Bus Shelter Called A Threat To Public Safety

A retired city police officer is complaining about the bus shelter on Sydney Street by the Golden Ball building becoming a threat to public safety. 

Robert Buck says the shelter is being used by drunks who have claimed it as theirs to the detriment of bus passengers. 

In a letter to Common Council, Buck says Saint John Transit General Manager Frank McCarey is willing to replace the shelter with a newer one which would make it more difficult for the drunks to lie down in. 

A presentation has been made to the Heritage Board and the wooden bench inside the bus shelter has been removed,

"No Flowers" Policy At City Hall?

Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart suggesting the city adopt a "no flowers" policy when it comes to honouring the memory of people who pass.

 Rinehart says common council is expected to pay its respects to a lot of former staff and others, and charitable donations are a better use of funds. 

She points out while flowers are beautiful, they're temporary, and  donations to worthy causes in the community live on for much longer. The matter will be discussed at Monday's council meeting.

Seawolves Gearing Up For Another Season

It's time to start thinking about dusting off the pom-poms and gearing up for a new football season at UNBSJ. Seawolves coach Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News the team has been growing and expanding as a force in Atlantic Canadian varsity football.

Ogden says the Seawolves aren't just a football team, but a reason for students to be proud of their school. The first game is on September 8th and you can get up to date information at seawolves football.ca.

To Burn Or Not To Burn

To burn or not to burn... it depends on your city, the weather, the size of the fire and other variables.

When it comes to Saint John,  Mark Wilson of the Fire Department tells CHSJ news open burning isn't allowed in city limits. What is allowed to burn is approved fire appliances, and products that have a safety standard sticker on them along with spark resisters.

Wilson recommends people to be careful when burning, adding you should burn 'clean' wood, have water nearby, and watch your distance to other combustibles.

For more information on burning, click here.

Cross Canada Biking For Cancer

One woman in the province is gearing up for a nation wide cycle event to raise funds to childhood cancer.

Shelley Wood is half way to her goal of raising $2,500 dollars for the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. She tells CHSJ news the ride goes for over 2 weeks, starting on September 5th in Vancouver and ending 17 days later in Halifax. They ride in relay style, where one team will go 160 km a day, then another will go over 200km, leap frogging each other.

Wood's compares the ride to 8 spin classes, or biking for 6 hours a day. 

To find more information on the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride or to sponsor Shelley, click here.

National Cookie Recall

A recall has been issued for Crispy Just Baked Punjabi Cookies because they contain milk that's not declared on the label.

All codes of the cookies sold in 800 gram packages bearing UPC 6 27265 00152 0, where milk is not declared in the list of ingredients, are affected by the alert.

The product has been distributed nationally.

There have been no reported illnesses linked to the cookies, which could cause a serious or life-threatening reaction in people with milk allergies.

Hydro Pole Broke In Half, Man OK

One man is doing much better than a hydro pole.

Fire crews responded to a car accident at 10:30 last night on 806 Latimore Lake Road that left one man injury-free but broke a hydro pole in half.

Fire department was also busy with a brush fire in the Sandy Point Road Area.

A Must-Attend For Women Entrepreneurs

Maybe the kids have left the nest and you're looking for some extra income...of you're simply inspired to make some extra cash from a hobby you enjoy. A new program aimed at women entrepreneurs can make the dream a reality. 

Melanie Vatour is the Chair of the Enterorisng Women program. She says women in the course willlearn accounting, basic marketing, advertising skills and more--including how to get their hands on capital to get off the ground.

Vatour says the sucess stories include women who have started a hostel, a hair braising business, sewing, selling acessories and more. The deadline to sign up is August 10, and the program is free to women who are unemployed and under-employed.

For more information, click here

Boosting Tourism On The Boat

The Princess of Acadia ferry now has a provincial tourist information kiosk onboard.

It may seem obvious but Tourism minister Trevor Holder today announcing funding that includes hiring a summer student who will be on the ship available to answer questions about our province from the passengers on the ferry. 

Holder says the Princess of Acadia is a vital link and a key part of the tourism picture here like the beaches and the rivers.

Nova Scotia already has provincial tourism info onboard the ferry and has for many years. 

Annual Inflation Rate On The Rise

The annual inflation rate is on the rise after a major plunge in May that had taken the index to the lowest level in almost two years. It rose by three-tenths of a percentage point to 1.5 per cent last month.

Inflation in the Port City sits at 1.4 per cent for June from 1.7 per cent the month before.The provincial rate for June is the same at 1.4 per cent down from 1.8 per cent in May.

Respol Won't Rule Out Sale Of Canaport

Respol is not ruling out the possibility of selling off its liquified natural gas assets which include the Canaport LNG terminal in Saint John.
 
Company spokesperson Kristian Rix tells CHSJ News that the company is performing a review of all of its assets.

The Spanish company owns 75 per cent of the Red head LNG facility while Irving Oil owns the remaining 25 per cent.

An Irving spokesperson tells CHSJ News they are not in a position to comment.

East Side Exercise Today

Do not be alarmed! It's only a test.

The City fire department conducting an exercise in East Saint John this morning.


It's happening at Praxair on Grandview Avenue and residents are advised that there will be a lot of vehicles and gear in the area but it shouldn't impact traffic.
 The exercise should take three hours and it begins at 9am.

Bacchus Moves Out

Just days after a deadly shooting, members of the Bacchus Motorcycle club vacating their clubhouse on Pitt Street.

City police say the club voluntarily agreed to move after police found building code violations

A search of the causeway on Wednesday night produced a handgun that may be linked to the murder.

50 year old Matthew Thomas Foley is facing second-degree murder charges in the shooting death of 31-year-old Michael Schimpf last Saturday. 

A City police cruiser remains at the crime scene this morning.

Keep The Creepy Crawlies At Bay

It's the season for creeping, crawling and flying beasties.....especially ticks.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Soctt Giffin offering some tips on keeping ticks away, including wearing white so they're easier to spot and checking over your kids after they play in the woods.

Giffin tells CHSJ News while there hasn't been more reported cases of Lyme Disease, more ticks are being found to carry it.

A DEET-based bug spray will also keep the little bloodsuckers at bay.

Canaport L-N-G Sale Looming

This morning a question mark hangs over the future of the Canaport L-N-G terminal with word majority shareholder Repsol wants to sell its stake in the facility.
A Reuters report says the financially troubled Spanish based company is also selling liquefied natural gas assets in Peru and Trinidad and Tobago in a bid to boost finances and credit ratings.
Irving Oil owns a 25-percent stake in the terminal and so far has not responded to CHSJ News requests for a comment.
The pending sale could also mean problems for Emera which owns the 500-million dollar Brunswick Pipeline running between the terminal and Maine since Repsol is its only customer.

Expect Delays On City Streets

You might have noticed your commute is a lot slower these days....especially in the Crown Street area, which is currently being dug up to install new pipes as part of Harbour Cleanup. 

According to Kevin Rice of the Transportation Department, there's a short construction season and they're fitting in as much work to roads as possible.

Rice suggests you factor in extra time for delays in your commute---and consider biking or walking to work instead of taking the car.

No Love At Provincial Level For T&C Updgrade

It may be a priority for Hospitality Saint John - but - a 12-million dollar upgrade of the Trade and Convention Centre isn't on the radar of the provincial government.
The tourism group and some councillors are hoping to get the provincial and federal governments to share the cost with the city -- but -- Tourism Minister Trevor Holder says his government is committed to clean drinking water - the new "Y" - and - completion of the Fundy Trail.
Holder says finances are tight and it's important to deliver on those three election commitments.
Convention business has all but dried up with the Trade and Convention Centre only hosting one this year so far -- meantime -- the recently completed Convention Centre in downtown Fredericton is also running behind predicted convention numbers.

Another Fix for Mispec?

Mispec Beach has taken a hit from storms and vandals, and common council is looking at  ways to fix it up. 

 Canaport LNG has already pledged to do basic maintenance starting immediately, but according to Councillor Susan Fullerton there could be another solution: the gravel under the parking lot, which she suggests could be excavated and sold with the added benefit of leveling out the lot.

Michael Hugenholtz of the Public Spaces department says he's not sure if that's the case but they will be looking into it.

Shelter For Abused Women Needs Help

In tough economic times, the most vulnerable people are the ones that suffer. Hestia House, which gives support to women escaping abuse, saying while the public has been very helpful raising money is an ongoing issue. 

Kelly Ferris explains with so many organization vying for funding, it's not always guaranteed that the shelter gets what it needs.

Hestia House is an older building from the 1800s and needs maintenance. Ferris says they welcome donations of clothing, toiletries and toys as well as money.

Work Has Resumed On Harbour Bridge

A lot of people have been wondering what is happening with the planned work on the eastbound lanes of the Harbour Bridge that was supposed to resume this past Monday -- it is underway.
Despite some media reports to the contrary -- work did resume Monday under the bridge where about a dozen workers have been setting up equipment and cleaning up from last year's work around Harbour Passage and on Port Authority property over west.
The Transportation Department says as construction ramps up there will be single lane closures - and - traffic lights are being installed at the ramps to improve traffic flow on and off Highway One.
Work is also resuming on the One Mile House Interchange project and that will mean some traffic disruptions along Rothesay Avenue and Highway One in that area - both are slated for completion by fall of next year.

City Gets Cheque For Road Work

Saint John Harbour MLA Carl Killen handing over a large cheque more than $755,000 for work on provincial highways.
The area has seen improvements including asphalt resurfacing of several City streets including Chesley Drive, City Road and Market Place West.

The cheque was handed to the mayor in front of the Market Place gazebo this morning where the City completed water and sewer infrastructure underneath the road.

Mel Norton calls Market Place a vital vehicle and pedestrian link for the people who live nearby and for motorists using the Digby ferry.

Crescent Valley Gets Cash For Recycling

There will soon be more compost and garbage bins in the Crescent Valley area - the neighbourhood association has received a 15-thousand dollar cheque from the provincial Environmental Trust Fund to expand its recycling program.
Crescent Valley Resource Centre president Ann Barrett says fifty-one percent of the neighbourhood is now recycling and there is a waiting list for garbage and compost containers.
Barrett says it's an idea that sprung from a neighbourhood survey and meeting - and - it builds on the renewed sense of community pride and concern for the environment.
Barrett says the 15-thousand dollar check will help to expand the program to the rest of the neighbourhood -- a source of pride for Tourism Minister and local M-L-A Trevor Holder who says the neighbourhood is setting an example for communities across the province.

Gun Found In Causeway Search

Without drawing any connection to the Pitt Street shooting death, City police announcing after a search on the causeway last night a handgun was found.

Police tell CHSJ News the handgun will be processed and traced to find out where it came from and if its been used in a criminal offense.

The search was carried out by City police with help from River Valley Ground Search & Rescue and York Sunbury Search & Rescue.

Moncton Mistrial

They will start all over again in November after a mistrial was declared in a high-profile murder case in Moncton.
 
A judge presiding over the trial of Fred Prosser dismissed the jury after court heard that a juror was part of an anti-Prosser Facebook group.
 
Prosser is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 25 year old Sabrina Patterson.

She went missing in October of 2010 and her body was found about a week later near Shenstone.
  

More Road Work Starts This Morning

You may want to steer clear of the City road/Haymarket Square/Marco Polo Bridge area this morning.

Work to prepare for paving starts this morning at 7:30.

New Rothesay MLA Sworn In

Hugh John "Ted" Flemming is the newest member of the Alward government after being officially sworn in on Tuesday.

Fleming became the MLA for Rothesay after winning a by-election last month. 

That vote was needed after former MLA and Cabinet minister Margaret Ann Blaney resigned to lead Efficiency NB.

100 Mounties Receive Diamond Jubilee Medals

Some hometown heroes getting a nod from the Queen for their outstanding service....over 100 members of the RCMP being awarded Diamond Jubilee Medals for their service at home and abroad.

Corporal Chantal Farrah tells CHSJ News the honour is given out to a select few.

She says the medals were given to RCMP officers and to public service employees in recognition of their dedicated service in their communities.

The medals are given for foreign missions, outstanding investigations, and dedication to the community.

Premier Supports Pharmacist Role Extensions

The Premier believes pharmacists and other health professionals can take on a large role.

Premier David Alward tells CHSJ news they've done it before in the past. He says there are processes to it, and they'll have more to say in the not too distant future about next steps on how we can renew primary care in the province.

NB Pharmacist's Association has suggested pharmacists could take on larger roles to help save a visit to the doctor by assessing patients, adapting prescriptions and more.

One Business Closes, Another Opens

The Bargain Shop and Pictures Plus remain empty on King Street as new opportunities open with Genesys.

And that pattern of businesses coming and going is nothing new to Larry Hachey, Chair of Saint John Board of Trade. Hackey tells CHSJ news there's 2 things he sees in business around the Port City: business is fragile, but there are a lot of businesses that are doing well.

Hachey says we are in trying times, but he sees many business with balanced sheets and making small profits.

In late summer City Hall will have up to 5,000 square feet of empty office space when City Police and Provincial Court move to Peel Plaza.

Filling Up Costs More Today

There is a tiny bit of pain to be had at the gas pump this morning.

The price of regular is up a couple of cents to 127.9 while diesel is going for 130.6.
Heating oil is at 110.9 and propane is selling for 92.8 a litre.

Around town, you can fill up with regular for 125.2 a litre and diesel for 128.

House Sales Holding Steady

The New Brunswick Real Estate Association announcing homes sales are holding steady for the past two months since June. Nationally, sales were down 4%.


732 units were sold in the province last month--that's down just three tenths of a percent on a year-over-year basis. Saint John saw a 4% increase in sales, which Fredericton was down by 1%.


The average price for homes sold in New Brunswick was $170 thousand 619--up six percent.

Fullerton Slams Council For "Needless" Spending

Common councillor Susan Fullerton says she's sick of the city shelling out bucks for surveys and consultation instead of practical things.

She suggested the city should be hiring volunteer translators for documents and looking at free places to hold workshops, because the city doesn't have money for non-essentials.

Fullerton says the people have been "surveyed to death" and we already know they want roads fixed and clean water.

City Rethinks Core Services

A new approach to the services we use every day....that's what's being considered by common council. Manager of Programs and Priorities Stephanie Rackley-Roach telling common council it's time to take a more customer service oriented approach to core services.

 She says that means finding out which of taxpayer's goals can be achieved with the money we have.

The city is talking about consulting with citizens online, at workshops, and via surveys on big issues like emergency services, roads, and water.

Police Seize Pills, Weapons & Cash

City police arresting a man and a woman in their 20's after they were pulled over last night on the west side near the Catherwood exit of Highway 1.

Police seized pills, marijuana with a street value of more than $9000, brass knuckles, a knife and a large amount of cash.

The pair have been released and will be in court to face charges later.

30 New Jobs In Saint John

Thirty more full-time jobs are coming to Saint John.

Premier David Alward making the today announcement at the New Brunswick Museum. With the help of Invest NB, Genesys Laboratories Canada will provide more jobs in computer programming and engineering.

The Premier says they're outstanding paid jobs and will keep smart New Brunswicker's here.

Alward adds Invest NB is a providing up to $300,000 through payroll rebates, and the jobs will put $1.6 million a year back into the province.

Genesys provides customer service and contact center software and services in over 80 countries.

2012 Is A Deadly Year For ATV Crashes

8 people have been killed in ATV crashes around the Province so far this year, 6 of them involving alcohol and 5 people were not wearing a helmet.

It's the highest level for deaths on ATV's in RCMP territory in four years.
Staff Sgt. Stephane Caron tells CHSJ News these are not accidents adding most of these deaths were totally preventable tragedies.

He suggests ATV riders put on a helmet because it can save your life and if you're drinking, don't drive.
Last year 8 people died in ATV crashes in RCMP areas, five in 2010 and five died in 2009.

For tips on ATV safety, click here

Seeking A Brick-Wielding Man From Maugerville

The RCMP are looking for some help in solving a brutal assault where a man clocked another man in the head with a brick.

On May 23rd, the Mounties were called to a home in Maugerville after a man was assaulted at his home.

Around 10:30pm, the man answered his door and was struck on the head with a brick.
The blow knocked him out briefly but when he came to whoever did it had taken off.

If you know anything, you are asked to contact Crimestoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS
(8477).

Quispamsis Join Growth Strategy

Saint John Mayor Mel Norton visiting Quispamsis Council to promote his regional growth strategy.

Council unanimously supporting Norton's ideas of bringing separate towns together, like Saint John and Quispamsis, to focus on different sectors of the economy that need work.

Norton tells CHSJ he's not suggesting amalgamation but saying we can do more together than we can apart, if we act as a region of 140,000 people as opposed to separate communities of 70,000 here and 15,000 there.


Norton adds a steering committee of members will ensure the strategy will be done in time.

Quispam Will Help Rothesay With Flooding Issue

Quispamsis getting it's feet wet helping Rothesay with it's flooding problems.


Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ news they've spent a $50,000 on consultants to do a study that's shown there's other options than building a retention pond just off Pettingill Road. 

The town is ready to commit over $1.25 million in moving forward on a lift station, as long as it's in a higher location. But if the retention pond is by Pettingill Road, the low level could lead to flooding in Quispamsis.

Driscoll adds they're in the design stage and expect to move forward and work with Rothesay until the flooding is resolved.

Famous Saint Johner's Birthday

77 years ago today a famous actor was born in the Port City.


It's Donald Sutherlands birthday!

Father of actor Kiefer, Sutherland's been in almost a hundred and fifty different shows and films.

When he was young he was a radio DJ, at CHSJ's sister station CKBW, in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.

Pharmacists Could Provide More Services

You could be booking an appointment with your local pharmacist instead of a doctor to get certain health issues treated if the NB Pharmacist's Association has its way. Paul Blanchard of the Association says they want to see pharmacists have more freedom in assessing patients, adapting prescriptions, and more.

He says it makes sense, given that the first place most people head when they're sick is the pharmacy, because most of us like to self-treat. The new services would include developing yearly care plans for chronically ill patients, conducting medication reviews, injecting medications, and getting people their medication in emergencies.

Alberta has already given pharmacists that freedom--Blanchard says it makes sense given out shortage of doctors.

Have Lunch With The Delta & Help

The Delta Brunswick Square wants you to have lunch with them and help out the Canadian Cancer Society at the same time.


The bbq is taking place on King Street tomorrow from 11am to 1:30 in front of the Delta's main entrance.

The hotel hopes to raise $10,000 through various events including their "Check in for a Cure" promotion.

When out of town visitors check in, 10 per cent of the room rate goes to the Canadian Cancer Society.

For more info, call 658-1000.

Maintenance Pledged For Mispec

A storm-damaged east side beach is getting a new lease on life....Mispec has been ravaged by bad weather and vandalism and many are complaining it's not safe.

Norton tells CHSJ News Canaport LNG has pledged to do basic maintenance on the site, including cutting grass and replacing Porta-Potties.

Common Council also voted to apply for Disaster Assistance funding to do more work on the beach in the future.

VIDEO: Olympic Spirit Comes To Saint John

A blue London-style cab blasting music and equipped with a video screen is getting Saint Johners pumped for the upcoming Olympics. RBC's Elisabeth Lefevere Courteau tells CHSJ News the RBC Hometown Champions Cheer Tour all about boosting morale and connecting athletes with citizens.

Anyone can hop in the back and record their personalized message which the athletes will view online. The cab will be parked on King Street and at Market Square today.

Neighbors Say Alleged Murderer Seemed "Nice"

A real nice guy...that's how some employees of Union Street shops describe Matthew Thomas Foley, the owner of Wizzards Tattoo and Bacchus Motorcycle Club President recently charged with second degree murder.

Luke Patterson works at a neighbouring used appliance store. He says Foley did his first tattoo and he always seemed like a decent person. A hairdresser working across the street, Chantal Pelletier, says she always waved to Foley and saw his bike parked out front. But both agreed they weren't entirely shocked at what happened, given the tattoo shop owner's highly public connections to Bacchus.

Peterson and others mentioned the tattoo shop had its windows smashed out several times in the past few weeks. Stickers on the door of the shop bear the Bacchus logo and the warning "Criminals Beware: We Shoot Back."

Go Visit The Spoonarm Octopus

When he's calm he is pink or purple but, when he's stressed he can be pale white and his bumps and horns vanish.


He is the spoonarm octopus, a new addition to the Fundy Discover Aquarium in St. Andrews.


Genny Simard tells CHSJ News he's a small little guy.

She says they can reach two feet but he only takes up about a quarter of your hand.
You can see the spoonarm octopus at the Fundy Discover Aquarium.


For more info, here

$2,000 Reward For Wanted Arsonist

Crime Stoppers New Brunswick and the St. Andrews RCMP are looking for your help finding John Elvis O’Dell, who thought to be living in Saint John.
 
O'Dell is wanted on an outstanding warrant for arson from 2010.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest. Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

SJ Might Look Down To Solve Water Problem

Saint John could be looking downward for a solution to its water woes...Mayor Mel Norton tells CHSJ News the city is considering ground water as a clean alternative to water from sources like lakes and reservoirs.

Norton says the groundwater option could translate into millions of dollars saved in the construction of a water treatment plant, which would be excellent news for the taxpayers.

Ground water is naturally filtered and requires less treatment--but once it's used up, takes thousands of years to build up again. Norton says there could still be enough there to fill the area's needs.

Illegal Hang-Outs Need To Be Stamped Out

With the South End shaken by a daylight murder on Pitt Street, common Councillors from the South End offering their thoughts on how to keep the neighborhood safe.

Councillor Donnie Snook tells CHSJ News while he can't comment specifically on police business, the force must keep an eye on hot spots where criminals gather. Councillor Donna Reardon agrees she'd like to see police get serious about keeping the South End free of shady hang-outs, especially the ones already well-known to people living in certain areas.

50 year old Matthew Thomas Foley was charged with second degree murder just two days after the shooting near Pitt and Leinster on Saturday.

Saint John Is Ready To Rock!

In less than 3 weeks the Saint John Waterfront will host "Sculpture Saint John", an event that has 6 international artists sculpting 10-tons of provincial granite into works of art.

Artists have 6-weeks to create the works of art that become permanent structures in different parts of the province. Chair of Sculpture Saint John Diana Alexander tells CHSJ news normally this sculptures go for $150-200,000, but communities only pay $10,000.

Alexander adds the symposium will also be a learning experience for educating local artists. The pieces are going to Brundage Point in Grand-Bay Westfield, the Art & Culture Park in Quispamsis, the post office in Saint George, Hans W. Klohn building at UNBSJ, Rothesay Commons, and Saint John has yet to pick a location.

For more information on Sculpture Saint John, click here.