Titus Speaks On New Police Headquarters

(Common Councillor Chris Titus)
(File Photo)

Common Councillor Chris Titus, a long time supporter of the new police headquarters, was on hand for today's sod turning.

Titus tells CHSJ News he hopes people that were against the project are now on board. 

He says it went through the democratic process, it was open and transparent and council made a decision. 

Titus says the whole concept of a justice complex is important to the city because it's one of the icons people look for when they're looking at a police system.

Official Sod Turning For New Police Headquarters

(Police Chief Bill Reid)
(File Photo)

A crowd turned up despite the rainy weather to see the official sod turning for the new Police Headquarters.

Police Chief Bill Reid says this is something they've been looking forward to for a long time.

Reid says he doesn't disagree with some of the concerns people have raised against building of the police headquarters, but says they're moving on and they're proud to build a new facility.

Alward Meets With Business Leaders

(Conservative Leader David Alward)
             (File Photo)

Tucker Park, the Harbour Bridge, safe drinking water and the Port.
Four topics that business leaders in Saint John and Conservative Leader David Alward discussed in a closed door meeting today.
The Conservatives are committed to all should they form the next government and Alward says the Harbour Bridge issue needs some closure because Saint John residents are tired of being treated differently than anyone else around the Province.


Alward adds he left the meeting very impressed with the sense of community and determination from the people he spoke with.

Keir Looking For Conservatives Transparency

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)
         (File Photo)

Transparency continues to be on the mind of Energy Minister Keir when it comes to the Conservative Party.


Disappointed today's meeting was not open to the media nor were the party's energy policy sessions, Keir tells CHSJ News, he doesn't think it is right Alward continues to talk a good game but fails to deliver.


Keir says Premier Graham met with the same group of business leaders two weeks ago and the session was open to the media.

Police Boards Meet In Saint John

         (Saint John Mayor Ivan Court)
                    (File Photo)

Affordability, accountability and sustanability.


Three of the topics up for discussion as the Canadian Association of Police Boards is meeting today and tomorrow at the Trade and Convention Center.


Mayor Ivan Court is a member of the Saint John Police Commission and tells CHSJ News, there is a fiscal in-balance between municipalities with local forces and those served by RCMP.


Court adds the Saint John Force has duties due to new federal regulations at the port with freighters and cruise ship security to name a few and Ottawa should be helping out.

NB Liquor Getting A New Store West

Add another chapter to the new look for Fairville Boulevard.


NB Liquor is moving out of Westwind Plaza to set up a free standing location in the front parking lot of Sobeys.
One reason for the move is the current lease in the plaza is up and the new store will give them more of a profile.
Spokes-person Nora Lacey tells CHSJ News, they continue to search for a new uptown liquor store location.


Lacey says construction will get started next month and hope to have it finished by the spring.

Group Opposing Park Development Draws A Big Crowd

(Friends of Rockwood Park Chair Joan Pearce)

(photo by Sherry Aske)

A crowd of people turned up at the Fort Howe hotel to hear more about a report proposing development for Rockwood Park. Joan Pearce is Chair of Friends of Rockwood park and tells CHSJ News the city has really fallen short by not clarifying where the boundaries of the Park are and that is crucial.

Pearce says the other concern is there is something else driving this need for development in the park when a man across the street wants to build 135 homes.

Pearce says she and a lot of the people who attended the meeting, feel that the study proposes five story apartment buildings and commercial development that don't belong in or near Rockwood Park.

Park Report Author Was Never Proposing Five Story Buildings

Brian White is with ADI Consulting and is the author of the report proposing development in Rockwood Park. He tells CHSJ News, he never proposed five story apartment buildings.

He says the form of development is low rise, two to three stories very common height for most of residential development but he also recommends increased density to provide for larger access points of the park.

He says it's not development for development's sake, but is development to help facilitate access to the park.

Sod Turning At New Police Headquarters Today

(The City's New Police Headquarters At Peel Plaza)

(file photo)

Today marks the official sod turning for the New Police Headquarters in the Peel Plaza Justice Complex. Mayor Ivan Court and members of the Police Justice Steering Committee will be at the corner of Peel and Chipman Streets for the ceremony with things getting started at 12:15.


Construction on the controversial Justice Complex has already resulted in partial closures of Peel and Hazen Streets, and will affect Wellington and Union as well when water and sewer work takes place.

Merit Award Winners In the K.V.

The Kennebecasis Valley High School Reach for the Top Team among the winners of the 2010 New Brunswick Day Merit Awards for the Town of Quispamsis.

The other winners are the KV United Church Suites Committee, Ron Scott and Shannex Parkland in the Valley.
The awards handed out last night at Quispamsis Arts and Culture Park.

Elementary Schools Needed All Around

(District 6 Education Council meets in Rothesay High School)
(Photo by Sherry Aske)

With a group in the Valley petitioning for a French Elementary School to be built in the area, District 6 Superintendent Zoe Watson says they too, would like another elementary school.

With most elementary schools in the Valley at or near capacity, Watson says it's difficult to say whether a French Elementary School would take some of the stress of the District's already full schools.

But Watson says the district not only needs a new elementary school, but an addition on Harry Miller Middle School and Rothesay High School as well.

Liberals Unveil Campaign Slogan

(Liberal Leader Shawn Graham)
(File Photo)

If it wasn't already underway, the provincial Liberals have certainly launched their election campaign now.

Premier Shawn Graham has unveiled the campaign slogan "The Future Matters" saying New Brunswick will face many challenges over the next four years.

Graham says his party is best positioned to to tackle an aging population, escalating health-care costs and the world's changing economy.

He says a detailed program will be rolled out over the coming weeks.

Missing Senior Found

A happy ending to the search for a missing senior.

62-year old Fred Drew of the Kingston Peninsula has been found safe and sound.

Hampton RCMP tell us the Drew was picked up by a relative near his home last night and taken to Saint John of his own accord.

Officers began searching for Drew yesterday when he left for his daily walk and never returned.

Officers were originally concerned because Drew is an insulin dependent diabetic, but have since found out he has taken his medication.

District 8 Education Council Gets New Student Representative

The District 8 Education Council has two new members for the upcoming school year, Don Cullinan and Chris Harper.

Both of them officially sworn in at last night's DEC meeting.

Saint John High student Chris Harper is the new student representative and tells CHSJ News he wants to give students a voice and a say in what happens. 

He says he's impressed by the board's efforts to help out the regular student at school.

Harper says his friends are impressed with his decision to be the DEC representative.

The Province's Green Party Leader Says Politicians Need A Clear Message

(Provincial Green Party Leader Jack MacDougall)
(file photo)

The Provincial leader of the Green Party says he has great respect for both the Liberals and Conservatives but, he doesn't think they have a clear message for voters.
MacDougall tells CHSJ News he isn't sure if the Conservatives are hiding David Alward.


He says there doesn't seem to be any passion driving Alward.
MacDougall says no matter what party you are with the approach to getting voters can't be "they are bad vote for me".

Kingston Peninsula Senior Missing

The search is on for a missing senior from the Kingston Peninsula.


Hampton RCMP tell us 62-year old Fred Drew has been gone since yesterday when he left for his daily walk.
He is five seven, 300 pounds white hair and a short beard.
He was wearing a beige long sleeve shirt, jeans and white sneakers.


Drew is also an insulin dependent diabetic and officers don't know if he took his medication before leaving for his walk.

New Board Members At Saint John Airport

(Aerial Shot of the Airport Runways)
              (File Photo)

The board room at the Saint John Airport is making room for two new members.


Michael Walton and former Saint John mayor Norm McFarlane begin their terms right away.


Walton has held numerous positions with community boards and is a long time member of the Board of Trade.
Along with holding the title of the Mayor of Saint John, McFarlane is as former MLA, cabinet minister and accountant.

Harbour Bridge Repairs Are On Track

Repairs to the Harbour Bridge are going well.
General Manager Ken Anthony tells CHSJ News they are on schedule to have this year's work finished by October 31st as planned.

He calls this good news for those who use the Harbour Bridge for their daily commute.

Until then, travelers are asked to use the bridge during off-peak periods, car pool or use public transit can help ease the congestion.
Any changes are posted on their website, go to www.saintjohnharbourbridge.com

Gas Prices After Weekly Setting

The price of gas is down this morning after the weekly setting, the maximum price for regular self-serve is 97.4.

Diesel is also down at 103.0 while the cost of propane is up slightly to 102.8.
Home heating oil is selling for 86.7.

New Store Opens Today

More good news on the retail front for Saint John today. Sally Beauty is opening a location in the East Point Shopping Center. The store prides itself as the world's largest retailer of professional beauty supplies.

There are currently 2700 stores around the globe with Saint John's set to open on Wednesday.

Kindergarten Numbers Down In District 8

(District 8 Superintendent Susan Tipper)

(photo by Tamara Steele)

There are 38 less students enrolled for Kindergarten in District 8 this year.
759 students are registered so far but the numbers will fluctuate until the end of September.
Superintendent Susan Tipper tells CHSJ News if parents haven't registered their kids yet, they should do it soon.
Parents can register their children at the District 8 offices at 490 Woodward Avenue.
Tipper says the dip is normal and relates to how many students have moved in and out of the area.

A New Year And A New Budget For District 6

(District 6 Director of Finance John MacDonald)

(photo by Sherry Aske)

A new school year means a new budget plan for School District 6. John MacDonald is the Director of Finance for the District and tells CHSJ News he's not worried about the predictions that certain areas will be in the red.

He says they break even every year and usually by year's end they have a surplus.
This year's budget description projects the District will overspend in special needs and the operation of the District Office. MacDonald says the deficit is expected in special needs because they are adding 17 new Teacher Assistant positions. He says they're often over budget in District Office Operations because of expenses like telephone use, office supplies and travel.

Peoples Alliance Rolls Out New Candidates

       (Leader of the Peoples Alliance Kris Austin)
                           (File Photo)

The Peoples Alliance now has three more candidates.
Lisa Cromwell has been nominated in the riding of Saint John Portland, Wendy Coughlin Lancaster and Glen McAllister Saint John Fundy.
14 people showed up for the nomination event last night and Leader Kris Austin tells CHSJ News, with ten candidates now in the stable, the party has met all requirements to maintain it's status.


Austin adds they are reaching out to every riding to find perspective nominees but is realistic in the fact the party probuably won't have a full field of candidates.

Abel LeBlanc Explains Why Man Is Protesting

(Saint John Lancaster MLA Abel Leblanc)
                (File Photo)

The MLA for Saint John Lancaster does know the man who scaled the Ludlow Street Pedway.


Abel Leblanc tells CHSJ News, he first met this man back in 2003 when he was having trouble with the carpenters union but internal problems between the protestor and union kept the man from finding work.


Leblanc says he sent a letter to Washington on his behalf but to no avail, the man was kicked out of the union.
Leblanc adds he also tried to get the man into Public Housing but it never happened.

RCMP Keeping Busy

Plenty of activity to keep RCMP in Greater Saint John busy.

Sussex officers were called to a business on Lower Cove Road and were given a phoney one hundred dollar bill.

The funny money was given to a clerk at the store last Friday.

The bill is missing the metallic bar on the left.


Also, Hampton officers were called to to the Gondola Point Ferry Landing yesterday on the Peninsula side.


The driver of a van not from this area, was approached by another driver who started yelling at him.

He was upset claiming the van cut the line and the man then tore off his side view mirror.


Officers have identified a suspect but still haven't found him.

Meeting To Discuss Pay Equity

Pay equity legislation in the private sector the topic of conversation at a meeting today.

Gail Taylor is Chair of the Regional Committee and tells CHSJ News, this issue is specifically adressing work that has been traditonally done by woman with lower pay.

Taylor says the over-all goal is to get the pay equity legislation in the private sector underway and there is no better time to bring this forward than during a provincial election campaign.

Status Of Women Pleased With Forum

(Chair for the Status of Women (center) Diana Alexander)
                  (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Chair for the Status of Women Diana Alexander was at the meeting and tells CHSJ News, forum likes this are vital to keep momentum moving forward.


Alexander adds the recent move by the Liberal Government for pay equity with-in the public service is proof that the issue is recognized as something that needs to be adressed.

Hospice and Province Solidify Deal

       (Health Minister Mary Schryer)
                    (File Photo)

The end of the road is near for the first Hospice in Atlantic Canada on the West Side.


A memorandum of understanding has been signed which locks in Provincial funding of just over half a million dollars this year and $730,000 every year following.

Health Minister Mary Schryer tells CHSJ News, this new set-up will not take away the number of palliative care beds at the Regional.

The hospice known as Bobby's House, will offer 24-hour professional medical care in a comfortable, home-like setting.


It is expected up to 150 patients will receive end-of-life care at the 10-bed facility each year which is scheduled to open October.15th.

Total cost of the renovations is two million dollars.

Power Outage In East Saint John

Plenty of homes, businesses and traffic lights in East Saint John are not working.


This after a fuse blew at Saint John Energy's Brookville Power Station just after nine o'clock this morning.


President Eric Marr tells CHSJ News, right now, crews are isolating the transformer so repair work can be carried out.
No word at this time on how long customers will be off the grid.

Man Straps Himself To Pedway

   (Protestor Hangs His Sign On Ludlow Street Over-Pass)
               (Photo Courtesy of a Listener)

An early morning protest has resulted in a charge of public mischief for one man.

It was just after eight o'clock when a man scaled the Ludlow Street West pedway and unrolled a banner which read ""Is the Truth Too Political For You Liberals Abel Leblanc.""

Officers convinced the man to come down just after ten thirty no worse for the wear.

Sargeant Pat Bonner tells CHSJ News, the man is not suicidal but has been out of work since 2004 and is looking to make a statement.

House Fire In East Saint John

A fire in East Saint John causing major fire and smoke damage to a home this morning.

Crews were called to 1765 Old Black River Road just before 5 this morning.

Fire officials tell the fire was concentrated in the basement.

A man and his dog living in the home both got out the home safely.

No word yet on the cause of the fire.

Driscoll Denies Rumours Of A Cull

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll is denying any rumours that a deer cull may be headed to the Valley.

Driscoll says the regional committee he chairs has only talked about education and working together to solve the problem of a rising deer population.

Quispamsis Council recently passed a by-law making it illegal to feed the deer but is still getting some resistance from the community.

Driscoll says he sympathizes with people who want to feed the deer but says with the threat of lyme disease, health comes first.

Update On Suspicious Death

As the Major Crime Unit continues to investigate the suspicious death of 53-year old Mark Fryer, more details are being released.


Officers are asking for your help in locating a person they would like to speak with.
He is a black man, between 25 and 30 years of age, about six feet tall with a medium build.


He was last seen wearing baggy jeans, a golf cap and new sneakers.
Fryer's body was found in the area of Haymarket Square and Crown Street at two in the morning Sunday and died later at the Regional.
City Police can be reached at 648-3333 or call Crime-Stoppers.

Question From The Liberals About Conservative Pledge

(Energy Minister Jack Keir At A Recent Announcement)
                       (File Photo)

A question from the Liberal Party concerning the Conservative pledge to the Port?


How much consultation was done prior to the announcement.
The Liberals have already met with Port officials and have a a meeting scheduled with the Longeshoremans Association next week.
Energy Minister Jack Keir tells CHSJ News, Abel Leblanc has been involved in the meetings despite his opposition to the proposal.
Minister Keir adds the Saint John Cruise industry is also a vital economic tool not just for the city but for the entire Province.

Bellisle Company Gets Some Financial Help

Barrel Enterprises in Bellisle is growing thanks to a cash investment from the Province.


Fredericton is providing a term loan of $220,000 as well as $45,000 through it's Growth Program.

The cash will go toward the company building a new, larger facility and hire eight additional workers.

The company makes saunas, hot tubs, and other products and is hoping with this expansion, they can expand what it builds and export more product into the United States.

Holder Opens Campaign Headquarters

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

With the writ for the Provincial Election to be dropped next Thursday, some candidates are rolling open the door of it's headquarters.

That includes Saint John Portland Conservative MLA Trevor Holder who tells CHSJ News, the reality is, the campaign has been underway since the first of the year.

Holder says his door to door campaign is well underway and most people he has spoken with are looking for change.
 
Holder also says he has been getting mixed reaction to the fixed election date and it will need to be evaluated once the votes are counted on the 27th.

Lancaster Candidate Speaks Out

(Saint John Lancaster Candidate Dorothy Shephard)
(File Photo)

Knowing that both Lancaster Liberal MLA Abel Leblanc and the Longshoreman's Association don't want changes to either terminal, Lancaster Conservative Candidate Dorothy Sheppard tells CHSJ News, she would never try to take away what Leblanc knows. 

She says she realizes Leblanc and the Longshoreman's Association don't want changes but if vessels are going to be turned away, we have to account for that.

Sheppard says her father was a Longshoreman and she doesn't want to see other aspects of this Port ignored.

Port Authority Reacts To Announcement

(Port Authority Captain and CEO Al Soppitt)
(File Photo)

The Port Authority is pleased with the support and commitment made by the Conservatives.

Captain Al Soppitt tells CHSJ News, he realizes an election campaign is underway and it's important not to put the cart before the horse. 

Soppitt says this project will have a direct effect on the Saint John economy. 

Saint John Lancaster Liberal MLA Abel Leblanc and the International Longshoreman's Association are both not happy with the proposed changes to the terminals and Captain Soppitt says everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Conservatives Make Promise To Port

(Saint John Harbour Candidate Carl Killen and Saint John Lancaster Candidate Dorothy Shephard)
(Photo by Jim Hennessy)

If elected, the Conservatives are making a big commitment to the Saint John Port.

David Alward's government is promising to come up with close to five million dollars for upgrades to the Pugsley C and Long Wharf Terminals.

Saint John Harbour Candidate Carl Killen says over the past four years, other ports in the Province have seen close to $40 million dollars in investments. 

Killen says the cry for help for the cruise industry is a call that deserves to be heard.

The Port says upgrades to both terminals are needed to accommodate the growing number of cruise vessels with an estimated 300,000 cruise ship passengers expected by 2015.

Taxi Industry Needs An Overhaul

(Don Leblanc Addresses Common Council)

Conditions in the taxi industry in Saint John are inconsistent and in need of change.
That from the chair of the taxi advisory committee, Don Leblanc, who wants Common Council to support the creation of the new committee that can make and enforce its own rules.


Mayor Ivan Court says taxi drivers often make the City's first impression to tourists.
Court says it's a hard job to make a living working 16-18 hours a day with part-timers that jump in at prime time and steal an opporotunity for those drivers to make a living.

The city's current taxi by-law does not prevent sexual and violent offenders from getting a taxi license.

Jack Keir On The Election

(Energy Minister Keir Speaks At A Recent Function)
                          (File Photo)

Pictures of David Alward with a mouth full of french fries and Premier Graham dressed as a girl.
Just some of the images that have rolled out during the un-official election campaign and the cry has gone out for politicians to start discussing and debating the bigger issues facing the Province.
Energy Minister Jack Keir agrees and tells CHSJ News, there are some serious issues facing every person who calls this Province home.
Keir says last weeks news release from the Conservatives saying the Liberal Government was considering shutting down church suppers is nothing short of dumb.

Pat Darrah Takes On New Responsibility

Some new duties have been given to the Executive Director of the Saint John Construction Association.


Pat Darrah has been appointed to sit as a member of the Energy and Utilities Board.


As a member, Darrah has been given approval to vote and voice his opinion on all matters that are brought before the board.
His term runs until January.31st, 2015.

New Title For Three City Police Officers

A new title has been handed to three City Police Officers.


The Lieutenant-Governor Graydon Nicholas has appointed Staff Sargeants Jim Flemming, Tanya Leblanc and Mike King as Honorary Aide-de-Camp to his office.

Pedestrian Hit In East Saint John

A man was hit by a car at the intersection of Westmoreland Road and McAllister Drive just before 10.
He suffered cuts to his face and was taken to the Regional hospital to be checked out.

In the valley, Rothesay Regional Police arresting a shoplifter at the K.V. Superstore.
Police tell us the 22-year-old has done the same thing in the City and will appear before a judge this morning in Hampton.

Plan SJ Release Document And Video

(PlanSJ Storefront in Brunswick Square)

The Citizen's Advisory Panel for Plan SJ is releasing a video as the city continues to gather input for the new municipal plan.
A document is being released with the key messages.
Jaqueline Hamilton says the public engagement report includes the results of a workshop held in June.
Over 120 participants attending the workshop from Lorneville to Torreyburn and the urban core.

The Plan SJ video can be found on their Facebook page, on the City's website and in the storefront on the second floor of Brunswick Square.
For more info:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saint-John-NB/PlanSJ-Our-City-Our-Future-Notre-Ville-Notre-Futur/258098854483?ref=ts&__a=24

Council Approves Rezoning For Lorneville Development

A rezoning application for a proposed development in Lorneville touched off a big debate on how the city wants to grow at Common Council.
The proposal is to several hundred units on King William road and could include a convenience store or gas bar.
Chief City Planner Ken Forrest says the report was difficult to write based on the 1973 municiplan plan.

Many around the horshoe like the development itself just not the location.
A motion to defer the matter until October for a financial impact assessment resulted in a tie vote and in the end, council approved the original motion to rezone the property.

Boil Water Order Lifted

People living in the Dominion Park Area can safely drink their water again without boiling it first.

Saint John Water issued the boil water order last month for 25 homes on Tippett Drive including Mary's Place, Mackie Lane and Cove Roadway.

Then on August 3rd it was expanded to include 75 residents of the Greenhead road after the bridge.



Saint John Water says if you've been away, or if you haven't used your water at all, you should let your taps run for a few minutes to get rid of any contaminated water that might be sitting in your pipes.

Irving Oil Reports Problem With Supreme Gasoline

If you purchase gasoline from Irving Oil, you will want to take a look at this.

The company discovered last week a portion of it's supreme product was not meeting octane specifications at some stations around the Province.


Refinery General Manager Mark Sherman tells CHSJ News, the problem is one of the truck loading bays had an automated valve malfunction which caused the supreme to be mixed with regular gasoline.


Sherman adds the equipment has been fixed and the company is now going through the process to figure out which gas stations received the affected supreme gasoline.


If you have any questions about what happened, you can go to the company's web site or call 1-877-686-0792 starting tomorrow morning (Tuesday, August.17th/2010) at nine o'clock.

City Police Investigating Mysterious Death

City Police have a mysterious death on it's hands.

53-year old Mark Fryer was found in the area of Haymarket Square and Crown Street at two in the morning Sunday.

He was taken out to the Regional and pronounced dead a short time later.

Officers believe how Fryer died is suspicious and the Major Crime Unit is trying to piece together what happened.


If you have any information, feel free to call them at 648-3333 of Crime-stoppers.

Dumptruck Crashes Into Creek....One Man Dead

(Dumptruck Crashes Into Marsh Creek)
        (Photo By Jim Hennessy)

One man is dead after the dump truck he was driving crashed through a guard-rail and ended up nose first in Marsh Creek.


It happened just after two this afternoon on the Marsh Creek Bridge near Haymarket Square.


Staff Sargeant Jim Flemming tells CHSJ News, it's way too early to say what happened.


Staff Sargeant Flemming says the accident could have been much worse if the driver didn't have enough presence of mind to pull the truck off the road when he reealized something was wrong.

Seadogs Are Ready To Hit The Ice

(Shot Of The Ice At Harbour Station)
     (Photo By Jim Hennessy)

Hard to believe but the Saint John Seadogs will hit the ice for it's sixth training camp on Wednesday.


Over 40 players are looking to crack the line-up and Dogs Head Coach and GM Gerard Gallant tells CHSJ News, he is taking nothing for granted even with 17 returning players and doesn't see why this years team can't compete at the same level as last years which made it to the Presidents Cup Final.


The first session goes Wednesday morning with an intrasquad game scheduled for Friday night at seven.
Everyone is invited and asked to bring a non-perisbale food item.

First pre-season game is Saturday night at seven against the Mooseheads.

Listeners Respond To Idea Of Deer Cull

Not everyone is happy with word that the Department of Natural Resources may be leaning towards a cull in the Valley to deal with the rising deer population.

Our listeners are sounding off on Facebook where one man says the deer would stay away from peoples' homes if we stopped cutting down their habitat.

Another woman says humans need to stop being so greedy and think about the lives that are being destroyed in the wild.

If you would like to add your comments go to the Country 94 page on Facebook.

New Legislation For Health Info This September

Following several incidents in recent years where personal health information was lost or shared, the Graham Government wants to make sure it doesn't happen again.

New legislation outlining how personal health information is collected, used and shared will take effect the first day of September.

Some of the wording with the new law includes requires consent to collect, use or disclose personal health information.

The Personal Health Information Privacy and Access Act was introduced in the Legislature back in the spring of last year.

Ottawa Still Reviewing Point Lepreau File

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)
(File Photo)

With the tab growing at one million dollars a day for replacement power at Point Lepreau, the Energy Minister says negotiations with Ottawa continue to pick up the tab for replacement power.

Jack Keir tells CHSJ News, he met with MP Keith Ashfield late Friday night and Ottawa is still reviewing the file.


Our news-room asked Minister Keir if this issue could cost the Liberal Party re-election in the Provincial vote next month and he says he doesn't see how the Graham Government can be pinned down when it was the Conservative Party that signed the contract which put all cost responsibilities on the Provincial Government.

RCMP Seize Record Amount Of Meth

One of the largest amounts of methamphetamine ever seized in the Province has been found by RCMP.

15,000 white pills believed to be meth were found in a truck that was pulled over this weekend near Florenceville. Officers also found one pound of dried marijuana.

37-year old Jeffrey Farrell of JacksonTown is due in court this afternoon answering to two charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Man Bares All In Midland

No charges will be laid after a man decided to bare all and go for a run last night.

Hampton RCMP say they were called to the Midland area last night to find a 63-year old man out for a run as naked as the day he came into the world.

As you can guess, officers tell us the man was drinking and told them he had been in bed for most of the day as he was feeling under the weather.

Highway Projects Announced

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

With the Province and Ottawa both investing over $800,000 dollars, the Highland Road in Grand Bay Westfield and Route 127 in St. Andrews are getting some upgrade work.

Grand Bay Westfield Mayor Grace Losier tells CHSJ News, this project has been in the works for over twenty years and couldn't have happened with Energy Minister Jack Keir and SouthWest MP Greg Thompson.


Losier adds this project is going to open strategic new commercial space and over 400 acres of residential area.
 
Total cost of the both projects totals $1.7 million but no word on when the work will be finished.

Debating Rockwood Park Development

Common Councillor Patty Higgins argues there is no need for any residential and commercial development that might encroach on Rockwood Park.

She claims there's 90 nearby acres the owner would love to see development on.

She also says her contention that a huge chunk of the park could be developed commercially and residentially is contained in the consultant's report.

The Friends of Rockwood Park, who also oppose development within the park's boundaries, will be holding a public information meeting this Thursday night at the Fort Howe hotel.

Deer Still A Nuisance In Rothesay And Beyond

The number of deer roaming the Kennebecasis Valley is still a major issue. Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News while the Department of Natural Resources hasn't responded yet, he thinks they are leaning towards the idea of a cull.
 Bishop says complaints are coming in daily and he says the other issue is ticks and lyme disease.
He expects when someone gets sick, real action will be taken.

Bishop says the Department is willing to visit the Valley and says he thinks that meeting will happen in the fall.

Road Work In Hampton

As summer continues so does the road work. People living in Hampton may experience some traffic delays today. Main Street has a detour from the intersection of Keirstead Avenue to the intersection of Cemetary Road while the town completes some extensive road work.

Cops For Cancer Coming Up

The Canadian Cancer Society in Saint John is hoping to raise a fair chunk of money Wednesday night with the bi-annual Cops for Cancer concert at Saint John High. The featured performers are Jessica Rhaye, Laura McNeil and Mike Beggar. Sergeant Pat Bonner is hoping for a full house because it's a disease that more people appear to be coming down with these days.

Concert tickets can be bought at Backstreet Records on Germain Street, the Cancer Society office on Prince William and on the 7th floor of City Hall.

Small Business Owners Hopeful Of Economic Recovery

A new poll shows that 77 per cent of business owners in Atlantic Canada feel there is an economic recovery underway. Christine Cooper is the vice-president of BMO, Bank of Montreal, for New Brunswick and PEI and tells CHSJ News business owners are showing a general feeling of confidence that is leading them to make additional investments.

Cooper says more business owners are investing here than they are in the rest of Canada, and say that's likely because Atlantic Canada didn't have the same sharp economic drop Ontario and Quebec did when the recession hit.

Careful When Choosing A Credit Agency

A warning from the President of Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada on choosing an agency.

John Eisner tells us there are some companies making claims right now they can't back up.

He says some agencies are promising to cut interest rates before even looking into a client's financial situation.

Eisner warns about one agency that is calling homes of people who are not having financial problems and he says they have made a complaint about it.

Vendor Supports Berth Expansion

(File Photo)

The Saint John Port Authority's plan to expand cruise ship berths would affect more than just port users.

The port wants to renovate the Pugsley C. Terminal and Long Wharf to accommodate larger cruise ships.

Darlene Singh is a vendor who sells homemade crafts to cruise ship passengers at the open market in Loyalist Plaza and tells CHSJ News she supports the expansion.

Singh says the market gets about 10 per cent of the cruise ship passengers who come through and says she's seen the customer base grow along with the industry.

Singh says something with that many economic spin offs would benefit all of Saint John, not just people working in the cruise ship industry.

Rothesay Looking At Possible Dog Park

(Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop)
(File Photo)

Dog lovers living in the Valley may soon have another place to walk their fury friends. Rothesay is looking at putting a dog park on a stretch on land behind the Super Store.

Mayor Bill Bishop tells us the Dog Park in Quispamsis is well used, so there's no reason why this one wouldn't be as well.

He says it's a low cost option because the fence is already there so its just a matter of putting some signs up and tidying the area up a bit.