Enterprise Saint John Backs Peel Plaza

If the final price tag comes in where they expect it, Enterprise Saint John is giving a glowing endorsement to the Peel PLaza project.


The cost how-ever has been a bone of contention with Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase who fears it has reached $60 million dollars, a price tag he believes the city can't afford.


Enterprise Chair Bob Manning tells CHSJ News, projects of this size always present challenges.
One of the components that will make up Peel Plaza, the Law Courts, was unveiled by Premier Graham Last week with construction underway on the former YM-YWCA site on Hazen Avenue.

The Rally of Hope is Now The Give

(Rally Replacement Unveiled at Market Square)
              (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

It has been in the works since last June and today, the Regional Hospital Foundation unveiled the fund-raiser to replace Rally of Hope.


Tim Cameron is executive director and tells CHSJ News, the name they have chosen is ""The Give:""


He says the money for the campaign will be raised through bake, yard sales, barbeques, car washes and everything else they used to do leading up to the Rally.
The goal this year is $754,000 dollars for the emergency and trauma departments.

New Ferry is on the River

(Harold Nase Ready for Boarding)
      (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Grand Bay Westfield has a new ferry.


The Henry Nase was christened near the Brundage Point River Center and taken for a ride across the river by guests and dignitaries on hand.


Transportation Minister Denis Landry tells CHSJ News, at a cost of four million dollars, they got the best bang for their buck.


The ferry has a capacity for 24 vehicles and 97 passengers.


The ferry was under-going trial runs at the Gondola Point landing for the past month and a half.

Steady Progress on One Mile Interchange

(Ramp of the New One Mile Interchange)
             (File Photo)

Two years complete and two more to go is the schedule for the One Mile Interchange.


Construction crews continue to make steady progress on the structure.


Engineer with the Department of Transportation Allan Kerr tells CHSJ News, the spring like weather for the past few months has been a huge help.
The link will be 700 meters when it is finished in 2012 with the main goal to give truck traffic going to the indutrial parks direct access to Bayside Drive.

Base Embarks on Energy Efficiency Project

CFB Gagetown is taking part in an energy efficiency project that aims to save the base 1.6 million dollars in savings.
The work is underway to reduce utility costs in about 175 of the base facilities in this province and in Prince Edward Island.

The project includes replacing 130,000 lights in 163 buildings to energy efficient ones.
In some of the base's washrooms, lunchrooms and conference rooms they will have occupancy light sensors meaning they are only on when needed.

Swerving To Miss Deer Lands Two People In Hospital

Two people were taken to hospital after their vehicle went out of control and left route 124 at Kars. The RCMP in Sussex say the 36 year old woman, who was driving with a 16 year old passenger, attempted to avoid hitting a deer when she left the road going onto the gravel shoulder and then losing control. Her vehicle ran into a hydro pole and rolled over. The two were wearing their seatbelts and police say their injuries were not life threatening.

City Wants To Use Its Vacant Land For Residential Development

The city wants to see more residential development to take place so it can derive more property tax revenue. To that end, Chief City Planner Ken Forrest has drawn up a plan of action on what vacant and surplus lands owned by the city can be used for housing. He's trying to downplay expectations saying there isn't as much land just lying about as some people might believe. He will have a list of the best such properties for Common Council in June. Forrest says the big problem in Saint John is not the availability of land but momentum to get the projects going.
Common Councillor Patty Higgins believes the city has come up short when it comes to furthering residential development. She claims it should be a priority. Higgins doesn't want Saint John to be a donut city where the majority of the people live on the outside with virtually nothing in the middle.

Regional Hospital To Unveil What Will Replace Rally Of Hope

After months of planning, we will find out today what event will replace the Rally of Hope. The Regional Hospital Foundation has called a news conference for noon at the atrium in Market Square. It is hoped with this new event, they will be able to draw in more people to help raise cash. The final and 24th Rally of Hope was held at the Canada Games Stadium on June 21st of last year and took in $1.6 million dollars.

Mayor Explains Comment On Harbour Bridge That Upset Saint John M-P

       (Saint John Mayor Ivan Court)
                 (File Photo)

"Not worth the paper it is written on."" That comment has raised the blood pressure of MP Rodney Weston. Mayor Court is quoted in the newspaper as saying that about the proposal from Ottawa concerning the Harbour Bridge but Court tells CHSJ News, those are not his words.
Court says for the Province to take over a bridge that will have to be replaced somewhere down the road, there are still ongoing maintenance costs even if the tolls are removed. Court says he is thrilled repairs are getting started but expects there is some hard bargaining yet to come.

City Police Investigate Stabbing And City Road Hotel Evacuated

One man was stabbed early last night at an apartment on King Street West. The victim was taken to hospital to be treated and was later released. The Major Crime Unit is now investigating but has not made an arrest yet. Meantime, City fire crews had another 8 or 9 more grass fires to contend with yesterday. Those are in addition to about a dozen over the long weekend. They also got a call from the Colonial Inn on City Road. Heavy smoke was seen coming from the laundry room which prompted the evacuation of the hotel for about an hour. Firefighters discovered the cause to be a vent in one of the commercial driers that got clogged with lint.

Conservative Leader Coy About Future Of N-B Power

Rodney Weston Speaks With the Media on Harbour Bridge

(Saint John MP Rodney Weston Speaks With Media)
               (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Not happy with the response Ottawa's proposal for the future of the Harbour Bridge is receiving, the MP for Saint John has come out swinging.


Rodney Weston says he challenges Energy Minister Keir or anyone else to find in the Harbour Bridge agreement that it is a federal responsibility.


Weston adds for Minister Keir to suggest Ottawa has not lived up to it's responsibility is arrogance beyond belief and for the man who has effectively shut out the lights on the Energy Hub, it's not acceptable either.

More Comments From Keir on Harbour Bridge

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)
           (File Photo)

Minister Keir says he doesn't want to get into a war of words with the MP for Saint John but is shocked he blames him for what he see's as the Energy Hub failure.


Minister Keir says he likes Weston but realizes that won't get a deal done and the last thing he wanted was a war of words.


He remains hopeful that a deal can be ironed out by both sides.

We May Set New Temperature Record

It looks like we may be setting a new high temperature record for this date -- the temperature has been hovering in the 16-degree range most of the afternoon.
If it holds -- it will squeak out the existing record high for this day which is 15-degrees set in 1953.
By the way -- the record low temperature for this date is minus 14.8 set in 1995.

Income Tax Deadline Just 25 Days Away

With Easter now just a memory -- the next big date facing us is the deadline for filing our Income Tax returns.
Roger Haineault of Help 4 Taxes tells CHSJ News there are a couple of new tax credits this year -- one of them for first time home buyers.
The other is the home renovation tax credit -- Haineault says the average return is running about 100-dollars higher than last year.
The deadline for filing your 2009 tax return is April 30th.

Update on Shannex Development

72 beds will be open for business at the Province's newest nursing home April.21st.


That is when the first resident is scheduled to arrive at the Shannex Complex at the end of Millenium Drive in Quispamsis.


Site manager John Campbell tells CHSJ News, this is welcome news to hospitals in the area.


Campbell adds the retirement building in the complex should be open in June with the special care operation to be up and running this fall.

Attempted Murder Arrest

A sharp eye by RCMP means a man wanted for attempted murder is back behind bars.


While on patrol yesterday in Caraquet, a man was spotted driving a vehicle and taken into custody in the Rang St. George area by officers.


24-year-old Andre Gilles Frigault has charges pending in relation to the arrest.

Flooding a Concern in Oakville Acres

The atmosphere could be tense when residents from Oakville Acres appear before Rothesay Town Council next Monday to talk about what they are calling a flooding crisis.


They're a frustrated lot and Gary Howard of the Oakville Acres Citizens Committee tells CHSJ News they will be ask town councillors to do something and fast.


Howard says the residents are also upset at what they see as a non-responsive and uncooperative attitude on the part of town management.

Mayor Court Promotes Immigration

(Saint John Mayor Ivan Court)
           (File Photo)

Immigration is seen as a way for Saint John to turn around years of shrinking or stagnant population numbers.


If the number of people living in the city doesn't increase, Saint John will continue to face a financial crunch year after year.
Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News Saint John has done better over the last two years in attracting but, more importantly, keeping newcomers from moving on and that according to the Mayor, bodes well for the future.

Several Grass Fires Over Long Weekend

City firefighters had to contend with something like a dozen grass fires over the long holiday weekend. They were called out last night to quell a stubborn grass and brush fire in the area of the Gault Road. It took them about an hour to get on top of that blaze.

New Proposal On Table For Future Of Harbour Bridge

               (Harbour Bridge)
                   (File Photo)

As Ottawa and the Province continue to look for middle ground concerning the future of the Harbour Bridge, what does the Authority think of the latest proposal? It has many factors including Ottawa forgiving the debt of the bridge, providing $17.5 million toward repairs and removing the tolls but want the Province to accept sole responsibility of all future costs. Chairman Bob McDevitt tells CHSJ News, he is still going over the numbers. McDevitt is very aware that if a proposal is worked out to remove the tolls, the Authority may be scrapped as well and that means 8 or 9 jobs are in jeopardy.

More Green Energy For Province

(Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir)
                   (File Photo)

The Graham Government continues it's push for more green energy with plenty of turbines already turning aroun the Province. Energy Minister Jack Keir tells CHSJ News, Irving Oil and the Huntsman Marine Science Center also continue to explore how much and in what area's energy can be collected in the Bay.
Keir adds Nova Scotia continues as well to test different types of tidal power technology. Also, a new contract has been awarded to Trans-Alta for a 54-mega-watt second wind farm at Kent Hills, scheduled to be finished this fall.

River Levels On Rise With Milder Than Normal Temperatures

With temperatures in the low to mid teens over the past few days, no doubt if you own a trailer, your thoughts have turned to the camp-ground. Howard Haines owns the Hardings Point Campground and tells CHSJ News, the weather is roughly a month ahead of where they normally are for this time of the year.
Haines adds there is still frost in the ground so they haven't started hooking up water lines yet. If the weather holds, he hopes to be open for the long weekend next month. With water levels along the St. John River rising, they're also keeping an eye on the river just in case of flooding from up north. People who live along the river are being advised to take equipment and machinery out of basements just in case.

Scholarships To Be Awarded In Name Of Retiring Teacher At K-V-H-S

A group of KV Alumni has created an award acknowledging a well-known educator who is retiring.
The Suzanne Doyle-Yerxa Award will fund scholarships for students pursueing post-secondary education in the arts. Brad Stanley is part of a group of KV Alumni who appreciate Doyle-Yerxa's impact on more than 10,000 students in her career.
Yerxa plans to retire at the end of this school year after a teaching career that started in 1977. The scholarships will be handed out at this June's graduation ceremonies and they hope to raise $20, 000 to establish them for the next 20 years.
To donate, visit this website: http://www.suzannedoyleyerxa.com/donateNow.html

K-V Fields Project Moving Right Along

The race is on to put the finishing touches on the KV Fields project behind Kennebecasis Valey High School. Spokes-person Bob Munroe tells CHSJ News, they are close to putting the tender out to have the end zones turfed thanks to a contribution from Ottawa.
Munroe adds the group also is hoping more contributions from the Province are on the way. If everything stays on schedule, it's hoped the new facility will be ready for sporting action this fall.

Harbour Bridge Work - Short Term Pain For Long Term Gain

Animal Rescue League and SPCA Merger

There is a possibility the Animal Rescue League and SPCA may forge a stronger relationship but talks are very preliminary at this point. Board of Directors President Sara Stashick tells CHSJ News, the discussion was generated because both organizations need new facilities:
Stashick adds the purpose of the talks is to find a better way for both organizations to partner and work together but are in no hurry to get something done.

Is the Loonie Reaching Par a Bad Thing?

For anyone who doesn't follow the stock market, there is always a question about why when the Loonie reaches par is it a bad thing. Mike Murphy is a commercial account manager with BMO and tells CHSJ News, truth be told......it's not bad for everyone:

Murphy adds this country weathered the recession well because of our good business practises and over-all economic environment.

Has Easter Become Too Commericialized?

When did Easter become such a commericalized holiday? That may be the question you ask yourself today with hundreds of dollars in gifts lying around your home and enough chocolate to keep you going until Easter rolls around next year. CHSJ News hit the street earlier this week asking one specific question, Has Easter Become too Commercialized:

The majority of people we spoke with all had the same answer.....Easter has become too commercialized.

Seadogs Take a 2-0 Series Lead in Quarter-Final

(Seadogs Goaltender Marco Cousineau)
      (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

32 saves by Marco Cousinea helped back-stop the Seadogs to a 7-2 win over Gatineau last night at the Station.


Saint John now owns a 2-0 lead in their best of seven quarter-final. Jonathan Huberdeau led the dogs attack with two goals and head coach Gerard Gallant knows Gatineau isn't going to roll over.


Game three is Tuesday night in Gatineau. Gallant adds he is very impressed with the team effort his players are showing.

Seadogs Win Game Two of Quarter-Final Series

Energy Minister Not Impressed With Proposal From Ottawa

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)
         (File Photo)

A day late and $150 million dollars short.....that reaction from Energy Minister Jack Keir to the proposal from Ottawa to Fredericton concerning the future of the Harbour Bridge.
Keir tells CHSJ News, he is how-ever encouraged MP Rodney Weston has come to the table after the Province sent a letter to Ottawa 14 months ago.


Keir adds the $17.5 million Ottawa has put on the table to walk away from the Harbour Bridge is not fair or acceptable.

Ottawa Makes an Offer Concerning Future of Harbour Bridge

(File Photo of the Harbour Bridge)

The Province wanted to hear from Ottawa concerning the Harbour Bridge and here we go.

A letter is on it's way to Premier Graham outlining a proposal.


Ottawa is willing to forgive the bridge's out-standing debt and withdraw from the Authority and will provide $17.5 million toward repairs.
In return, the bridge becomes part of Highway One with the province responsible for all future costs and the tolls are removed immediately.


MP Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News, this would have happened much sooner if the Graham Government had been involved.


Another piece of the proposal is City Hall would no longer be responsible for further costs to the Harbour Bridge.

Premier Graham Has No Plan To Step Down

(Premier Graham Speaking to CHSJ News)
                (File Photo)

Despite what you may have heard, Premier Shawn Graham is in the for the long haul.


There has been speculation that with the NB Power-Hydro Quebec deal dead, he may step aside before the Sept.27th Provincial vote.
Graham tells CHSJ News, he stands by his parties track record which includes 169 new doctors and record achivements in Grade two literacy scores.
Graham adds he is looking forward to the campaign.

Lane Closed on Old Rothesay Road

No doubt, if you live on or near the Old Rothesay Road, you know there has been construction in the area for several weeks now.


City Police remind everyone that the west-bound lane is closed to all traffic.


If you are heading west, you have to take the Fox Farm Road to get up on Highway One.


City Officers will patrol the area all week and will hand out tickets for anyone caught using the west-bound lane.

Enterprise Saint John on the Hunt for Future Projects

With plenty of interest in investment activity, Enterprise Saint John is keeping busy with several irons in the fire.


A lot of momentum was lost in Greater Saint John when plans for a second refinery and a new look for Long Wharf were shelved.


General Manager Steve Carson tells CHSJ News, the spirit of entrepreneurship and the daily drive is what makes Greater Saint Joh successful.
Carson is quick to point out, mega-projects must still be planned for and encouraged but employment has been stable with-out one.

Spring Clean-Ups Set to Get Started

A series of spring cleanups will begin this month to coincide with Earth Day.



After a long winter, plenty of garbage has surfaced was once hidden by piles of snow.


Tim Vickers with the Atlantic Coastal Action Program tells CHSJ News, they find appliances and grocery carts but some of the debris ends up there naturally.


Vickers adds anywhere from half a dozen to a dozen Spring cleanups will be held on April 24th-the Saturday after Earth Day.


The annual Marsh Creek Clean Up is coming up on May 15th.

Ramping Up Computer Recycling

For 5 dollars, you can get rid of that dinosaur computer taking up space in your house.


The Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission is now recycling computers all year long.


Brenda MacCallum tells CHSJ News, they have combined Household Hazardous Waste with Computer Recycling.


You can take your old computer to the landfill's Household Hazardous Waste Facility between eight and noon every Saturday for five dollars.


They also accept batteries, paint and motor oil at no charge.

Seadogs Take Round Two Opening Game

(Seadogs Celebrate Game One Win)
      (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Three goals in the first period helped pace the Saint John Seadogs to a 7-4 win over Gatineau to open their second round Q-League series.


Stanislav Galiev led the charge with five points including two goals.


Penalty problems in the second period let the Olympique tie the game at three before a late goal in the second sealed the victory.
Galiev tells CHSJ News, penalties and not sticking to the game plan can lead to trouble.


Just over 4600 fans were on hand to watch Saint John out-shoot Gatineau 33-19. Game two is tonight, also at the Station. Game time is seven o'clock.

Charlotte the Isles MLA Shocked by Act

(Charlotte the Isles MLA Rick Doucet)
             (File Photo)

A horrified community is rallying to find the person responsible for a possible case of animal cruelty.

RCMP are still looking for who-ever tied a dog to a tree in a blueberry field on the Old St. Andrews Road in St. George last month that was left for wild animals to attack and feed on.

Charlotte the Isles MLA Rick Doucet tells CHSJ News, it's hard to believe anyone could do this.


Doucet is putting up $1000 dollars of his own money to anyone who can offer information that may lead to the arrest of the person or persons responsible.

Second Round For the Seadogs Gets Started Tonight

After a week off, The Saint John Seadogs get back to business tonight as the second round of the play-offs gets started.

Gatineau is at the Station, coming off a thrilling seven game series against the Rocket. Assistant Coach Mike Kelly tells CHSJ News, Gatineau will be a tough contest.

The Seadogs played Gatinuea three times during the regular season and won all but Kelly points out they are taking nothing for granted.

Game time is set for 7:30pm.

Keir Says Bridge Funding Not About Politics

New Set-Up for Tele-Care

Nothing but praise from the Health Minister concerning the new 8-1-1- telecare service.
The Province announced the new set-up earlier this week and Mary Schryer tells CHSJ News, they will keep both lines active for 3 maybe 4 months while people make the transistion.
Every year in the Province, close to 65,000 people use telecare with the main goal to cut back on the amount of visits to emergency rooms.

Minimum Wage Is Up Today

Minimum wage is up by 25 cents as of today, rising to $8.50 per hour.


This is the sixth increase since October 2006, when minimum wage was $6.70 per hour.
More increases are on the way as will with a 50 cent raise going into effect on September.1st, another 50 cents a year from today and yet another 50 cents on September 1st of next year.


That means minimum wage in this Province by Labour Day of next year will stand at an even ten dollars an hour.
With today's increase, someone working 40 hours a week will earn a minimum of $340 per week.

Board of Trade o Harbour Bridge

Now that the loan for repair work on the Harbour Bridge is locked up, the Board of Trade is hopeful a similar deal can be ironed out on a long term deal with Ottawa.


President Imelda Gilman tells CHSJ News, upcoming meetings with Premier Graham and Prime Minister Harper should be a success.


Harbour Bridge General Manager Ken Anthony tells CHSJ news, construction will get started in June and finish up by October.

Changes to city services for the Easter Long Weekend

The City of Saint John offices will be closed tomorrow for Good Friday and again on Monday.
Garbage and compost collection will follow it's regular schedule.


Saint John Transit will operate on a holiday/Sunday service on Friday and Monday's service will follow a Saturday schedule.


The Comex service to Grand Bay-Westfield, the Kennebecasis Valley and Hampton will run as scheduled on Monday.

Old DVA Property is Listed

At $1.99 million dollars, the realtor who has the old DVA property listed is confident a buyer is out there.


Judy Mitchell tells CHSJ News, there are some people interested right now but are taking their time to make sure everything is lined up before they move forward.


Right now, there are ten, three level town houses on the property not finished but the over 3 acres is approved for 64 town houses or garden homes.

KV High School Losing It's Principal

It's the end of era at Kennebecasis Valley High School.


Bob Munroe, who has been principal at the school for the past 20 years, is stepping down at the end of this school season.
Munroe tells CHSJ News, his teaching career actually spans 35 years, three provinces and many stops along the way.


Munroe says he hasn't heard yet on whether there will be a going away party but he very shy about those things.


No replacement has been named yet.

More Illegal Smokes Off the Streets

The flow of illegal cigarettes into Nova Scotia has been dealt a serious blow.

RCMP stopped a vehicle in St. Leonard this week and arrested a 65-year-old man from Nova Scotia for being in possession of contraband cigarettes.


260,000 smokes have been seized and the man is due in court June.2nd.

Hit and Run in St. George

A hit and run is under investigation by St. George RCMP.

It happened on March 18th between eleven in the morning and noon.

A 26-year-old man was walking along Highway 778 in Beaver Harbour when a vehicle traveling north from Blacks Harbour hit him causing minor injuries.


The vehicle didn't stop and the person who was hit didn't get a look at the vehicle.

Essay Winners Are Announced

(Mothers Against Drunk Driving Vehicle)
               (File Photo)

Five high school students from Greater Saint John make up half of the ten winners from around the Province who have won $1,000 in a provincial essay contest.

The cash will go toward their costs to attend the annual Canadian Youth Against Impaired Driving Conference in May in Regina.

The winners include Sara Long and Rebecca Van Snick of Simonds High, Deanna Winter of Hampton High along with Gillian Graves and Alana Totton of Bellisle Regional High School.


The contest was developed by NB Liquor and open to all Teens Against Drinking and Driving members from high schools around the Province.

Harbour Bridge Gets 11th Hour Reprieve On Repairs

              (Harbour Bridge)
                  (File Photo)


The Provincial cabinet is taking action to get the money needed for repairs to be made to the Harbour Bridge by approving a 35 million dollar loan guarantee.

Harbour Bridge Authority General Manager Ken Anthony tells CHSJ News, that means there shouldn't be any need for lane closures or weight reductions.

He concedes it will be tight in order to get the work done during this construction season but believes it should happen with work starting in the eastbound lanes in late May or early June.

Anthony acknowledged it hasn't been fun with all the wrangling that has gone on but this is what the Harbour Bridge Authority wanted to happen all along.

The long term solution is still seen as a joint funding agreement between the federal and provincial governments.

Premier Shawn Graham has said the province is willing to take the bridge over but certain conditions would have to be met by the federal government.

Saint John M-P Rodney Weston has said those conditions were not acceptable.

West Side Property Described As "Urban Nightmare"

                 (Common Councillor Peter McGuire)
                          (Photo by Brian McLain)

An urban nightmare........That's how Common Councillor Peter McGuire describes the old D-V-A property across from Olsens where a housing development was started a few years ago but then abandoned. McGuire says he is anxiously awaiting a report from city staff on what can be done to turn this eyesore around. McGuire warns the first thing retailers, who are thinking of setting up shop along Fairville Boulevard, ask about is new housing development.
McGuire says the potential for vibrant residential housing is being lost and that also means the city is also losing out on alot of property tax revenue. McGuire goes on to say it's just wrong for a developer to just walk away.

Concern Over Passing Along Loch Lomand Road

             (Common Councillor Bruce Court)
                    (Photo by Brian McLain)

There's a section of Loch Lomand Road between the Airport and Hickey Road where the speed limit drops from 70 kilometers an hour down to 50 and then back up to 70 again. It is described as an accident waiting to happen. The residents who live along there say drivers get impatient and pass one another on a solid line creating a dangerous situation. Common Councillor Bruce Court says he has been passed himself more than once and as recently as last weekend.
Court says now that the school is closed, the speed limit should be 70 kilometers an hour the entire way.

Correction to Original Beer Pricing Story

It appears we may have taken the cap off the bottle before we reported a story to you earlier today.


There is some clarification we need to make on a story about the price of beer in the Province.


NB Liquor spokes-person Nora Lacey tells CHSJ News, it has received a single request for an increase and it is currently being reviewed.


No word how-ever on when a final decision will be made on the price.


Earlier today, we reported the price of beer would not be increasing this year.

Woman is Identified

One mystery has been solved but several still remain surrounding the body of a woman found in a snow bank in Moncton last weekend.


Officers have released her name, Shirley Suzanne Bland of Moncton.


She was found last Sunday afternoon by a man walking his dog in a marsh behind the Superstore on Main Street.


An autopsy has revealed no physical injuries and foul play is not suspected.


Still no word on what killed the woman and further testing could take months.

New Sugar Refinery is Scrapped

The dream of a scaled down sugar refinery in the McAllister Industrial Park is dead.


It has been in the works for years after the Lantic sugar refinfery shut down in the South End in 2000.


Enterprise Saint John was backing one of the two bids, not including one from Lantic. General Manager Steve Carson tells CHSJ News, it is a very complicated receivership process.


Carson adds if the plant has opened......there would have been over 40 high paying jobs to go along with it.

Imperial Theater Gets Cash From Ottawa

The shows will continue to go on at the Imperial Theater thanks to a cash infusion from Ottawa.


Saint John MP Rodney Weston has presented $55,000 dollars to the building for it's up-coming season of performances.


The cash is made available through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Strategic Planning Underway for Enterprise Saint John

(Enterprise Saint John Vice Chair Tony Goguen)
           (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Enterprise Saint John has launched it's strategic planning process.


Tony Goguen is vice-chair and tells CHSJ News, this exercise will take three months to finish as they meet with out-lying communities and go over some of the latest demographic research.


Goguen adds the priority sectors for the past three years have been energy, advanced manufacturing, i.c.t. and health sciences.


This planning process will let them know if they should remain priorities or other avenues should be explored.

Search for a New Executive Director

The Animal Rescue League has begun it's active search for a new executive director.

In a news release, the organization says it is working with a human resource specialist out of Fredericton to carry out the recruitement and interview process.


Janet Foster has stepped down from the role after six years.
 
Construction is underway to move the Recue League out of it's current facility and into a anew space in the former Peacocks Garden Center on Sandy Point Road.

Dog Left For Dead in St. George

If you own a dog or just love animals, you may find this next story disturbing.


St. George RCMP is investigating an act of animal cruelty they believe took place between March.20th and 23rd.


Officers tell us someone tied a dog to a tree in a blueberry field on the Old St. Andrews Road and left it for wild animals to attack and feed on.


The dog was black and white and is described as a collie/lab mix.

Premier Graham Set to Travel to Ottawa

(Premier Shawn Graham)
       (File Photo)

Premier Shawn Graham and several of his cabinet ministers are off to Ottawa in the coming weeks.


Up for discussion is repairs needed for the Harbour Bridge and the delay on the refurbishment at Point Lepreau. Graham says they are looking for the same treatment as every other Province is receiving.


Graham says they sent a letter to Ottawa looking to form a partnership when it comes to the Harbour Bidge but they have yet to hear back.


As for Point Lepreau, the Premier says Atomic Energy of Canada has not lived up to it's time-line for completing refurbishment work and if a deal can't be worked out, legal action is the next step.

Traffic Concerns With Costco Set to Open

(City Councilor and SJ East Liberal Candidate Bruce Court)
                             (File Photo)

The city is being called on to come up with a plan to better handle traffic on the east side after Costco opens up on May 27th.


Most of the talk is about traffic congestion along Westmorland Road according to the Common Councillor for the area, Carl Killen.


East side Councillor Bruce Court says he has been told there are people along Westmorland who find it tough to get out of their driveways at times and have even resorted to activating a pedestrian light to give them time.

Board Of Trade Calls For Energy Policy For Province

(Saint John Board of Trade President Imelda Gilman)
                             (File Photo)

The Saint John Board of Trade thinks the time is right to get everyone involved in a new energy policy for the province and it's calling for action.
President Imelda Gilman tells CHSJ News people in the province really become engaged over the NB Power deal. She believes the polarizing reaction to the failed NB Power deal came about because it came seemingly out of nowhere.
Gilman says the Graham government also saw a groundswell of public opposition on postsecondary education over whether to turn U-N-B-S-J into a polytechnic.
She adds the Energy department should use the current momentum, positive or negative, to create a new energy policy for the province.

Police Department To Develop Plan To Communicate Better

The city police department wants to communicate more effectively -- so -- the department has issued a call for proposals to develop a communications plan.
Phase one will deal with areas like communicating with Common Council - a media and web presence - and - internal communication. Phase two would deal with implementing the plan - training of personnel depending on costs involved.
Work on the first phase is scheduled for completion in August while phase two would be completed by November if the go ahead is given.

Jamieson Will Not Be Returning To Provincial Cabinet

                  (Premier Shawn Graham)
                             (File Photo)

The one man who has the ability to re-instate the MLA for Saint John Fundy to his cabinet post is speaking out. Stuart Jamieson has been approached about returning to the Liberal caucus but says he will only do so if he was given back the title of Tourism and Parks Minister. Premier Graham says the return with conditions makes it difficult and won't be happening.
Two cabinet posts, Tourism and Parks along with Justice and Consumer Affairs, are being temporaily filled. The Premier wouldn't be nailed down on whether a Saint John MLA might be in the running for one of those jobs.

United Way Ends 50th Anniversary Campaign Over The Top

Peninsula Liquor Store Closer to Reality

One person has come forward showing interest in setting up an NB Liquor agency store on the Kingston Peninsula now that the deadline has passed.

Spokes-person Nora Lacey tells CHSJ News, the one application will be evaluated and then reviewed by the board of directors next month.


If the application is approved, a site evaluation of where the store is to be located is then carried out.

Lacey says best case scenario, a new liquor outlet for the Peninsula could be open by the Long Weekend in May.

Construction of Law Courts Building Underway

(Premier Graham Announces New Law Courts)
           (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Phase one of construction of the $50 million dollar Law Courts on the former YM-YWCA site on Hazen Avenue is underway.


The contract has been awarded to Bird Construction for just over $6.3 million dollars. Premier Shawn Graham says he is very excited about this project.


Graham adds 450 jobs will be created during the construction of the new law courts. The building is scheduled to be open by 2012.

What About New Police Station

(Artists Conception of Peel Plaza)
              (File Photo)

With construction of the new Law Courts building moving ahead, what about a new police station?


Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News, he expects an announcement concerning the new headquarters in about two weeks.


Court adds a new garage with over 200 parking spaces will also be constructed on the site.