VIDEO: First Cruise Ship Arrives At New Terminal

Today the new Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal welcomed the Disney Magic as it's first cruise ship.

Even though the terminal isn't set to be fully finished until next month, it's now able to take in passengers.

Chairman of Port Saint John Stephen Campbell says we've had about 200,000 visitors this year, and with this new terminal we could reach 300,000. Campbell says it gives us a cutting edge competitiveness in the industry and the positive feedback from passengers they've received is amazing. 

Saint John MP Rodney Weston says it's a real success story on how much the cruise industry has expanded. He says over the years we've built better facilities to handle the growing amount of passengers we receive.

The terminal is a little smaller than the Marco Polo terminal, but it will have a venue than can hold about 100 people and increased security.

The Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal is part of a larger cruise enhancement project announced last year funded by the federal and provincial governments.

"Tell Mel Doesn't Exist Anymore"

For the first time since he became Mayor, Mel Norton is getting some flak stemming from the SPCA's threat to close down.

Former Mayoral candidate Matthew Thompson charges you can't tell Mel anything because he doesn't return calls. He goes on to say Tell Mel hasn't existed since the May Municipal election. 

Thompson, who describes himself as an SPCA supporter, says he has heard back from some of the councillors but those who do support the animal shelter don't want their names publicised.

In what may be the earliest such announcement ever, Thompson is already saying he will run for Mayor again in 2016.

Common Council Not Ready to Switch To New Form Of City Government

Common Council has heard all the good things about how well the committee form of city government works in Fredericton but is it ready to take the plunge?

Former Mayor Shirley McAlary, now a Councillor at Large, is willing to give it a shot on a trial basis for six months beginning in January to see how it works.

Common Council decided to hold off making any decision as three Councillors, John McKenzie, David Merrithew and Donnie Snook, were not on hand.

It also wants to get more information from the City Manager.

Now the Tough Part Begins In Sussex

It's going to be tough slogging for the town of Sussex to overcome the destruction of a fire which destroyed two historical buildings in the downtown along with 5 or 6 businesses.

Sussex Mayor Marc Thorne tells CHSJ news the town will just have to come together.
He's hoping to work with the owners at replacing what was lost with something new that will blend in with the existing streetscape.

Some people were also made homeless because of the fire and are being helped out by the Red Cross.

The Fire Marshall is investigating to determine a cause.

Many Roads Closed Due To Flooding

On the West Side, Fairville Boulevard is closed due to flooding between Kierstead Road and Manawagonish Road.

In East Saint John, McAllister Drive is closed between Westmorland Road and Golden Grove Road.

Majors Brook Drive is closed between McAllister Drive and the entrance to Parkway Mall. 

 Retail Drive is closed between Oakland street and Rothesay Avenue.

Major Fire In Downtown Sussex

Several businesses have been destroyed by a major fire in Sussex at, we are told, two out of four buildings across from the train station with 5 to 6 businesses, one of them being Outdoor Elements.

Mayor Marc Thorne tells CHSJ News these were heritage buildings and the fire department had to act quickly to bring one of them down so the blaze wouldn't spread.

There were no injuries and the Fire Marshall will be investigating to determine a cause.



(Photo Courtesy Of Doug Epton)

Today Will "Shine" With Students

Rain or shine the streets of Saint John will be filled with new university students raising funds for cystic fibrosis.

But this years Shinerama fundraiser will be a bit different says this years Shinerama president Stephan Warner. He says often once people receive the iconic blue and orange sticker they stop donating, so they're going to have different themed stations around the city to keep the money coming.

Some of those stations will include a BBQ, henna tattoos, walking tours of the city and even a loyalist costume photo op. Warner says UNBSJ usually raises $5,000 but this year they're aiming for $10,000.

The fundraiser runs from 9:30am until 4 o'clock today. You can also donate by texting "shine" to 45678 to donate five dollars.

For more information, click here.

City Prepares For Storm

The city of Saint John is preparing for possible floods and road closures today.

If you live in areas susceptible to flooding or low-lying areas they're asking you to prepare for possible floods.

Throughout the day the city will be taking care of drainage paths and city police will monitor any possible road closures.

Keep tuned in to Country 94 for updates, or you can click here for the city's website.

New Cruise Terminal Opens Today

It might be a rainy day for cruise ships but it's still a day to celebrate.

Our new cruise terminal will welcome it's first cruise ship this morning.

The Disney Magic will be the first ship in port at the new Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal.

They'll be a ceremony at 11:00 am and the first family to step off the ship is getting a New Brunswick prize basket.

Common Council To Spend $70,000 To Find Out City Priorities

Not everyone on Common Council is in favour of spending 70 thousand dollars on a review of core services that will be part and parcel of the ward meetings that start next week on the west side. 

Councillors Bill Farren, Ray Strowbridge and Susan Fullerton voted against. 

Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart says she already knows from campaigning what people want but she wants to find out what Saint Johnners are willing to give up in order to get the three top prioities. 

According to Farren, those top three core issues are safe drinking water, improved streets and better recreation but he warns the city is going to be short of money by January because of the financial obiligations to its pension plan which amount to 4 million dollars.     

Mayor Hopeful Deal Can Be Worked Out With SPCA

Mayor Mel Norton is expressing optimism that an agreement between the city and S-P-C-A will be finalised, in his words, fairly soon. 

The S-P-C-A says it needs 200 thousand dollars in the short term and a million over the long run. The Mayor describes the discussions between the two sides over the past several days as very successful.

The Mayor, though, was non-committal when asked what the city is willing to do to help stave off closure.

If the animal shelter has to close its doors, Norton acknowledges it would be the city's responsibility to find an alternative.

SPCA Supporters Frustrated At Not Being Heard

A group of disgruntled S-P-C-A supporters were hoping to make their case to Common Council about the need to save the animal shelter on Bayside Drive from closing as early as this coming Saturday. 

They did not get the chance and held an impromptu rally outside City Hall where former Mayoral candidate Matthew Thompson criticised Common Council for conducting business as usual. 

He claims two members of Council, he spoke to, told him they supported helping the S-P-C-A but did not want their names publicised.

How much money should the city give the S-P-C-A? Thompson telling reporters it should be along the lines of what Moncton and Fredericton contribute to animal control which he claims is from 250 to 280 thousand dollars a year.



Thompson also says he will be running for Mayor again in 2016.

12 Hour Arts Fundraiser For SPCA

A new non-stop 12 hour fundraiser is happening this Friday for the SPCA.

From noon until midnight tons of different acts will constantly be performing at the Spotlight Performing Arts Community Centre at 162 Waterloo Street.

Organizer Dustin Melvin tells CHSJ news Big Medicine, Rock Cliff Overdrive and even magicians will be performing. There will also be 50/50 tickets, a coin toss, items for sale and more.

Admission is $10 and $5 for students with the aim of raising $150,000.

Since Saturday over $20,000 has been raised for the SPCA, who hope to get $200,000 by this weekend to keep their doors open.

UNB Saint John Students Fear Acadian Closure

They could take the bus to come to school and they can take it home for Thanksgiving but how will many UNB Saint John students get home for Christmas?  

It's a burning question as the end of the line approaches for Acadian Bus Lines in November.
 
Student Representative Council President Brad Trecartin tells CHSJ News it becomes difficult when students don't have access to transporation.

He says there is interest in a new service being set up and they hope it happens soon and that it will be sustainable and affordable for students.

It's Super Tuesday at the Tucker Park campus with students taking part in Orientation.
Classes begin on Thursday.

Shock And Sadness Over Plight Of Animal Shelter

Can anyone spare a million to help keep the animal shelter on Bayside Drive open?

 Common Council is getting alot of flak on social media with the SPCA facing closure this weekend unless it can get its hands on a million dollars.
 
When he was running for Common Council in Ward 4, Ray Strowbridge spoke out publicly in favour of the SPCA being adequately funded.

He tells CHSJ News of being shocked and saddened by the impending closure but what can Council do? Strowbridge concedes a million dollars is an alarming dollar amount when you consider the state of the city's finances.
 
It's not known if the issue will be discussed tonight when Council meets to hear about how the committee form of city government is working in Fredericton.

Drive Differently During The School Year

Police from Sussex to Saint John will be watching as school kids head back to class tomorrow.
 
Traffic enforcement will be heightened as police look for drivers that are speeding, talking or texting on their phones or taking chances around school buses.
 
Sgt. Evan Scott of the Rothesay Regional Police tells CHSJ news drivers should know a lot of kids walk to school.

He says a lot of kids walk instead of taking the bus so drivers have to be mindful of both.

Scott adds motorists should keep a keen eye when driving in school zones and elsewhere because kids can dart out from anywhere.

Romero House Has Heart

A special honour for Romero House as they are the 2012 Board of Trade Big Heart award winner for their efforts to make Saint John a better place to live.

Romero House was established 30 years ago by executive director Carolyn McNulty as a soup kitchen with the aim of serving one hot meal seven days a week to those in need in Greater Saint John. 

It now includes a clothing room and distribution center for donated household goods and furniture, the services of a nurse one day a week, and a mobile service operating five nights a week in winter to provide temporary shelter, warm clothing and hot food to those living on the streets.

Representatives from Romero House will get their hardware at the Board of Trade Outstanding Business Achievement Awards at the Trade and Convention Centre on October 3rd.

City Can't Provide Funds, But Other Ideas For SPCA

As much as they'd like to see the SPCA survive, there's not much the city can do according to Ward 1 Common Councillor Bill Farren.

Farren tells CHSJ news the city can't afford a million dollars to keep the non-profit shelter afloat but does have other ideas in mind to care for the stray animals, such as work with Cherry Brook Zoo or create a new Animal Rescue League.

Saint John SPCA President Melody McElman says they know the city is tight for funds and the only thing the shelter wants is for the city to maintain its $6,600 a month animal contract. She says they're not asking the city for any help or extra money but the zoo is not an appropriate place for a shelter.

The SPCA did approach Common Council this spring looking for more fund, which Councillor Farren says they couldn't afford. 

The shelter is in danger of closing it's doors as early as this Saturday if it doesn't raise a large sum of money. 

Thousands of dollars in donations have been made since word got out over the weekend and a fundraiser yesterday raised almost 3 thousand dollars.

Big Upgrade Plans For Reversing Falls

Although the former coast guard site is top priority for waterfront redevelopment, some big plans are being laid out for recreation by Reversing Falls.

GM for Saint John Development Kent MacIntyre tells CHSJ news they hope to have new walkways, an interpretive centre and extending harbour passage by at least 4 kilometers.

It's all a part of a master 10 year, $35 million dollar project funded by all 3 levels of government back in 2010.

MacIntyre adds he always gets e-mails from tourists asking two key questions about Harbour Passage. One is how long it is, and the other is if they're bike rentals. He'd like to see it extends as far as Rockwood Park in the coming years.

Fire Chief Says They're Getting A Handle On Vacant Buildings

The fire department is doing much more than just putting out fires around town these days. 

Fire Chief Kevin Clifford tells CHSJ News they've been inspecting vacant buildings to measure how dangerous they are if a fire should break out and continue to do so. 

Clifford says, in some of these buildings, the floors have actually been cut out by scavengers looking for anything of value to take and the the fire department has to be aware of that.

The Chief says it's much more dangerous fighting blazes in unoccupied buildings which could be literally falling apart but he stresses not all of the 115 to 120 vacant buildings in the city are in such bad shape, they all have to be demolished.

Students Returning To Class Tomorrow

Unlike previous years, students will not be returning to school the day after Labour Day. They will begin returning tomorrow morning with staggered starts depending on what grade you're in. 

School Districts 6, 8 and 10 have been merged into one which is called the Anglophone South School District stretching all the way from Sussex to St. Stephen. 

The new Superintendent Zoe Watson acknowledges with 74 schools, there's alot of diversity and differences to be worked out. 

Some of the high schools will have over a thousand students each to the smallest school on White Head Island with just 20 students. 

Watson tells CHSJ News as Superintendent in School District 6, she is used to diversity. That school district included Sussex, Belle Isle and the Kennebecasis Valley.

Real Life Super Heroes

Saint Johner's are delivering piles of recyclables and all their spare change towards helping the SPCA.

Right now local non-profit group and comic lovers Harbour Con-fusion are collecting any donations and recyclables at the Admiral Beatty Parking Lot. 5-year-old Brooke Graves, dressed as a little Captain America, say we need to save the animals because they can't live on the street.

President of Con-fusion Margaret Cornfield tells CHSJ news people were dropping off truck loads of donations before they were even set up.

Members of the group will be walking around Uptown Saint John with giant ice cream buckets looking for SPCA donations as well.

Saint John SPCA President Melody McElman says the community has risen to the challenge just as she knew they would. She says with every dollar that comes in, they can stay open, and she's now certain they will.

Garbage Collection Changes

Garbage pick-up days are changing in some parts of the city.

Starting tomorrow garbage collection at Champlain Heights will be moved from Tuesday collection to Wednesday.
For Lorneville garbage collection moves from Friday to Wednesday.  

Starting on September 11th Latimore changes from Tuesday collection to Wednesday and Fundy Heights changes from Friday to Wednesday.

Fundy Continues To Draw In Tourists

The whole Fundy experience is key to drawing in tourism.

That coming from Tourism Minister Trevor Holder, who tells CHSJ news they've been marketing everything from Hopewell Rocks to Campobello throughout the maritimes.

He says their marketing has been focusing on people who want to experience nature and the outdoors, as well as New Brunswick's history and culture.

Holder believe it's been a good tourism season with good weather, steady cruise ships and ramped up advertising for the Bay of Fundy.

New Leash On Life

A new leash on life is what people are giving the Saint John SPCA says President Melody McElman.

She tells CHSJ news more than $10,000 has been donated to help keep the non-profit animal shelter's doors open, and if the donations keep coming in, they most likely won't close by this Saturday.

She says people have even written to animal lovers and show hosts Anderson Cooper and Ellen DeGeneres for help.

And when it comes to expecting the city for help, McElman says she understands they're under a financial crunch, and doesn't think it's expected of them to give money they don't have. She adds they're already grateful for the $6,600 dollars they receive monthly as part of the animal contract.

Today at 10:00am local non-profit group Harbour Con-Fusion will be around Saint John collecting bottle and money donations to help the SPCA. They'll be stationed at the Admiral Beatty Parking Lot on the corner of Princess and Charlotte Street.

To get more details on donations, click here.

It's Unfair Labour Day According To Taxpayers Federation

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling this Unfair Labour Day because of what it sees as the growing pension gap in the province between what those who work in government will receive in retirement compared to the rest of us. 

The Federation's Atlantic Director Kevin Lacey tells CHSJ News at the very minimum new government employees, whether they be with the city or province, should be on defined contribution pension plans rather than defined benefits.

Lacey says there was a time years ago that government workers received generous pension plans to make up for earning less than workers in the private sector but that wage gap disappeared a long time ago.

Premier Under The Gun On Catastrophic Drug Plan

It was a campaign promise made by Premier David Alward but bringing in a catastrophic drug coverage plan hasn't happened yet. 

The Premier says former Health Minister Dr. Dennis Furlong is working on such a plan that will be affordable but the province's finances have to be turned around because there are just so many dollars to work with these days.

He estimates a provincial catastrophic drug plan will cost something like 20 million dollars. As just one example of how expensive drugs can be, the cancer drug Avastin costs 10 thousand dollars a month. 

Alward reminds everyone the government has already brought in a dental and vision programme for the most vulnerable children in the province and is also working on a prescription drug programme.

Superheroes Coming To SPCA's Rescue

Help is coming faster than the Flash and hitting as hard as Thor's hammer.

Local non-profit group (and comic fans) Harbour Con-fusion is holding an emergency fundraiser Monday for the Saint John SPCA.

President of Con-Fusion Margaret Cornfield tells CHSJ news over 400 people -- and superheroes -- will be meeting at the Admiral Beatty Parking Lot on the corner of Princess and Charlotte at 10am to start collecting donations and bottles to prevent a closure of the non-profit animal shelter.

She says the SPCA has always been their charity of choice, and when they heard they were in danger of closing they quickly "mobilized their geek force" to spread the word and take action.

Cornfield says all are welcome to help give donations or volunteer.

The SPCA say if they don't raise a million dollars this week, they'll be closing their doors on Saturday, leaving 14 people without a job and animals to be euthanized.   For more information click here.

Boil Water Order In Woodstock

Officials in Woodstock, have issued a boil water order for areas of the town.

Residents who live in the downtown core and also part of the southside of the Meduxnekeag River are being told to boil their water for at least one minute.

The town says the boil order is precautionary after a water reservoir on St. Andrews Street lost power on Friday.

It's not known how long the order will remain in effect.   Courtesy of The Canadian Press.

Saint Johners Coming Together To Save SPCA

Hair Salons, jewelry makers, auctions and even super heroes are all coming together to help keep the Saint John SPCA open.

The SPCA announced if they don't raise a million dollars in a week the centre will close it's doors this coming Saturday, leaving 14 people without a job and animals facing euthanization.

President Melody McElman tells CHSJ news they had to come out and tell the truth to the public. She says they've been planning to start a capital campaign for months to raise enough money to convert rooms at the 295 Bayside Drive building into viable revenue source, such as a dog grooming and obedience centre.

She says they've done as much as they could to cut costs for the non-profit animal shelter, including cutting the executive director position to help pay for the stack of vet bills and operational costs.

In December the group was given 30 days notice by the NBSPCA to move out of their decrepit building on Taylor Avenue, which had problems with mold, old concrete cages and as McElman describes as "not fit for man or beast". She says the $750,000 price tag on the Bayside property was affordable compared to $4 million if a new building was made.

McElman says she knows she set her goal high by asking for a million, but what they need is a miracle.

The centre has been around for 99 years.

To donate by going in the shelter, click here or call 642-0931. You can also visit their facebook page. 

Iconic Lobster Dies

The Fundy Discover Aquarium in Saint Andrews is bidding farewell to one of its iconic residents...Big Dee-Dee, a 22 year old lobster donated to the aquarium in 2008, was thought to be 40 years old.

Large lobsters are thought to be important in the ocean as a large female can carry as many as 80,000 eggs, although only a small percentage of these reach maturity. Aquarium manager Jim Cornall tells CHSJ News they don't like to speak about the question on many people's minds: what does a 22 pound lobster taste like? He says no idea... it's something they don't speak of at the aquarium.

The aquarium has another 22 lb. lobster, Tiny, and several other rare lobsters, including several blue lobsters, a yellow lobster and a calico.

Saint John Welcomes First Health & Wellness Expo

Saint John is getting it's very first Health & Wellness expo this month.

The two-day event will feature everything from fitness, nutrition, mental health and even finances.

Organizer Mike McGraw tells CHSJ news there will be demonstrations, speakers and even a fitness challenge with teams like the Saint John Sea Dogs, firefighters and local businesses.

Another unique part of the expo is proceeds go towards The Children's Wish Foundation. The event starts on Friday September 14th from 11:30am-8:00pm and 10:00am-4:30pm Saturday September 15th at Harbour Station.  

Admission is regular $6, $5 for seniors & students, and $10 for a family of five.

For more informaiton, click here.

SPCA Facing Closure

The Greater Saint John SPCA is facing a closure this time next week.

That's unless it can get around a million dollars to pay for the 296 Bayside Drive building and for operational costs. In an e-mail, President Melody McElman says the new move, mounting debt, low donations and no steady revenue stream all piled up. And with more animals than adoptions, McElman says the community can't go without a shelter.

Just a few months ago their executive director was laid off to help cut costs. McElman says the non-profit shelter costs about $46,000 dollars a month to run. She says if anyone wants to help they can donate, give corporate sponsorship, third party fundraising or volunteer.

Unless there is a huge influx of cash, the shelter will close its doors at 5:00pm on Saturday, September 8th, and 14 staff members will be jobless.

Anyone who wants to make a donation can call 642-0931 or click here.

Man Faces Multiple Charges For Domestic Dispute

A 48-year-old man is heading to court after assaulting a 47-year-old woman.


City Police say they were called to Hazen Street around 5:40pm for the domestic dispute.

The man is charged with uttering death threats, assault causing harm to the woman, and concealing a weapon.

Saint Johner Biking Across Canada For Cancer

With cooler mornings most people are putting their bikes away, but one Saint Johner is doing just the opposite.

Shelley Wood is leaving Port City today to start a 17 day bike ride across Canada for the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. Wood has been training for months and has raised her goal of $25,000 dollars.

Wood tells CHSJ news the SNKCR helps raise money that goes toward oncology research and programs that improve survival rates of kids with cancer.

Wood will be biking 160 kilometres a day (totalling 7,000km), starting in BC on Wednesday and finishing in Halifax on September 21.

To follow Shelley's ride, click here to go to her blog.

GAP Coming To Saint John

You'll have more selection for holiday shopping this year.

A GAP factory store is set to open at East Point Shopping this November. Construction has already started for the clothing and accessories store that features products for men, women and kids.  It joins Le Chateau, Roots and other retailers in the area.

The only other GAP store in the province is in Dieppe.

Shingle Vandals Nabbed

Four teenagers have been arrested in connection with an incident that caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to the Hampton Community Center.

Staff discovered upon arriving at the building that someone had ripped shingles off the roof of the building and discarded them into the swimming pool below.

The investigation led police to identify and arrest four suspects, two men from Hampton, one man from Titusville, and one man from Nauwigewauk. All four will appear in court later in the fall.

Truck Stolen In Hampton

The District 3 RCMP need your help finding a pickup truck stolen from a driveway in Hampton early this morning.

The truck was stolen from the driveway on Mapleton Crescent at about 4 a.m. It is a brown 2009 Toyota Tacoma, with licence plate number NCN 382.

Anyone with information is asked to call the RCMP at 506-832-5566. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at www.crimenb.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

School Supplies Needed

If your kids have enough school supplies, why not spend an extra dollar or two for needy children in the community?

The Community Food Basket is looking for donations of school supplies including looseleaf, crayons, duotangs, scribblers, and glue sticks.

According to volunteer Anne Wade they don't need any more pencils, but everything else would be appreciated at this time of year. She says they currently don't have a lot of the items families are coming in looking for.

Please drop off any donation at The Community Food Basket of Saint John located at 215 Charlotte Street. For more information call 652-2707 or after hours at 652-2707.

Events For Labour Day Weekend

Summer is winding down and it's time to celebrate the long Labour Day weekend...


In Saint John, you can head to Rockwood Park on Monday for the annual Labour Day festivities between 1 and 4pm. There will be a BBQ, live music, canoe tours, a magic show for the kids, plus wagon and pony rides.

A Bigger Paycheque For Daycare Workers

Daycare and early childhood education workers will soon be smiling on payday....the provincial government has brought back a $2.75/hour wage subsidy for people who work with kids, which is one of the lowest-paid professions.

 Education minister Jody Carr tells CHSJ News they plan has been to decrease the turnover rate, as well as bring wages in New Brunswick up to speed with the rest of Canada. He further says childcare worker wages are a pay equity issue, since the profession is mainly pursued by women.

The change is effective on September 1rst and will be paid retroactively to April 1, 2012. Over the next 3 years the government intends to spend $38-million on a bigger early childhood action plan called Putting Children First.

Celebration Of A Mother's Life Tomorrow

There will be a celebration of the life of Sarah MacDonald tomorrow at the Wallace Community Chapel in Sussex at 1:00. 

She's the 32 year old mother of three from Belle Isle Creek who was struck and killed by a car earlier this week while standing next to her car after her family's R-V ran out of gas by East Scotch Settlement Road. 

There's visitation this afternoon from 1 to 3 and again tonight from 6 to 8 at Wallace Funeral Home on Sunnyside Drive in Sussex.

How Young Is Too Young To Operate An A-T-V?

The Canadian Pediatric Society this week is recommending no one under the age of 16 should be operating an A-T-V. 

The New Brunswick All Terrain Vehicle Association maintains anyone under the age of 6 is too young. 

Association President Daniel Boucher tells CHSJ News there has been a huge change for the better in the province in the last few years with more of an emphasis on safety training. 

He argues more kids get injured playing hockey than they do on A-T-V's and a child hasn't died in the province on an A-T-V in the past six years.
 
Boucher adds the A-T-V Association recommends adults get safety training as well. The Association would also like to see speed limits on trails.

       

Ambulance Response Times In City Are Shorter

The new ambulance station on City Road has been up and running for a number of months now but the official opening has just taken place. 

The President and C-E-O of Ambulance NB Alan Stephen tells CHSJ News alot of thought went into choosing where the ambulances should be located to reduce response times and that has happened. Stephen says what that means is over a hundred people stand a better chance of surviving medical emergencies. 

Before it was built, the ambulance service was operating out of a hotel room across the street which Stephen concedes was inadequate.     

Hunting Age Changed

As of Saturday, 12 year olds will be permitted to hunt game and small varmints under the law in New Brunswick. Previously, the legal age was 14. The New Brunswick Wildlife Federation made the switch as part an initiative to get more young people interested in hunting.

12 year old hunters will have to be accompanied by an adult--and before they can carry a firearm, they will be required to finish a firearm safety/hunter education course or bowhunter education course offered through local offices of the Department of Natural Resources. Most provinces in Canada already have a legal hunting age of 12.

Results Of NB Air Quality Study Released

New Brunswick is breathing a little easier according to the release of the provincial air quality survey results. According to Environment Minister Bruce Fitch, the closure of some of the larger mills and the generating station on Grand Lake have made a significant improvement in the quality of the air we breathe. 

He tells CHSJ News the main concern is that we become complacent when we see positive results--because we always have to keep moving forward.

The survey keeps an eye on carbon monoxide, acid rain,ground level ozone and a variety of other factors--and all the surveyed sites in New Brunswick conform to the Canada-wide standard.

MLA Says A Vote Is A Vote

It might not be a popular decision, but a vote is a vote: so says MLA Jim Parrat regarding the decision to charge families from Greenwich and West Westfield to use the River Valley Community Center. 

Parrott says despite what some citizens say, they made every effort to get the word out about the vote to discontinue funding for the center by leaving letters and mailouts for residents.

The residents say a new vote needs to be held because the previous one didn't include the demographic that uses the center.

Former Case Worker For Province Jailed

A 40 year old Quispamsis man has learned his fate for defrauding the provincial department of Social Development of more than 36 thousand dollars.

Kenneth Neaves has been sentenced to 1 year in jail after Judge Anne Jeffries determined he committed a breach of both trust and authority.

Neaves was working as a case worker for Social Development, using clients and even family members to perpetuate the fraud from 2007 to 2009 when he was caught by a fluke.  

Judge Jeffries told the court it appears Neaves had woven a web of lies to such an extent he could not recognise reality and tried to blame others. She also speculates he would have continued with the fraud had he not got caught.  

The judge also pointing out the Court of Appeal has determined people who steal from their employers should go to jail.

No Break At The Pumps

Gas prices continuing their ascent with a significant increase in the price of self serve regular after the weekly setting. 

It is now up to $1.32.1 a litre in the city with diesel at $1.36.1. 

Propane also more expensive with a listed maximum price of 94.6 cents a litre.

Heating oil has risen to a max of $1.17.7.

Board Of Trade Bullish On Business Climate In City

Business is booming in Saint John according to business leaders in Port City.

A tour put organised by the Saint John Board of Trade showcased growth in health knowledge, I-C-T, energy and developing the former Coast Guard site down by Market Square.

Board of Trade Chair Larry Hachey tells CHSJ news that we take ourselves for granted and beat our selves up alot so this was an opportunty to showcase what was going on and people were surprised at how vibrant the city is.

Southern NB Railway mentioned it was bringing New Brunswickers who were out west back to the province to work for their company. 

The I-C-T sector is said to now employ 3,000 people in Saint John with over 100 companies.