be looked over and the student could be released from hospital today. Dempsey adds this is a very unfortunate incident in spite of all the experience and safety precautions. No word on what caused the explosion and Worksafe NB has been called in.

Provincial Pharmacists Upset with Blue Cross Comments

A recent request by Medavie Blue Cross to it's clients has the Provincial Pharmacists Association seeing red. Before a deal was struck, Blue Cross cards were not going to be accepted at certain pharmacies. Blue Cross recommended clients find a new pharmacy that did accept their cards. Executive Director Paul Blanchard says pharmacists are most effective in their role when they have known clients for a period of time.


There is also new evidence which shows many people are already confused about their medication and long term health suffers as a result. With negotiations between several pharmacies like Sobeys and Superstore to get started with Blue Cross soon, the Pharmacists Association is concerned those needing medication will be caught in the middle.

Gagetown Soldiers In Saint John

Saint John is providing the back-drop for military training this weekend. Don't be suprised if you see soldiers and their equipment from Gagetown around the metro up until Sunday. They are using the NB Power parking lot at Coleson Cove, the Saint John Airport, the Aberdeen RV Lot on Rothesay Road and the former Downey Ford parking lot on Crown Street.


No ammunition, either blank or live will be used during the training.

Arrest Made In Uptown Holdup

No one was hurt and no details have been released yet on how much money was taken after a robbery in the uptown yesterday afternoon.
CHSJ News has been told someone walked into the King Street East Variety store at 3:30 brandishing a knife and demanded cash from the clerk. City Police say they have arrested a suspect who is expected to be formally charged this morning in court.

Home Building In Saint John Off To Sluggish Start

The year isn't off to a good start for house builders in the Saint John area -- the latest survey from Canada Mortgage and Housing shows the number of new units started in the first two months of this year down by almost 24-percent compared to a year ago.
By comparison -- the number of new housing units started in both Moncton and Fredericton are up over the previous year.
And more bad news for house builders -- Stats Canada is reporting the price of new houses here in Saint John as well as Fredericton and Moncton dropped 0.2-percent in January.

The two uptown high schools have waiting lists for fall registration

(District 8 Superintendent Susan Tipper)

(file photo)

The first round of registration for District 8 high schools is complete.
Each of the four city high schools has a cap of 250 students from grade 8.


Superintendent Susan Tipper tells CHSJ News that a student that lives near Saint John High school get the first chance at going there.
Tipper adds research shows that students who could choose their high school have a better performance because they had a choice.

Daytime Robbery in Uptown Saint John

A daring day-time robbery has City Police on the look-out. Officers tell us someone walked into the King Street East Variety store at 3:30pm and demanded cash from the clerk.


No word at this point what kind of weapon was used or how much money was stolen and officers can't confirm if it is one or several people they are looking.

No Court Appearance in Pin Pad Investigation

A court appearance for three men from Montreal in Hampton today never happened. A bail hearing has been held over until next Thursday in Sussex but no reason has been given. The three men were arrested by Rothesay Regional Police early Monday morning after they received a call from a business that someone had tried to steal it's pin pad for debit and credit card use.


Four other men from Montreal were arrested the same day by RCMP after a string of debit and credit card frauds which happened recently in Salisbury.

Harbour Bridge Running Out of Time

      (File Shot of the Harbour Bridge)

Use what-ever cliche you want, the Harbour Bridge Authority is watching time tick away on the construction season. It continues to wait for approval from Ottawa to get started on over $30 million dollars worth of repairs. General manager Ken Anthony tells CHSJ News, the Harper Government is looking for more info on who the loan is coming from and adress the $22 million dollar out-standing loan.
If there is no contract awarded for the work, Anthony says engineers will re-assess the bridge and put in place what-ever recommendatiosn they bring forward. That could include lane closures or dropping the speed limit.

Grand Lake Station Closing Down for Good

NB Power is closing it's Grand Lake Generating Station sooner than expected. It wasn't supposed to happen until June when the operating license expired but a coal fire in one of the burners did some damage so the decision has been made to shut it down. Spokes-person John McLaughlin tells CHSJ News, there is no date set in stone when the doors will remain locked.


McLaughlin adds there is no word on how the fire started and clean-up will take place over the next few weeks to prepare for decommissioning. There are just over 30 workers at the station and all will be re-located to new jobs with-in the utility.

Saint John Transit Reacts to Cut

      (City Transit Bus on King Street)
                    (File Photo)

The Saint John Transit Commission has no hard feelings toward City Hall. This after Common Council took $600,000 dollars set aside to purchase new buses was re-directed toward road repairs. General Manager Frank McCarey tells CHSJ News, they try to maintain an average age of ten years given the life span of a forty foot limo is 20.


Mccarey says the buses they were looking to replace with this cash have been on the road since 1985.

Mayor Court Says No Business Will Be Lost to Fredericton

          (Saint John Mayor Ivan Court)
                    (File Photo)

The suggestion about the new 24 million dollar convention centre in Fredericton taking business away from Saint John is being dismissed by Mayor Ivan Court. He tells CHSJ News the city is continually making improvements to its assets in order to keep pace.


The Trade and Convention Centre at Market Square will be expanded and upgraded beginning in 2011 at an estimated cost of 6 to 8 million dollars. 550 thousand dollars was allocated the other night by Common Council.

District Six Schools Come Through in the Clutch

(Child's Wound Being Attended to Following Earthquake)
                        (File Photo)

Schools in District Six have certainly done their part for Haitian relief. Since the disastrous earthquake struck the country, over $63,000 dollars has been raised. Superintende Zoe Watson tells CHSJ News, she was suprised with the amount one school pledged to raise with Hampton High brining in over $15,000 dollars.


Watson adds the money is still rolling in with Lakefield Elementary set to hold a major fund-raiser at the end of the month.

Businesses in Sussex Were Robbed

Sussex RCMP are looking for three people they believe are responsible for breaking into a pair of businesses. The Blue Bird Motel was robbed on Wednesday of last week and Uncle "G"s on Park Street was also hit. Two men and one woman from the Sussex area are still on the run.


RCMP ask you to give them a call if you see a grey 2002 Chevrolet Silverado with licence COO 697. The vehicle does not have a tailgate and the front licence plate is missing. The number is 433-7700.

Rothesay Avenue Traffic Woes Will Continue For Some Time

There will be some work carried out this year in a bid to ease traffic congestion in the area of Rothesay Avenue - Ashburn Lake Road - and - Marlborough Avenue.
But -- Municipal Operations Commissioner Paul Groody says a realignment of the bottle necks won't be happening any time soon.
He says talks are ongoing to resolve some land acquisition issues which would clear the way for a realignment of the intersections.
Meantime -- Groody says work this year will include some traffic light synchronization - signage - and - line painting in the area to help the flow of traffic.

A Slight Change In Gas Prices

If you're filling up today, you'll be paying a bit more for self serve regular following the weekly setting. The maximum price that can be charged is $105.7 but it's going for an even $1.03 a litre in the city. No change this week in the maximum price that can be charged for diesel. It's selling at the pumps for $104.2 around town. Furnace Oil has risen by under a penny to 90.7 cents and another decline recorded in the price of propane which now stands at $110.3 a litre.

Public Meeting On Development At Edge Of Rockwood Park

A sometimes contentious public meeting held at the Lily Lake Pavilion on what sort of future development should be allowed on Sandy Point Road at the edge of Rockwood Park. City planner Nayan Gandhi says the purpose was to get a feel on what Saint Johnners want to see happen.
Gandhi also says illegal dumping is also taking place in the more remote sections. Common Councillor Patty Higgins acknowledges some residential development just outside the park might discourage illegal activities from occurring. Opinion was divided on whether to allow single family homes to be built but there was no support for the construction of condos, apartments or townhouses at the edge of the park. The meeting, which drew a respectable turnout, was also told it's difficult to clearly define the park's actual boundary. Higgins says that complicates the planning process. A report will be presented to Common Council in April.

Town Hall Meeting On Education At St. Malachy's Tonight

(School District 8 Education Chair Rob Fowler - photo by Tamara Steele)

 

If you have a child in a District 8 school, you can air your concerns in a town hall meeting tonight at St. Mac's. Only two parents attended the last meeting at Bayview Middle School but the first meeting in January at River Valley middle school had over 25 people show up.
District 8 Education Council chair Rob Fowler tells CHSJ News they would like to see a good turnout for tonight's meeting. Any topic can be brought up and, so far, people have been open and not afraid to speak up. Tonight's meeting starts at 7 at St. Malachy's on Leinster Street.

Changes to Math in District Six

(District Six Superintendent Zoe Watson)
             (File Photo)

District Six is taking a new approach when it comes to teaching math. Armed with a new curriculum, new resources and intervention assistance, it's hoped that sagging scores can improve. Superintendent Zoe Watson tells CHSJ News, there are some areas of concern including Grade Five scores.


Watson adds the teaching of match certainly has changed dramatically over the years and it's important that parents make an effort to learn as well.