NB Power Is Doing Better

NB Power is reporting better financial numbers with year-to-date earnings rebounding to $5 million and the utility will be paying down its debt by $39 million. 

The better numbers being attributed, in part, to all that rain we got over the summer to generate more hydroelectricity with out of province revenue going up by 32 million dollars. 

We're also told the Point Lepreau nuclear plant, following a planned maintenance outage in October, is now operating at 100 per cent capaciy.

Ashley Smith Inquest Winding Down After Almost A Year

More than 12 thousand pages of evidence from 80 plus witnesses and over 100 recommendations. That's what jurors at the Ashley Smith inquest in Toronto will face going over after they receive final instructions today and then begin their deliberations.
 
The inquest into Smith’s choking death in a prison segregation cell in 2007 began last January. 

The jurors did receive conflicting advice on the question whether the 19-year-old Smith from Moncton meant to kill herself or died because the guards, under orders against intervening too quickly, waited too long to save her.

Tragedy In Southeastern New Brunswick

The small Acadian village of Cap Pele is in mourning after a tragic car crash over the weekend takes the lives of four teens, aged 17 and 18.
 
The four died when the car they were in went off the highway, struck a culvert and rolled over several times.
 
Three of the victims were not wearing their seatbelts and got ejected from the vehicle. The RCMP say speed was a factor in the crash. 

A funeral service for the four has been scheduled tomorrow afternoon and is being described as a celebration of their short lives. 

The people who live in Cap Pele have been asked not to turn their Christmas lights on until after the funeral.

Fishing Boat Runs Aground

(Photo Courtesy Of Lt. Paul Poirier)

Musquash Fire telling us about a fishing boat that ran aground at Lobster Cove in Chance Harbour early yesterday morning. Four fishermen who were on board made it safely to shore in a dinghy with the help of other fishermen in the area.

Later in the day, there was a single vehicle crash on Highway 1 in Musquash. A van struck a guardrail. This caused all the air bags to deploy. One person was sent to hospital as a precaution.

Special Meeting To Be Held By Common Council

Common Council holding another special meeting late this afternoon, this time it's about Zone SJ, the proposed new direction in development as part of Plan SJ. 

Concern has been expressed about too much development happening in the area of Quinton Heights that could cause structural problems for existing homeowners. 

West side Common Councillor Bill Farren tells CHSJ News he shares that concern especially after what happened to one homeowner's retirement home along Manawagonish Road. 

Farren says he also remembers vividly the big rock slide that happened years ago onto the Golden Mile.

Political Leaders React To Deadly Crash

Reaction from the Premier and the leader of the opposition on this weekend's tragic crash killing four teens from Cap Pele.

Liberal Leader Brian Gallant offering his sympathies to the families and friends of the four teens.

Shediac-Cap Pele Liberal MLA Victor Boudreau says he shares in the sadness and shock of the community.

Premier David Alward also offering his sympathies saying he is deeply saddened by news of the fatal collision.

4-Plex: Should Folks Outside Of Saint John Have To Pay User Fees?

There's been a lot of talk lately about a 4-plex at Long Wharf which would replace some of the region's ailing arenas, and some are questioning whether those traveling from outlying areas should pay user fees to recover the costs.

Mayor Mel Norton tells CHSJ News we've been working hard to foster at atmosphere of cooperation in the Greater Saint John area....and user fees would be a step backward.


"My own perspective is we need to act as a region. We are the greater Saint John region, it doesn't matter if you happen to live in the Rothesay area or the Grand Bay-Westfield area."

Michael Hugenholtz of the city's Leisure Services department says if the 4-plex is built, they'd need to crunch the numbers on how many people from out of town use the facility, and the cost-recovery model hasn't been ruled out.

JDI Says Natural Gas Hike Could Leave Jobs At Risk

A JDI spokesperson says jobs could be at risk if a proposed rate hike for natural gas gets the green light. 

Mary Keith says the application by Enbridge Gas, for what they are calling a "slight increase" in bills for commercial and industrial users, is concerning. 

She tells CHSJ News they're the main source of natural gas for their Atlantic Wallboard plant in Saint John.

"I think in all of our operations we're looking to ensure that we have got competitive fuel sources, and we've worked very hard to reduce our footprint in terms of greenhouse gases, through options like natural gas, or biomass."

Enbridge wants to see the new distribution rates take effect on the first day of the new year.

About $20B Goes Across The Border In Consumer Shopping Annually

While you're looking for the best holiday deals, Canadian retailers are trying to offer you more options, in competition with the U.S.

Finona Story is the spokesperson for RedFlagDeals.com.
She tells CHSJ News, there's been an increase in the number of Black Friday deals in Canada over the past 5 years.

She says when Black Friday deals started Canada in 2007, there were only about two deals. Last year, there were about 200 deals and 150 participating retailers.

She adds there have been fringe movements to help push for shopping closer to home, even if that means missing out on some better deals across the boarder. 

"The more recent studies,which came out in 2012, estimated that roughly 20 billion dollars goes across the border each year in consumer shopping," says Story.

Alberta Energy Company Exec. Says Investing In NB Is Too Risky

For some companies, investing in New Brunwick's shale gas is just too risky. 

Keith Steeves works for an energy company in Alberta, called NAL Resources. He says the company probably wouldn't invest in the province because of political and social risks.
 
 "There seems to be fair amount of protests going on, there seems to be a fair amount of destruction of property going on. Those things aren't conducive to being efficient and effective in carrying out the operations of the business we have."
 
He said in order for the company to invest in New Brunswick, there would have be more security. "There's lots of places where we can explore oil and gas, and New Brunswick is just one of them."

Tips For Your Holiday Shopping

Whether you're kick-starting your holiday shopping, or maybe you just need a few more things. RedFlagDeals.com has some tips for you.

Fiona Story, spokesperson of the company, says make sure you do your research before heading to the store.  "Have you're list ready, go to the store and make sure you have your coupon or deal codes," she says. 

Adding, make sure you've updated your apps as well, because in a lot of cases you can just show the app or the deal at the cash. She says a lot of hot deals are on televisions and cameras. 

Many retailers have specific deals going live at certain times. Story says, "really keeping up to date on what's being pushed when, is a good way to capitalize on the best savings."

Don't Forget About Winter Parking Bans

Don't forget, the yearly winter overnight parking restriction goes into effect on Sunday at midnight, and stays in effect until March 31st.

This means no parking on most city streets between midnight and 7 a.m.

Some streets are exempt from the parking restriction. For a map of those  streets, go to saintjohn.ca/winter.

Saint John Jewish Community Celebrates Chanukah Tonight

The Saint John Jewish community celebrates the festival of Chanukah tonight, and everyone in the community is invited to attend the menorah-lighting ceremony.

Chanukah began on Wednesday, and the menorah-lighting starts at 6pm, at the Saint John Jewish Historical Museum and synagogue, 91 Leinster Street. 

Chanukah songs, educational information, and light refreshments are all on the program.The eight-day festival celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks which allowed the the Jews the freedom to worship God. All are welcome to participate.

Premier Says Former Council Made It More Difficult To Reach Agreement

It was no secret Premier David Alward and former Mayor Ivan Court did not see eye to eye on solving the city's pension problem and a public-private partnership for clean water. 

Alward says the better the relationship the city has with the province and federal government, the better it will be for Saint Johnners.

Court, who has spoken out against the shared risk pension model for provincial retirees like himself, will be seeking the Liberal nomination in Saint John Lancaster for the next provincial election.

Province Declares Bridge Work Officially Complete

It's old news for the locals but the Harbour Bridge Refurbishment is officially complete.
 
Provincial Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams was bridge side for the official announcement with Saint John MP Rodney Weston and Mayor Mel Norton.


CHSJ News asked Williams if there will be any asphalt resurfacing on the westbound lanes next year.

He says the engineers may be looking at that as part of the asset management within the department.

Mayor Norton says the combined investment in the Bridge work and the One Mile Interchange project is over 100 million dollars.

He says it's the kind of investment that's long term and that fuels big business.

The One Mile Interchange is expected to be complete early next month.

Energy Institute Comes Under Fire For Ties To Tories

The only First Nations member of the provincial Energy Institute has resigned....and the institute itself is coming under fire for its supposed lack of impartiality. 

Liberal Leader Brian Gallant tells CHSJ News the Energy Institute's close ties with the Alward government are stifling an open dialogue about the energy future of the province.

When he tendered its resignation Metallic said the institute was too concerned with what the Tory government wanted it to say about shale gas development.

Help Fill Food Bank Shelves At "Fill The Truck"

The Rothesay Regional Police Department holding their Fill The Truck event tomorrow at the KV Superstore from 9am-3pm.

They're collecting non-perishable food items, toiletries, and toys with the goal of filling their big truck full of items to help as many families as possible.

All food will be donated to the KV Food Bank.

Free Festive Events For The Whole Family

Save the date next Friday if you want to get into the Christmas spirit in the uptown. Uptown Saint John will be hosting a special night of free horse-drawn carriage rides, Victorian carollers, festive lights and more. 

Matt Alexander of Uptown Saint John tells CHSJ News there will be street boutiques and music starting at 5pm.

As well, the City Market will be lit up for the only time this year.....it's the first year for this celebration, and for a full schedule click here

Missing Public Landing Man Returns Home

A man reported missing this week is safe and sound.

60-year old Roger Taylor of Public Landing returning home this morning. He had last been seen at the Department of Natural Resources office in Welsford on Tuesday afternoon.

Police had called on the public for help finding him.

Alward Stresses Importance Of Moving Forward

Premier David Alward talking to business leaders and politicians in Alberta about the potential consequences of standing still.

Alward says it's concerning that a number of projects across the country are simply gathering dust and potentially $650-billion is at risk. He says that translates into less investment, meaning, fewer jobs and not being able to meet the priorities of Canadians.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce unanimously passing the Energy East Pipeline resolution presented at their general meeting.

Collision Between Cruiser And Other Vehicle At Garden St Irving

A police cruiser and another car got into a bit of a scrape-up at the Garden Street Irving shortly after 1pm with some debris littering the road.

No one was hurt, but the collision did cause some traffic snags.

Klohn To Lead Financial & Consumers Services Commission

A big promotion for a Saint Johner. 

Peter Klohn is the new chair of the Province's Financial and Consumer Services Commission. His five year appointment begins January 1st.

Justice Minister Troy Lifford says Klohn has demonstrated the leaderships skills required for this role as show in his role as a partner at Stewart McKelvey. Klohn has practised law in the City for over 25 years.

The commission provides protection to consumers and investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices. It was established last summer.

Paramount Dismantling Reaches Home Stretch

It's a sad yet fascinating process to watch for those living and working uptown.  

The dismantling of the old Paramount Theatre on Kings Square began in September but you can really see the progress now as work on the facade is underway.

Owner Paul Daeres told CHSJ News in September that tearing it down presents challenges because this building was built to last in the late 40's.

Uptown Saint John and others attempted to save the theatre even going so far as hosting fundraising concerts and handing out "I Heart the Paramount" buttons.

Hemming House Pictures released a documentary on the movement to save the theatre which was released internationally earlier this year.

Uptown Saint John's general manager Matt Alexander told CHSJ News in September that word the theatre was coming down was "disappointing".
 

Black Friday Crowds In Saint John

It’s Black Friday in the United States — otherwise known as the busiest shopping day of the year and retailers in Saint John are trying to cash in as well.
People started lining up outside one big box store out East at 6 this morning waiting to take advantage of Black Friday discounts on this side of the border.
We are told highly popular discounted electronic items like Apple's iPads sold out within minutes of the store opening.

A Local Businessman In Court On Tax Charges

A Saint John businessman has been convicted for failing to file his tax returns.

 Leland Blake Baisley was fined 6 thousand dollars for failing to file his 2006 and 2010 personal income tax returns, his 2009 and 2010 corporation tax returns and the June 2010 and June 2011 quarterly HST returns for Jaycor Developments.
 
The court heard the outstanding corporation and HST tax returns, as well as his 2010 personal tax return have since been filed.
 

Cathedral Of Immaculate Conception Needs $10 Million In Restorations

About 160-years standing and the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception needs some repairs. 

The Cathedral needs a new roof because of water infiltration. That from Bishop Robert Harris, who tells CHSJ news, the restorations come with a $10 million dollar price tag.

The Diocese of Saint John is planning a fundraising campaign, expecting to be launched in the new year. It will be looking for support from the community, corporations and government. 

"We have a good team of people working behind the scenes, getting everything ready," he adds, We're not putting all the expectation on a diminishing number of people who gather in a spot, and actually I'm told that at our Cathedral church, the numbers are growing."

Restoration also includes the inside walls, to take care of the damage to paint or plaster, that may have been caused by water infiltration. The Diocese also hopes to gain recognition for the Cathedral, as a provincial heritage site.

Norton Gives 2013 State of the City

He was fired up and the crowd at the Delta was picking up on Mel Norton's enthusiasm for our city's future.

In his second state of the city speech, the Mayor spoke of recent successes like the last week's water funding deal and the Energy East Pipeline.

Norton says they know business will not invest in a place that does not have confidence adding when Saint Johners have confidence,  that confidence leads to action.  Norton spoke of the more than 30 initiatives underway as part of the True Growth 2.0 strategy and how essential regional cooperation is between Saint John and the outlying communities.

The Mayor also talked of a virtual hug...he says that is when the City meets with a local business and looks them in the white of their eyes telling them we appreciate you and the fact that you are sticking it out with us.

CHSJ News asked the Mayor for his biggest highlight of the last 18 months and he says he would sum it up with three words:  pension, pipeline, water.

Police Looking For Missing Public Landing Man

RCMP calling on the public for help finding a missing man from Public Landing.

60-year-old Roger Taylor was last seen at the Department of Natural Resources office in Welsford Tuesday afternoon. Taylor is described as being 5’8, and weighing about 200 lbs. He has green eyes, gray balding hair, a moustache and wears glasses. Taylor was wearing a dark jacket, a brown felt hat, blue jeans and gray hiking boots. He was driving a silver 2000 Toyota Corolla, with license plate GZV 761.

If anyone has information about the whereabouts of Roger Taylor, they are asked to contact the Grand Bay-Westfield RCMP at 506-757-1020 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimenb.ca.

Like Many New Brunswickers, Alward Heads To Alberta

Premier David Alward doing what 15,000 New Brunswickers have already done and heading to Alberta for work--except in the Premier's case. that mean addressing the Alberta legislature about the importance of New Brunswick in the natural resources sector.

The Premier stop about Canada's future when it comes to energy, including the Energy East pipeline and the development of shale gas.

Alward saying future growth and prosperity depends on our ability to responsibly develop resources and find new markets.

Snook Pleads Guilty To Newfoundland Charges

Donnie Snook in court today pleading guilty to charges from his time in Newfoundland in the 90's which include two counts of sexual touching.

Court heard that Snook feigned sleep while assaults took place and he waived his right to a trial.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 17th.

Back in October, Snook got a sentence of 18 years in prison for 46 child exploitation charges relating to incidents in Saint John.

Family Stranded After Road Washout

One rural road is looking more like Beirut than Barnesville after last night's rain......Dianna Cole and her family have lived about a mile up on the Back River Road for the past 25 years, and for the past 4 they've been trying to get a storm damaged culvert repaired by the  Department of Transportation.

After the storm last night, Cole tells CHSJ News she got an upsetting phone call from her
son.

He said he couldn't get to the house and her husband suggested putting a few planks across so he could walk across it. 

He said that it wouldn't work because the washout is 35 to 45 feet wide.




Cole says 4-5 families including senior citizens are now stranded and unable to get off the road even to get to work....and an emergency situation could be disastrous. Judy Cole of the Department of Transportation tells us crews have been out to the site and they're making an assessment for short and long term repairs.

2200 Still Without Power

There are still more than 2200 without power following yesterday's storm.



In our backyard, the largest group affected are in Smithtown and in Quispam.

700 homes and businesses are without lights in Pennfield.

NB Power says the lights will be back on by 10pm tonight in some cases and in other areas an update is pending.

To see the latest numbers, click here

Hospital Patients In Province Surveyed

With Horizon Health asking for patient feedback and Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming's wish for patient centred care, the New Brunswick Health Council has released the results of its own survey of patients. 

C-E-O Stephane Robichaud tells CHSJ News there could be better communication with patients when it comes to transitioning from hospital to their homes and about the proper use of their drugs.

Robichaud says the main area for improvement would be cleanliness. Only 53.2 per cent of patients across the province say their room and washroom were always kept clean. That percentage is lower than it was in a similar survey done back in 2010.

Three out of four patients give their hospital stay a thumbs up.

VIDEO: Simonds High Evacuated After Bomb Scare

Part of Simonds High school has been evacuated around noon after a student claimed to have a bomb and weapon.

Police have formed a perimeter around the high school and are checking it over as a precaution.

No weapons or bombs have been found and no one has been injured. Police are now dismantling the perimeter and say all the students are safe and accounted for.

Police Release Description Of Robbery Suspect

City Police investigating a robbery on the East side involving a masked man and a handgun. 

It happened around 4pm yesterday, when the man entered the Kwik Way on Golden Grove Road demanding cash and made off with cigarettes. Sergeant Jay Henderson says suspect is described as being about 6 foot, average build and was wearing a grey hoodie and dark face mask.

Police also being called to Acamac Beach Road on the West side for a break and enter. Henderson says a rear window was smashed out and four rifles, a handgun, a safe and a tablet were taken from a home. 

The first suspect is described as being a tall, slim man wearing a light coat with a light blue design and a hood. The other suspect is a man described as short, wearing shorts and a large sweatshirt. Both appear to be in their late teens or early twenties.

If you have information about these or any crimes, contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

You'll Pay A Bit More To Fill Up

A slight increase in gas prices after the weekly setting.

Self serve regular is at $126.9 a litre around town with diesel at $1.42 a litre.

Nor'easter Pounds Region

The high winds causing power outages throughout the region with 34, as of early this morning, in the Rothesay region affecting more than 23 hundred customers. Most of the people affected are in Grand Bay-Westfield and Clifton Royal. More than 16 hundred homes and businesses are in the dark in the St. Stephen region including Beaver Harbour, Pennfield and Musquash. NB Power has given no indication when you might get your power back. There are 7 outages in the Sussex area affecting 181 customers.

Wind speed s peaked at 91 kilometers an hour at Saint John Airport and got up to 100 kilometers an hour at Point Lepreau.

Environment Canada reports we received 88.5 millimeters of rain yesterday in Saint John. City Police telling us there was flooding under the overpass at the end of Rothesay Avenue.


A road warrior also telling us a tree has fallen on the road between Baxter's Corner and Grove Hill as you make your way to Barnesville. We're told as well that a stretch of the Back River Road in Barnesville has been washed away.

Rothesay Regional Police report a two vehicle collision late last night in poor visibility at the intersection of Millenium and Campbell Drive. One person was taken to hospital.

Donation to "Lunch Connection" Program, Helping Kids Eat Healthy At School

Students in Saint John will get to enjoy more nutritious meals at school. All thanks to the funds being donated from Chop Chop Restaurant Week.

Uptown Saint John presenting Lunch Connection and Saint John the Baptist King Edward School with $4,282, towards giving kids healthy lunches. The Lunch Connection program helps provide students in need with a healthy lunch every day.

Leslie-Hamilton Brown is Vice Principal at Saint John  theBaptist King Edward School. She tells CHSJ News, "It helps every day to be able to feed the kids and that they know it's coming. We don't want them to ever feel, will we get a meal tomorrow?" she says.

She adds, having nutritious food available, helps kids focus better in class and academics have improved.

Construction Of Youth Shelter Starting Next Month

A former church in the South end being torn down to make way for a youth shelter. 

Crews dismantling the old St. James Anglican Church tomorrow as part of the preparatory work for Safe Harbour's emergency and transitional housing for the city's homeless young people. Construction is scheduled to begin next month, with plans to have the facility up and running by the summer of next year.

Project Coordinator Colin MacDonald tells CHSJ News this is monumental because it means this winter is the last that homeless youth have to spend outside. MacDonald says over the last three years they have seen momentum building for this project, and they will soon be announcing their partners.

Last year, 67 youth accessed an adult emergency shelter in Saint John and an estimated more than 100 youth need transitional housing.

More Call Center Jobs Announced

The premier, Postsecondary Education Minister Jody Carr, and other government officials were on hand this afternoon for the announcement of some more new call center jobs in the Port City.

The most recent job announcement comes at home-grown knowledge management consultant firm Innovatia. Premier David Alward tells CHSJ News his government is hoping to meet a new target of 850 new jobs under the One Job Pledge by the end of this fiscal year, which is in March.
 
Yesterday, TD Insurance announced the creation of 275 jobs at its Rothesay Avenue call center. Twenty-three of the jobs at Innovatia have already been filled by new graduates--and according to co-CEO David Grebenec they are looking to fill 45 more.

Armed Robbery At East Side Convenience Store

A robbery at the Kwik Way on Golden Grove Road just before 4pm today.

The caller reported a masked man with a gun came into the store and made off with cigarettes. No money was taken.

Police are currently looking for the suspect. No one was hurt.

Power Outages For Thousands Due To High Winds

3166 NB Power customers in the dark throughout the province with outages in Fredericton, Bouctouche, and St Stephen.

High winds have hit Charlotte County the hardest with over 2-thousand people without power.

Crews are working to get power back no but there's no word yet on when that will be.

Local Companies Encouraged To Join Shipbuilding Supplier Registry

Local companies being encouraged to try and get a piece of the shipbuilding action in Halifax. 

Enterprise Saint John hosting an information session for people looking to learn more about joining the supplier registry for the Irving Shipbuilding program.

Janet Scott of Enterprise Saint John tells CHSJ News there are over 100 different categories of materials and services that will be needed throughout the modernization program.

Scott says there are over 70 companies from the Port City on the registry, and about five have already have contracts, including Hemmings House Pictures who are documenting the upgrades to the Halifax shipyard. Mary Keith of JDI tells us there are about 2000 businesses in total currently registered on the site.

Irving Shipbuilding investing $300 million to upgrade the shipyard in Halifax.

One Swallow Does Not A Summer Make For Grits

One swallow does not a summer make--and just because the Liberals came close to toppling the Tory stronghold of Brandon-Souris in Manitoba doesn't mean they're a shoo-in against the Tories despite Justin Trudeau's apparent confidence. 

UPEI political science professor Don Desserud tells CHSJ News the Conservative Party needs to listen carefully to the rumblings of discontent with the Harper government.

Desserud says the NDP is probably the most disappointed party with very little to grab on to in terms of recent successes, and Thomas Mulcair's attacks on the senate are an easy way for them to score points with very little risk considering there are no New Democrat senators.

Broken Windows And Car Crashes Yesterday

Messy weather yesterday resulted in a number of minor crack-ups on the roads...but none of them were serious according to Sergeant Jay Henderson of the Saint John Police Department.

As well, the front window of a car on Young Street was smashed out and a purse taken--ditto for the window of the STR Convenience on Loch Lomond Road, although in that case nothing was stolen.

If you have information about these or any crimes, contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Provincial Health Minister and Liberal Leader Go Toe To Toe

Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming and Liberal leader Brian Gallant locking horns in the Legislature on the Alward Government's promised catastrophic drug plan. 

Flemming refused to be pinned down on an exact date when the plan will be in place and then turned the tables, asking Gallant about his proposed moratorium on shale gas development, calling it a raw attempt to win votes and predicting it will be over the day after the provincial election is over.

Flemming says the catastrophic drug plan will be coming down during the current sitting of the Legislature but anything good takes time to put in place.

Ferry Crossing Cancelled

Bay Ferries letting us know the 4:00 sailing of the Princess of Acadia from Digby this afternoon and tomorrow morning's 9:00 sailing from Saint John are cancelled because of the weather.

East Side Breakin

City Police are investigating a breakin at the S-T-R convenience store along Loch Lomand Road. 

They don't believe anything was stolen, telling CHSJ News it appears whomever was responsible got in through the front door but was likely scared away when the alarm sounded.

Car Goes Off Road At Lepreau

(Photo Courtesy of Lt Paul Poirier)

Musquash Fire reporting a single vehicle crash along Route 790 in Lepreau, likely caused by icy road conditions. 

A car with four people inside went off the road and rolled down a deep ditch before landing on its wheels. 

The people inside managed to get out of the car by the time firefighters arrived. Two of them were taken to hospital with what looked like minor injuries.