Residents Concerned For Future Of Park

 It will be the end of next year before the city gets a new municipal plan to guide future development over the next 25 years.

The thrust of the new plan will be to build upward and not outward.

David Thompson of the Friends of Rockwood Park tells CHSJ News allowing development to take place along Sandy Point Road adjacent to the park goes against the grain.

Mayor Ivan Court takes issue with that allegation saying, if anything, the city is pumping millions of dollars into the park to enhance and bring it up to a higher standard.

Plaza Not Responsible For Rate Increase

Spending on roads, police, fire and major projects like Peel Plaza, has nothing to do with what you're charged for water in the city.

So says City Manager Pat Woods who wants to clear up what he calls a misconception following a lot of discussion and grumbling over the 19 per cent rise in water rates over the next two years.

Woods says spending on major projects and spending on water are two separate areas with two separate budgets, so even if there was no Peel Plaza, water rates would still go up.

Traffic Changes On Lower West Side To Improve Driver Safety

Changes are being made to traffic patterns on the lower west side. The Head of Municipal Operations Paul Groody says there is a problem with insufficient sight lines for drivers.

As for drivers speeding along Duke Street West.......Groody says that's not a problem.

City staff did recommend to Common Council on street parking be banned on the south side of Duke Street West between Champlain Street and City Line as the traffic approaches City Line.

Another recommendation was to turn Lancaster Street between Duke West and Guildford into a one way street south.

Another December Storm Batters Region

A major snowstorm which moved up the U.S. eastern seaboard is now hammering our region.

Jeremy March is with Environment Canada and he expects the worst of the snowfall will occur this morning with a total of 20 centimeters expected. He says there will be a bit of a break later on but the stormy conditions will resume after that with precipitation lingering until late tonight.

He also warns there will be high winds gisting at times to 70 or 75 kilometers an hour.

Power outages have been reported from St. Stephen through Sussex and up through Fredericton.

Common Council"s 2011 Budget Will Assume Provincial Approval Of Pension Plan Changes

Common Council will table its budget next month with the assumption the province will allow the city to defer pension payments for a year.

Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News he believes the deferral will be allowed because it won't cost the province any extra money.

Premier David Alward was non-commital when asked whether the new government will go along with what the city is requesting. Court says Council is seeking a meeting with the Premier to present the case for the deferral.

 Both Court and Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase, who don't agree on much of anything, concur the city will be facing a fiscal crisis if the province doesn't play ball.

 The Saint John Police Association is urging the M-L-A's to say no. If the provincial government does not grant the city's request, Common Council would be looking at as 13 cent increase on the tax rate unless there are cuts in city services.

Freezing Drizzle Warning For Saint John

If you're out and about today to catch some Boxing Day sales, best drive slow. 

There is a freezing drizzle warning in effect for greater Saint John. 

Police patrolling last night in Rothesay and Quispamsis are reporting slippery road conditions and caution drivers to drive carefully.

HAM Radio Operators Want Exemption

With the possibility of new provincial legislation banning the use of communication devices while driving, HAM radio operators are looking for an exemption.

Director of EMO for Quispamsis Brian Shanks tells CHSJ News a lot of operators are well-trained when using the system in the vehicle.

He says HAM radio operators play an integral role during emergency situations and he fears the legislation will reduce the number of enthusiasts.

Harbour Passage Open Again

Harbour Passage is open again if you feel the need to get outside and burn off some holiday sweets.

The passage has been closed since the spring due to construction on the Harbour Bridge.

Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News even though people have complained about the closure, it's necessary because of falling debris. 

Harbour Passage will close again this spring when construction on the bridge resumes.

Killen Welcomes New Councillor

Carl Killen, newly elected MLA for Saint John Harbour, was on hand to wish Norton well in his new position.

Killen tells CHSJ News Ward 3 is one of the most politically aware and politically active wards in the city.

Killen says he will continue to collaborate with his friends at council whenever he gets the chance.

City Swears In New Councillor

People living in Ward 3 officially have a new city councillor.

Mel Norton was sworn in Christmas Eve and takes over the seat left vacant by Carl Killen's election as the MLA for Saint John Harbour.

Norton says, despite the challenges, he's excited to get started.

Norton says some of the major issues facing the ward are poverty and making people feel connected to the rest of the city.

Local Rink In Running For Major Prize

Saint John might become Hockeyville.

Mike Armstrong of Kraft tells CHSJ News a single nomination has the Lord Beaverbrook Arena in the running for the $100,000 prize.

Armstrong says in the past communities that didn't win end up getting local support for their hockey facilities.

For more information, click here.

Premier's Christmas Wish

With the big day just one sleep away - we decided to find out what our new Premier wants for Christmas.

Alward tells us his Christmas wish is to spend some quality family time. 

The Premier also says New Brunswickers should take some to reflect upon how blessed we are as a province.

Water Dispute Could Go To Court

The Mayor of Rothesay says if a dispute with the City of Saint John over providing water to K Park residents isn't cleared up...it could go to court.

The city is accusing the town of backing out of the deal meaning it will now cost them more.

Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News his town has a concern over quality given the frequency of boil water orders.

Bishop adds he understand Mayor Court's frustration to a degree but,he points out the pipeline from the Saint John to K Park did not cost the city a cent because the former Village of Renforth paid for it.

Pocologan Girl Loses Car and Nearly Her Life In Flooding

The flooding at Bonny River has cost an 18 year old woman from Pocologan big time. When the flooding first began, her car was washed away and she scrambled to the roof to be rescued. He stepdad, Wayne Babineau tells CHSJ News she now finds herself without a vehicle but having to find someway to get to school in St. Andrews.

He says it's heartbreaking to see her at this time of year.
Babineau adds she's lucky not to have been washed away herself.


He calls the men who rescued his stepdaughter from the roof of her car heroes in his book adding they spent about 45 minutes in the water.
Just in time for Christmas....an automotive shop located outside Saint John is going to help out the Babineau family and fix their damaged car free of charge. They want to remain anonymous.

Disaster Assistance Claims Can Be Filed Tomorrow And Monday

More people will seeking help from the province for damage to the homes and businesses from flooding and storm surge.
Over 700 people have applied for the Province's disaster assistance plan.
EMO's Andy Morton tells us with this program they want to cover the essentials to try and get people back to a normal life as quickly as possible.

He says the program will look after structural damage such as taking out flooding drywall, replacing insulaton and electrical panels.
Service New Brunswick's toll free line and website will be operating tomorrow and on the 27th from 8:30am to 2pm to process claims.
To apply for the disaster financial assistance plan, call 1-888-298-8555 or click here

A Study Will Examine Adding Roundabouts In The City

Saint John is one city where you do not find roundabouts but that could change depending on a study that will be carried out. Roundabouts are designed to quicken the flow of traffic and ease congestion. There has been talk of having one at Simms Corner if it is ever reconfigured. Common Councillor Peter McGuire lives on the west side and has been pressing to get the project off the ground.

McGuire says he doesn't care if it's traffic lights or a roundabout as long as it gets fixed.
The Saint John West Business Association wants a roundabout but city staff have been less than enthused.

600 Apply For Disaster Assistance After Flooding

600 individuals and business owners reporting flood damage to their properties to the Provincial government.


Public Safety Minister Robert Trevors is encouraging anyone whose home or business was impacted by recent flooding to let them know.

Trevors says health and safety inspection teams are in place in St. George, St. Stephen, McAdam, Fredericton and in the Nashwaak&Keswick Valleys helping people who have registered for help. He adds more personnel will be added over the coming days.

EMO issuing 25 cheques so far to victims applying for the disaster financial assistance program.  Service New Brunswick will continue to process advanced payments through the holidays and deliver to satellite offices for pick-up.

For more information call 1-888-298-8555 or click here.

Gas Prices Up Slightly

A slight increase in gas prices after the weekly setting.........Self serve regular around town rising by under a cent to 107.8 and diesel is now a bit higher as well at 115.2. Heating oil rose by almost a cent and is listed at just under $1.01 a litre.

Man Hit By Vehicle On The West Side

The fire department reporting one man was struck by a car last night on Manawagonish Road. He was taken to hospital to be treated for any injuries and recover.

ACOA Gives $300K For Improvements To Rockwood Park

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is stepping up to the plate and giving the city more than 300 thousand dollars to help pay the cost of upgrading Rockwood Park. Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News the city wants to clean up the duck pond but that by no means will be the end of the improvements.
He says in Phase 4 they will see improvements made to the trailer park with space for bigger trailers and more tents.

Work is also planned to enable people in wheelchairs to make their way around Lily Lake if they so desire, green up the park entrance and update the public gardens.

City Mulls Over Request To Improve Drainage Outside of Glen Falls

Common Council is being asked to spend 10 million dollars next year to improve drainage in several areas around town and less the risk of flooding which is now happening in places outside of Glen Falls. Councillor Bill Farren says homes on the west side have been flooded during severe storms and people are frustrated.
Farren says he can't imagine anything worse than having your basement flooded especially with sewage.

The head of Municipal Operations, Paul Groody estimates it will take three years to tackle the flooding issues facing the city.

Weston Can't Committ To More Money For Clean Drinking Water

Saint John's top man in Ottawa is not ready to say more funding is coming to ensure safe, clean drinking water in the city.
The city's finance commissioner says they can only contribute 10 per cent of the estimated 225 millon dollar cost.

Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News it's a concern to him as a politician and also as a resident in this city.

Weston says getting clean, safe drinking water for Saint John will be achieved through collaboration of all 3 levels of government and more discussion is needed.

Provincial Cheques Cut For Flood Victims

Provincial dollars already making their way to victims of flooding in the Charlotte County area.  Premier David Alward says a few cheques have been issued with more on the way.

He tells CHSJ News federal and provincial money will help but it won't be a magic bullet.

When asked if the military was close to being called in, Alward says they were in the loop but local contractors and the DOT had everything under control.

Free Well Testing Being Offered To Flood Victims

The province is offering free well water testing for those affected by the recent floods and rains.

Private well owners directly affected by flood waters or municipal homeowners whose plumbing was compromised are eligible for the testing.

Even though water can be used if it is brought to a roiling boil for at least one minute and then stored in clean containers, homeowners are being urged by health authorities not to use any well water until it has been disinfected and tested.

If there is any suspicion that the water has been contaminated by such things as furnace oil, gasoline or agricultural chemicals, the Department of the Environment should be contacted.

10 days after the water has receded in your area, your well should be chlorinated and then flushed with a water sample being taken seven days later for analysis.

Quispamsis Councillor Resigns

There will be a vacancy on Quispamsis Town Council. Councillor Gerry Maher is stepping down.

Maher tells CHSJ News he came to council with two major agendas.......... Increase the amount of ice time available and to push for amalgamation.

He will be going back into private business but will be following amalgamation talks very closely. His resignation is effective this Friday.

Maher ran for the Mayoralty in Saint John many years ago but lost to Elsie Wayne.

Tax Rate Remains Steady In Quispamsis

No jump in the tax rate for Quispamsis.

The town will be holding its tax rate steady at $1.21 per 100 dollars of assessment for next year.

Town Council passed the 2011 budget which sits at 19.7 million dollars.

Councillor Daryl Bishop is Chairman of the Finance Committee and he tells CHSJ News it's a feather in the cap to be able to keep the tax rate level.

 Police and fire each will be receiving about a 6 percent increase to their budgets.

Sewer rates will be going up by 12 dollars to 368 dollars a year but water rates will remain the same.

Rothesay And Quispamsis Contribute To Flood Relief In Charlotte County

Rothesay Council has voted to contribute 5 thousand dollars for flood relief in Charlotte County but the vote was not unanimous.

Scott Cochrane, who chairs the town's finance committee, along with Pat Gallagher Jette voted against. Both cited precedent despite saying it is a worthy cause. Gallagher Jette pointed out the town has its own unresolved flooding problem in Oakville Acres.

A few years ago, town council approved giving 25 thousand dollars after the tsunami in Asia.

Deputy Mayor Blair MacDonald put forward the initiative saying the flood victims are just 45 minutes down the road and, in his view, are neighbours in need of help.

Quispamsis town council also voted to contribute 5 thousand dollars with no one being opposed.

Tax Rate In Rothesay To Go Down Next Year

The tax rate in Rothesay next year is being lowered by 2 cents to $1.19 per 100 dollars worth of assessment. It's the third year in a row that the tax rate has gone down.

A 4.4 per cent increase in the tax base left the town with an extra million dollars despite a slight drop in the unconditional grant from the province.

Mayor Bill Bishop says the town is planning to introduce curbside recycling in the latter part of next year, possibly by July.

The town's contribution to police and fire services in the Valley is up by 5 per cent and 3.5 million dollars is earmarked to renovate the Rothesay Arena and for work at the Arthur Miller Fields.

 

The Mayor adds the town is also looking at building a mini arena that would be used by the younger children.

 

The typical household in Rothesay will be charged 675 dollars for water and sewage services next year which is a rise of 112 dollars.

Environment Canada Warning of Storm Surges

Environment Canada is warning those living between Miamichi and Bouctouche of a storm surge. 

Environment Canada is predicting a storm surge of between 2.6 - 3.0 metres along the eastern provincial coast.

Environment Canada says people in low-lying areas should be prepared to move to higher ground as well as evacuating on short notice.

District emergency operations centres have been activated in Miramichi, Bathurst, Dieppe and Caraquet.

No Charges to Be Laid In Death of St. Stephen Teen

No charges are being laid in the death of 18 year old Matt Haley, a former St. Stephen High School student killed in an ATV accident just days before his graduation.

A 17 year old classmate who survived the crash will not be charged. 

The Crown Prosecutor has determined that there is insufficient evidence to go ahead with any charges.

New Councillor Did Want to Weigh In On Water Rate Debate

The new Councillor for Ward 3 is disappointed but, not too upset he didn't get to weigh in on the water rate increase at Common council.
Mel Norton tells CHSJ News there will be many opporotunities for him to discuss issues and vote in January.
He says he would have liked to take part in the discussion and vote.
Norton says in the campaign water came up as the #1 livability factor for people considering moving here and for those who are living here on whether or not to stay.

Norton will be sworn as the Ward 3 councillor this Friday at 10am at city hall.

Mayor Concedes Pension Plan Woes Causing Grief As Common Council Deliberates Over Next Year's Budget

The only crisis the city is facing is a pension crisis.........So says Mayor Ivan Court who tells CHSJ News if it weren't for the pension plan's woes, the city would have had its budget signed, sealed and delivered by now and it would be balanced.


Common Council won't have the budget ready until next month and is awaiting word from the province on whether it will be given some slack on its financial obligations to the pension plan over the next year.

It wants to defer paying into the pension plan for a year.

You Can Help Flood Victims At The Liquor Store

When your picking up your Christmas hooch this week, you can also make a donation to flood relief.

The Red Cross is launching a province-wide appeal for donations to help the hundreds forced from their homes by flooding last week in St. Stephen, St. George and Fredericton areas.
You can make donations starting today at all 47 NB Liquor corporate stores.
Staff at the stores are collecting donations from 9am to 10pm until Thursday and from 9am to 5pm on Christmas Eve.  The Red Cross is providing supplies and helping to manage comfort stations in Fredericton, Oromocto, Burtts Corner, St. George and Bonny River.

Quispamsis And Rothesay Reveal 2011 Budgets Tonight

Quispamsis presenting its 2011 budget tonight and Mayor Murray Driscoll says it should be smooth sailing.
He tells CHSJ News despite some new wrinkles like the 1 percent reduction in the provincial unconditional grant and the property assessment freeze, the town is well-managed.

He says those are always concerned and he says they know money is tight and there is a job ahead for government.
Tonight's council meeting goes at 7 o'clock at Quispamsis Town Hall. Rothesay Council will also be releasing its budget for next year at a special meeting in the town hall. It gets underway at 8:00.

Chase Thinks Norton Should Have Voted

Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase says Councillor-Elect Mel Norton has been disrespected.
Chase says the vote on the water rate hike should have been done after Norton has been sworn-in so that Norton could have input on the file.

Chase tells CHSJ News Norton has said publicly that clean drinking water is an important issue to him.
He says Norton was hearing a lot of concerns about water and Chase adds he has to live with this for the remainder of his term.
Chase says the vote should have been pushed to the New Year.

Offers Of Assistance Present New Challenge In Charlotte County

Offers of help continue to pour into Charlotte County in the wake of last week's flash flooding.  
St Stephen town administrator John Ferguson tells CHSJ News it's a matter of now trying to coordinate that assistance to make sure it reaches as many of those needing help as possible.
Meantime - Ferguson says town crews have had a chance to rest up and all equipment is ready to respond to any new storm that may hit the area.

Fundraising Breakfast For Flood Relief A Big Success

Over 500 people got up early for a fundraising breakfast to support the flood victims of Charlotte County.
The event put together very quickly last week by the Delta and Brunswick Square.
General Manager Paulette Hicks tells CHSJ News this turnout is what she was hoping for.
Hicks says when putting the event together they kept in mind that people are busy but, they want the people affecting by flooding to know that people here care about them.

Saint John MP Rodney Weston says the community has empathy for the people of Charlotte county over the devastation at this time of year.  Weston worked for Cooke Aquaculture and he says they have really stepped up to help their own employees and others. The final numbers are still coming in but the event brought in at least $10, 000 for the Charlotte County Relief Fund.

Shortlived Crime Spree Ends With Arrest In North End

A 30 year old man is in the lockup this morning facing several charges after a hit and run, breakin and an attempt to elude police.

They tell CHSJ News there was a hit and run reported close to 12:30 this morning on Rothesay Road at the bridge followed a few minutes later by a breakin at the Torryburn Irving.

Police then spotted the car they were looking for on Metcalf Street. The driver took off but his damaged vehicle broke down before he could get back on the highway.

It's believed all the incidents are connected.

Increased Water Rates Approved Overwhelmingly By Common Council

Common Council approving new water rates for 2011 but not without objections from Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase.

The new rates mean an 8.3 per cent increase next year and 11.1 per cent rise in 2012 for both metered and flat rate
users.

He charges the new rates go back on promises made to the public.

Chase says jacking up rates is not the way to get the city clean drinking water, instead suggesting the city should be asking the province to allow the city to use it's capital budget for operations or to look at long term borrowing.

The Deouty Mayor was the only nay vote around the Council horseshoe.

Common Councillor Wants City To Help Some People Pay Higher Water Bills

The city looking into lending a hand for those who may have problems paying the new water rates.

Common Council has approved a motion put forward by Bruce Court for the city manager and solicitor to look into the idea.

 Court is wondering when the yearly increases will come to an end saying it's going to be tough for a good many Saint Johnners.

Municipal Works Commissioner Paul Groody says the problem is the water system in the city has been taken for granted for far too long and the city is playing catch up.

City Manager Pat Woods says he will look into it but notes there could be legal complications with that sort of plan.

Saint John Business Community Hosting Fundraiser For Flood Victims

If you get out of bed a little earlier this morning, you can have breakfast and help out the flood victims of Charlotte County.

The Delta and Brunswick Square teaming up for a fundraising breakfast with all proceeds going to the fund for those devastated by flooding.

General Manager Paulette Hicks says Charlotte County residents are great supporters of the Saint John business community and this is a meaningful way of engaging the community of Greater Saint John.

Tickets are 25 dollars for adults and 10 dollars for children. Parking in the Brunswick Square garage is free those attending.

The event starts at 7 and runs until 9 this morning.

Quispamsis And Rothesay To Unveil 2011 Budgets Tonight

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll isn't expecting any major surprises in tonight's 2011 budget presentation.

He tells CHSJ News even with the 1 percent reduction in the provincial unconditional grant and the property assessment freeze, everything should be okay.

Tonight's council meeting goes at 7 O'clock at Quispamsis Town Hall.

 Rothesay Town Council will also be unveiling its budget for next year during a special town hall meeting tonight getting underway at 8:00.

EMO Coordinator Darren McCabe Updates Charlotte County Flooding

 

Displaced Homeowners Can Get Up To $80,000 To Fix Their Homes

If flooding impacted your property last week, you must to register with the province in order to receive compensation.


St. Stephen Town Manager John Ferguson tells CHSJ News displaced flood victims can also get help from the Red Cross.
He says if you can stay with family or friends they provide up to $150 to the family you stay with, the displaced family with up to four members get $100 a week for up three weeks.

Ferguson adds after you register the information on your property with the Province, adjusters will visit to determine the health and safety issues and you get an estimate on repair cost. Residential home owners are entitled for up to $80,000 dollars should it be that severe.
He says the disaster assistance plans cover structure, appliances and furniture but, it does not cover seasonal residences including boats and ATV's.
To report damage and register for the plan: click here or call 1-888-298-8555.

Parking Commission Accept Bid For New Garage

The Saint John Parking Commission accepting the lowest bid tendered for the construction of the Carleton Street parking garage in a special meeting this morning.
PCL Constructors Canada Inc.’s tender of more than $16 million was the lowest bid of nine qualified bids.

Commission Chair Chris Titus says the bids were in range of their projections and very competitive with each other.
Construction on the garage is expected to start in late January or early February.
The seven-level garage will have 446 spaces, with entrances and exits from Carleton Street and Sewell Street.

Charlotte County EMO Co-Ordinator Bracing For More Rain

The people working in the flooding recovery effort are worn out after going flat out for a week straight.


Heavy rain in the forecast is disheartening for them and for the people whose homes are impacted.


Charlotte County EMO Co-Ordinator Darren McCabe tells CHSJ News they have informed the province if it gets bad again they will need more people or new people to help.
McCabe says people are frustrated with the situtation at this time of year when they just want to be home.

Snook Has Ideas For Council Cost Cutting

The city's budget won't be ready until sometime in January. Ward 3 Common Councillor Donnie Snook already has some ideas on where he would like to see the budget cut.
He says one way is to reduce city management would be to not fill two vacant deputy city manager positions. Snook says those jobs account for significant dollars. 
Snook also says Council will have to take a hard look at the police and fire budgets because of the salaries.
He's even floating the idea of using volunteer firefighters in the outskirts of the city.

Company Offering Relief To Flood Victims

Cooke Aquaculture is playing Santa to house those displaced by the recent flooding in the Charlotte County area.


The company starting a Christmas Relief Program and spokesperson Chuck Brown tells CHSJ News they wanted to do something for the flood victims.

He says the company has started it off with a $50,000 donation and their employees can contribute through payroll deduction.

The Algonquin is also jumping on board by offering rooms to families on Christmas Eve.
To donate or if you know a family that could use some help, you can register them for the program by calling 755 1460.

Provincial EMO Establishing Office To Assist Flood Victims

The Province's EMO establishing a disaster financial assistance office in St. George.
Staff members can assist the public with the claims process.
It is located in the Family Worship Centre at 89 Mount Pleasant Road in St. George.
It's open today from 1-5 pm and 8 am to 5 pm daily after today.

Residents affected by the storm surges on the 5th and 6th and the heavy rainfall of the 13th and 14th should report their damages through Service New Brunswick at 1-888-298-8555.

To find the website click here.

Promise Made At Town Hall Meeting To Make Things Easier For Flood Victims Seeking Compensation

Buttons are being pressed to streamline the process of getting compensation to those homeowners and businesses that suffered losses because of last week's flooding.

Contact was made with Premier David Alward during the town hall meeting at Fundy High with Cooke Aquaculture and Jim Irving along with government M-L-A's on hand. The M-L-A for Charlotte and the Isles Rick Doucet tells CHSJ News there were lots of questions asked and frustrations voiced.

Doucet says those people in the St. George area who are looking for compensation should drop into the Family Worship Centre anytime after noon hour today and he's saying cheques could conceivably be issued as early as this week.

Legal Bills Mount In Pension Board Lawsuit Against Former Common Councillor

The legal bills from the pension board's lawsuit against former common councillor John Ferguson for defamation are now more than 834 thousand dollars.

In a letter to Common Council, the pension board says its not suing Ferguson for asking questions but for accusing the board's trustees of deliberately acting illegally.

Back in August, Ferguson, who is now the town administrator in St. Stephen, in a statement of defence, said any defamatory statements about the trustees are untrue.

Finance Commissioner Admits Can't Afford One-Third Of Cost To Provide Safe Clean Drinking Water

The city can't afford to pay
one-third of the estimated 255 million dollar cost of providing safe, clean drinking water.

That admission from Finance Commissioner Greg Yeomans who argues the city can fofnly afford to contribute 10 percent and maintains the province and federal government will have to contribute more than two-thirds.

 He points to the big increase in water rates next year and in 2012 of more than 19 per cent being caused by another less expensive project, the cleanup of the harbour.

Common Council is expected to approve tonight a 72 dollar increase in water rates next year with another 104 dollar rise coming in 2012. Flat rate customers will pay 936 dollars in 2011 and over a thousand dollars in 2012. Metered rates are also rising by 8.3 per cent next year and 11.1 per cent in 2012.

Mayor Ivan Court Angry With Rothesay Over Water Deal

The town of Rothesay is being accused of welching out of a deal with the city to provide drinking water to K-Park because of complaints over the quality and boil water orders. Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News the city is not amused.

Court goes on to say the water lines will come to a dead end and the city will be stuck with the additional cost of flushing them to overcome a lack of chlorine for the people who are in the city but live at the entrance to K-Park.

 Rothesay Council, meantime, will be rolling out its budget for next year at a special meeting tomorrow night.

Two People Die In Weekend Fatalities

City Police investigating the death of a man whose car crashed into the side of a building on Douglas Avenue yesterday morning near the railroad tracks. They say he had just turned onto Douglas Avenue from Chesley Drive. His name has not been released.

The RCMP in Sussex are also investigating a fatality at Long Creek. The driver, a 20 year old Sussex area woman, went off the road and died.

Her name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Arrest Made In Kingston Peninsula Shooting

The RCMP in Grand Bay Westfield arresting a 21 year old man in connection with the shooting that occurred in Summerville last week.

The man, whose name has not been made public, will be appearing in Hampton Court today on a charge of aggravated assault.

The shooting, which was not reported right away, happened at a home on Route 845 on the Kingston Peninsula. A 32-year-old man was treated and released from hospital.

Special Blood Donor Clinic Today For 5 Year Old

By giving blood today, you will help boost the supply over the Holidays and lift the spirits of a sick 5-year-old.
Today's clinic is in honour of Blake Matthews who is battling a brain tumour and using blood products as part of his treatment.

Amanda Cullen of Canadian Blood Services tells CHSJ News they are 400 donations away from meeting December's target.

She says for people who are ill, the date on the calendar doesn't matter so, they won't to encourage people to donate blood this Holiday season.

The C-B-S offices in Millidgeville will have a superheroes theme in honour of Blake's clinic today. It gets underway at 11 this morning and runs until 8 tonight.

To book an appointment, call 1-888-2-DONATE or drop by Canadian Blood Services at 405 University Avenue.