About 200 people still need to be reconnected to the grid.
There is still no word on the cause of the outage.
1500 people lost power in the Ken Valley around 9am this morning.
For the latest updates from NB Power, click here.
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Sunday, February 6, 2011
Update on Power Outage in the KV
About 200 people still need to be reconnected to the grid.
There is still no word on the cause of the outage.
1500 people lost power in the Ken Valley around 9am this morning.
For the latest updates from NB Power, click here.
Power Outage in the KV
The outage began shortly after 9am.
Crews are currently looking into the cause and restoring power.
NB Power says power should be restored between 12pm and 1pm.
Executive Director Randy Hatfield tells CHSJ News the group has a few key initiatives they would like to see addressed on a national level, such as a housing strategy and the return of the long form census.
He says addressing poverty is primarily done through a neighbourhood approach and you need to be in the ear of all three levels of government.
Another Snowmobile Goes Through Ice
He went through the ice at Bay Crescent around 7:30 last night. Friends phoning for help and rescue crews saving him from the water. A police officer did go through the ice but both not seriously hurt.
On Friday, a driver wnt through the ice on the Kennebecasis River. He was rescued by crew on the Gondola Point ferry.
Budget Cuts Not The Answer
Coordinator Dan Weston tells CHSJ News slashing budgets hasn't solved anything in years.
He says the provincial government should revitalize industries such as agriculture and forestry.
The group recently presenting to the Department of Finance as part of their pre-budget consultations.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Gondola Point Ferry Pulls Man Out Of Water
Rothesay Police say a man was riding his snowmobile across the Kennebecasis River last night when his vehicle broke through around 10pm.
The ferry was nearby and lowered a plank to get the man out.
He was unconscious and the crew performing CPR on him before emergency crews arrived.
No word yet on the driver's condition.
More Snow Coming
Environment Canada Meteorologist Stephen Hatt tells CHSJ News we can expect the snowfall to begin tonight around 10pm. About 15 centimetres is expected overnight and 10 centimetres Sunday morning.
The snow should let up late Sunday afternoon.
City crews are already out cutting into snow banks, widening streets and removing snow east, west and in the south/central peninsula.
They will be focusing their efforts in Champlain Heights, in the Lower West Side, on the Courtney causeway and in the Elliot row area.
Chinese New Year Celebration Tonight
The event will feature a full Chinese buffet and entertainment by various cultures.
The event takes place at the Delta Brunswick tonight, starting at 6pm.
Tickets can be purchased at the Northern Chinese Kitchen at 24 Coburg Street, The Multicultural Resource Centre at the 3rd floor of the City Market, or by calling 506 639 2721
Friday, February 4, 2011
Unionised City Police Officers Vote On New Contract
They have agreed to no wage increases this year and next with just a 3 per cent hike effective July 1st of last year.
The President of the Saint John Police Association Jamie Hachey tells CHSJ News they're no longer opposing changes to the city's pension plan requested by Common Council.
This new contract means police officers in the city will no longer be the best paid in the province.
They, along with the Police Commission, are asking Common Council not to make any changes to long term disability.
Wine Fair Supports Local Red Cross Programs
Co-chair Janelle Shillington tells CHSJ News it offers a lot more than wine with beer vendors, a chocolate fountain and cheese sampling.
Sommelier Craig Pinhey will once again host a wine-tasting seminar just before the event which is coming up February 26th.
The Red Cross is hoping to raise $40,000 for local programs through this event.
For more info or to book at ticket click here or call 674-6195.
NB Power Issues Update On Lepreau Refurbishment
The polishing activities continue on the 760 calandria tube sheet bores, that process is 65 per cent complete and should be finished by the end of March.
NB Power's Public Affairs Manager Kathleen Duguay tells CHSJ News the polishing process requires strict quality and safety. She says they need to ensure a tight seal when the calandria tubes are installed because it's part of the overall reassembly of the reactor.
They expect installation of the tubes will take place this August and the project's on track for a return to service by the fall of 2012.
Health Minister Acknowledges World Cancer Day
In this province, Health Minister Madeline Dube acknowledging World Cancer Day today saying she remains optimistic there will be more successes leading to more prevention, earlier detection and better treatment.
Dube encouraging New Brunswickers to adapt healthy lifestyle habits which can also have a great impact in reducing cancer rates in our province.
She is also thanking health-care professionals and volunteers for the vital role they play in delivering care and support to cancer patients and their families.
City Asks Residents To Watch Where They Put Snow
Communications Officers Leah Fitzgerald tells CHSJ News putting snow from driveways and walkways is a violation of the a city by-law and can result in fines.
She says that means not putting snow on top of an existing plowed snowbank, on to the streets or sidewalks and she adds since 2009 the by-law gives them the ability to fine people for doing that. Those fines range from between $200 and $500.
For more information click here or call 658-4455.
City Fire Crews Called To The East Side
District Chief Gerry Morris says fire crews were met with heavy smoke coming from a first floor bathroom which was gutted out.
The family will have to find somewhere else to say until the repairs are made.
It has been determined the fire was caused by a candle that was burning too close to material that was combustible.
Not As Many Vehicles Towed In Latest Street Parking Ban
Parking on the streets was not allowed anywhere in that part of the city between 11pm and 7am. Any vehicles remaining on the street were towed to allow for snow removal. Police tell CHSJ News there are some streets where you can barely get a car through let alone a fire truck if there is an emergency.
In the last snow ban, more than 50 vehicles were towed.
To find the snow ban number or see the City's Winter Management Plan, go to country94.ca and click news.
Meantime, Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning of the possibility of significant accumulation from the snow that is expected to come our way Saturday night into Sunday morning. The Weather Network is calling for over 10 centimeters.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
$30 Million From The Province For School Improvements
District 6 will receive $1.8 million for 8 projects including a roof replacement at Quispamsis Elementary and flooring and masonry work at K.V. High.
The biggest price tag is $770 thousand dollars for work on the ventilation system, washroom upgrade and more at Sussex Regional High school.
In the Saint John area, District 8 gets over $1.9 million for 9 projects at 12 schools. The largest being $455,000 for work on the exterior walls at Bayside Middle, Bayview and St. John the Baptist and King Edward schools.
Over 1.2 million dollars is set aside for improvements in District 10.
The projects include a roof replacement at Back Bay elementary and Campobello Island consolidated school and a heating system upgrade for St. Stephen elementary.
It also includes $190, 000 for weatherizing and other work at St. George and Vincent Massey elementary schools and St. Stephen middle and high schools.
Business Confidence Falls In Province
Small businesspeople in the province aren't feeling good these days. 19 per cent of small and mid sized businesses plan to cut fulltime staffing over the next three to four months. The Director of Provincial Affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business Andrea Bourgeois tells CHSJ News the pessimism is based on more than just perceptions. She describes the economy as soft with employers not expecting to see alot of business growth due to weak consumer demand.
Bourgeois does concede all the attention that has been paid to the provincial government's financial woes hasn't helped boost confidence.
In its pre-budget survey, most of the more than 300 respondents would like to see the province control its spending and move towards balanced budgets.
Police Chief Welcomes New Program To Rid Neighbourhoods Of Troublemakers
Reid says this has nothing to do with his department although officers will help out if a situation is deemed to be potentially dangerous but the big benefit is information about those who are causing the trouble.
The chief concedes this new unit can act alot faster than police can because the legal restraints are not as strict.
A Snow Ban Is On For The South/Central Peninsula Tonight
The City issuing a temporary overnight snow ban for the South/Central peninsula from 11pm tonight to 7am tomorrow morning. Parking on the street is not allowed anywhere in the south central peninsula and vehicles remaining on the street will be towed. Communications Manager Nancy Moar tells CHSJ news the notifications are done as required by the Saint John traffic by-law.
She says the by-law states they have to set up a line so people can call 658-4040 to see if a ban has been declared. She adds they also get the word out through news releases to local media and through advertising.
You can move your vehicle to one of five snow ban lots located on King Street East, Peters Street, Carmarthen Street at the Vineyard Church, Mecklenburg Street at Wentworth Street and at the corner of Princess and Charlotte Streets.
Vehicles can be moved there at 6pm tonight but, must be out 7am tomorrow morning.
The last time a ban was issued on January 23rd, more than 50 vehicles were towed.
For more info, click here
Cleanup Underway After Another Major Snowstorm
Morning commuters are being advised by police to drive with extreme caution as you make your way into work in the aftermath of the latest weather maker to batter Saint John.The plows have been working non-stop but road conditions are still described as very slippery.
Some places in the region got as much as 45 centimeters of snow while Saint John recorded about 25 centimeters with more falling in the Valley.
Meantime, the long range forecast from Environment Canada is calling for periods of snow on Sunday and again next Tuesday.
First Candidate Announces For Vacant Seat At Quispamsis Council
The seat was formerly held by Gerry Maher who resigned on December 21st.
Farnsworth tells CHSJ News he wants to give back to his community and would like to see a more regional approach to recreation in the valley.
Gas Prices Continuing To Rise
The prices charged at the pump are usually a few cents cheaper than the maximums.
Heating oil also rose by almost two cents a litre and is listed at $1.07.6.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Dedicated Fans Show Up In A Snowstorm To Support Memorial Cup Bid
Dogs brass announcing that community leader John Travis will be chair for the tournament and the 2012 logo was also revealed.
It showcases Martello Tower and military personnel past and present.
The selection committee visits on the 9th with a decision coming in the spring. To see video of the rally...go to country94.ca and click video.
The City Is On Storm Watch
They suggest motorists keep the conditions in mind and slow down when necessary.
The City’s Winter Operations Centre is open and will remain activated into the night to manage the response to the storm.
You are asked to help your neighbours and the City by using any off-street parking to ensure efficient snow plowing and snow removal.
For more information about the City's storm response click here
In the meantime, City police are warning of terrible road conditions today with visibility of only 200 metres in some cases.
Meterologist Says The Worst Is Yet To Come
Up to 25 cm's of snow are on the the way making the commute treacherous this afternoon.
Claude Cote of Environment Canada tells CHSJ News everyone will also have to contend with strong winds to 60 kilometres per hour causing reduced visibility.
He says by midnight there will be more than 15 centimetres on the ground and conditions will slowing start to improve after midnight will some flurries and drifting snow. He expects it will be tomorrow morning before it's all said and done.
Earlier today, the Saint John airport had 31 centimetres of snow on the ground where the normal for this time of year is 15 centimetres.
YM-YWCA Announces Award Winners
The Red Triangle award is given to an individual with a long history of community service.
This year's recipient is Dale Knox and he tells CHSJ News it's important for him to use the distinction to be an ambassador for the Y.
The Leader to Watch award going to UNBSJ science student Taryn O'Neill for her youth-related volunteer work.
The awards will be given out at a gala on April 6th. For tickets, call 506 634 4937.
Canadian Taxpayers Federation Agrees With Auditor-General
Kevin Lacey tells CHSJ News the M-L-A's gold plated pension plan is one of the reasons the province finds itself facing a fiscal crisis.
Lacey says the previous Liberal government increased spending from 2006 and 2007 by an unprecedented 1.7 billion dollars, an increase of over 20 per cent, which he calls reckless and unsustainable.
Issue of Bilingualism Arises At Police Meeting
In these times of budget constraints, Chris Waldshutz, who chairs the Police Commission, questions whether the money could be better spent.
The newest member of the Police Commission, Jonathon Franklin, who just retired as publisher of the Telegraph Journal calls this issue "a political minefield" and the rest of the police commission went along with that deciding to let the matter drop.
One member did express surprise if anyone bothered to read the minutes from the police commission in either English or French.
Drunk Driving Victim Pays It Forward
Kaylie O'Dell gives presentations to youth about the consequences of drunk driving.
Her grandfather, Rick McNulty tells CHSJ News Mothers Against Drunk Driving was very supportive in the aftermath of their tragedy. He says they vowed that after the man who was charged and convicted in their case that they would get involved with MADD and try to do something about it.
McNulty is now the Saint John and area chapter president for Madd Canada.
A public service announcement featuring Kaylie O'Dell telling her story is airing on televison in Atlantic Canada. For more information, click here.
Storm Causing Flight Cancellations
A number of flights at the Saint John airport have been canceled today - for the latest flight information go here and scroll down the page for Arrivals and Departures.
Police And Fire Busy With Crashes
Slippery road conditions being blamed for a pickup leaving Highway 7 just before the exit towards Grand Bay-Westfield exit while travelling northbound last night. The fire department telling us four people were trapped inside but were not injured.
Two people were injured and had to be taken on hospital earlier after two vehicles crashed into one another at 330 Rothesay Avenue.
A 45 year old Perth-Andover man, Kenneth Goodine has been identified as the truck driver who died after his transport left the intersection of Highway 3 and Route 127 at Lawrence Station Monday afternoon and wound up in a ditch.
Powdered fertilizer was spilled which prompted an evacuation of the immediate area as a safety precaution.
Two people were injured and had to be taken on hospital earlier after two vehicles crashed into one another at 330 Rothesay Avenue.
A 45 year old Perth-Andover man, Kenneth Goodine has been identified as the truck driver who died after his transport left the intersection of Highway 3 and Route 127 at Lawrence Station Monday afternoon and wound up in a ditch.
Powdered fertilizer was spilled which prompted an evacuation of the immediate area as a safety precaution.
Sea Dogs Cup Rally Goes This Evening
The rally will be filmed and be shown to the selection committee when they arrive in town on February 9th.
Sea Dogs president Wayne Long tells CHSJ News the a lot of work has been down to try to get the cup to Saint John.
The team will also announce the chair of the tournament committee -- Long keeping mum but says it's a well-respected community leader.
The rally gets started at 5:30pm at Brunswick Square.
Police Reach Tentative Deal
That word coming from Police Chief Bill Reid.
If that happens, the Chief says the deal will be presented to the police commission for its approval.
Mall Expansion Gets Green Light
Lawton's already has plans for some of the space with an expansion.
McAllister Place recently finished with millions of dollars worth of renovations.
Saint John To Get Hammered By Groundhog Day Storm
Environment Canada's Andy Firth tells CHSJ News the Saint John region will get something like 30 centimeters accompanied by winds gusting to 50 kilometers an hour.
Firth expects it will taper off in the overnight hours. There will be less snow the further north you get.
Driving conditions were slick and are being blamed for a pickup going off Highway One northbound just before the Grand Bay-Westfield exit and winding up on its side early last night. 4 people were trapped inside. The fire department says they did not sustain any injuries.
Earlier, two vehicles collided with eachother at 330 Rothesay Avenue, injuring two people. They were taken to hospital for treatment.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Council and Enterprise Saint John To Form Economic Task Force
The two will be forming an economic task force to explore what is the best model for economic development for the city.
This comes after heated comments around the council horseshoe with several councillors saying Enterprise Saint John isn't pulling their weight.
Court says it's time to look ahead and put the fighting behind.
It's being recommended that the mayor, several members of council, the Chair of Enterprise Saint John, the Vice-President of UNB Saint John, and others make up the board with a report completed by April 30th.
Coast Guard Plans To Stay In City
A spokesman for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans tells CHSJ News the agency will continue to operate at the current location - at least for now.
The city is purchasing the property in two phases -- and -- the spokesman says the department will eventually call for tenders to lease a facility -- a process that could take up to 15-months to complete.
The Hardman Group is waiting to finalize a deal to begin retail and commercial development at the site as early as later this year.
Conservation Officers Bust Black Market Moose Meat Business
Provincial Natural Resources officers have seized over 15-hundred pounds of moose meat - moose parts - cash - and - various butcher shop equipment.
The bust is the result of an 18-month special investigation by conservation officers.
Don't Leave Pets Outside In Cold Weather
The SPCA Animal Rescue League alerting the public to the dangers of leaving your dog or cat outside in bone-chilling cold or in a storm.
Executive Director Kari Poore tells CHSJ News pet owners should be aware of how long their pet is outside.
She says their fur coat doesn't protect them all the time, watch they don't stand on snow and ice for too long as that can lead to cracked foot pads and bleeding or frostbite. She adds you can buy booties for your pet's feet and creams to heal the cracking.
You can adopt two cats for the price of one this month with a single $50 dollar donation to the Saint John SPCA Rescue League. For more info, click here
We Think We Are Healthy But, We Are Not
She says they want to look at this in a positive way and have people eat more fruits and vegetables, reduce the salt and eat more whole foods and less processed and packaged foods.
A good rule of thumb is that half your dinner plate should be taken up with vegetables and one glass of tomato juice, for instance, accounts for two servings of veggies.
One Man Dies And Highway Closed At Lawrence Station
The highway had to be closed and the area evacuated as a precautionary measure until it was determined how dangerous the chemicals on the truck were.
The people who had to leave their homes were allowed to return last night.
The name of the driver who died has not been released yet.
Sale of Coast Guard Site Complete
City Manager Pat Woods says it's a major step forward for waterfront development.
The city paying 2.8 million dollars for the land, which includes all of the buildings. Work is expected to begin later this year.
Friends of Rockwood Park Happy with Decision
Joan Pearce tells CHSJ News the next step is to have the boundaries of the park legally defined.
She says the current boundaries are very arbitrary and needs to be researched. Until that is done, she adds, the threat of development on park land will always be there.
No Development Along Rockwood Park
Land around University Avenue, the Cherry Brook Zoo, and Sandy Point road being considered for development but council voting not to go ahead with a public hearing on the matter which quashes the project.
Councillor Gary Sullivan says while he's in favour of the project, there has been a lot of public outcry against it.
However, Councillor Chris Titus says a public hearing is the most democratic process and making decisons based on public emails is a disservice to the institution of council.
Titus and Councillor McGuire voting against shelving the public meeting.
Monday, January 31, 2011
A Sweet Visit To St.Stephen
The Chocolate Museum offers groups tour all year round and open for the season on March 1st.
Manager Sarah Goulding tells CHSJ News when you come in you are greeting by a tray of chocolate.
Goulding says the Ganong Brothers have several firsts to their credit including creating the first chocolate bar and the first heart-shaped box which was put for Christmas not Valentine's Day.
For more info,go to www.chocolatemuseum.ca
Man Faces Charges For Driving While Drinking And Suspended
A 27 year old man from Apohaqui was arguing with two women outside the truck.
The man failed the Breathalyzer blowing over twice the legal limit. Police later learning he was also suspended from driving.
He was held until he was sober and is due in court at a later date.
Deadline Approaching To File For Disaster Assistance
All completed application forms must sent to the Provincial Emergency Measures Organization to apply for financial assistance.
Over 1,700 people have registered their damages with all properties being inspected. Of the 400 people submitting their applications for financial assistance, about one-third of the claims have been settled.
Adjusters continue to assess damages and examine claims and the provincial government is asking for patience as this process takes time.
If you need help completing the forms, call the Emergency Measures Organization at 1-800-561-4034.
Common Councillor Comes Out In Support Of Redeveloping Part Of Lower West Side
Common Councillor Chris Titus grew up there and says the fundamentals are in place for redevelopment with the squares, the ball field and the Carleton Community Centre with a playground already there so the city doesn't have to start from scratch.
The plans also would see new sidewalks. Titus says there is potential to attract new people to the neighbourhood.
City Police Investigate Shots Being Fired
They arrested a man and woman. The man remains behind bars awaiting an appearance in court later today on a firearms charge.
Early this morning, police seized another firearm from a vehicle in the same section of the city that had been stopped for a breathalyser.
Mayor Plans To Seek Another Term
Even though it's some time off yet, Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News he plans to seek another term when the next municipal election rolls around.
While acknowledging not everyone will agrees with the decisions he has made, Court says Saint John has to move forward or else this will be an old city for a long time.
He believes this will be a good year despite budgets being under pressure both for Saint John and the provincial government.
His optimism is based, in part, on the number of inquiries being received by his office from businesses wanting to set up shop in the city.
Enterprise Saint John Says Raise For G-M Was Justified
Tony Goguen, who chairs Enterprise Saint John, tells CHSJ News that raise was in the works for sometime even though the optics were bad.
Goguen says Carson had not undergone an external salary review for 17 years and it was determined by an independent human resources consultant that he was being underpaid for the job he was doing.
Goguen does admit, in hundsight, Council should have been part of those discussions before the decision was made.
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