M-P's Told To Get Real With Their Platinum Plated Pensions

Members of Parliament are being pressured by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation to radically change their pension plan.

The Federation's Atlantic Director, Kevin Lacey tells CHSJ News each M-P can start collecting a pension at age 55 and is eligible to collect after serving for only 6 years.

Lacey points out the average M-P in the province will be eligible for a pension of over 50 thousand dollars a year.

The Federation has calculated Saint John M-P Rodney Weston can collect a pension of 33 thousand dollars a year by 2015. By contrast the average New Brunswicker receiving the Canada Pension gets 536 dollars a month.

The Federation says the MP's should be on the same type of R-R-S-P plan as anyone else instead of having taxpayers shelling out 24 dollars for every dollar being contributed by each M-P.

Blind Driver's Behind The Wheel For MIRA

Bet you've never 'seen' this before... a car race with drivers who are blind.

That's exactly what's happening tomorrow at 7 o'clock at the Centre for Speed in Shediac. The first blind driver stock car race in the Atlantic provinces will have 10 blind drivers competing in a 10 lap race.

Participant Brian Thorne tells CHSJ news each driver will have a co-pilot to give instructions, but they won't be allowed to touch the brakes or steering wheel.

All the money raised goes to the MIRA foundation, who train seeing-eye dogs.

For more information on tickets and to donate, you can call Brian Thorne at 672-5574 or e-mail atlantique@mira.ca.

Tickets are $10 each or $25 for a family pass.

Alward Government Pressed on Lepreau Compensation

The Liberals are accusing the Alward Government of dragging its heels on getting compensation for the cost overruns with the refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power station.

Liberal energy critic Brian Kenny tells CHSJ News we're talking a billion dollars and that will have some impact on what you pay for electricity each month.

Kenny is worried when he hears acting Energy Minister Craig Leonard indicate compensation may not have to be paid if the federal government helps out with projects down the road like the restoration of the Mactaquac dam.

Youth Hunting Sparks Debate

The province wants to hear from you on lowering the legal hunting age from 14 to 12 with adult supervision.

It's a polarizing subject for many given the recent gun violence in Toronto and Colorado and our listeners are speaking out online.

Matt says it gets the kids out with mom & dad to help them build responsibility while Jimmy mocks the idea saying 'let's put guns into more hands even little kids".

Wendy thinks with adult supervision, it's a great idea. Colton says all four of his daughters have shot a gun at a target adding there is absolutely nothing wrong with teaching your children to be independent and live off of the land.

Liz thinks the post is in poor taste but says there are always two sides to a debate but in her opinion, there is something not right about any child holding a weapon.

In a recent CHSJ News poll question we asked you if the legal hunting age for youth should be lowered from 14 to 12 with adult supervision and 78 per cent of you said no.

To add your voice, click here

For more info on the government's proposal, click here

Changes To Construction Work Today

Due to today's weather, paving on St. Patrick Street is postponed until Monday.

Between 8am and 6pm on Chesley Drive, traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions.

Crown Street is closed to south bound traffic. Motorists will be detoured via Pitt Street to King Street East and back to Crown.
This work is part of Harbour Clean up and should last three weeks.

Crews Rescue Pair From The Water

A terrifying situation for two people boating on the Kennebecasis River ending with no injuries.
 
About 5:30 in the afternoon, emergency personnel in the KV including Coast Guard and the RCMP got the call about a boat sinking in the water.
 
Luckily the two people on board were able to hold on to a nearby kayak until help arrived.
 
Lieutenant Mike Boyle of the KV Fire Department tells CHSJ News the two experienced boaters who know the river were on a 16-foot power boat.

He says they actually hit something in the water hard enough causing it to sink almost immediately.

The KV Fire rescue boat picked up the boaters bringing them to the Meehan's Cove Wharf.
No word on what they may have hit in the water.

Boat Sinks On The Kennebecasis River

It would have been quite the show for those waiting for the Gondola Point ferry on the way home tonight and luckily no one was hurt.


Two experienced boaters had to be rescued after their boat struck something in the Kennebecasis causing their 16 foot power boat to sink.
 
Lieutenant Mike Boyle of the KV Fire Department tells CHSJ News luckily a kayaker in the vicinity was able to let them hang on until help could arrive.

Bus Shelter Needs Renos To Curb Loitering

A retired police sergeant offering better lighting, repairs, and a clean-up as a solution to distasteful behavior at the Sydney Street bus shelter.

Robert Buck tells CHSJ News it's become an eyesore--and a hazard.

He says there have been several incidents with groups of homeless addicts congregating in the bus shelter, drinking publicly there, and using it as a washroom. Buck recounted one incident when a woman waiting for a bus was yelled at by one of the men and charged with mischief.

Buck says better lighting is a positive step, as was the recent move to take out the bench--but more needs to be done.

Work On New Terminal Is Progressing

Construction of the new cruise ship terminal on Water street is progressing for a September opening.

Saint John Port Authority President Jim Quinn tells CHSJ News the warm weather is helping.


He says they have had great weather for the pouring of concrete.

Quinn says the cruise industry is growing in North America and this expansion will allow Saint John to have three of the larger ships in Port on the same day.

He adds the project is moving along for the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal to open on time on September 5th.

Cardy Says Smart Grid Deal Needs Review

Dominic Cardy says Siemens Canada is a company with a good internatioal reputation but he does have a few issues with NB Power's new deal with them.


The Provincial NDP leader tells CHSJ News wonders if the Alward government will be putting consumers first because right now it comes with many unanswered questions.

Cardy tells us we don't know how much it's going to cost and we don't know if the prime goal is to reduce costs for consumers or large commercial clients.

He says in any other jurisdiction that could be easily fixed with a full review by the Energy and Utilities board but here it's not completely independent.

Bacchus Chapter President Pleads Guilty In Shooting Death

The 50 year old President of the Saint John chapter of the Bacchus motorcycle gang has pleaded guilty to manslaughter for shooting 31 year old Micheal Schimpf to death July 14th on Pitt Street.  

The heard what Matthew Thomas Foley of Russell Street told city police after he surrendered the night after the shooting.

City Police were told by Foley two bricks were thrown through the windows of his tattoo shop on Union Street July 6th and Schimpf was involved. 

On July 13th, Schimpf returned to the shop with two big rocks and threw them at Foley damaging some of his equipment. 

Foley got a gun and the very next night was standing outside the Bacchus clubhouse on Pitt Street when he saw Schimpf walking towards him with his hands behind his back. 

Foley claims he didn't know whether Schimpf had a weapon so he pulled out his gun. The victim started running down Pitt Street. Foley says he wanted to shoot Schimpf in the legs and had no intention of killing him. Schimpf died after his aorta was lacerated by a bullet.

Police recovered 8 shell casings from the street. The court was told Foley helped police find the gun and has written a letter of apology.

Tire Kickers Checking Out Repsol L-N-G Assets

At least one company is reported to be taking a look at Repsol's liquefied natural gas assets including its 75-percent share in the Canaport L-N-G terminal.
Industry publication Platts is reporting Spanish based Gas Natural Fenosa is giving the assets the once over to see if there's anything of interest.
Gas Natural's C-E-O told analysts in Madrid his company has been invited by Repsol to review the holdings and that will take place.
Repsol has a ten percent stake in Gas Natural which has - among other things - a fleet of 11-tankers - two of them jointly owned with Repsol.
Last week - Repsol confirmed to CHSJ News it was doing a preliminary evaluation on the possible sale of its L-N-G assets as the company looks for ways to boost its financial picture and credit ratings.

Coyote Attacks On The Rise

Hungry coyotes are ripping into the profits of local farmers...Jennifer MacDonald of the Agricultural Alliance tells CHSJ News with each calf worth $1000 or more, recent coyote attacks on nearly a dozen calves are disastrous. 

She says they've tried electric fences, keeping the calves close to barns, and shooting the varmints where possible, all to no avail. Fortunately, she's not aware of any attacks on humans so far.

MacDonald questions who the government doesn't have a program to protect farmers from wildlife attack--as one exists in every other province.

Oromocto Fires Set On Purpose

The RCMP in Oromocto are concerned after two fires were deliberately set last week and they're asking for information in order to make an arrest.

Firefighters were called July 20th to a blaze on Mockler Street. A neighbour phoned 911 to report a shed and a utility trailer on the property next door were on fire. When firefighters arrived, they noticed there was also a fire on the deck of the neighbour's home who made the 911 call.

There was significant damage after all was said and done.

Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area, is asked to contact the RCMP at 506-357-4300. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at www.crimenb.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible could qualify you for a cash award of up to $2,000.

The Latest On Gas Prices In City

Self serve regular is less expensive after the weekly setting but diesel will cost you more. 

Self serve is selling for $1.24.7 a litre in the city. 

Diesel is at $1.28 a litre. 

Heating oil is up by more than 3 cents a litre. 

Propane also rose by almost 2 cents to a maximum of 94.4 cents a litre.

St Andrews Rally Against Federal Budget Cuts

A big turnout at Indian Point in St. Andrews to protest recent federal budget cuts. 

More than 600 people turning out to rally against job reductions that will close the Biological Station Library, eliminate the Contaminants and Toxicology programme and severely cut the Habitat programme. 

The protestors also claim scientific research will be impaired with the reductions.

Car Leaves Highway One

Another reminder to drivers to take it easy when going through construction zones. One driver along Highway 1 at Prince of Wales had to swerve to avoid hitting a large rock and wound up in the ditch. There were no injuries but there was another vehicle on the shoulder nearby which was damaged after not missing the same rock. The highway is down to one lane in each direction.

There's more construction in the city to tell you about. Construction, as part of Harbour Cleanup, getting underway this morning along Rothesay Avenue. Traffic will be reduced to one lane each way from 8 in the morning until 6 at night until August 22nd.

Construction is also starting on Thorne Avenue between Egbert and Russell Streets as part of the same project.

Man Falls Off Ladder

City police, fire and ambulance called to a workplace accident in Millidgeville just before 4pm.

A man fell off a ladder hurting his ribs in the process.

It took place at a Bell Aliant building on Boar's Head Road.    Worksafe NB is looking into what happened.

12 Year Olds Could Be Allowed to Hunt

12 year olds could be allowed to hunt small game with adult supervision... if the Department of Natural Resources goes ahead with lowering the legal age from 14.

The DNR is currently looking for the public's feedback on the issue. The kids would also have to complete a course on safe shooting.

Liberals Slam Decision To Cut N-B Day Merit Awards

The Alward government is taking it on the chin over its decision to can the N-B Day Merit Awards this year -- a move the Opposition Liberals are calling lame.
The government says the awards - which recognize individuals contributions to their communities - are on hold while departments figure out various programs and initiatives following a restructuring process -- although there's no date as to when they will resume.
Liberal M-L-A Donald Arsenault says the awards were a nice pat on the back for individuals making contributions to their communities - and - he says it was simply a matter of signing one certificate and copying the rest.
Arsenault says Premier Alward should be ashamed especially after handing out what would be the biggest merit award this year with the appointment of former Rothesay M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney to head up Efficiency N-B with a salary in the 175-thousand dollar range.

Police Foil Fraudsters

The Fraud Unit of the Saint John Police tell CHSJ News a 20 year old woman and 21 year old man from Montreal faces charges of identity fraud for opening up bank accounts at several different places under fake names on Monday afternoon.

Thanks to the quick thinking of bank employees, the man and woman were arrested before anyone lost any money.
Police found several i.d.'s in a local hotel room where they think the pair were staying.

If you know anything about this incident or any other, you are asked to contact city police at 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

More Liquor Stores Could Be Coming

Five to fifteen new liquor stores could be coming to the province by fall.
Marcelle Saulnier from NB Liquor tells CHSJ news they're looking for more points of sales.

The final locations will most likely be in rural areas and a few in urban places.


Saulnier adds that would increase the total amount of stores in the province by 20%. According to Saulnier there'sd not enough stores in the province to meet demand.

40 New Jobs & Modernized Electricity

A multi-year agreement has been made with NB Power and Siemens Canada to bring Smart Grid technology into the province's electrical system.

It will also create a new research and development centre based in Fredericton. NB Power says by modernizing the electrical system it will offer stable rates. Premier David Alward says the agreement will also create 40 new jobs and help the economy.

The Smart Grid will allow you to control and manage your energy usage.

It's scheduled to start sometime next year.

"Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar!": SHJS Hosts Grand Reunion

As the school cheer says, "everyone for High School stand up and holler!"

Saint John High School is holding its Grand Reunion August 3-5 at various locations throughout the city. Organizer Bruce Grant says it's going to be a special one because the school is commemorating 80 years of education.

Events include a boat cruise, BBQ and dinners. The oldest alumni attending is from the class of 1937 and lose to 300 people are registered. For a full schedule and how to register yourself for a fee of $80 click here

Boozing and Vandalism Discouraged In Bus Shelter

The bus shelter at the edge of the Loyalist Burial Ground isn't going  anywhere...despite being a hangout for drunks and pot smokers. Common council hopes the criminal element won't be as inclined to gather there now that the bench in the bus shelter has been removed--but Councillor Susan Fullerton says regardless, there's no need to jump the gun and remove it.

She says alcoholic and homeless people can congregate anywhere, and it's the police's job to prevent it from becoming a problem.

The bus shelter was a gift from the Irvings and is built to heritage specifications.

Suspicious Fires In Oromocto

A round of suspicious fires in Oromocto have the RCMP asking for your help.

Early last Friday firefighters responded to a shed and utility trailer on fire on Mockler Street. When firefighters arrived on scene, the neighbor who had made the 911 call had their deck on fire.

Both structures sustained significant damage. Police believe the fires were deliberate.

Anyone with information is asked to contact RCMP at 506-357-4300 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

3 Week Construction On Thorne Avenue

You might need to change your morning drive to work.

Starting tomorrow and lasting for 3 weeks Thorne Avenue between Egbert And Russell Street will be upgraded as part of the Harbour Clean Up Project.

Drivers are advised to plan a different route and drive safe in construction zones.

Car Set Ablaze On West Side

Charges of arson and mischief to property are likely after a car fire on the west side along Tower Street. 

A woman in her twenties is expected to be appearing in court today.

Rothesay Regional Police have a 20 year old man locked up after what is described as a low speed pursuit which began on French Village Road and came to an end at Keller's Hill Road. 

The man is likely facing charges of stealing a car, impaired driving and failing to stop for police.

N-B Day Merit Awards Missing This Year

The New Brunswick Day holiday weekend is just around the corner - but - there will be something missing from this year's celebrations.

The Alward government has confirmed to CHSJ News the annual N-B Day Merit Awards won't be handed out this year to residents of various municipalities - the awards recognize achievements and contributions by local residents.

A spokesperson tells us the awards are "on hold" this year as the government works through a reorganization of departments and agencies.

The awards are certificates with the provincial logo signed by the Premier and either the mayor of the municipality or the local M-L-A.

The "official" New Brunswick Day celebration is still a go - this year it's being hosted by the village of Saint Andre in the northwestern part of the province.

For more information on this year's official celebration click here.

City Will Still Stop And Smell The Roses

Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart isn't against stopping to smell the flowers--this after she got a little heat from local florists for suggesting the city make memorial donations instead. 

Rinehart says she's definitely not anti-flowers--rather, she just doesn't want to see city staff waste time on unnecessary frills when a donation can be done instantly.
 
Rinehart points out not only are donations more lasting than flowers, but they can also be managed in an instant.

CFB Gagetown Receives National Project

A national project and investment will be coming to CFB Gagetown.

Defense Minister Peter MacKay announcing today the Canadian Forces Weather and Oceanographic Service (CFWOS) Transformation project. The project will stretch across the country but will center around CFB Gagetown, CFB Halifax and CFB Esquimalt.

The Joint Meteorological Centre will centralize weather briefing and forecasting functions, allowing personnel to develop new and improved weather specific products for the Department of National Defense and the Canadian Forces.

The transformation will expand the former Army Meteorological Centre at CFB Gagetown, and renovations the existing Meteorological and Oceanographic Centres at CFB Esquimalt and CFB Halifax.

The construction work in Gagetown will be done by Saint John construction company Maxim 2000. It's scheduled to be done by June 2014.

Lobster Strong As Ever In The Province

Everyone from retailers, harvesters to scientists and members of government are at the Science Workshop on Sustainable Growth of Atlantic Lobster in Moncton.

Chair of the Science Community Mike Chadwick tells CHSJ news the workshop offers members of the lobster industry to learn about enhancing lobster populations and the sustainability of seafood. Chadwick says we have a strong population of lobster in the province, and we're a major player in the industry.

He says lobster generates about a billion dollars into the economy. He also adds lobster landings are as high today as they were thirty years ago.

The Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Foundation funds private lobster studies around the Maritimes. The Science Workshop runs until tomorrow.

10th Anniversary Of Pride Plans

As other Pride Weeks kick off around the Maritimes, Saint John Pride Week is preparing some big stuff for their 10th anniversary.

President Brian Boyd tells CHSJ news along with bringing back favorites like the Drags VS Lesbian baseball game and the Pride Parade, they're expanding the event by making it more family oriented.

Boyd also adds their going to have a new coffee house for teenagers to display singing and artwork. Their grand marshal for the parade will also be unique, Boyd says their theme is anti-bullying, so anyone who's ever felt bullied will have the chance to be the grand marshal.

Saint John Pride Week kicks off August 19th.

For more information or to volunteer, click here.

Activists Protest Threats To Our Oceans

St Andrews activists getting together to protest cuts to ocean scientists under The Harper government's bill C-38. Caroline Davies of the group SOS tells CHSJ News without long term research, we can't know the best ways to protect our oceans.

She says we all want out children and grandchildren to be able to enjoy the ocean the way we do today.

Save Our Ocean will be rallying at 5:30 tomorrow at Indian Point to form a human SOS, for "Support Ocean Science". The rally and photo are intended to raise concern about the federal cuts that will, among other cuts across the country, close the St Andrews Biological Station Library, eliminate the Contaminants and Toxicology program, and severely cut the Habitat program.

Norton Suggests Online Crime Reporting

You could soon have the option to use a website rather than the phone to report minor crimes...common councillor Greg Norton says he'd like to see Saint John look into an online crime reporting service, where citizens could lodge complaints about issues like graffiti, car thefts and mischief in an uploaded format.

Norton says letting people report less serious crimes on the web would free up the police lines and keep more cops on the street.

Norton says a number of other municipalities are using such systems with great success--and the best part is, it's easy to administer and tweak as necessary. 

Meantime, Stats Canada is reporting the crime rate for 2011 in Saint John fell by 14 per cent.

Police Commission Invited To Comparison Shop

The New Brunswick Police Association is scoffing at the suggestion the RCMP would have kept the Bacchus Motorcycle gang from setting up in Saint John.

Association President Dean Secord says Bacchus is actually headquartered in Albert County with a branch in St. George which are both within the RCMP's jurisdiction.

Secord is also not bothered by any talk of the RCMP taking over policing in the city saying he's heard it all before and welcomes the Police Commission shopping around.


Secord claims, in Moncton, the RCMP costs more money with fewer officers than when that city had a municipal police department.

VIDEO: Albert Street Blaze

Low Flying Aircraft Creates A Buzz

A few raised eyebrows especially on the west side this morning as what sounded like a low flying aircraft zoomed overhead.

Some people thinking it was some kind of military aircraft or a plane in distress because of the unusual whining sound of the engines as it crossed over west around 7.

CHSJ News checked with the Saint John airport - a spokesperson tells us there were two commercial flights departing for Halifax and Montreal between 6:30 and 7 - a check of the logs also shows there were a couple of private flights departing during that period as well.

The airport official says they are not aware of any flights reported in distress - and - suggest it was probably a pilot trying to avoid some active weather -- the west side was drenched by a heavy downpour of rain shortly after they mystery plane flew over the area.

Morning Commute On Harbour Bridge Ground To A Halt

There was a real mess this morning along the Harbour Bridge at the height of the morning rush hour just after 7:30.

There was a mishap involving a transport truck on the Harbour Bridge when it jackknifed and wound up on the top of the median. This caused traffic to back up both ways because a light standard also came down which stopped traffic going in the opposite direction.

Traffic could not move either eastbound or westbound.

The fire department has responded because of a fuel leak from the truck.

The transport was towed away after 10:00 this morning and the Department of Transport had to remove the light pole.

A Dire Evaluation Of City Pension Plan

With the average Canadian saving just $55,000 in RRSPs, Common Council has an interest in keeping the city's pension plan sustainable....That, from the chair of the Task Force on Protecting Pensions Susan Rowland. 

She laid out the benefits of a shared risk model while explaining to Councillor David Merrithew the precarious position of the city's pension plan means solving the deficit won't be easy. Rowland describes the city's pension plan as being one of the worst funded in the province.
 
Councillor Bill Farren says he doesn't know if they'll achieve the results either, but perhaps a shared risk model will take the pressure of younger workers and give more stability to older ones.

BREAKING NEWS: Firefighter Injured At 64 Albert Street

A firefighter is being treated at hospital for heat and smoke exposure after responding to a house fire around 6:24pm at 64 Albert Street.

Fire Chief Kevin Clifford tells CHSJ news the blue building suffered a lot of smoke and fire damage, and 4-5 people are being displaced.


Neighbor Dale Dunphy heard two windows smash, saw the smoke, then called 911. He also released two dogs that were tied up on the lawn.

There were about six fire trucks on the scene along with a large crowd of spectators. No word yet on what caused the fire.

Point Lepreau Given Go Ahead To Restart

The Point Lepreau Generating Station has been given the go ahead to restart.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission announcing its decision today authorizing New Brunswick Power Nuclear to begin activities to restart the station.

Right now the station won't produce electricity, but will restart the reactor in order to perform several safety tests before power can be increased.


The CNSC renewed the facility’s licence for a five-year period in February 2012.

Amphibians Everywhere In Saint Andrews

Green frogs, garter snakes and American toads are just a few amphibians you can find at the new display at the Fundy Discovery Aquarium

Jenny Simard from the Aquarium tells us they have one that's not found locally - the red-eared slider. It's a common pet, but often the little turtle is released into the wild when owners tire of it.


Simard adds the six new decorated tanks will help people discover what creatures lives in the area and to go home with a new respect for water life.
The exhibit in St Andrews is open daily until 5 o'clock.

More information can be found here.

Interns Ready To Sculpt!

As Sculpture Saint John comes closer to our Waterfront, local interns are getting their art tools ready.



Alison Gayton from the Port City is one of those interns set for the 6 week sculpture symposium. As a teacher and a potter instructor, she tells CHSJ news she can't wait to contribute to something that will change the face of Saint John.

Gayton has her own sculpture exhibit with 2 other artists in the library gallery of the Saint John Art Centre called "Thirty Fingers".
 Sculpture Saint John will kick off on August 2nd.
 
You can find more information on Sculpture Saint John by clicking here.
 
Find more information on Alison Gayton here.

Florist Angered By Deputy Mayor's Proposal

Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart has stirred up a hornets nest with her suggestion the city make a charitable donation instead of sending flowers for someone who's passed away.

Dorothy Lowe has been a a florist in Saint John for over 15 years. She tells CHSJ news if the proposal goes through it will hurt flower shops in the Port City.

She says when you're in a situation when a love one has passed away, giving flowers makes you feel you can do something for them and give one last gift.

Lowe stresses that florists depends on funeral business. She adds that she's not against donations, in fact their flower shop donates about $5,000 a year in product to charity fundraiser's and to people suffering from cancer.

Lowe says by supporting your local flower shop, you indirectly help charities and add to the economy. Common Council meets tonight to discuss the Rinehart's proposal.

Police Association Speaks Out On Oland Murder

The New Brunswick Police Association is trying to set the record straight on the Richard Oland murder investigation.



City Police officers are not happy at what they see as misinformation and unwarranted attacks for the delay in laying charges in that investigation which happened more than a year ago.
 
That's why the provincial police association has decided to speak out calling any suggestion of the RCMP taking over as ludicrous since the delay is, in fact, caused by the backlog of evidence that has to be analysed at the RCMP lab in Halifax where you have to wait your turn.
 
Police Association President Dean Secord warns the delays will only get worse when that lab is closed and the evidence will then have to be sent to Ottawa to be analysed.
 
Secord also points out Police Chief Bill Reid has said charges will be laid against a known suspect in the Oland case.

Family Of Murdered Girl Speaks Out

In February 2012, the murder of 22 year old Serena Perry--who was, at that time, a patient in the psychiatric ward of the Regional Hospital--shocked Saint John. Six months later, Perry's mother Rose tells CHSJ News she doesn't understand why police haven't made an arrest yet.

She says the police told her Serena had been strangled-- but the suspect was later released. Older sister Melissa Perry tells CHSJ News the image of her sister's battered body laying in a casket is one she'll never forget.

City police have said they're close to an arrest, but the Perry family says that can't come soon enough. Without closure, they say, moving on with their lives is impossible.

Friend Barry McGrath and others are organizing a benefit auction on August 26 to help cover the funeral costs. It starts at 2pm at the Grove Lounge. For more information, contact McGrath at 639-7079 or Cathy Legere at 606-1441.

City Says Irving Oil Is Paying Its Fair Share

City Finance Commissioner Greg Yeomans has been trying to clear up some misconceptions......One, that the city is broke and the other is that Irving Oil isn't paying its fair share for the water it uses.

Yeomans says Irving pays bylaw rates for 80 per cent of its water and negotiations are still going on about the rest.

Irving Oil has argued over the years it doesn't need its water to be treated. 

Splash Pad Proposed For West Side

A change is being proposed for the Market Place West Master Plan with a splash pad to be built in the 8 acres of parkland between the lower west side and the port in lieu of an outdoor rink. 

Because of funding constraints, the splash pad will not be constructed this year.

Common Council will be told the maintenance costs will be anywhere from 15 to 20 thousand dollars a year but the overall cost of the project will not significantly change.

City Councillors To Be Told About New Pension Model

Common Council will be getting a presentation tonight on the new shared risk proposal for fixing the city's financially beleaguered pension plan. 

The changes will be phased in gradually over 40 years on a go forward basis with past pension amounts not changing.

Councillors will be told when the investment markets are bad, benefits will not rise but will be made up when the markets improve. 

Employee contributions may have to go up from 1.2 to 2.8 per cent with the retirement age gradually increasing if life expectancy rises and, for taxpayers, cutbacks in city service would be avoided.