Premier Expresses Condolences To Oland Family

Premier Alward is expressing his condolences to the Oland family on the death of Dick Oland.

In a statement - Alward says Oland's contributions to his community and the province were as generous as they were significant.

The Premier says Oland will always be remembered with deep respect by the people of Greater Saint John and the entire province.

Historic Final Shuttle Launch

Video Courtesy of NASA TV

Announcement Tenatively Planned By Police Regarding Oland's Death

The Chief of Police may be making an announcement Monday regarding the death of prominent local business man Dick Oland -- that from Sgt. Glen Hayward with the Saint John Police Force.

Hayward tells CHSJ News it depends on how the investigation shapes up over the weekend and what information they can release to the public.

The body of the 69 year old was found yesterday morning in his Canterbury Street office.

Police have deemed the death suspicious and have been seen canvassing the office and surrounding area today.

Former Group Member Shocked by CRRD Support For Shale Gas

A former member of the Citizens for Responsible Resource Development says the group's recent support of the shale gas industry is a shocker.

Otty Forgrave tells CHSJ News the CRRD's change of heart is a minority opinion.

He says most community groups still want a moratorium on shale gas development because things are moving too quickly.

Salty Jam 2011 Continues This Weekend

Live music fans in Saint John are happy campeers as the 2011 edition of Salty Jam continues.
Last night, Country star Rosanne Cash kicked things off and tonight, it's the Jam Stampede-a dance band from New York City.
Organizer Renea Sleep tells CHSJ News tomorrow night features the legendary Downchild Blues Band in the Water street tent.
Tomorrow's events include a Songwriter's Circle on the Boardwalk hosted by Mike Bigger and high school bands all day in the King Square tent. For all things Salty Jam click here.

BOT Expresses Grief And Shock Over Dick Oland's Death

The impact of Dick Oland's death being felt in all corners of the City.

Saint John Board of Trade President Imelda Gilman tells CHSJ News Oland was a long time member.

She says she didn't know him well but, she knew of him through his business reputation in the community over many years.
Gilman says when he left Moosehead, he started several companies including Brookville Transport and Manufacturing.


She says most recently the Board of Trade was dealing with Oland and his investment company Far End Corporation.

New Bike Lane Opens

 Those looking to get their biking fix will have a new place to do so -- the city is opening a new bike lane between Chesley Drive and Union Street along Main Street today.

City spokesperson Tim O'Reilly tells CHSJ News the lane is to make up for the temporary closure of Harbour Passage due to construction work on the Harbour Bridge.

He adds the lane will be open until construction is complete or October at the latest.






There is also a new traffic light for cyclists at the intersection of Main and Simonds Street in order to let them through.

No Change Locally But More Are Job-Hunting Provincially

 The Canadian economy created 28,000 jobs in June, the third consecutive month of growth.  Statistics Canada says the country's unemployment rate held steady last month at 7.4 per cent as the number of people entering the workforce increased.

The jobless rate in Saint John is unchanged from May to June while it's up across the province from 9.5 per cent in May to 9.6 per cent last month.
 



Increases in the public and private sectors were offset by fewer people who were self employed. The gains were led by the transportation and warehousing sector which saw a gain of 15,000 jobs.

Prominent City Businessman Dies

Saint John Police identifying the body found at 52 Canterbury Street yesterday morning as that of Richard "Dick" Oland.
The 69 year old's body was discovered in an office around 9 yesterday morning.

Police consider his death suspicious.

Oland was a prominent City businessman who was instrumental in bringing the 1985 Canada Summer Games to the city.


His family owns Moosehead Breweries, but he left the company in the 80s.
Oland became a competitive sailor participating in races around the world.

He was also key to bringing the New Brunswick Museum to Market Square.

Body Found In Canterbury Street Building

Police discovering the body of man at 52 Canterbury Street.

The body being found at 9:30 this morning and was removed around 2:30 this afternoon

Staff Sgt. Mike King would not say whether the death was suspicious in nature but family members have been notified.

The body was taken to the Regional Hospital for examination.

Parents Says Expansion Will Be More Than Enough For Student Needs

John Oxley is with the Parent Action Group that worked with the province on securing the project.

He tells CHSJ News while a new school would have been nice, the renovations will be more than enough for the students.
 
He says it's also a great day for the taxpayer as they were able to get what was needed at more than half the cost.

Upgrades announced for K-Park Elementary School

A new school isn't coming to Kennebecasis Park but the existing elementary school will be getting 5-million dollars worth of upgrades.

Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney making the announcement and she tells CHSJ News the community deserves a lot of credit for helping the province figure out how to make the project affordable when the new school was put on hold. 

The expansion will eliminate the modular classrooms as well the addition of a new gym and greenspace.

Work will begin this fall and is expected to be completed by September of 2012.

Dough For Donuts

A Sussex donut maker is rolling in the dough thanks to an investment from the federal government.

Mrs. Dunster's getting 190 thousand dollars for a new freezer system that will allow them to expand their market to New England.



George MacPhee with the company says expansion was limited before the investment, but now they'll be able to produce frozen donut products and other bakery items that can be distributed in the U.S.

Man Found Dead On Canterbury Street

Lots of police activity at the corner of Canterbury street today between Grannan Lane and Princess Street.

City police confirm one man was found dead at the scene when the call came in about 9:30 this morning.


Police will not say if the cause of death if suspicious but, they do tell CHSJ News that the man's family has been notified.
The body was removed from a building at 52 Canterbury street about 2:30 this afternoon.

GPS Technology Tracking Your Bus

Catching a lift on public transit will be a lot easier for Saint John commuters now that city buses are equipped with new satellite GPS technology.

Harald Fritz with Webtech Wireless tells CHSJ news the GPS tracks the bus every 50 meters, giving you an update almost every 10 seconds on where your bus is and how soon it will reach you.

He says people won't need to stand at the curb in the heat or the cold anymore waiting for the bus, they can just go online or use their smart phones to see exactly when the bus is coming.

Fritz says Saint John joins 80 other transit agencies using the technology across North America, including Washington, Toronto and San Fransisco.

To try out the new technology go to http://www.nextbus.com/predictor/stopSelector.jsp?a=stjohn

MacFarlane Also Supports Reducing Council

Another former Mayor of Saint John thinks reducing the number of councillors around the horseshoe is the right thing to do.
Norm MacFarlane says he thinks it could result in more savings than the estimated $500,000 over 4 years.
He tells CHSJ News he thinks council could accomplish more with fewer ten people around the table.

He says often it the same thing coming from each councillor because they want to have their say and they should but he feels with fewer councillors they could get more done in a shorter period of time.   MacFarlane says it would result in shorter meetings and be helpful for city staff with fewer people to distribute information to.

Resident Loves Living In New Complex

Brenda Burke has been living at Queen Court since February.


She tells CHSJ News it's been a great experience saying you can't ask for better staff and the building itself is more accessible.
She says everyone deserves a chance to better themselves and the building will alow peple to do that.

Queen Court Officially Opens

The ribbon is now officially cut on Queen Court, a fifty-one unit apartment complex in the South End for low income individuals and people with disabilities.

Saint John MP Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News affordable housing is one of his key commitments to the city.

Weston says this city has a huge challenge but projects like this signify a step forward.
The building was completed in February and cost 4.8 million dollars.

Atlanticade Festival Begins In St. Andrew's

Lets Rumble! Those words from St. Andrews Mayor John Craig as he welcomed everyone to Atlanticade 2011. The biggest motorcycle event in the province began last night in the town.  The Mayor says St. Andrews has to continue to hold events to get people off the highway and into the communities.


He says that's why they have to think outside the box and bring the events to the area and make sure they stay in the community.  Atlanticade runs till Sunday in St. Andrews.
For more info, click here

Filling Up Is More Expensive This Morning

Gas is a little more expensive this morning.
Regular self-serve is up to 125. 7 a litre but selling around town for 123.1 a litre at some pumps.

To fill up with diesel will cost you more too, it's up to 129.2 but available in the city for 124.4 a litre.
The cost of propane is down a tiny bit to 114.1

Group Halts Call For Moratorium On Natural Gas Exploration

In a move of good faith, the Citizens for Responsible Resource Development have removed their call for a moratorium on natural gas exploration now that the province has promised to implement new rules and regulations. President Bethany Thorne-Dykstra tells CHSJ News the province agreed to a number of important rules, including a measure that would see the industry pay if anything goes wrong, rather than homeowners. She says they don't feel the need to lobby anymore now that the government has promised to make good on the regulations.


Thorne-Dykstra adds they think it's fair to work with them and their position will be to be at the table and have more input on what they will look like.
She says they're just volunteers, and it's nice to see that the government is listening after 5 months of hard work.

Former Mayor Supports Cuts To Council Size

Former Mayor Shirley McAlary thinks the city could manage very well with just six councillors and a mayor.

The idea being raised by Councillor Chris Titus this week to cut up to four council seats in order to save money.

McAlary tells CHSJ News there are larger cities than Saint John that operate with only six councillors and they make out just fine.

She says the cuts would probably save the city money, but it's also a good idea because it would make council more efficient.

McAlary says it would take less time to make decisions if there were only six people who needed to have their say.

Liberal MLA Says Grand Manan Home Should Be Priority

Liberal MLA Rick Doucet says despite the good news that two nursing homes in Northern New Brunswick are being replaced and another is getting more beds, building a new facility in Grand Manan should have been a top priority -- especially in the wake of eight people being transferred out due to mold problems.

He wonders how the province's validation process works given the lack of progress and suggests the 11 homes slated for revamps during the Liberal's mandate should be immediately honoured.

He adds families now have to face numerous hardships like seeing their loved ones leave the island and enduring numerous ferry trips to visit them.

NB Power Says Underground Power Lines Not An Option

NB Power says building an underground transmission line would be too costly despite complaints from West Side residents that power poles along the Fundy Coast will devalue their property and ruin their view.

The poles are being put up to power a metal shredding business at the port and residents want them underground.

NB Power spokesperson Melissa Morton tells CHSJ News underground power is seven times more expensive to install and other problems could arise like limited access to the lines during the outage.

Morton says they are currently trying to address concerns, such as installing grey poles to blend into the skyline and to position them in such a way that will not affect the view.

More Tickets Handed Out To Lead-Foot Drivers Construction Zones

The RCMP's ticket book getting a good workout: 45 speeding tickets being handed out during a traffic blitz on Highway 1 in the Norton area.

The RCMP were on the lookout for NASCAR wannabe's in construction zones.

A similar operation was held last week in Charlotte County, where 61 people got tagged, including a driver who got zapped for 600 dollars.

The fines for speeding through a construction zone in the province are doubled and RCMP will be conducting similar checks throughout the summer.

Police Put Death Threat Scam To Rest

City police want to warn you about a killer scam.

Sergeant Glenn Hayward says there's an online scam circulating the area and you might receive and e-mail where the writer claims to be an assassin hired to kill you.

The scammer gives the option of sending money to prevent your own murder.



Police say if you receive an email that contains personal information about you, to contact the police.
 
For more information, follow this link.

New Brunswickers Being Encouraged To Join Cancer Study

The provincial government is encouraging all New Brunswickers to be part of the largest cancer study ever undertaken in Atlantic Canada.
Health Minister Madeleine Dubé says it will lead to a better understanding of the factors that contribute to cancer and help them with strategies to reduce the burden of cancer in the province.
 
The Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow's Health is investigating how genetics, the environment, lifestyle, and behaviour contribute to the development of cancer.
You can take part in the study by calling 1-877-285-7284 or click here

Cormier Convicted

 A jury convicting 63-year-old Romeo Cormier of abducting a 55-year-old Moncton woman last year and keeping her prisoner for 26 days.

 Cormier pleaded not guilty to kidnapping, forcible confinement, sexual assault, assault with a weapon, robbery and uttering death threats.    But a jury convicted him of all six charges.
   
Cormier was arrested last March after a woman said she was abducted by him at knifepoint outside the Moncton mall where she worked.     She said she was held against her will in his one-room basement apartment for 26 days.    Cormier testified in his defence, saying the woman was an acquaintance who wanted to be with him and plotted with him to kill her husband.

His Sentence Doesn't Ease Mother's Pain

Kylee's mom, Raylene Wallace, taking the time to remember her daughter as a special, talented young woman who had dreams to graduate and go on to university. Wallace says the 2 and a half year sentence could never add up to the devastation her family's been through.

She says it's good to have this part behind them but, without Kylee it will never be over for them.

Wallace sobbing through her victim impact statement as she told the court about the night of the accident. She says she can't get the image out of her head of her daughter stuck under that car, and how scared she must have been.

Two And A Half Years In Federal Prison For Pike

20-year-old Nicholas Pike will spend two and a half years in a federal penitentiary for his involvement in a car accident on Hillcrest Road that claimed the life of 15-year-old Kylee Wallace last June.

Pike found guilty of dangerous driving causing death after the car he was driving rolled over a steep embankment. Wallace died when she was thrown from the back of the car and pinned underneath the vehicle.

Reports say Pike was driving a minimum of 80 kilometres an hour when the car left the road, despite a speed limit of 50. The judge says he was also ignoring the weather conditions, which were wet and foggy.

Saint Johner Makes Top 22 On Reality Dance Show

A Saint Johner has made it into the top 22 on the dance competition show--"So You Think You Can Dance Canada".

Matt Marr is 20 and graduated from K.V High and he has performed with Dancibility and Kidsing.
He's been living in Toronto and has also performed in some music videos.

Pike Gets Over Two Years For Crash

20 year old Nicholas Pike sentenced to two and a half years in a federal penitentiary for his involvement in the death of 15 year old Kylee Wallace.

Pike earlier pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death in a crash back in June of last year. He was driving a car with five teenage passengers, none of whom were wearing seat belts, when it rolled over a steep embankment on Hillcrest Road.

Kyle Wallace died after being thrown from the back of the car and getting pinned underneath the vehicle.

Reports say the minimum speed the vehicle was going when it left the road was 80 kilometers an hour, despite a speed limit of 50. The judge says Pike was driving in complete disregard of the weather conditions, which were wet and foggy.

MLA's Apologize For Suggesting Seperate Languages Are Too Costly

Both Saint John East MLA Glen Tait and Petticodiac MLA Sherry Wilson getting out the apology stationary for comments made during a meeting last week with the Official Languages Commissioner.

The MLA's apologizing in a joint statement for suggesting that separate English and French services were becoming too much of a financial burden.

The letter also apologizes to Premier David Alward as he openly disagreed with their statements.

A call was made by CHSJ News for comment from either Tait or Wilson but a Tory spokesperson said they would not be speaking to the media.

New ACOA Minister Visits In Town

The new ACOA Minister Bernard Valcourt in Saint John to hear the concerns of local business owners.  Valcourt is newly elected to the federal government after serving in the Mulroney cabinet in the 80's.  He says the concerns heard up north are the same around here, which includes the loss of skilled youth from the province.

In response to a CHSJ News question, Valcourt says he will support his colleague Rodney Weston in his efforts to find federal funding for safe drinking water.

City Pursues 3P Money For Clean Water

Council signing off on a submission to try to obtain public-private partnership funding for their 172 million dollar water treatment facility.

Mayor Ivan Court says the city will pursue all funding options.

He add if 3P funding does come through, which would only pay for 25 percent of the costs, he says Saint John will always own their own water and the plant will be operated by Saint John Water employees.

The city, MP Rodney Weston, and MLA’s will also be meeting every month to move things forward as all three levels have agreed to make clean drinking water the city’s top priority.

Councillors Look Into Eliminating Several Council Seats

As the city looks for every way to save money, council is turning the microscope on itself in order to save cash.

Council will be looking into slashing down the number of councillors around the horseshoe by as many as four, which would leave six councillors and the mayor.

Councillor Chris Titus making the proposal and he says if four seats were cut, that would easily save over half a million dollars in the course of a single mandate.

Council will look into the finer details in the coming weeks, such as how many council seats to cut or whether to get rid of the at-large positions.

New Gear Will Reduce Benezene In Gasoline

After 2 years of work and half a million man-hours, a new piece of gear is now operational at Irving Oil Refinery that will reduce benzene in gasoline.

The unit will make the gas compliant with new U.S. regulations.

The dehexanizer is 20 stories high and cost 100-million dollars.

North End Stabbing Sends Two To Hospital

City police arresting a man in his 30's after a supper-hour stabbing in the North end.

Police getting the call around 6:30 last night and the incident sending two men to hospital with injuries.
They were both treated and released.

The man arrested will be before a judge this morning.

Pike Sentencing Comes Down Today

20 year old Nicholas Pike will be sentenced today for his involvement in the death of 15 year old Kylee Wallace.     Wallace was killed last June when a car driven by Pike and filled with teens went rolling over a steep embankment on Hillcrest Road.

Wallace was ejected from the vehicle and got pinned beneath it.
Pike has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death.
He also faces a charge of impaired driving causing death but has yet to enter a plea.

Nearly Four Hours And No Decision From Council On New Pit

Despite nearly 4 hours of talk in council chambers over a proposed gravel pit near Latimore Lake Road, council deciding to put themselves rather than the issue to bed.
Council deciding to table the issue for two weeks in order to clarify certain parts of the proposal and will make a decision at the next meeting.

Odette McGrath of Lackie Road was one of several people who spoke out against the development. She tells CHSJ News she can't believe a final decision was not made.
She says they attended a community meeting and stayed past 11:30pm last night and the elderly members of her community can't sit that long.
She says even if the decision didn't go in her favour, she would have rather known now then wait another two weeks for a final answer.

West Side Group Dislikes NB Power's Plan For The Bay

NB Power's plans to build a transmission line along the Bay of Fundy Coastline on the city's west side is being met some resistance.
Residents living along coast say the power lines will ruin the view, cause noise, and devalue their property.
Wendy Cyr is with Save the West Side Coastline and she says a lot of people will be affected by project.   She says these power lines will border their 60 homes on the west side directly and hundreds more indirectly.

The lines are being built in order to power the metal shredding facility being built at the port.  The community group asking council for help in the matter but they refused to comment on the matter until it's determined who owns the land the lines are being built on: the city or NB Power.

Foundation Director Steps Down After 11 Years

After an 11 year run as the Executive Director of the Greater Saint John Community Foundation, Jane Barry is stepping down.

Barry tells CHSJ News when she first started working with the Foundation she was unaware of just how many volunteer organizations existed in the city.

Barry says the Foundation's board will begin looking for her replacement within the next week, and they're hoping to have as many good, qualified candidates step forward as possible.

Barry says she'll be there to help in whatever way she's needed, but knows other people will bring their skills and talents to the table.

Dog Shot After Biting Man And Boy

The SPCA and city by-law officer are investigating after two people were bitten by a dog in the North End.

City police tell CHSJ News there were three dogs, one of which was shot at the scene.

A 10-year-old boy was taken to hospital after one of the dogs bit his arm. A dog also biting the pants of a 38-year-old man, but missed his skin.

Police say the dogs were Kane-corsos.

Police say the city by-law officer will investigate and decide whether or not charges will be laid.

Police Investigate After Two People Bitten By A Dog In The North End

City police currently investigation an incident where two people have been bitten by a dog in the North end.

Police were looking for three dogs, described as a pitbull-type breed, the extent of the injuries is not known.

One of the dogs has been put down.

City Working On Main Street Bike Lane

The City is installing a bike lane in the left-hand eastbound lane of Main Street this week.
It will be set up between Chesley Drive and Union Street.

The eastbound side of Main Street will be reduced to two lanes for the duration of the temporary bike lane which will be open until Harbour Passage reopens in the fall.

The speed limit on Main Street will be reduced to 50 kilometres an hour there will not be a left turn from Main Street to Portland Street when travelling from Union street.

You can access Portland and Hilyard Street from Simonds street.
More information will be made available this week.
You can call municipal operations to find at more at 658-4455.

Funding Sought For Safe Drinking Water

All three levels of government sitting down at the same table for the first time to discuss safe clean drinking water. 

MP Rodney Weston meeting with Mayor Ivan Court and MLA Trevor Holder today to look at all the possible funding options for the 172 million dollar project. 

Weston says one option is a public-private partnership, nicknamed "3P" for short.


Weston says there's a long line of cities looking for the traditional form of funding, where the cost is split between three levels of government, so every option has to be examined.


The project, which includes the construction of a water treatment facility near the Little River Reservoir, is meant to take place over four years and be completed by 2015, but Weston says the timeline will ultimately depend on the funding program.

Current Water Is Safe

You may be asking, if the city needs funding to provide safe, clean drinking water, what are we drinking now?

Mayor Ivan Court says the city's water is currently safe, but they can't guarantee a boil water order won't take place so a filtration centre is needed.

Court says the water regulations are changing, and in order to meet the new standards, the city needs a water treatment centre.

NBYO Wins International Competition In Austria

The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra winning 1st place in the Summa Cum Laude International Festival and Competition in Vienna, Austria.

They are the only Canadian orchestra to ever receive this distinction.

The orchestra is representing both the province and the country and will perform in the Gala Awards Ceremony of the festival on Tuesday night.

Sailboat Rescues Seven People From Boat Fire

Fire crews also responding to a boat on fire near Ragged Point just after 4pm where seven people on a 45-foot power boat were rescued by a passing sailboat. No one was hurt.

The boat was fully engulfed when the Saint John fire department water rescue boat arrived on scene. The vessel is a total loss and the cause is under investigation.

West Side Fire Leaves One Person Homeless

A 2-alarm fire at 204 Ludlow Street in the West Side leaving one person homeless. District Chief Gerry Morris says heavy, black smoke was seen coming from the 2-storey apartment building at 2:30 Sunday afternoon, but the building's sole occupant was not at home when the flames broke out. Morris says the fire appeared to have started in the rear of the building and quickly spread to the roof.

Morris says he had to pull crews out of the building at one point in anticipation of the roof collapsing. The vinyl siding of a home on the left melted under the fire's intense heat.

Crews spent more than 5 hours on the scene and fire investigators are now trying to determine the cause of the blaze.

Politicians Set To Make Water Announcement

Politicians from all three levels of government talking about the future of water at Rodney Weston's office this morning.

Mayor Court, Tourism Minister Trevor Holder, MLA Glen Tait and Councillor Mel Norton will join Weston for what is described a meeting to discuss the long-term of safe clean drinking water for Saint John.

It gets underway at 11am this morning.

Titus Calls For Fewer Councillers

Councillor Chris Titus wants to save the city money by reducing the number of councillors by four.

Titus says the city should work to "do more with less" and will ask council to look into the cut at tonight's council meeting. For the change to take place, a by-law would have to be passed at least 6 months before the next municipal election, scheduled for May 2012.