South End Is Getting a New Look

A vacant lot in the South End is getting a second chance thanks to the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission.


With finished compost, the Commission is transforming a vacant lot at the corner of St. James and Germain Street into a vegetable garden for the Salvation Army Booth Residential Services.

The seeds will be planted Thursday,June.10th and will help supply fresh vegetables for Salvation Army residents and help reduce costs.


The Salvation Army will maintain the garden, Halifax Seed donated the seeds and a fence has been erected thanks to Fundy Fencing.

Another Internet Scam is Active

If you spend time on an internet chat or date site, you will want to hear this.
The New Brunswick Securities Commission has raised the red flag about an internet dating investment scheme out of Ghana.
It involves worthless gold certificates and the Commission was alerted about the fraud thanks to the quick action of a bank employee.
They thought something was strange recently when the person scammed tried to make a large withdrawl.
Unfortunately, the heads up didn't come quick enough as the person has already lost thousands.
This internet scam is very personal in nature and begins with contact by way of a dating website, a relationship develops and then someone starts asking for cash which get bigger with each request.

Animal Abuse Ranking

The Animal Legal Defense Fund has released it's annual report on animal abuse and the news is good for this Province.


The report goes over which Province or Territory has the weakest laws and New Brunswick shows the most improvement over-all.


We have moved from the bottom tier last year to fourth best in the country this time around. Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Quebec are, what the report calls, the best provinces and territories in country to be an animal abuser.


This is based on a detailed comparative analysis of the animal protection laws of each jurisdiction where animal abusers get off easy. For the second year in a row, Ontario holds the top spot in the rankings due to its wide array of animal protection laws.

City Council Discusses Funding for Neighbourhoods

(Saint John Councilor Donnie Snook)
              (File Photo)

The Village Neighbourhood Association will have to wait another year before getting its hands on any of the 150 thousand dollars in grants the city gives each year to projects in the five vulnerable neighbourhoods classified as a priority.


Councillor Donnie Snook says the Waterloo Street area is deserving.


The city points out no applications were received from anyone from the Village.


Snook would also like to see a community police station established in the neighbourhood.

Line-Up for Re-Union 2010 Concert Announced

        (Saint John 225 Spokes-Person Lisa Hrabluk)
                  (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

If you haven't booked you vacation yet, the first week of August might be a solid bet.


A four day music festival, Reunion 2010 will run between August.5th and the 8th with music for all to enjoy.
Aaron Pritchett, Tara Oram, Wintersleep and the Stereos will headline the festival that is part of the Saint John 225 celebration this summer.
The shows will also high-light some of the top talent from Greater Saint John including Jessica Rhaye, Debbie Adshade and Benjamin Marmen.


Spokes-person Lisa Hrabluk tells CHSJ News, Harbour Passage will re-open for the event.


Fort LaTour and Harbour Passage will play host to the special 'Harbour Rocks!' Festival Stage on August.6th and 7th.
The show includes a special anniversary fireworks show on Saturday night. Tickets are available at Imperial Theater.

Cruise Industry Symposium Is Underway

The movers and shakers of the cruise industry are in Saint John this week for the 12th Annual Canada-New England Cruise Symposium at the Trade and Convention Center.


Captain Al Soppitt with the Saint John Port Authority tells CHSJ News, cruise generated $30 million dollars for Greater Saint John last year and is looking forward to building on that figure.


Soppitt says many topics will be covered during the conference including tour and vessel operations, marketing or what the Province has to offer, this is a great time to put it on the table.

Warning About Redevelopment Of Crescent Valley

(Common Councillor Peter McGuire)
               (File Photo)

The city has handed out 150 thousand dollars in grants to various projects in the most vulnerable communities around town, including Crescent Valley. The 20 to 25 year plan to transform that neighbourhood is underway and Common Councillor Peter McGuire is worried if developers don't jump on board. He maintains if, at the end of all this, the neighbourhood is made up of all public housing, then the dedevelopment will have been a failure.
Deputy City Manager Andrew Beckett has expressed concern at what he sees as the low level of interest on the part of private developers thus far. Some of the grant money has been used for the publication of the community newspaper "Around the Block".

Dangers Of Tanning To Be Talked About In The City Tonight

A public meeting tonight at the Lily Lake Pavilion will hear about the dangers of tanning. Saint John dermatologist, Dr. Douglas Keeling tells CHSJ News you don't have to get a sun burn to damage your skin. Just getting a tan will also do that.
Dr. Keeling is a firm believer in using sun screen even if you're not laying out in the sun. He also warns tanning beds give off more ultraviolet radiation than the suns and as such are more intense. Dr.Keeling goes on to say they are classified by the World Health Organisation in the same high risk category as plutonium, asbestos, arsenic and even mustard gas. Tonight's meeting gets underway at 7:00.

Bay Of Fundy And Gulf Of Maine Under Increasing Environmental Pressure

A report issued today will look at how to restore and maintain the ecosystem in the Gulf of Maine.
The report is being released this morning in Portland, Maine by the Chairman of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment, Michael Walls.
The Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy ares facing increasing pressures from sewage, agricultural and industrial runoff and climate change.  Environmental groups feel this report can help reverse the decline and restore for future generations the resources that the region’s economy and quality of life depend.

Basketball Coming To The City

(Basketball At Harbour Station)
               (File Photo)

A news conference is coming up on the 21st at Harbour Station with an annoucment about the Manchester Millrats of the Premier Basketball League.
The Millrats have been in negotiations with the arena's management and city officials for several weeks about the possible move of the team to Saint John. The Manchester Millrats are a fourth year minor league basketball franchise and a member of the Premier Basketball League. The league has two franchises in Canada - the Quebec Kebs and the Halifax Rainmen.
A Facebook page called "Saint John Millrats Pro Basketball Page" has garnered about 800 fans in less than 3 weeks.
To see the team's website page go to our website at country94.ca..click news.

New Survey Shows No Union for the Mounties

A new poll may put an end to years of talk about unionizing the RCMP.


It was carried out for the Mounted Police Members' Legal Fund and finds that 56.7 per cent of people from coast to coast don't think a union is necessary.


Chairman of the fund is Staff Sargeant Murray Brown who tells CHSJ News, this is a good news story for everyone involved in the fact that the people they serve and the membership are on the same page.
The survey was conducted between May.29th and June.3rd when just over 1000 people were called.

Bell-Aliant Getting Connection Restored

It may be awhile yet before internet and phone service is re-stored to almost 500 Bell-Aliant customers in the Rothesay area.

The company says the connection was lost mid-morning when water got into one of the lines.


Crews have been working to get things dried out but a company spokes-person tells CHSJ News, work on restoring the line will continue into this afternoon and this evening.

Some customers have had their service restored.

A Reminder For Business Owners

Most of us did it months ago but anyone who is self-employed, a reminder that you have a week to file your income tax.


That also includes spouses or common law partners that your papers all have to be in order by June.15th.
If you have an outstanding balance for 2009, it had to be paid on or before April 30 to avoid interest.


A late-filing penalty on amounts owing will apply to any returns received or postmarked after next Tuesday.

Watching the Whales With Local Cruise Promoters

Local cruise promoters are working hard to make sure those attending a major cruise industry conference this week walk away with a lasting impression of the area.

Part of that effort included a whale watching excursion from St Andrew's - and - the Port Authority's Betty MacMillan tells CHSJ News it will pay dividends.
The conference includes cruise line executives from around the world.

Close Call For Motorcycle Drivers

A close call last night for two men. Hampton RCMP spotted two motorcycles doing wheelies just after six o'clock on Highway 100 and pulled them over.
When the officer was getting out of his vehicle, both motorcycles took off.


One of the drivers, a 21-year old man from St. Stephen, looked over his shoulder to see where the officer was when he crashed into the other motorcycle driven by a 28-year old Saint John man.
Both were rushed to the Regional, checked out and sent home.


Officers have issued several fines to both drivers who will appear before a judge as well concerning their driving habits.

Saint John Doctor Speaks Out Against Tanning Beds

A Saint John dermatologist is speaking out about what he says is the danger of using tanning beds. Dr. Douglas Keeling tells CHSJ News its not only him who's saying this. The World Health Organisation has tanning beds in the same high risk category as plutonium, asbestos, arsenic and even mustard gas. He says tanning beds deliver the same amount of ultraviolent radiation in five minutes what the sun does, at the equator, in half an hour and he has seen the presence of venereal warts in people who have used them.
Dr. Keeling will be talking about the dangers of tanning at a public meeting being staged by the Cancer Society at the Lily Lake Pavilion starting at 7:00 Wednesday night.

Mayor Says Stimulus Programme Was Flawed

(Saint John Mayor Ivan Court)
              (File Photo)

There is a fear at City Hall that millions of dollars Saint John was to receive under the federal stimulus plan may go unspent and be clawed back by Ottawa. Mayor Ivan Court says municipalities across the country are asking the programme be expanded. The Mayor claims it was flawed from the start because it was to run for two years but took six months to get up and running. Court also says there should be a bit more flexibility in what the money is spent on as long as it benefits the city's infrastructure. He estimates more than 400 million dollars has been spent in the city.

Today is World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day today takes on a whole new meaning with the world still watching the Gulf of Mexico closely.
This after an oil rig explosion caused a well to pour millions of litres into the ocean with the clean-up continuing.
David Thompson is with the Conservation Council and tells CHSJ News, the oil disaster has a direct link to this Province and the Bay of Fundy.


A booth with more information on World Oceans Day will be set up near the Germain Street entrance to the Market until two this afternoon.

Full House In Quispamsis To Hear About Lyme Disease

(Robert Doucet At Public Meeting On Lyme Disease In Quispamsis)
                                  (Photo by Sherry Aske)

The Kennebecasis Valley is taking the time to learn about Lyme Disease. Robert Doucet from the City's Lyme Disease Advisory committy presented to a full house at Quispamsis Town Hall to explain how deer ticks spread the bacterial infection. He says you don't have to stay inside but you do have to take precautions by tucking in your clothes and using a bug spray with Deet.
Doucet says if you find a tick on yourself you should get a doctor to remove it and then send the tick away to find out it carried the Lyme Disease bacteria. Early diagnosis is key. Common symptoms are a bullseye shaped rash or arthritic pain in your joints and the most common places to attract Lyme disease are tall grassy areas and leaf piles.

Quispamsis Mayor Wants Bylaw On Feeding Of Deer For Entire K-V

(Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll)
               (File Photo)

Quispamsis is looking to adopt a similar by law to Rothesay when it comes to feeding the deer. Mayor Murray Driscoll says he's read the by-law and says it would make sense to adopt the same one because if Quispamsis is going to tackle the deer issue with Rothesay and Hampton, it makes sense to have an overall bylaw for the entire Valley.
Driscoll says deer aren't getting their own food anymore, as they should as part of nature, but are getting used finding dessert tables in peoples gardens and purposely feeding deer isn't helping.

Mayor Blasts Critics of City's Water Planning

(Saint John Mayor Ivan Court)
             (File Photo)

Mayor Ivan Court says he wants to set the record straight on the planning that has been done for clean, safe drinking water. The Mayor says the city did what it had to do and delivered the water plan to both the provincial and federal governments complete with costing. He claims the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has singled out Saint John for praise in the city's ability to secure funding.
Court says he decided to speak out because any criticism of the city in this regard is unfair and unjustified.

Common Council Hears Criticism Of Enterprise Saint John

Enterprise Saint John coming under fire at Common Council. Councillor Patty Higgins is the most vocal critic charging Enterprise Saint John doesn't seem interested, judging by the lack of feedback she has seen, in attracting the industries of the future and using renewable energy in the city's industrial parks. Fellow Councillors Bill Farren and Donnie Snook are also questioning why Enterprise Saint John has not replied to requests from Council for input.The issue will be discussed when City Manager Pat Woods meets with Enterprise Saint John on Friday.

City To Examine How To Make It Easier For Pedestrians And Cyclists

(Common Councillor Carl Killen)
               (File Photo)

The city will look at the fesibility of having a dedicated lane just for pedestrians and cyclists to make their way from the north end over the viaduct into the uptown. Common Councillor Carl Killen says he has heard concerns, more so, with the closure of Harbour Passage to allow for repairs to the bridge. He goes on to say its not a pleasant experience and you, literally, take your life in your hands with the traffic.
Killen and fellow councillor Gary Sullivan add six lanes of traffic are too much.

Repairs Having Minimal Effect On Bridge Traffic

(Harbour Bridge In Saint John)
            (File Photo)

Construction to the Harbour Bridge is going well. Ken Anthony, General Manager of  the Harbour Bridge Authority, says despite the construction, traffic hasn't been affected that badly. He claims in the morning rush hour, drivers only have to wait for 8 to 10 minutes. The main hold up isn't in the morning though but rather in the afternoon rush hour going westbound where the on ramps merge with the highway.

Saint John M-P Welcomes New Offer On Bridge

(Saint John M-P Rodney Weston)
              (File Photo)

Saint John MP Rodney Weston is more optimistic about a long term solution on the Harbour Bridge than he was a week ago.
An offer from the Provincial government will see the tolls removed as long as Ottawa agrees to pay half the cost of repairs for the next 30 years.
Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News it would be cynical of him to question the timing of this offer with a provincial election coming in September.
Weston says he isn't sure about the timelime of resolving it by the end of June, he says it would be better to get the right deal rather than the quick deal. He wants to discuss the proposal with his federal colleagues, ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield and Transport Minister John Baird before commenting on the specifics.

Saint Johnners Can Learn More About Future Plans Of Exhibition Association

The public is invited to learn more about the future plans of the Exhibition Association.
The group recently polled the community for ideas on redevelopment of its site with an online survey.
President Paul Gilbride tells CHSJ News the consultants working on the Association's redevelopment project are meeting with key groups who might use the new facilities.
The Open House will be held on June 24th from 5:30 to 8pm.

Musquash Vehicle Fire

(Deputy Chief Philip Melanson and Captain Cliff Ells extinguishing hot spots.)

(Photo courtesy of Captain Andrew Sanojca)

The Musquash Fire Department responded to a vehicle on fire along Route 790 in Musquash
just before 2pm today.

Firefighters found a four wheel drive truck that had become stuck on a dirt road heavily involved in flames. The fire was quickly extinguished, but the truck was destroyed.

No one was hurt and the fire was accidental.

Police Seize Drugs and More in Harvey

McAdam and Oromocto RCMP seized marijuana, cash and a stolen weapon after a weekend raid.
Police executed the search warrant Saturday at a home in Harvey.

A 31-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man were arrested and released and will appear in court later to face charges.

Free Admission To The Parks This Saturday

The 10 provincial parks are offering free admission this Saturday, June 12, in honour of their 75th Anniversary and Tourism Week.

The parks draw more than 750,000 visitors each year and offer activities ranging from boating and camping to golfing and swimming.

The parks include Mactaquac, New River Beach, Parlee Beach and Hopewell Rocks.

Open Forum to Discuss Lyme Disease

With all of the discussion around deer populations outside of Saint John, the Town of Quispamsis is hosting an information session tonight.


Protecting yourself against lyme disease is the focus and Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ News, when they got together with surrounding municipalities, education was a committment to solving this issue.
The guest speaker is Robert Doucet of Hampton who was diagnosed with lyme disease back in 2006.


The meeting gets started at seven o'clock at the Town Hall in Quispamsis.

New Look At The Regional Hospital

(Associate Dean of Saint John Medical School Dr. John Steeves)
                     (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

A clinical and video rooms along with an anatomy lab has been unveiled at the Regional Hospital.


They will be used by first year medical students beginning studies in Saint John this fall at the Dalhousie Medical School on the campus of UNB Saint John.


Dr. John Steeves is the Associate Dean and says hospitals for students is where they go to learn medicine and school class-rooms is where they learn about medicine.


For the first two years of their studies, students will be based at UNB Saint John and then move to another site around the Province for years three and four.
30 students will begin their studies this fall with total cost of the upgraded facilities coming in at $3.1 million dollars.

RCMP Is Digging Up Bones

A 13 year old missing persons case is being re-opened by RCMP.

The body of ""John Doe"" has been exhumed from a cemetery on Prince Edward Island.

It was 13 years ago today, the body was found by a local fisherman in Malpeque Bay.

The man was never identified and his cause of death was a possible drowning.

Officers believe with new technology, there is a good chance to figure out who this man is and determine the exact cause of death.
RCMP say it is possible the body may have washed in to shore with the tides and he could be from the northern half of the Province, Magdalen Islands or even Quebec.

The man weighed 181 pounds and was five eleven.

Benzene Emissions Cause Of Concern In Champlain Heights

A new survey that shows high levels of benzene in Champlain Heights has Gordon Dalzell of the Clean Air Coalition shaking his head. Dalzell says the Irving Oil Refinery pumps out 2.9 tons of benzene into the air a year, a substance that is linked to certain kinds of cancers. He says the encouraging news is that the oil refinery is doing something to fix the problem. Dalzell hopes the vapour recovery systems Irving is installing will reduce the amount of benzene in the air by 25%.
But Dalzell says the level of benzene going into the air should be at zero. He's urging the federal and provincial governments to set their own standards regulating benzene emissions.

Common Councillor Wants Action, Not More Talk, On Pay Equity

(Common Council In Session)
            (File Photo)

Common Council will be hearing tonight about pay equity even though the city does not have any jurisdiction over that issue. Councillor Patty Higgins wants the city to urge the provincial government to legislate pay equity claiming women's income is just 67 per cent of that earned by men. There is pay equity among workers in the provincial government. Elizabeth Blaney of the Provincial Coalition on Pay Equity says its clear private employers will not go along without being forced to by law.
Blaney concedes women are a long way from achieving pay equity.

Medical School Announcement This Morning At Regional Hospital

(Provincial Health Minister Mary Schryer)
                    (File Photo)

The Health Minister will be on hand this morning for the opening of the newly renovated learning and teaching space for medical students at the Regional Hospital. Mary Schryer will be joined by officials from the Horizon Health Network and Dalhousie Medical New Brunswick.
The event gets started at 10 this morning.

Three Local Students Recognised For Academic Excellence

Three Saint John students will attend the Shad Valley program after 1,000 students applied worldwide.
Zac Stanton from Saint John High and Hwanhee Son of St. Mac's both made the cut and will attend the month-long university-based development program. It's been around for 30 years and some of it's 11, 000 alumni are business leaders, patent holders, and Rhodes scholars.
Saint John Grade 10 student Mariah Darling is also going after her chemistry teacher suggested the program last fall. To qualify for the Shad Valley program, students must have high academic standing but, must also be well-rounded emerging leaders who demonstrate drive and entrepreneurial flair. The students who make the cut have grade averages in the 90's

Harbour Bridge GM Likes Proposed New Deal

(Harbour Bridge)
   (File Photo)

The provincial Liberals are offering Ottawa a new deal on the Harbour Bridge. Shawn Graham says they will take off the tolls if the Ottawa agrees to pay for half the cost of repairs for the next 30 years. General Manager Ken Anthony of the Harbour Bridge Authority says it looks like a good deal to him.
He says general maintenance repairs alone cost 2.5 million dollars a year but major repairs will be much more expensive as the bridge ages.

Sunday Afternoon Posts

In NHL ACTION: Game five of the Stanley Cup Final goes tonight with the Blackhawks at home against the Flyers. The series is currently tied at 2.

In NBA Playoffs: the Lakers take on Boston. L.A. leads the final series 1 game to none.

And in Baseball: the BlueJays are at home against the Yankees, the Red Sox are battling with Baltimore and the Cubs are in Houston.

Graham Not Phased

(Shawn Graham)
(File Photo)

Premier Graham doesn't appear to be phased by criticism from the Conservatives about his spending habits. Rothesay MLA Margaret Ann Blaney calls the recent roll out of cash pork-barrel politics at it's worst and spending has to be brought under control. It came after the Premier committed to paying for a third of the costs to upgrade the city's water system if elected. Shawn Graham tells CHSJ News, a look at the Conservative track record doesn't bode well for Saint John residents.  Graham says voters have a clear choice......to elect a Liberal Government committed to building infrastructure vote for a government that continually delays projects like Harbour Clean-up.

RESPs A Good Plan

The cost of higher education keeps increasing leaving parents starting to save earlier for their kids education.  Jason Schaella of the Bank of Montreal says the RESP includes a government grant where they contribute a maxium of 500 dollars a year.
He tells CHSJ News anyone, friend or relative, can contribute to a child's RESP as long as it's linked through a social insurance number to a parent or guardian.
Schaella adds the money earned in an RESP is taxed based on the income of the beneficiary who is normally a young person in a zero to low income tax bracket.

Saint John Flies Sunwing

(Saint John Airport)
(File Photo)


It has been another huge year for Sunwing Vacations at the Saint John Airport. The number of passengers using the service is up 45% from last year. Just over 6000 people used Sunwing to take a flight to Varadero, Cuba or Cancun. Airport President and CEO Bernie Leblanc says he is thrilled with the numbers and has every reason to believe they will be back for a fifth season next year.

No More Handouts

(Roger Duguay)
(File Photo)

The provincial NDP wants the government to stop giving businesses public money. Leader Roger Duguay uses ATCON from Miramichi as an example, and says when the government gave them public money they knew the company was having financial problems.  Duguay says what happens is you give a company public money and then it closes or moves overseas. He says if the company has no interest in developing jobs and opportunities for New Brunswickers, the government should say no.

Uptown Is Booming

The Uptown is alive and well........That's the message the General Manager of Uptown Saint John, Peter Asimakos wants to get out as the first ever Live Life awards are about to be handed out later this month. Asimakos tells CHSJ News you're going to be seeing alot more condos being built.  Asimakos says another change that has taken place is the number of restaurants opening up. He claims the uptown is now known as the restaurant area of New Brunswick.

Montreal Refinery Closes

With word out of Montreal this week Shell is closing its 76 year old Refinery, what implications, if any, does this have on the Irving Oil Refinery in East Saint John? Spokesperson Lesley MacLeod tells CHSJ News, it is far too early know what impact there may be on the market share. It also doesn’t impact Irving Oil’s recent decision to shelve a plan for the Eider Rock second refinery and bring them back on the table right now. Shell Canada announced plans in January to close the 76-year-old refinery after unsuccessfully trying to find buyers for six months last year. The Montreal refinery processes more than 130,000 barrels of crude oil daily.

Bicycle Accident

A young boy is dead after what appears to be a tragic accident in the community of Bannon near Hartland this weekend. Late Friday afternoon, RCMP was called to an accident on Route 570 where a nine year old boy was hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle. Officer say the boy was coming down a driveway when he drove out onto the road and was hit. He was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries. The boys name is not being released and now word yet on any charges.

Sunday Morning Sports

The Saint John Seadogs selected 13 players at this years Quebec Major Junior League entry draft including Saint John native Ryan Tesink in the opening round. The other players include six forwards, five defensemen and two goaltenders. Here is the complete list:

ROUND 1 – 18th Overall: Ryan Tesink, Forward (Woodstock, MJAHL)
ROUND 3 – 44th Overall: Guillaume Cloutier, Defenseman (C.C. Lemoyne, QCMAAA)
ROUND 3 – 54th Overall: Devon Oliver-Dares, Forward (Dartmouth, NSMMHL)
ROUND 4 – 55th Overall: Benjamin Hade, Defenseman (Quebec Cyclones, Midget Espoir)ROUND 5 – 74th Overall: Sébastien Auger, Goaltender (St. Francois, QCMAAA)
ROUND 6 – 91st Overall: Jason Cameron, Forward (Summerside, MJAHL)
ROUND 7 – 120th Overall: Chris Eiserman, Goaltender (New Hampshire, EJHL)
ROUND 8 – 128th Overall: Brock Morrison, Forward (Cape Breton, NSMMHL)
ROUND 8 – 144th Overall: Anthony St-Onge-Dostie, Defenseman (St. Francois, QCMAAA)
ROUND 9 – 151st Overall: Colin Campbell, Forward (Cape Breton, NSMMHL)
ROUND 9 – 162nd Overall: Alex Simpson, Defenseman (Saint John, NBPEIMMHL)
ROUND 10 – 180th Overall: Michael Paliotta, Defenseman (USNTDP)
ROUND 11 – 198th Overall: Jason Thorpe, Forward (Saint John, NBPEIMMHL)
 
In the French Open Francesca Schiavone took the women's crown by defeating Samantha Stosur.  Canada's Daniel Nestor and his partner Nenad Zimonjic took the doubles title.

And in Baseball the BlueJays beat the Yankees, the Red Sox trumped Baltimore and the Cubs came out on top against Houston.

Rain Fails To Dampen Ride For Dad Spirits

Holder Says No

(Trevor Holder)
(File Photo)
Saint John Portland Conservative MLA Trevor Holder says he does not support residential development within Rockwood Park.

Holder tells CHSJ News, once a green-space is designated a park area, it should stay that way.

Holder says City Hall has gone ahead with public consultations on the matter which never included him and he will never support any private members legislation nor bring it forward to see development in the area move ahead.

NDP Comments On Public Engagement

(Roger Duguay)
(File Photo)
The provincial NDP is jumping on the campaign trail.

Commenting on the Premier's ideas for Public Engagement, NDP leader Roger Duguay says he asks all his candidates to stay connected with their constituents.

He says the Premier is just recognizing his problem after 3 and 1/2 years.

Duguay says no one is against public engagement, but Shawn Graham is trying to win votes.

Charges For Impaired Driving

A 23-year-old man from Allainville was sentenced to 21 months in jail for impaired driving causing death.

Marcel Gionet was convicted in relation to a single vehicle collision last year in Neguac.

Just after 2 a.m. on July 9th on Route 455, Gionet lost control of his vehicle which ended up in the ditch overturned.

An 18-year-old woman from Pont Lafrance died as a result of her injuries.

Gionet is also banned from driving for five years and must provide a DNA sample.

Sussex Fundraiser

If your in the market for a new vehicle, here is something to keep in mind.


Today until three this afternoon, Downey Ford Lincoln is hosting an event at Sussex Regional High School.


The company will donate $20 to the school for every person from a unique household who test drives a 2010 Ford vehicle.


All of the money raised will go for extracurricular activities.

MacIntyre Thrilled With Project

(Key Project Members Turn First Soil)
(Photo By Sherry Aske)

Roly MacIntyre, M-L-A for Saint John East, was at Loch Lomond Villa to turn some sod.

MacIntyre says he's been working on the project for 5 years and he couldn't retire without it done.

MacIntyre says the project will also create about 600 construction related jobs that will employ trade workers for 2 or 3 years until the nursing home is complete.

Sod Turning For Nursing Home

(Loch Lomond Villa Celebrates Expansion)
(Photo by Sherry Aske)

The Loch Lomond Villa is turning sod for a new nursing home.

Chief Executive Director Cindy Donovan says the 75 million dollar project will take place in three parts. 

Donovan says, between St. Joseph's and the Regional Hospital, there are roughly 180 people waiting to get into a nursing home, so the 54 new beds the project will create are essential.

She says the new facility will be state of the art and include a cafe, movie theatre, spa and outdoor courtyard.

Trail Maintainence Work

It was not vandalism that knocked down stones in a Rockwood Park trail.
Workers from Leisure Services have been laying down the stones over the last two days because they have not been properly sealed.

Without the right seal, the stones could be easily knocked over and someone could get hurt.
There were reports to our newsroon and to police that the stones were knocked over on purpose by vandals.

Market Square Comes Alive With Torch Relay For Acadian Games

(Acadian Games Torch Relay In Market Square)
             (Photo by Brian McLain)

Excitement was in the air at Market Square with 300 enthusiastic young people from Samuel de Champlain parading with the torch that will light the flame when Saint John plays host to the Acadian Games. The opening ceremonies will take place on July 1st and, weather permitting, the athletes will be escorted to the city centre to watch the fireworks display over the harbour. Mayor Ivan Court calls it an opportunity to show Atlantic Canada what is on offer in the city as well as the people who live here.
Court estimates as much as a couple of million dollars will be spent in Saint John during the games which were last staged here in 1996. The Mayor goes on to say the francophone community in the area seemed to come into its own after that event. The theme of the Games will be " Our strength is our energy".

Shrek Glasses Are Re-Called

If you picked up one of the four Shrek Forever glasses recently being offered at McDonalds Restaurants, you will want to stop using it right away.


As a precautionary measure and following consultations with Health Canada, the glasses are being re-called.


The recall comes a day after McDonalds Restaurants in the United States recalled 12 million glasses because the design contains the toxic metal cadmium.


Still no word from the company on how to return them for a refund.

J.D. Irving and Unionized Employees Disagree

The Irving Pulp and Paper Mill is contesting an arbitrators ruling that it cannot randomly test its workers for alcohol.


Unionized employee's grieved the company's policy of random testing which began four years ago, and won in arbitration.


J.D.I. Spokes-person Geoff Britt tells CHSJ News, the company believes the arbitrator erred in his decision and has asked for a judicial review.
Britt adds the policy is in place to ensure the highest standards of safety and performance.


Arguements from both sides were heard in court yesterday but no word on when a decision from the presiding judge will be made.
Alcohol testing is still happening at the mill, but is not random. Our news-room tried to contact union rep Mike MacMullin for his comments but had no luck.

Energy Minister On Point Lepreau

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)
          (File Photo)

Even though there is no confirmed finish date to the project, the Energy Minister says he is encouraged by the latest word from Atomic Energy of Canada Limited.
The group says the refit job at Point Lepreau is now 75% complete 380 tubes in the heart of the reactor have been replaced, but crews are having trouble getting a proper seal on them.
Jack Keir tells CHSJ News, no one is more concerned about this file than he is.
Keir says in fairness to AECL, it's tough for them to come up with an end date to the project when they are still trying to solve a major issue.


The project is roughly 18 months behind schedule.

Graham Reacts to Corporate Poll

                          (Premier Shawn Graham)
                           (File Photo)

Three months before the Sept. 27 provincial election, the Progressive Conservatives remain in the lead in popular support according to the latest Corporate Research Associates poll.


David Alward's party has 42 per cent support, followed by the Liberals with 37 per cent, the New Democratic Party is third with 16 per cent of the decided vote and the Green Party has five per cent.


Premier Shawn Graham tells CHSJ News, the only poll that counts is the one on Sept.27th and his party never under-estimates what the out-come of an election will be.


36% of those asked are un-decided on who to vote for and the poll has a margin of error of 3.4 per cent, 95 times out of 100.

NB Liquor Picks Up National Award

If you know someone who works for NB Liquor, make sure you say congratulations.


The corporation has picked up a national award from the Retail Council of Canada for retail employee development.
The award was presented to the corporation recently during the Excellence in Retail Awards Dinner.


President and chief executive officer of NB Liquor Dana Clendenning says he is thrilled to have been recognized on a national level.
NB Liquor has more than 600 employees across the Province with most working for an average of 17 years.

Elections New Brunswick Gets Ideas On Boosting Voter Turnout

Increasing voter turnout.....That was the focus of a meeting between the Urban Core Support Network and Elections New Brunswick.
Brenda Murphy tells CHSJ News they are pleased with the reaction from the Returning Officers to their ideas. One of the problems they face is the real challenge of low incomes and a lack of employment in these disadvantaged communities where people don't think their vote will make a difference and even getting to the polls is not a priority for those trying to get by on little money without jobs or transportation.
Murphy says each of the members will go back to their home bases and look at how the ideas can be incorporated.

Torch Relay In City Today For Acadian Games

(Acadian Games Being Announced For Saint John In 2010)
                                (File Photo)

Excitement for the lead-up to the Acadian Games will hit a fever pitch today. For the second time in less than a year, Saint John is taking part in a torch relay. The cauldron carrying the flame for the Acadian Games will be escorted into the city this morning by 300 students from Sameul De Champlain and friends and because of the wet weather, the event has been moved inside to Market Square starting at ten o'clock.
The Acadian Games get started on June 30th and run until July 4th with close to 1200 athletes taking part and 1000 volunteers.

Recycling Of Tires In Province Called A Success

(Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll At Microphone)
                             (File Photo)

A new survey shows the province has one of the best tire recycling program's in Canada. The program is run out of Minto and has recycled over 12 million tires since it started in 1996. Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll is Chair of Recycle NB and tells CHSJ News, 81% of people are aware of the tire recycling program, which is 23% higher than the national average.
Driscoll adds no tires in the province are buried or burned but made into products like shingles, cow mats and playground rubber and 96% of people in this province are happy with how the program is being managed.