A heritage designation on a building might be a blessing for tourists, history buffs, and preservationists; however, it's something of a curse for parishioners at St George's Church on Watson Street on the city's West Side.
Common Council has voted to keep the heritage designation on the nearly two hundred year old church, which means there's a lot less flexibility about how the dilapidated building can be repaired.
Susan Jack is the church warden, and she says they'll be out of funds by 2015.
The congregation has asked for permission from the diocese to sell the building and are now waiting to see whether that will be granted.
In
Saint John, it seems we still see our share of car break ins, thefts,
and other crime--however, their frequency is apparently far less now
than in the recent past, according to Police Chief Bill Reid.
Reid
tells CHSJ News there's been an overall crime reduction of 16%, and in
certain areas like robberies that has skyrocketed to 60%. Reid tells
CHSJ News the methadone maintenance program has been a huge factor and
it's having positive spin-offs for solving crime as well.
Reid
says when the police force goes before council to offer a review of its
operations in March, intelligence-based policing and the methadone
program will be non-negotiables as far as he's concerned.
The provincial NDP Leader says the Alward Government has its budget priorities all wrong.
While Dominic Cardy is glad to hear they'll be holding the line on new, large capital projects, he tells CHSJ News huge amounts of money are being wasted on programs that don't benefit New Brunswickers and there's a lack of investment in those that are needed.
He says cutting money from Education and Early Childhood Development at the same time as you're putting more money into corporate welfare programs just doesn't make any sense.
While he wasn't surprised by anything in the new budget, Cardy says one thing worth noting is that while Premier David Alward made his commitment to shale gas very clear during his State Of The Province address, there wasn't anything in the budget about how that will change our financial outlook.
It's
predicted the budget will be balanced by the year 2017-2018, but Cardy
says he doesn't think that's going to happen with this government.
City police confirm that a robbery did take place this morning at the Medi Trust on the Manawagonish Road.
They believe two people are involved.
One man demanded prescription pills, got some and took off. No one was hurt. The man got into a waiting truck which headed west on the Manawagonish Road.
The major crime unit is looking into the robbery. One of the men is described as in his early 20's, between 5 foot 8 and 5 foot 9 , weighing about 180 pounds wearing baggy pants hanging low on the waist. The truck he got into is described as a white Dodge Ram type truck with a lift kit installed. If you have any info contact the Major Crime Unit at 648-3333.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is happy there are no tax increases in the provincial budget.
CHSJ News asked Atlantic Director Kevin Lacey if its looks like an election year budget.
He says normally in an election year there is huge growth in spending but he thinks the government was concerned with how that would look so the spending increases are modest.
Lacey says even with a decline the deficit is still a concern adding it's still huge and a burden that taxpayers will have to bear well into the future.
As the provincial government tables its new budget, the Minister of Finance says the economy is showing signs of recovery.
A deficit of 391-million dollars is being projected, down from 564 million-dollars and spending is predicted to grow less than two percent.
Blaine Higgs says the Energy East pipeline and the development of the natural gas industry will increase investment and more. Higgs says they have the potential to significantly boost investment, job creation and government revenue for years to come. He says given these projects and planned investments in the forestry sector, the department of finance is forecasting growth of 2.1 per cent in 2015.
The capital budget which totals 555-million dollars includes 213-million to maintain and improve health care infrastructure and 99-million for school infrastructure.
A local man appeared to be taking lessons from The Incredible Hulk as he smashed multiple windows and attempted to break into at least four separate buildings in the North End and Millidgeville.
Sergeant Jay Henderson of the Saint John Police Force explains they first encountered the man in the Cranberry Hill area, where officers arriving on the scene watched him smash out a picture window and enter a home. As officers placed him under arrest, more calls continue to come in about windows smashed at other homes in the area, and at UNB. The man was taken to hospital to be treated for cuts--and while there, managed to pull the fire alarm and smash a glass cabinet with a chair.
He also caused more damage in lockup. He's now facing charges of break and enter, mischief, damage, and failure to comply with conditions.
For the 27th year, the month long food drive is underway again this year at Saint John High.
Students will be collecting much needed items for the Community Food Basket with boxes set up in every classroom at the school.
Saint John High teacher Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News because of the cold winter we've had, the demand is higher this year. Ogden says the families who are having the roughest time are living in homes with the highest heating costs because of poor energy efficiency.
You can donate non perishable food items at the school along with things like plastic bags, glass jars and toiletries.
Seven years is how long Kenneth Joseph Johnston will be spending behind bars.
Sentencing coming down today in the daylight robbery of the CIBC branch at King and Germain which took place in early October of last year. Johnston was charged with threatening a bank teller with violence for cash and possession of marijuana.
He originally plead not guilty to the charges and was scheduled to stand trial, but later changed that to a guilty plea.
Johnston is also prohibited from owning weapons for life.
A man being charged in the theft of a power utility vehicle from the parking lot of the Amsterdam Inn on Millennium Drive in the Kennebecasis Valley.
The NB Power truck was stolen just before 11am on Monday, but it didn't take police long to track it down. The Rothesay Regional Police finding the truck a few minutes later and tried to stop it. The 23-year-old then ran into the woods and was arrested after a short foot chase.
He's going to be appearing in court on Thursday for a bail hearing.
It's estimated there are 100 young people in the city who don't have a place to call home.
The Support the Toque campaign to end homelessness among young people in the city is being held today in Brunswick Square with a booth across from Coles from 11 to 3.
Community supporters of Safe Harbour Transitional Youth Services will be selling toques for $10 each. 80 per cent of the proceeds will go toward building and operating Safe Harbour, a transition house for homeless young people in the south end. The remaining 20 per cent will help support initiatives across the country.
In 2012, 67 young people used an adult emergency shelter in the city.
The Transportation Safety Board has finished its investigation into the crash of a small plane January 21st between Fredericton and Minto and determined it went down after running out of fuel. There was no mechanical problem with the plane itself.
The pilot, a 22 year old student from the Fredericton campus of the Moncton Flight College used his cellphone to direct rescuers to where he was in the woods before he was airlifted to hospital for treatment of his injuries.
It was standing room only at common council as supporters of the Saint John Police Department and other interested parties coming to hear the verdict on a potential shift to the RCMP.
After looking into the option with the Department of Public Safety, city staff recommended the city take no further action on the potential switch, and receive and file a report to tat effect.
According to a report by city staff, the Department of Public Safety made it clear communities with over 15,000people simply can't switch to a municipal policing agreement. As well, the department considers the selection of policing services a local matter in which it must remain impartial.
Meanwhile, Mayor Mel Norton tells CHSJ News the overall mission to save money on city services hasn't changed---and all of the core services, including police and fire are still going to have to give a detailed account of how their budgets are being allocated and why. Norton says the end goal of the review process will be to freeze expenditures at 2014 levels.
Shocked by your heating bill this winter? If you're barely able to cover it, you could qualify for some help from Efficiency NB in the coming months.
A new program subsidizes home renovations to bring down monthly heating costs--which could save as much as $1,200 annually. About 100 homes in need of major upgrades will be finished this fiscal year and another 300 homes next year.
If you're interested in the program, call Efficiency NB at 1-866-643-8833.
Saint John MP Rodney Weston is the chair of the Atlantic caucus.
Weston says he is pleased and humbled by the confidence the Prime Minister has shown in him by giving him this role.
The duties include advancing the issues and concerns of Atlantic Canadians, setting the agenda for weekly meetings, working with Ministers and helping to strengthen the voice of the Atlantic MP's to the National caucus.
A well known community volunteer is the 2014 Red Triangle Award winner.
Daryl Steeves is a self-described true Saint Johner who was born here, grew up here and went to school here.
He says we don't need to apologize to anybody in the world adding we have everything we need for a great quality of life but he says we can all contribute to maintaining it and making it even better.
Danny Jardine is the 2014 Leader to Watch known for his participation with countless groups but he tells CHSJ News he is drawn to organizations that help fight poverty.
He says that's why he's a big fan of the Strong Kids campaign because it allows kids that might not otherwise get the chance to take part.
Both Steeves and Jardine work for Horizon Health and they will get their awards on April 2nd at the Delta.
Sitel is cutting 50 jobs from its Saint John operation on the east side.
A news release says the cuts at the call centre in the Loch Lomond Mall are necessary due to the conclusion of one client project.
Sitel has given their staff four weeks notice and they are trying to find places for some of those workers where they can.
The job losses kick in between February 26th and April 1st.
Sitel's Cynthia Boulter says this reduction is due to the changing business needs of one client and does not reflect on the quality of service provided by the Saint John associates.
Q-Tip the dog is going to be ok. Melody McElman tells CHSJ News he was hit by car last month on the Westfield road suffering a fractured pelvis but he did not require surgery.
She tells us the type of fracture that he has will mend. McElman tells us this morning that Dr. Kathy Adams of the Fairvale Animal Hospital has agreed to take Q-Tip for fostering and rehabilitation.
The city's finances are in good shape. That word coming from Common Councillor David Merrithew who chairs the city's Finance Committee but ways are still being sought to save money.
Common Councillor John MacKenzie tells CHSJ News a lot of money could be saved if City Hall were moved to a building that's owned by the city. He says the city is paying 140 thousand dollars a month rent which amounts to 1.7 million dollars a year and that could be better spent. MacKenzie, who's looking for an update from City Manager Pat Woods, says there's the City Market which has three floors or the old Synagogue building on Carleton Street which likely could be bought cheap and renovated.
Just prior to the unveiling tomorrow of the provincial budget by Finance Minister Blaine Higgs, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation has released its Stop the New Brunswick Debt Clock.
The Federation's Atlantic Director is Kevin Lacey who tells CHSJ News the provincial government can't afford any big pre-election spending spree. He says the provincial debt is rising by 600 million dollars a year which comes to 1.6 million dollars a day or nearly 11 hundred dollars an hour.
Lacey says the province is broke and he would like to see the Alward Government's plan to get a balanced budget, if there is one.
Canada Post's plan to phase out door-to-door mail delivery is stirring controversy across the country, with the Port City being no exception.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers hosting a town hall meeting on the East side over the weekend to talk about the issue, and Common Councillor John MacKenzie was in attendance.
He tells CHSJ News people seem to be unclear about how it's going to work, and it's putting a lot of fear out there. He says there were quite a few people with disabilities at the meeting who are very worried about the change.
Over the next five years, the one third of Canadian households that get their mail at the door will be converted to community mailboxes. Canada Post says this will save them a significant amount of money.The elimination of door-to-door delivery is part of a five-point action plan announced in early December.
The company says the plan will bring the system back to financial sustainability by 2019.
It's back to class this morning for more than 9 thousand students at U-N-B in Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton following the strike by university professors that got underway three weeks ago.
The university plans to make up for the time that was lost during the walkout by extending the school year to April 17th with exams taking place from April 22nd to the 30th.
Reading week will be cancelled, as well, so classes can be held. Professors at Mount Allison University remain on strike.
The Provincial NDP launching its campaign for September's provincial election with the release of a video that claims there's basically not a dime's worth of difference between the governing Conservatives and opposition Liberals.
Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy tells CHSJ News neither of the old line parties are offering up any new ideas to rejuvenate the province with more and more people being aware of that.
Cardy also points to the NDP's standing in the latest public opinion polls along with attracting former high level Liberals and Conservatives who want change. He predicts for the first time in the province's history, there will be a three way race.
Now that it appears the notion of switching over to the RCMP for policing in Saint John appears to be dead in the water, Common Councillor Donna Reardon wants to hear from the Police Commission on how much City Police cost and what services that pays for.
Councillor David Merrithew chairs the city's Finance Committee. He tells CHSJ News the trend is unsustainable when you have stagnant population growth in the city.
Merrithew also points out the cost of living from 2004 to 2014 has gone up by 18 per cent but wages for city firefighters in that same time period have gone up by 50 per cent.
As an example, Merrithew says a proposal is coming up soon to spend 1.3 or 1.4 million dollars on paving and pothole repair but that will be put in the capital budget which is essentially means putting the cost on the city's credit card.
Organizers of the 2014 edition of the Pavilion cup have to be thrilled with the weather for this weekend's event. Parking was hard to come by anywhere near Rockwood Park with over 70 teams taking part not including volunteers, staff and spectators.
They're the people that put time and effort into the community without asking anything in return, and the City of Saint John is looking for you to point them out.
Nominations are now open for the Volunteer Appreciation Awards and the City's Lori Lambert tells CHSJ News a little appreciation goes a long way for volunteers.
Lambert says while they don't do it for the recognition, it's important to say thank you.
The deadline for nominations is March 7, with the ceremony taking place at the Lily Lake Pavilion on April 10. You can find the nomination form on the City's website.
While many people with anorexia or bulimia suffer in silence, this week is dedicated to speaking up about the issue of eating disorders.
Today marks the beginning of national Eating Disorder Awareness Week.
Dr. Mimi Israël of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute tells CHSJ News some of the warning signs that you or someone you know may have an eating disorder include not wanting to go out for food anymore, refusing to eat in front of others and withdrawing socially.
Israël says the earlier you treat an eating disorder, the better the chances of recovery. But stresses if someone you know has an eating disorder, it's important not to force them to get help, but to lead them to their own conclusion that they may need help.
The second turbine rotor is en route from the West side to the Point Lepreau generating station. The journey was originally planned for last Sunday but was delayed because of the weather.
You're advised to avoid Route 1 between 7am and 10:30am this morning. You can expect major delays in the eastbound and westbound lanes of Route 1 from Ludlow Street to Route 790 at Lepreau as the turbine makes the trek to the generating station.
The convoy will be moving very slowly at between 15-20 kilometers per hour for most of the 50-kilometre journey with a police escort. It should take about six hours to complete the transport. The turbines weigh approximately 130-tonnes each.
Hiring someone to shovel your driveway without first doing your research can end up with you getting left out in the cold.
That warning coming from Jill Atkinson of the Maritime Better Business Bureau who says they've heard numerous reports over the years of people taking money up front for snow removal then disappearing.
She tells CHSJ News it's important to get the deal in writing, make sure the person is insured and bonded in case your property gets damaged and take the time to ask for references and be sure to check those references.
You can also check with the BBB for a business review on the contractor by calling 1-877-663-2363 or by visiting their website.
Does how much you weigh impact how well the morning after pill works for you? That's a question Health Canada is now working to answer.
They're studying new data suggesting a higher body weight could reduce the effectiveness of emergency contraceptives. They're also looking at whether labeling changes will be needed for the pills.
The product labeling for the drug Norlevo was recently revised in Europe to say in trials, the emergency contraceptives were not effective in women who weighed more than 176 pounds.
There are four emergency contraceptive pills available without a prescription in Canada, they are Next Choice, Norlevo, Option Two and Plan B.
A woman being assaulted with a weapon during a break and enter at her home on the lower West side.
The Saint John Police Department telling CHSJ News it happened on Rodney Street just after 1:30 this morning. While police can't say what type of weapon was used in the incident, they do say it was not a gun or knife. The woman did not sustain any major injuries.
Two women have been arrested. It's believed the three of them do know each other.
After a strike that spanned more than two weeks, the University of New Brunswick is cancelling the March Reading Week pending approval by the Academic Senates so students can make up for lost time.
Classes will also be extended until April 17, so that students can finish the Winter term and have the opportunity to graduate on time. The exam period will now be April 22-30, including exams on April 27. The university says this arrangement will mean only four teaching days are lost and the summer term can start as scheduled.
All tuition and fees are now due by 4:30pm this upcoming Friday for both undergraduate and graduate students. Classes start back up on Monday after a tentative deal with the union representing faculty. The university is posting updates here.
A man being taken to hospital with serious injuries after his vehicle went into a ditch on Highway 1 past the Crowne Street exit.
Platoon Chief Barry Oickle of the Saint John Fire Department says when crews got to the scene around 6am this morning, the vehicle was flipped onto its side and was fully engulfed in flames. The driver got himself out of the vehicle and was brought to safety by two people who had stopped to help. Oickle says fire crews and police then worked together to get the scene under control, with firefighters extinguishing the vehicle blaze and officers directing traffic.
They will try again this weekend to get the other mammoth turbine from the Port down to Point Lepreau. You are advised to avoid Route 1 between 7am and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.
You can expect major delays in the eastbound and westbound lanes of Route 1 from Ludlow Street in Saint John West to Route 790 at Lepreau as the turbine is transported to Point Lepreau.
It was originally planned for last Sunday but delayed because of the weather.
The convoy will be moving very slowly at between 15-20 kilometers per hour for most of the 50-kilometre journey with a police escort.
It should take about six hours to complete the transport.
NB Power calling on their customers to give input on the development of a long-term electricity supply plan for the province.
President Gaetan Thomas says they value the partnership they've developed with their customers and are excited to hear from them about how they can plan for the future.
The process starting with a workshop in Fredericton. The information gathered with help them create a Integrated Resource Plan which will help them meet a few goals including projected customer demand for electricity over the next 25-years and respecting its mandate to provide reliable, accessible service at low and stable rates.
With 12 ice surfaces, fireworks, live music and a whole lot of pond hockey....Lily Lake is the place to be for the 6th annual tourney on now until Sunday. Rolph Spangenburg tells CHSJ News its a family event and the proceeds support a wide range of services at Rockwood park all year.
He says they look after senior events and provide movies in the park for the whole community.
The Pavilion Cup is on now and your can learn more here
Our sister station The Wave has a team this year and they are playing tonight at 5pm taking on Canaport.
Two jewelry thieves finding themselves under arrest after trying to sell the stolen goods on the internet.
Sergeant Jay Henderson of City Police says the jewelry was taken during a break, enter and theft last summer on the West side. When an online classified ad featuring the jewelry popped up, undercover officers got in touch and met up with the ad-posters at an uptown coffee shop.
The 20-year-old man and woman were arrested and are being charged with possession of stolen property. Both will be making court appearances.
Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy sees Premier David Alward's State of the Province speech as a sign of desperation with so much being pinned on the future of shale gas.
Cardy tells CHSJ News you just have to check on what's happened since the Premier's first State of the Province address back in 2011 with unemployment levels up and would be a lot higher without all the migration out west, the provincial debt has risen and the government has not been able to get a handle on the deficit.
As for the revitalisation of forestry, Cardy points out the province is still losing tens of millions of dollars on its crown lands which is a sign of incompetence so there's still a long way to go before that's turned around.
Even though the New Brunswick economy is still struggling, Premier David Alward delivered a State of the Province address that's optimistic about the future.
He claims the government is revitalising forestry in the province with commitments to invest half a billion dollars in the upgrading of mills that will generate hundreds of new jobs.
The Premier also speaking strongly in favour for continued development of shale gas, claiming the oil and gas industry in the province could amount to more than 20 billion dollars and Corridor Resources is looking to drill new wells in the Sussex area. According to Alward, New Brunswick is viewed as a critical player in the global energy market.
The Premier also vowing shale gas protestors, whom he describes as a minority, will not derail the province's development.
The provincial government getting a report on how to help our seniors stay happy and healthy during their golden years.
What Was Heard is a report from the New Brunswick Health Council compiled after nine public sessions were held last summer to identify challenges and opportunities facing our older population. Healthy and Inclusive Communities Minister Dorothy Shephard tells CHSJ News transportation seems to be the biggest issue. Shephard says transportation ties into being social in terms of being able to get to community events. She says that's one of the areas where more community involvement is needed in order to take care of senior isolation. Getting out and about, socializing and keeping their mind in tip-top shape listed as very important for seniors. Click here to read the report.
That phone call you answered while driving could cost you upwards of $170.
The RCMP say they are cracking down on cell phone use while driving. Officers in Oromocto issuing seven fines to motorists on Tuesday and Wednesday while in an unmarked vehicle to people who were using their phones behind the wheel.
They stress drivers who are distracted behind the wheel put themselves and others in danger as they're at a higher risk for being involved in a crash. Constable Derek Black says you have to pull over if you want to use your phone, or have a hands-free device installed in your vehicle. He says you have to be able to react quickly and be paying attention to the roads at all times.
For information on the law regarding cell phone use while driving or if
you have questions about any motor vehicle law, head over to the N.B.
Department of Public Safety website or contact the RCMP at 1-888-506-RCMP (7267).
Both the school administration and the faculty at UNB announcing a potential deal in their more than two week old strike.
A tweet on the UNB profile says the Association of UNB Teachers and UNB are pleased to announce an agreement to recommend suspension of the strike/lockout.
In a news release, UNB says the recommended suspension comes as a result of reaching a tentative agreement on the key issues related to wages.
The parties agree to jointly announce further details over the next 24 hours.
19 provincial companies are in Ottawa attending the Northern Lights 2014 Business and Cultural Showcase highlighting the business and cultural diversity in the regions of Nunavut, Nunavik and more.
Economic Development Minister Bruce Fitch describes it as an event for New Brunswick businesses looking to partner and operate in Northern Canada.
The province is hosting a pair of workshop sessions during the event.
Maple Leaf homes from Fredericton along with Atlantic Towing and Irving Equipment from Saint John are all taking part.
An early morning break, enter and theft at a home on the East side getting caught on tape.
Sergeant Jay Henderson of City Police says just after 1:30 Wednesday morning a security camera at an apartment building on Ellderdale Street catching a man breaking into a work room in the basement and stealing about $350 worth of power tools.
The suspect is described as being a 25-30 year old white man, approximately 5'10, of average build, with dark hair. He was wearing a white baseball hat, blue jacket with a white collared shirt underneath, dark jeans, white sneakers, and was carrying a purp carrying a purple duffle bag.
Meantime, police arresting a 26-year-old man for making threats. He's facing charges including uttering a death threat and probation violation.
The Alward Government is being pressed to release reports of inspections that have taken place at publicly licensed daycares in the province.
Provincial Liberal leader Brian Gallant calls it a no brainer, dismissing the government explanation about the reports being kept under wraps to protect the privacy and financial interests of the daycare operators.
Gallant maintains releasing the reports would not only be good for parents but also for the operators themselves to ensure top notch quality. He argues if daycares get public funding then parents are entitled to
know how they're doing.
He points to a study done in 2012 which concluded New Brunswick and Quebec were the least likely of any of the provinces to release information.
