Jack Layton Named Newsmaker of the Year

Jack Layton has been named Canada's Newsmaker of the Year--by a long shot. The late NDP leader receiving the accolade by one of the largest margins in the 65-year history of the Canadian Press poll at 90 per cent.  

Canadian Press Ottawa correspondent Stephanie Levitz tells CHSJ that Layton's landslide in the poll didn't come as a surprise to people in the media, since he was unequivocally the person who consistently made the most headlines nationwide.

Layton, who died of cancer in August, has been credited with leading the NDP to the most successful result in the party's history, winning 103 seats, enough to form Canada's Official Opposition.

Spread Out Holiday Cheer, Advises Counsellor

Now that Christmas is over, it's normal to feel a little let down. The post holiday blues are a common phenomena, says Judy Urqhart of Gentle Path Counseling. She tells CHSJ news that people should try to spread out their holiday cheer and this of Christmas as a season--not just one day.

Planning activities throughout the long cold months can help you beat the post-holiday let-down. Seeking the support of faith communities, family and friends is also important to feeling good all winter long.

Gentle Path offers counseling at locations in Saint John and Hampton Road.

Fire on Waterloo Street

A fire early this morning on Waterloo Street.

Saint John fire department responding to the call shortly after one o'clock. The blaze starting in the basement of the three-storey wood building--fire crews worked to make sure it didn't spread into the adjoining home.

The two people living there have been displaced. No one was home at the time of the fire.

Vigil For Scott Taylor Held in Loyalist Plaza

Family, friends and supporters of Scott Taylor gathering for a vigil at Loyalist Plaza. About 20 people lit candles and hoped for the safe return of the 23 year old Rothesay man.

Sharon Bradley-Munn, a relative of Scott Taylor, tells CHSJ news that the family is keeping the faith and hoping that the young man will come home.

Taylor, who hasn't been seen since December 2nd, was acquitted in 2008 of second degree murder after a robbery attempt at his home. Bradley-Munn states that she believes there could be a connection.

Bank Robbery in the North End

A robbery taking place at the ScotiaBank on Main Street North.

According to early reports, a man with a bag over his head walked into the bank around 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, showed a teller a note, and made off with some money.

Police were searching the area for the suspect.

No one was hurt.

Murder Suspect Found

The Saint John Police force got their man.

The police arresting 50-year-old Stephen Wallace Martin in the city's uptown yesterday. There had been a Canada-wide warrant issued for Martin in connection with the death of Robert Ryan.

Ryan's body was found earlier this week in a fire on Mount Pleasant Avenue.

Martin remains in police custody.

Bank Robbery In North End

Police investigating a robbery at the Scotia Bank on Main Street North.

According to early reports, a man walked into the bank around 4 o'clock, showed a teller a note, and made off with some money.

There are also reports that he wore a bag over his head.

Police are combing the area for the suspect and police have shut down Harbour Passage.

No one was hurt.

House Fire on Glen Road

Fire crews knocking down a house fire at 203 Glen Road earlier this afternoon.

The call coming in around 1:30pm.

There is some damage to the first floor and the owner is being assisted by the Red Cross for a place to stay.

Dogs were in the house but none were hurt.

No word yet on a cause and no reports of injuries.

Reduced Bus Access For Methadone Patients Will Cost Us More In the Long Run

Julie Dingwell with AIDS Saint John says the province will have a high price to pay for reducing bus access for patients getting methadone treatment.

Bus passes used to get to clinics will now only be good for 18 months.

Dingwell tells CHSJ News it was a cost saving measure by the province but it will cost us more in the long run because treatment will be curtailed and patients will relapse.

She says it's about 5-thousand dollars a year to treat someone at the clinic while an untreated person could cost us 45-thousand dollars in healthcare and legal costs.

She adds someone kicking their drug habit after only 18 months of treatment is very unlikely.

Many Struggle Emotionally Over The Holidays

If you're feeling blue around the holidays, don't feel like you're the only one. Especially for people who have lost loved ones, Christmas is hardly the most wonderful time of year. With all the pressure leading up to the season and constant hype on TV and in the malls, the actual day can be a downer for some people.

Judy Urqhart, the director of Gentle Path Counselling, says you shouldn't be afraid to lean on other people if you're feeling depressed.

She says the people she sees who do well are connected to a faith community and that have the support of family and friends.

If you don't have those resources, Urqhart recommends plenty of activities out of the house, exercise, and spreading out fun activities throughout the winter months.

Sussex Robber User Spray Can As A Weapon

Dairytown RCMP looking for a robber that used a can of aerosol spray as a weapon at a gas station.

About 4:15 yesterday afternoon a man came into the the Petro-Canada gas station on Main Street in Sussex demanding money.

He used the aerosol can as a weapon and left with some money but no one was hurt.

The man left in a dark coloured car.  He is described as about 5 foot 10, slim with short brown hair, a moustache and a scruffy beard.  He was wearing jeans and a blue or grey hooded shirt.

If you have any info, contact RCMP at 506-832-5566 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Watermain Break Leaves Tenants Without Water

With all the things you have to do today, imagine how not having any water would complicate your life.
That's the case for the tenants at the highrise apartment building at 411 Ellerdale Street in East Saint John.

A watermain break was discovered late yesterday afternoon behind the building and the water had to be shut off to the entire building.
A caller to our newsroom telling CHSJ News she was concerned about the tenants which include a lot of seniors not having any water two days before Christmas.

A spokesperson for the building's owner Greenwin Inc. tells us the location of the watermain break was located this morning and the contractor tells them the work should be completed by the end of day.

Police Urge Caution On Saint John Streets

Saint John Police are warning the roads are extremely slippery today.


A few centimetres of snow and temperatures hovering around the freezing mark leading to several fender-benders in the last hour.

Police are urging caution to motorists today and asking them to slow down in slippery conditions.

Fresh Snow Making For A Slick Drive

Be careful out there.    Some freshly falling snow creating greasy roads in Saint John and the outskirts.

Crown street is backed up as the transports are spinning their wheels.

Road warriors letting us know it's slippery on the Foster Thurston road also slick on the Kierstead road over west and in parts of the KV.

Up to 7 centimetres of snow will be on the ground before its end overnight.

Liberals Blast Alward Government For Cuts To Methadone Patients

Cuts to bus passes for methadone patients could lead to some serious consequences -- that from Social Development critic Bernard LeBlanc.

The Alward government making changes to bus passes used by patients so they can reach treatment centres  -- they will now only have access to the pass for 18 months rather than the duration of the treatment.  Those already pass the 18 month mark will see their pass expire after May 1st.

LeBlanc says reducing access to transportation could do serious harm to the course of their treatment and the province is attacking vulnerable New Brunswickers.

Death In North End Fire Now A Homicide Case

City police ruling the body found at the fire at 374 Mount Pleasant Avenue North on Tuesday as a homicide victim.

70 year old Robert Ryan was killed but police have not released the cause of death.

A Canada-wide warrant has been released for 50 year old Stephen Wallace Martin.  He is described as 6 foot 2 inches tall and 170 pounds with short salt and pepper hair and glasses.  He is considered armed and dangerous.

You are being asked to call city police or Crimestoppers if you have any information and the numbers are 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Kids Sell Duct Tape Wallets for Classmate with Leukemia

A tale of heartwarming generosity from some kids at Island View School.



Principal Mark Blucher tells CHSJ that Matthew and Thomas Watson, age 8, started the idea of selling handmade duct tape wallets to help a friend in need. All the proceeds from the wallets go to a classmate diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia.

The wallets come in a range of cool colours and styles, from leopard print and camo to traditional silver duct tape. So far the kids have raised several hundred dollars. They're even talking about expanding the pint-sized business to sell them outside of the school.

Vigil To Be Held For Missing Rothesay Man

The friends and family of Scott Taylor holding a vigil for the missing Rothesay man tomorrow night in Loyalist Plaza.

Supporters are invited to bring candles and make posters.

23-year-old Taylor hasn't been seen since December 2nd. Police looking for tips about the Taylor's 2004 light green Cadillac SRX--if you saw that vehicle between December 2nd and 5th, contact police or Crimestoppers.

The vigil takes place at 6:30.

Rothesay and Quispamsis Say No To Congestion Tax

The idea of a congestion tax charged to residents of Rothesay and other out-of-towners who drive into Saint John for work going over like a lead balloon with Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop.

The idea was recently brought up by Councillor Donnie Snook and Bishop tells CHSJ News it's not Rothesay's responsibility to help Saint John with it's budget woes bu he wishes the city the best of luck.

He says one problem the city has is the new bus garage and it's hefty property tax.

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll also gives a big thumbs down to the congestion tax.

Provincial Summer Job Applications Now Available

Even though it's the holiday season, the province is already looking ahead to the summer months.

Applications are now available for students looking for summer jobs with the provincial government. 

The provincially funded program provides summer jobs in government department and agencies, municipal and First Nation offices, and non-profit agencies. 

Also, students looking to start a summer business can obtain an interest free loan of up to 3-thousand dollars.

To find out where applications are or for more information, click here.

District 17 Schools Closed Today

All schools in Distric 17 are closed today due to icy road conditions.

Loss Of Local Produce Outlet Unfortunate

The loss of On the Vine in Rothesay will leave a hole in a busy commercial sector of the town -- that from the President of the Kennebecasis Valley Chamber of Commerce.

President Camille Bordage tells CHSJ News the business was in a prominent structure and having it empty is a shame.  

He would like to see a restaurant or office space take over the building and finds it unlikely that another produce outlet would take up shop there.
 
He says he has already seen customers pull into the parking lot and leave disappointed when they realize it has closed down.

NB Must Put an End to Corporate Welfare

An end to corporate welfare and lowered taxes--that's the recommendation of Kevin Lacey, the Atlantic director of the Canadian Taxpayer's Federation. These comments as the New Brunswick legislature wraps up a fall session largely devoted to curbing spending.

Lacey says that the province needs to stop shelling out millions to failing businesses: Miramichi-based Atcon, which folded last year, being a prime example.

He fears that the Alward government will raise taxes in 2012, despite saying that wouldn't happen. Lacey also criticizes the government for increasing spending by 1.7 billion dollars since 2006-2007--a bigger increase than at any other time in the province's history.

The government released a capital budget that limits new spending to just 24 million dollars.

Gas Prices Slip Slightly

You might call it an early Christmas gift.    The price of gas is down after the weekly setting.

Regular self-serve is down to 121.9 and still selling around town for 119.2 a litre.

Diesel is cheaper too at 134.5 and available in the city for 131.9 at one pump.

Furnace oil is going for 113.2 a litre while propane is slighty more at 113.6

Police Looking for Information on Missing Man's Vehicle

Do you remember seeing a light green 2004 Cadillac SRX between December 2nd and 5th? If so, Rothesay Police want you to let them know. The vehicle belongs to missing Rothesay man Scott Taylor-- and it might offer some clues as to his whereabouts.

The license plate of the crossover SUV is GTZ 331. It would likely have been seen on the East Side. It was found on Ellerdale Street--without any sign of Taylor.

Taylor, 23, has not been seen since the morning of December 2nd. He was acquitted in 2008 of second degree murder after a botched robbery attempt at his apartment.

Christmas Tree Sales A Little Slow

A little slow--that's what Christmas tree retailer Laura Folkins says about the retail side of business this year. She and her husband Raymond operate L&R Evergreens outside of Sussex.

She says the lack of snow on the ground has not been a huge factor: older people tend to get artificial trees these days but people in rural areas tend to just go out and do it the old fashioned way.
 
Folkins says business has been good on both the wholesale and retail side of things and their numbers are similar to what they've had in the past. 

She adds as artificial trees become more and more popular, the number of people looking for real evergreens has gone down over the years.

Grand Lake Reverend Looking To Help Attawapiskat

A Grand Lake woman with ties to Attawapiskat says she wants to go back to help the people there.

Reverend Marie Martin tells CHSJ News she spent time in the community a few years ago as a motivational speaker and she tells CHSJ News more work needs to be done.

She says the people in the community need to be taught they are good people and can move forward through dark times.


She adds the plight they are going through can have a huge effect on morale and health and she is looking into ways of getting out there.

Attawapiskat declared a state of emergency in the fall over a lack of suitable housing.

Saint John MP Suggests Pension Fund Should Be Invested In Water Utility

Saint John MP Rodney Weston says the two major issues facing the city in 2012 -- the pension deficit and finding funding for drinking water infrastructure -- could be solved together.

Weston tells CHSJ News the pension fund could be invested in the water utility which would create a stable rate of return.

He says he floated the idea to the Mayor back in 2008 but he was not too receptive to the idea.

Weston adds such a move will also give security to those who fear that control of city's water will be lost in a public-private partnership.

A Green Christmas Is Likely This Year

Saint John will more likely have a wet Christmas that a white one.
Weather Network meterologist Patrick Cool says it's not very snowy across the country and hard to say if it will be green or white on Sunday.

He says it's a tough call this year with not enough snow on the ground in Saint John right now.
 
He says a perfect white Christmas must include at least two centimetres on the ground with snow falling on Christmas day. 

Cool says the southern prairies will be green but the northern prairies will be white along with parts of Nova Scotia and Northern Ontario.

One Person Dies In North End Fire

Just days before Christmas, one person is dead after a City house fire.

The man was found inside a home at 374 Mount Pleasant Avenue north.

The fire call came just after 1pm yesterday when neighbours could see black smoke coming from the home.

Police and fire officials are still looking into the cause.
City fire crews also working with staff at Irving Tissue on Mill Street to put out a fire in a electric motor.

Tax Rate For Quispamis Remains Steady For Third Consecutive Year

Good news for residents of Quispamsis.

The tax rate will remain the same for a third consecutive year at $1.20 per hundred dollars assessed.

Quispamsis council approving the 21-million dollar budget for 2012 and Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ News the town has some big projects in store for the new year, like the new $6 million dollar library it is building with Rothesay.

Driscoll says despite 6 percent increases to both fire and policing costs, growth in the tax base allowed them to maintain the tax rate.


Sewer rates will remain the same at $368 per unit and and water rates will also remain at the 2011 pricing.

The town's 2012 budget came in at about 21 million dollars.

Solving Poverty Begins At A Young Age

It's doesn't shock anyone in Saint John to hear there are poor kids in poor families but, it might shock you to hear 34 per cent of children under the age of 6 are living in poverty.   That stat is the finding of the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative who support more early learning centres in Saint John.
Human Development Council Executive Director Randy Hatfield tells CHSJ News the province and others believe the best way out of poverty is by having a job.

He says that calls for economic development within the province but it also means people need the appropraite skills to enter the labour force so it all comes back to education eventually.

Hatfield adds there is overwhelming evidence that the early years are the most important when it comes to education.
He says almost pre-natal interventions are required for making sure kids are in warm safe homes and that parents have jobs to provide nutritious food.

Fire At Mount Pleasant Home Turns Into Police Investigation

A fire at 374 Mount Pleasant Avenue just after 1pm turning into a joint police and fire investigation.

Acting District Chief Barry Oickle says not many details can be released at the moment and would not confirm whether anyone was hurt or home at the time of the fire.  A forensics van was at the scene.

OIckle says the fire started in the basement/family room area.

He says there is heat damage to the basement area but not a lot of water damage.

Mount Pleasant Avenue Fire

The scene at 374 Mount Pleasant Avenue where smoke could be seen coming from a North End home.

Mount Pleasant Avenue Fire

Crews remain on the scene of a house fire in the North end.    The call came in just after 1pm when smoke could be seen coming from the home at 374 Mount Pleasant Avenue.
It appears no one was home at the time. 

Traffic is being blocked in the area by police and a detour is in place.
CHSJ News learning that a joint statement by City police and the fire department on this blaze will be made this afternoon.

Enterprise Saint John Says City's Economy Is Not Stagnating

Enterprise Saint John has repaired its relationship with some members of Common Council who were clearly disgruntled. That, from Tony Goguen who chairs Enterprise Saint John. It got rocky there for a while with some doubt about whether there would be continued funding from the city.

Goguen tells CHSJ News they accomplished what they set out to do by helping 28 new business start ups get going and attract three new investment companies from other regions set up shop in the city.

He says 2011 turned out better than you would have thought at this time last year and points out the city's population actually increased by 600 people.

Goguen rejects the suggestion the city is stagnating with an unemployment rate lower than the national average and expects the local economy next year to be similar to how it performed in 2011. He warns government spending on infrastructure projects will be tailing off.

Warning To Drivers

A warning to drivers to slow down because with the temperature dropping the roads are icy. 

City Police tell us the roads are deceptively slick and treacherous especially if you have to stop in a hurry. 

One of our road warriors phoning in to tell us there's a transport truck on its side along Highway 7 east of exit 80.

There was also a collision on Red Head Road shortly before 8:00 in the morning.

Councillor Norton Wants Plan To Get Water Rates Down

Meanwhile Councillor Mel Norton says we need to plan ahead on water rates so that our rates do not become too high.

Norton getting a motion approved to have staff plan for ways to get our rates comparable to other communities by 2025.

Norton tells CHSJ News year to year with increases just won't cut it and we need a long-term plan to make us competitive

Water Rates Go Up

Common Council approving the 2012 budget for Saint John Water and with it comes a jump in the flat water rate for homes.

The rate is going up 36 dollars to 972 dollars a year as of January 1st while those on meters will see rates increase by 4 percent.

Commissioner of municipal operations Paul Groody says the increase is because of wastewater treatment, like operating the new Eastern Wastewater Treatment Facility for Harbour Clean-Up. 

He says you can't compare our rates to other communities because we're actually leaders when it comes to wastewater treatment.

He adds other municipalities like Rothesay and Halifax will see it's rates go up when it makes wastewater infrastructure upgrades as well.

The rates will continue to rise over the next few years with the water bill hitting over a thousand dollars a year by 2013.

City Hotel Offers Free Stay For Those With A Sick Loved One

Saint John's Delta hotel is again offering free lodging for those who are travelling this week to visit a family member in the hospital.
Delta Brunswick General Manager Paulette Hicks they have been involved for 22 years now in the Home for the Holidays program.

It runs from December 22nd to the 30th and they provide free accomodation to take a little pressure off famillies as they go through a difficult time.

Hicks says it is a national program and their staff works closely with the Regional hospital and St. Joe's to roll out this program every year.

On The Vine Store In Rothesay Closes Up Shop

Sad news with 6 days before Christmas..the On the Vine store in the Kennebecasis Valley has closed its doors.

The Hampton road store opened two years ago.

No word on how many employees are impacted but the East Saint John location will remain open.

Apply Soon For Help With Home Heating Bills

If you plan on applying for the 2012 Home Energy Assistance Program, the forms will available on Thursday.
 
The $100 benefit will help low-income families cope with high-energy prices.  It's for those with incomes up to and including $28,000 this year and the benefits for those who qualify will be issued within 2 to 4 weeks of submitting a completed application.

You can apply by going to the Department of Finance or Service New Brunswick websites or by calling 1-800-669-7070 and the forms are also available at Service New Brunswick outlets.   For more info, click here
 

Grand Manan RCMP and Crimestoppers Seek Help In Solving Arsons

Crimestoppers and the RCMP in Grand Manan are looking for whoever is responsible for a series of arsons on Grand Manan Island over the last three years.

Between 2008 and August 2011, Grand Manan RCMP and local firefighters have responded to several suspicious fires. The culprits are targeting abandoned buildings and storage sheds resulting in thousands of dollars in damage.

If you have any information, you could earn up to $4500 in rewards between Crimestoppers and the village of Grand Manan.

For more information, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or click here

To see video, click here

City Wants More Commercial Development On West Side

There's already alot of commercial development along Fairville Boulevard on the west side but the city is looking at even more in the years ahead. 

Chief City Planner Ken Forrest wants a plan to be ready for Common Council next summer. 

West side Councillor Bill Farren tells CHSJ News people in that part of the city want more commercial development but only in moderation........They don't want to see as much congestions as there is on the east side.
 
Farren says this type of growth along with refurbishing the Trade and Convention Centre are what you have to do in order to create jobs.

Common Councillor Wants Public Transit Strengthened

Common Councillor Donnie Snook coming up with suggestions to strengthen city bus service which is facing cuts a week from today.

His ideas include asking the province to get rid of the fuel tax for public transit as well as relieving the property taxes at the transit building which amount to 378 thousand dollars this year, the imposition of a so-called congestion tax on vehicles entering the city, establishing a water bus service from the west side, bike rentals and charging higher rates at the new parking garage which is being constructed as part of the Peel Plaza development.

Farren Calls for Refurbished Trade and Convention Center

Saint John needs a refitted Trade and Convention center to help boost its economy: that according to councilor Bill Farren.

Farren says council has received reports for years that the center needs to be refurbished. An updated center would create service industry jobs, as well as bringing in business to the airport, hotels, and restaurants. The center has only 4 shows schedule for 2012--and that's unheard of.

As it is, other Maritime centers are attracting the trade shows because they have modern facilities. If we wait to upgrade our center, he says all the more business and jobs will be lost.

New Brunswickers Mark Anniversary of the Battle of Hong Kong

New Brunswick historians and veterans marking our local connection to the Battle of Hong Kong. 70 years ago this week the historic battle, which took place during the Pacific Campaign of World War II, came to an end.

Saint John history teacher Barry Ogden explains what happened 70 years ago this week, that reservists from New Brunswick were defending Hong Kong, and that many of them were killed and taken prisoner.

Soldiers from Norton, Apohaqui, and the Bay of Chaleur fought in the Battle of Hong Kong. Ogden says that it's a part of New Brunswick history that we should all be proud of.

In memory of New Brunswick's involvement with the battle, the village of Belldune unveiling plans for monument to a dog named Gander. The canine soldier died defending troops in that battle by carrying a live grenade away from them in his mouth.

Saint John Businesspeople Call For Action On Child Poverty In City

The poverty rate for children under the age of six in Saint John is at 34 per cent. Tom Gribbons, who chairs the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative, is alarmed by that, calling it frightening.

The business group is calling for the early childhood learning programme at St. John the Baptist school be made permanent and other such programmes be set up at schools around the city.

Gribbons says there should be three or four around town.

He warns unless steps are taken to help young people succeed from cradle to career, the city could find 34 per cent of its potential work force that is unprepared 20 years down the road.

Future Of Pulp And Paper Mill Under Threat

Although J-D Irving says it's generally supportive of the proposed new municipal plan as cobbled together by Plan SJ but is raising concerns over the proposed designation of three of its properties in the city.

Planner Holly McMackin with Dillon Consulting says the most serious threatens the long term future of the Irving Pulp and Paper mill with a proposed 30 metre wide park and natural areas designation along the coastline of the site which has been used for marine industrial purposes.

McMackin says the company wants that designation removed.

Changes are expected to be made by the time the final draft of the plan makes its way for adoption by Common Council in the new year.

City Planners To Shift Their Attention To West Side

Now that the Plan SJ exercise on developing a new municipal plan for the city is drawing to a close, city planners want to embark on a new venture which is being called the Golden Mile Corridor on the west side along Fairville Boulevard.

Chief City Planner Ken Forrest would like a plan on that be ready for Common Council next summer.

Meantime, Peter McGuire is urging his fellow common councillors to support what he's calling a strong financial investment on roads in the city during their budget deliberations.

McGuire has sent a letter to Council pointing to the results of the citizens survey which shows the condition of roads to be the one of the most significant issue of concern for Saint Johnners and the level of satisfaction is declining.