Rothesay Mayor Will Not Rule Out Amalgamation

Amalgamation between Rothesay and Quispamis is not out of the question.
Quispamsis Town Councillor Gerry Maher surprised the Mayor and Council by suggesting at last night's meeting that money be set aside in next year's budget to fund a study looking at the idea.
Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News he has talked to Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll on this.
Bishop says he and Driscoll both agree that is may be time to look at the situation but, it would have been better for both towns to sit and look at jointly funding a study.


Bishop says the idea will not be on the agenda for next week's meeting of Rothesay council but, he says it could go on before the end of the year.

Vets being honoured with luncheon

Sobeys in Rothesay is the scene of the 13th annual Veterans lunch.

The event honours veterans from World War 2 and the Korean War.

Store manager and co-organizer of the event Donnie Gass tells CHSJ News it's important to keep honouring our veterans.

Four other stores in Miramichi and Nova Scotia will be holding similar luncheons.

Leger Will Also Run In Ward 3

(Unofficial Ward 3 Candidate Mark Leger)

A community developer and former editor of Here magazine is giving municipal politics a try.
Mark Leger is the fifth candidate to come forward to the unofficial by-election next month in Ward 3.
Leger tells CHSJ News that disagreement around the horseshoe is natural.

He says we have to find a way to disagree and at the end of the day to respect each other and find a way to collaborate.
Leger lives Uptown and is a community development co-ordinator with the Saint John Human Development Council.

Another Candidate Running In Saint John Byelection

At least four candidates will be vying for the vacant seat on Common Council when the December 13th byelection is held for voters in ward 3.

The byelection was called after Carl Killen was elected as the M-L-A for Saint John Harbour.

The latest candidate to announce is Mel Norton. He graduated from Saint John High in 1992 getting a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science at U-N-B Saint John before earning a law degree from U-N-B in Fredericton in 1999.

He also serves as a Reserve Legal Officer with the Canadian Forces and describes himself as an advocate for more affordable housing in the city.

Fire In North End Apartment Building

(Fire In Apartment Building On Taylor Avenue)
           (Photo By Ryan Butler)

There could be as many as 7 families homeless after a fire this morning in the north end. It broke out around 8:00 in an 8 unit apartment building on Taylor Avenue.

Flames could be seen raging from the ground floor of the building through the roof. The building was evacuated.

The Red Cross is being called to help out those families who have been forced from their apartments.

Quispamsis Town Councillor Wants Amalgamation Studied

(Quispamsis Councillor Gerry Maher)

             (File Photo)

The hot topic of amalgamation between Quispamsis and Rothesay is about to heat up again.

Quispamsis Councillor Gerry Maher wants town council to set aside money in the 2011 budget to conduct a study on the pros and cons of amalgamation.

He tells CHSJ News amalgamation could be on the ballot in the 2012 municipal vote and people need to know the pros and cons.

Councillor Maher will be making a motion for the money at November 16th council meeting. He says early estimates put the cost of such a study at around 60-thousand dollars and hopes Rothesay council will enact a similar motion in the near future.

Voluntary Standards Emerge From Aquaculture Conference

The Salmon Aquaculture Dialogues have wrapped up in the city.

The event saw representatives from salmon farms, environmental groups, and fishing associations revise a draft of voluntary standards designed to keep salmon farming sustainable and responsible.

Jose Villalon is the managing director of Aquaculture for the World Wildlife Fund in the U.S and he tells CHSJ News the standards touch upon all the major issues like disease control and farmed salmon getting into the wild population.

The standards will be open for public comments and further revision before being finalized. Villalon concedes it's not easy trying to find some middle ground for all the players involved.

Emergency Exercise Today At Canaport

(Aerial View Of Canaport L-N-G)

           (File Photo)

Don't panic, it's only a test. The Canaport L-N-G facility is conducting an emergency response exercise between 8am and 5pm today and even the staff do not know the scenario before it starts.

Kate Shannon tells CHSJ News local residents will see and hear the event as it unfolds with emergency vehicles going back and forth with their sirens sounding.

The purpose of this exercise is to test Canaport L-N-G’s emergency plans and response.

Normal operations at the terminal will not be affected by the exercise which is set to start at 8 this morning and run until 5pm.

RCMP Search For Missing Man

Fred Prosser
(photo supplied )

RCMP are looking for 31-year-old Fred Prosser last seen by friends early Monday morning at his home in Shenstone, outside of Salisbury.

Prosser was reported missing on Monday night after he didn't show up at work.
He has not been in touch with friends or family and is not answering his cell phone.

He is believed to be driving a 2004 Chevrolet pickup, grey in colour, with a New Brunswick License plate reading COT 348.
He is about 5 foot 10 weighing about 200 pounds with brown eyes and hair.

If you have any information, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

New Brunswick EMS Hires Safety Operations Coaches

The Province's EMS hiring 19 Safety Operations Coaches.

Under the direction of the Manager of Safety Programs, they will provide coaching to employees in the areas of patient and public safety and other safety related activities.

President and CEO of Ambulance New Brunswick, Alan Stephen says the new safety operations coaches will help them engage the paramedics, flight nurses and emergency medical dispatchers on a daily basis to improve patient safety.

Christmas Card For Troops Available Again This Year

Veterans in the Ken-Valley are getting a chance to send special Christmas greetings to our troops in Afghanistan.
Local artist Norm Jackson has again created a special large Christmas card for signing - and - this year he's also created a separate one for the vets to sign.
Jackson says vets attending the annual dinner at Sobey's in Rothesay tomorrow will be able to sign their card.
The regular card will be available for signing at the Marr Road Shell and later this month Jackson says a card will also be available at the News kiosk in Market Square.

Saint John IT Company To Partner With Massachusetts Firm

A Saint John IT consulting company announcing a deal today with a Massachusetts software products company.

Officials from Ambir and Expicient revealing a teaming agreement between the two companies.

Ambir's VP of Sales and Marketing, John Munro tells CHSJ news Ambir recognizes the need to develop partnerships with companies that have unique and specialized skills their clients require.
Ambir has operations here in Saint John and also Fredericton, Halifax and Moncton.

Work Continues On Oakville Acres Flooding Problem

The long process continues to fix the flooding problems at Oakville Acres in Rothesay.
The citizen's committee met town officials from Rothesay and Quispamis along with Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney and Quispamsis MLA and Finance Minister Blaine Higgs and the engineering company.
Gary Howard of the citizen's committee tells CHSJ News it's a long process to fix a problem resulting from changing weather patterns and commercial development in the K.V.

Howard says a lot of water is heading straight for Oakville Acres acting as a natural detention pond where the neighbourhood stream gets so high so fast it gets into people's basements.

He says the work continues in three phases: the clear water drainage system, a detention pond and overflow pipe.

RCMP Seek Help In Search For Missing Riverview Woman



25-year-old Sabrina Patterson has been missing since Sunday
(photo provided by RCMP)

RCMP are looking for the public's help in locating a missing Riverview woman.
25-year-old Sabrina Patterson was last seen by friends Friday at the Moncton Coliseum.


She was later seen on video entering the Fox and Hound Pub shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday.
Her car was found in the parking lot.
Patterson was reported missing on Sunday night after she failed to pick up her children.

If you have any information, contact RCMP at (506) 857-2400 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Hampton Man Shot At Camp

A shooting at Baxter's Corner is being investigated by the RCMP. It took place at a camp off Carr Lane yesterday afternoon shortly after 5:00. A 34 year old man from Hampton was shot once in his upper body as he walked into the camp and saw the door ajar.

He managed to make the call to police himself to report the shooting. Sergeant Bruce Reid tells CHSJ News he may have surprised two men, described as being from 5 feet 9 to six feet tall, with medium to stocky builds and wearing hunter orange but Police aren't ruling anything out.

Sergeant Reid says police would like to hear from anyone who may have been along route 820 between 4 and 6 yesterday afternoon in case they saw a vehicle that was parked near Carr Lane.

In a separate incident, The Mounties are also looking for a stolen Navy Blue Ford Windstar that was taken in Pennfield sometime between October 24th and the 27th. The vehicle has some missing paint patches and has New Brunswick plate number B-W-D 820.

Body Discovered In Rockwood Park

The body of a 60 year old man has been found in Rockwood Park by another man who just happened to be walking by. City Police tell CHSJ News they do not suspect foul play. The name of the man whose body was discovered will not be released.

Concerns Over Proposed Metal Shredder On West Side Voiced At Public Meeting

(Herb Black, President of American Iron and Metal)
              (Photo by Brian Mclain)

A good turnout at the new cruise terminal last night to hear directly from the President and owner of American Iron and Metal, Herb Black about his proposed 30 million dollar metal shredder and recycling centre at pier 10 on the west side.

Black tells CHSJ News if this proposal goes ahead, it will put Saint John on the map.

The big concern being voiced was about noise but Black says that shouldn't be a problem because there will be a building between the shredder and the nearby residential neighbourhood that will act as a sound buffer.

He also says the operation won't be going year round and likely will be running from 7 in the morning until 2 or 3 in the afternoon with 21st century technology.

The meeting was told all of the vehicles coming into the site for shredding will be drained of their fluids, the site itself will be paved and there will be sensors to detect any radioactive material.

Another public meeting is being planned for the west side.

Democrats In Trouble According To U-N-B Saint John Political Scientist

(U-N-B Saint John Political Scientist Don Desserud)

                    (File Photo)

The Tea Party, comedians and a poor economy are factors leading up to today's mid-term elections in the U.S.

A U-N-B Saint John political scientist thinks the Democrats are in trouble because of general dissatisfaction with the Obama administration over the sluggish economic recovery. 
 

Don Desserud tells CHSJ News entertainers have always influenced American politics but, not in the way comedians Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert seem to be.

He adds former President Bill Clinton's economic reforms came in a similar situation and they turned the American economy around with huge budget surpluses.

Desserud says if the Republicans win control of the U.S. Congress, it was help President Obama as it takes some of the pressure off.

Now It's Time To Get Ready For The Santa Claus parade

Halloween is over and we have seen snow, it's time to start thinking and planning for the 58th annual Santa Claus Parade.

City police estimate 65,000 people line the parade route in Saint John every year.

Leslie Keating of Uptown Saint John tells CHSJ News Friday is the deadline to register a float.

She says they want to have the biggest best parade with as many entries as possible and they are looking for walking groups, dog groups and singing groups to be get involved this year.

To sign up for this year's Saint John Santa Claus Parade on November 20th, pick up an entry form at The Business Resource Centre at 40 King Street, call 633-9797 or email info@uptownsj.com.

Police Seek Help After Windows In New Home Broken

City police looking for your help in finding out who caused about $8000 damage to a home under construction in Martinon.

Police called to North Street on Friday by the homeowner who discovered their new home had the windows smashed out. The damage was done sometime between Thursday at 5 and Friday before noon.

In total, 15 windows in the home were broken.
If you have any info on this crime call 648-3333 or contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Seven People Face Charges In North End Arsons

City police charging seven people after six fires in the North End between June and last month.
The charges relating a series of fires on Douglas Avenue, Newman Street, Shamrock Park, Lansdowne Plaza and two dumpster fires –on Victoria Street and on Metcalf Street.

Six of those charged are youth and one adult.
If you have any information on these crimes, contact the Major Crime Unit at 648-3333 or contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Fishing For The Future

Representatives from the fishermen associations, aquaculture, and environmentalists are trying to find a better way to co-exist.


The city is playing host to the Salmon Aquaculture Dialogues, a discussion forum that develops standards for sustainable aquaculture.

David Suzuki Foundation spokesperson Jay Ritchlin tells CHSJ News resolving the conflict between salmon farms and fishermen won't be easy but there are many possible avenues.

Disease and pesticides from salmon farms can wreak havoc on wild fish populations.

Pedestrian Struck In East Saint John

A 25-year-old woman crossing Westmorland road over the lunch hour struck by a vehicle.
A motorist was ticketed for failing to yield to a pedestrian.
The woman was taken to the Regional as a precaution but, is expected to be fine.

Quispamsis To Host 2011 New Brunswick Day

Commander of CFB Gagetown Colonel Michael Pearson; NB Finance Minister Blaine Higgs; Mayor of Quispamsis Murray Driscoll; Chair of the Capital Commission Walter Brown

The Town of Quispamsis will be hosting New Brunswick Day festivities for 2011.
The celebrations will be held at the Q-Plex on August 1st and Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ news, it's a great honour.

Driscoll says they are planning a variety of events with every area showcased and something for everyone.


He says there will be major economic spin-offs for local businesses as the event will draw people from all over the province.
The theme this year is Pride in the Environment.

Man Faces Charges After Cocaine Seizure

Police say they've taken about two thousand dollars worth of crack cocaine off the street following a raid on a Princess Street home late last week -- they came armed with a search warrant and seized just over 10-grams of crack as well as scales and packaging material.


A 22-year old man was arrested and has been spending time at the Regional Correctional Centre -- he's due in court today to answer to charges of trafficking.

Local Projects Receive National Recognition

Rockwood Park making an impression on the Communities in Bloom judges this year -- the city received a special mention with five blooms in the Circle of Excellence category for the Rockwood Park redevelopment plan.

The judges wrote major portions of the park have been developed over its one hundred year history to offer a wide range of recreational activities - and - current upgrades will benefit users for all seasons.
And the Hampton High School Military Heritage Project also received a five bloom rating and special mention in the small category of the International Challenge.

Public Meeting Tonight On Proposed Metal Shredder On West Side

(Aerial View Of Port Of Saint John)
           (File Photo)

If you have concerns about a proposed metal shredding and recycling facility at Pier 10 on ther lower west side, you can have them be heard tonight.

The company putting forward the proposal, American Iron and Metal, is hosting a public meeting tonight.

Gordon Dalzell of the Clear Air Coalition tells CHSJ news noise is a concern with this facility to operate 12 hours a day, 6 days a week.

American Iron and Metal says the new facility would create 23 jobs.

The Fundy Baykeeper is also weighing in on the proposed metal shredder. David Thompson has no doubt it will be approved but he's hoping there will be proper safeguards in place to protect the Bay of Fundy and submitted 11 recommendations. He wants measures in place to prevent any runoff from getting into the Bay of Fundy.

The meeting is coming up tonight at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal at 7pm.

City Manager Working On Keeping Free Drop In Programmes At Community Centres

(City Manager Pat Woods)
        (File Photo)

City Manager Pat Woods has the job of coming up with the legal contract language that will ensure free drop in programmes for at risk young people are provided at the city's community centres.

This has become an issue of primary importance for Common Councillor Donnie Snook who maintains Saint Jophn has a proud history of providing such programmes and argues families who are struggling financially will not seek out sponsorships.

Snook also makes clear he has nothing against the YM-YWCA or the Boys and Girls Club which operate two of the community centres for the city at Forest Glen and in the south end. Fellow Councillor Gary Sullivan believes the city will have more leverage when its contributing some dollars to whatever organisation is operating a community centre.

Keeping Halloween Healthy

When your handing out candy this Halloween, don't forget that some kids are diabetic.
The Canadian Diabetes Association is offering some suggestions on how to keep Halloween healthy.

Spokesperson Richard Boon says there are a number of treats you can dole out.
He says instead of candy, you can hand out Halloween pencils, erasers and stickers.
Parents can trade with their kids for the candy for a new movie, or a toy.

City Sends Safety Message For Halloween

Halloween is just a day away and the City of Saint John is reminding parents, motorists and the trick-or-treators themselves to be safe.
Children should have costumes that are visible at night and if not, they can add reflective tape to them and carry a flashlight.
Leah Fitzgerald tells CHSJ News homeowners need to think about fire safety too.
She says they should not use candles in pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns that are outside and use only battery-operated lights in outside decorations.

Fitzgerald adds many decorations made of crepe paper and dried flowers are highly flammable and should be kept away from all heat sources including light bulbs and heaters.


Motorists should keep in mind that a lot of children will be out walking around Sunday night and they should be extra cautious.

Wellness Grants For Over 300 Schools

Nearly $400,000 given to 324 schools under the School Wellness Grant Program.
Wellness, Culture and Sport Minister Trevor Holder says the earlier students learn about healthy eating, physical activity and the impact of tobacco on their lives they have a higher chance of having a healthy lifestyle.

The program provides a single grant to schools to support all their wellness activities.


The schools choose their focus areas, based on school, district and provincial data including the New Brunswick Student Wellness Survey.

Committee Aims To Build Memorial Playground

A group of people in the city are trying to raising money and awareness to create a playground at Seawood School on the West side in memory of RCMP officer Jason Porter and his two kids, Jack and Hannah, who died in an accident in February 2009.


Committee Chair Michael Breau tells CHSJ News he got involved because his wife works with Jason's wife in Labour and Delivery at the Regional hospital.

The committe for the Porter Memorial Playground has entered a contest where they could win some of their funding.
Round two voting ends on November 5th.
To find the link to vote for the project, go to http://ss.nbed.nb.ca/infoandmin.html

Flooding Solutions For Wetlands Behind City Mall

The battle against flooding may result in an enhanced wetland area behind the McAllister Mall.
Tim Vickers with the Atlantic Coastal Action Program here in the city tells CHSJ News mall owner Cadillac Fairview is looking at its options to reduce flooding in the parking lot and stores -- and -- he says that will probably include building a larger berm and enlarging the wetland area:
Vickers says it still has be a functional wetland, it has to be stormwater and they could also put in a gazebo for consumers and others to enjoy.


Some home owners in the Glen Falls area are having trouble obtaining insurance because of the ongoing flooding issues -- Vickers says a lot of proposals like the Cadillac Fairview project are being driven by the need to reduce flooding damage in the Marsh Creek watershed.

Dinner For Military Charities Brings In Over $300,000

The True Patriot Love Foundation's Tribute Dinner raising over $310,000 for three military charities assistings soldiers and their families.

The event was held in Fredericton last night and raised funds through tribute dinner ticket sales, corporate sponsorships and silent auctions for helmets decorated by artists and centrepiece sculptures.

 The Helmet Art display made stops in four Maritime cities including Saint John on Monday and Tuesday in Brunswick Square.
The benefitting charties in this province and in Prince Edward Island are the Canadian Forces Benevolent Fund, the Military Family Resource Centres and the Wounded Warriors Fund.

Provincial Doctor Gets National Appointment

The new president of the biggest association of family physicians in Canada is from this Province

Dr. Rob Boulay, a family physician in Miramichi, was installed as president of the College of Family Physicians of Canada earlier this month.


The 24,000-member represents family doctor throughout the country.
Dr. Boulay was born in Bathurst and is a graduate of the Dalhousie Medical School.

Accident on Garden Street

(photo provided)

No one hurt after a minor accident between a school bus and transport truck on Garden Street.
The bus was waiting on the light about 3 this afternoon when a transport coming up the hill didn't have enough room to make the turn and scratched the side of the bus.

Three students were on the bus at the time.
City police tell CHSJ news that no charges will be laid.

Queen Mary 2 In Port Today



Queen Mary 2 , the last cruise ship of seaon, in Port today.



Public Meeting Scheduled Monday Night On Proposed West Side Metal Shredder

(Fundy Baykeeper David Thompson)

           (File Photo)

11 recommendations being made by the Fundy Baykeeper about the proposed metal shredding and recycling facility by American Iron and Metal at the port on the lower west side.

David Thompson making it clear to CHSJ news he can see some good with the project because it will clean up alot of old metal.

The recommendations include preventing any runoff from making its way into the harbour and the workers have to be trained in properly cleaning up any spills.

There will be a public meeting at the cruise ship terminal on Water Street Monday night to air any concerns and have them answered.

Walking Track At Exhibition Too Important To Be Eliminated

(Exhibition Association Planning Consultant Wendy Donovan)
                     (Photo By Brian McLain)

The plans for a 20 million dollar multi-purpose recreation centre at Exhibition Park call for an indoor 3 lane walking track that would not be used by runners or joggers.

Planning consultant Wendy Donovan tells CHSJ News it's too important to be lost in the shuffle if the cost is thought to be too high. Donovan says alot of people tend to get housebound in the winter and have no place to get any exercise.

There is also talk of having an artificial outdoor field down the road to go along with the indoor field.

Common Councillor Bruce Court is expressing some doubt whether the money will be there.

New President Takes Over At Atlantica Centre For Energy

The Atlantica Centre for Energy announcing Tim Curry is stepping down as President for health reasons. He will be replaced by John Herron, the former M-P for Fundy Royal.
Curry will remain a member of the Board of Directors and is expected to resume that role in the spring. He had planned to leave the Presidency after the annual general meeting in February.

Dramatic Rescue Of Woman After S-U-V Flips And Catches Fire

A dramatic rescue early morning after an S-U-V went out of control on Chesley Drive near the ramp onto the Harbour Bridge, flipped over and caught fire.

A woman was taken to hospital for treatment of burns. A man who was driving managed to get out. He suffered just minor burns but the woman, who was the passenger, was caught inside and she sustained more serious burns.

A passing truck driver saw what had happened and stopped and kicking the glass of the S-U-V out to bring the woman to safety.

Police believe speed and alcohol may have caused this crash to take place.

Last Day Of The 2010 Cruise Ship Season Ends With A Bang

This is closing day for the 2010 cruise ship season -- and -- the season is ending on a high note.

The luxury liner "Queen Mary 2" is in port with her 25-hundred passengers until five this afternoon. The ship is equal to the height of a 23 storey building with 2 thousand washrooms, 120 thousand square metres of fitted carpets, 3 thousand telephones and is 147 feet longer than the height of Eiffel Tower.
The visit wraps up what port officials are terming a record breaking season with over 200-thousand cruise passengers visiting our city.

Demographics Posing Challenges For Small Businesses In Province

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business in the province has found a shrinking workforce and aging population are serious challenges for small and medium businesseses in the province.

They have indentified priorities such as investing in machinery and equipment, technology and people.

Andreea Bourgeois tells CHSJ news the C-F-I-B is pleased the see so many business owners are interested in growth.
She says it's great to see that about half of business owners in the province want to grow and diversify.

The C-F-I-B says while the province offers incentive programs, many don't take advantage of them because they don't know the exist, are not eligible or don't think they are beneficial for small businesses.

City Man Found Safe

A 24-year-old City man reported missing this week is safe and sound.


Donovan Campbell-Bentley made contact with his family this morning after hearing announcements through the media.



Police did learn he has been in Saint John since he went missing.
He is being checked out at the Regional and has reunited with his family.

He Says It's Not A Complete Ban On Boating

The City of Saint John would like to see a complete ban of all motorized boating in the Loch Lommond watershed which supplies most of the city's drinking water. Environment Minister Margaret Ann Blaney says the province will not extend exemptions that allow certain people to boat in the area when they expire next November.


The Conservation Council's David Thompson tells CHSJ News he doesn't think it's a complete ban.


He says the government will go ahead with a plan to allow boats with motors under 10 horsepower on the water in the watershed.
Thompson says he thinks their should be a complete ban on all boating especially where it concerns such a precious resource like drinking water.

No New Grandstand At Exhibition Park

(President of the Exhibition Association Paul Gilbride)
               (Photo by Brian McLain)

Horsemen in Saint John were hoping the plans to rejuvenate Exhibition Park would include a new grandstand to watch harness racing.

Common Councillor Joe Mott was hoping for that claiming it's the only way to save horse racing in the city. Mott points out Saint John has 40 race dates a year compared to 15 in Fredericton and 5 or 6 in Woodstock.

The President of the Exhibition Association Paul Gilbride tells CHSJ News the responsibility for harness racing is now in the hands of Horse Racing New Brunswick which was set up after plans for a racino at E-P-R fell through. If a new grandstand is to be built, it will be up to that body to do so.

Coalition For Pay Equity Says No Legislation Will Mean No Pay Equity

(Provincial Status Of Women Minister Margaret Ann Blaney)
                               (File Photo)

The new provincial Minister responsible for the Status of Women , Margaret Ann Blaney has made it clear there are no plans to impose pay equity on the private sector in the province.

The provincial Coalition for Pay Equity calls it a basic human right. Its Executive Director Joanne Perron tells CHSJ News, judging by what happened in Quebec, the way forward seems clear. Over 80 per cent of the employers in that province admitted pay equity would not have come about had it not been legislated into law.

Perron remains optimistic pointing to work being done with bringing about pay equity for those who work in homecare, childcare, group homes and transition houses. They are technically are private sector employees who provide government mandated services.

An Update On Haiti In Quispamsis Tonight

It's hard to believe but, it was over 9 months ago that an earthquake devastated Haiti.
A man who was working there on January 12th will speak about his experience in Quispamsis tonight.


Mike Griffin works for World Vision and tells CHSJ News his began treated the walking wounded immediatly after it struck.
He says the hotel went from an emergency clinic to a morgue and a media centre in 24 hours.

Griffin will also provide an update on the cholera outbreak in the country.
The event is tonight at the KV Public Library in Quispamsis at 7.

New Multi-Purpose Recreation Centre proposed For East Side

Big plans have been unveiled for a multi-purpose recreation centre at Exhibition Park with a full sized indoor field that can be used for such sports as soccer and football along with a three lane walking track. The price tag is a cool 20 million dollars but the President of the Exhibition Association Paul Gilbride says it's needed and he hopes the city, province and federal government will see it the same way and chip in some funding.

The facility would not be subsidised by the taxpayer according to planning consultant Wendy Donovan. She tells CHSJ News the feasibility study has determined it would cost from 225 to 250 dollars an hour just to break even.

Common Councillor Joe Mott was on hand and was suitably impressed by what he heard and saw saying the project would add much needed recreation facilities to the east side. There would also be landscaping and greenspace to make the site more attractive to the eye.

Donovan believes there would be alot of usage from late fall to May after school, in the evening and at weekends. The field can also be divided up into portions depending on what it's being used for and the hourly rate would be less.

A Mixed Bag With Gas Prices

If you fill up with self serve regular, you're going to pay less after the weekly setting.......It fell, in the city, to just below a dollar a litre at 99.8 cents but diesel has gone up by over a cent a litre to $108.6. Heating oil is costing a bit more at 94.4 cents but the maximum price for propane has decreased to $107.3 a litre.

Women Can Get Free Pap Tests Today In The City

Pap tests save lives! That is the motivation behind a free pap test clinic for women of all ages today at St. Joseph's hospital.

The initiative is part of the National Pap Test campaign during Cervical Cancer Awareness Week.

The Public Health Agency of Canada reports 15 per cent of women have never been screened and 30 per cent have not been screened in the last three years.

Between 1300 and 1500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and 400 women die from it annually.

Today's clinic is on the 9th floor of the St. Joe's Women's Wellness Centre.

No appointments are needed, but you will need to register in the lobby.

The clinic runs from 8:30 to 11:30 this morning and 1 to 3:30 this afternoon.