Arrest Made In Suspicious Package Incidents

Police confirm an arrest has been made in the suspicious package incidents at St Joseph's hospital and a local funeral home yesterday. 

More details are expected later this morning.

Celebrating Saint John's Social Media Community

The best of the best of Port City social media receiving their Salty's at the annual awards tonight.
 
Jane Logan won coolest blog for her blog 'Hungry Janey'.
 
She tells CHSJ News she is a stay at home mom who spends a lot of time in the kitchen and she wanted to record it.

She says when checking the Google analytics last spring she found lots of people were checking it out so she bought the domain name.

Awesome Instagram went to Mike Capson, Best Facebook page goes to Chris Donovan for his page Humans of Saint John and the Hottest Youtube went to the video "I Wish" from the Boys and Girls club.

Twitter Person of the Year goes to WhiskyLassie aka Johanne McInnis.  

The Salty for best use of social media in a campaign goes to Joanna Vlamakis and Amber Hachey for their use of a Kijiji ad to get Joanna's stolen iPhone back.

To check out Hungry Janey click here

Charges Laid In Saunders Murder

28-year-old Victoria Henneberry and 25-year-old Blake Leggette are now facing charges in connection with the murder of Loretta Saunders.

They are scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial Court tomorrow to each face a charge of first degree murder.

Yesterday afternoon, Loretta’s disappearance was declared a homicide. Her body was later found off the highway in Salisbury and transported to the Coroner Services office in Saint John, where an autopsy will be conducted in the coming days.

Who's Getting The Money From 911 Charges?

The Alward government is coming under fire for taking money out of 911 services to pay for the Emergency Measures Organization. Liberal MLA Rick Doucet tells CHSJ News the 911 charges on everyone's phone bill has been paying the salaries of EMO workers.

Doucet claims the government has misled the people by changing the definition of the telephone service to include co-ordinating emergencies -- in turn -- paying EMO workers while volunteers like the Fire Departments are still giving their time.

On the other side of things, Conservative MLA Curtis Malloch tells CHSJ News the government has to find places to find money to deal with emergencies.

Malloch says he doesn't understand why Doucet is acting like this is a surprise because the Minister stood in the house and clearly said the amendment was taking place.  He accuses Doucet of politically grand-standing during an election year.

Politicians, Community Members Wonder If Sally Ann Can Be Saved

With the news that the Salvation Army on Saint James Street is closing on April 30th, many are wondering if it's too late, and whether something can still be done.

Liberal Leader Brian Gallant tells CHSJ News he's very concerned to hear about the closure, because in his view, the Salvation Army has been doing great work with the city's homeless population since the early 80s.

Gallant says over that amount of time, workers building up a level of expertise it would be a shame to lose. Gallant visited the facility today to speak with workers and gain a better understanding of what the future of the Salvation Army in Saint John could look like.

Debunking Myths About Partridge Island

Local Historian Harold Wright wants to debunk what he says are some of the common misconceptions about Partridge Island in a presentation at the Main Branch Library.

Wright says contrary to popular belief, there aren't thousands of Irish immigrants buried there, but only 850. As well, he says it's inaccurate to compare Partridge Island to Ellis Island, as many people often do, because the role Partridge Island played in immigration was comparatively miniscule. As well, he says while arsenic and other unhealthy compounds were found on the site they don't make the island inherently dangerous.

He estimates vandals have done as much as 1 million dollars worth of damage to the island.

Wright says we need to stop thinking that Partridge Island is going to be a popular tourist attraction and try to build something there than this community can enjoy along the lines of the Irving Nature Park.

Cardy Speaks To BOT on Education, Energy and Jobs

For the first time in many years, the Saint John Board of Trade inviting the Provincial NDP leader to come and speak to its members.  

Dominic Cardy hit many topics including education, small business and the energy sector. 

Cardy tells CHSJ News the security is built in with the Energy East pipeline but the prospect of controlling a shale gas industry is another matter.

He says with shale gas you have hundreds if not thousands of wells scattered all through the backwood of the province in many cases and we don't have the inspection regimes so he can't see where we can safely regulate this industry.

Irving Oil was on hand at the Delta luncheon today along with Port Saint John and Mayor Mel Norton.

Police Confirm Connection Between SJ & Freddy Drugstore Robberies

Two robberies at drug stores three weeks apart are connected---the first at MediTrust on Manawagonish Road and the other at a Pharmasave in Fredericton.

Sgt. Jay Henderson confirms to CHSJ News there is a connection between the two crimes.

Two men in their 20's including one from Saint John are facing charges after a Pharmasave was robbed in Fredericton on Monday and that resulted in a standoff at a nearby hotel.

Kyle Alexander Cameron of Saint John and Tyson Paul Colford of Moncton are both facing charges.

The Saint John robbery occurred on February 4th and at the time police thought two people might be involved.

Flemming Says Healthcare Costs Have Been Reined In

Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming has unveiled details of the 2.6 billion dollar healthcare budget for 2014-2015. 

He says health care expenditures are expected to be under budget for the second year in a row because the province can't afford to do otherwise.

Flemming maintains the cost of healthcare was rising at such a yearly rate, it was becoming financially unsustainable.

As for the Liberals' plan for healthcare, Flemming charges they don't have one.

The budget includes 27 million dollars for the drug plan, more than 367 thousand dollars to improve the health of expectant moms and newborns and 2.2 million for mental health initiatives.

Flemming also announcing no one will have to pay for the cost of an ambulance as of April 1st. 70 per cent of New Brunswickers are covered by their own private plans if they have to use an ambulance.



 

Ice Storm Cost NB Power Big Bucks

NB Power has reduced its net debt by $55 million and expects a fourth consecutive year of earnings in 2013-14 despite incurring millions of dollars in storm expenses during the last quarter and some of the most volatile natural gas market prices in years. 

Restoring power to more than 88,000 customers following a series of destructive winter storms cost NB Power about $12 million. The 12 million  was made up of nearly $9 million for contracted crews from within and outside New Brunswick as well as $3 million in extra costs for utility crews and materials plus meals, travel, vehicles, and lodging.

NB Power says it's preparing for an expanded tree trimming program which is expected to get underway in April and May. 

UPDATE: Two Envelopes Containing Powder Found In SJ

A commotion in two corners of the City after a suspicious envelope arrived at St. Joe's and at an East side funeral home containing a white powder.  

No one was exposed and four people nearby at the time were  decontaminated along with the area involved.

Around the same time, another envelope with something suspicious inside was found at Fundy Funeral Home on Westmorland Road. 

That was taken away for analysis and again, no one was exposed.
Both Police and Fire believe they know the source of the envelopes.

Sgt. Jay Henderson of the City police tells us no one was hurt and they ask the public should they ever find a suspicious package to not open it but call police.    

The Major Crime Unit is looking into the incident. 

Changes For Spring Weight Restrictions

The start date for spring weight restrictions for truck traffic in southern New Brunswick has been delayed by one week due to all the cold weather in the forecast

Now, these restrictions will come into effect at midnight on Sunday, March 9, until midnight on Sunday, May 18.

These are the same dates set for restrictions in northern New Brunswick. 

District engineers are authorized to close roads to trucks or impose weight restrictions on highways or portions of highways depending on the road conditions.

Man Burned Trying To Save Garage

An attempt by a man on Latimore Lake Road to prevent his garage from catching fire resulted in him suffering minor burns. 

It all happened when his vehicle caught fire inside the garage and he tried to push it out of harm's way to prevent the fire from spreading.

Gas Prices Continue Upward Climb

There's no relief for drivers after the weekly setting of gas prices. Self serve regular in the city has gone up by two and a half cents to $1.36.9 a litre. 

The increase for diesel is even higher at 3 and a half cents a litre to stand at $1.54.8 around town. 

The maximum price for heating oil has risen by nearly a cent to $1.35.2 a litre.

 For the second week in a row, propane went down in price to a maximum of $1.49.2.

UPDATE: Loretta Saunders's Body Found West of Salisbury

Halifax police are treating the disappearance of Loretta Saunders as a homicide.

The 26 year old pregnant St. Mary's student was reported missing to police on the 17th after last being seen in Halifax on the 13th.

Her car was found in Ontario where 25-year-old Blake Leggette and 28-year-old Victoria Henneberry were arrested by Ontario police.    Both have been returned to Halifax.

Police say they have identified suspects in this homicide and are not looking for anyone else. 

At about 430 this afternoon, police found Loretta’s body in the median off of the Trans-Canada Highway west of Salisbury. 

High School Kids Get Shot At $5,000

This afternoon, 900 students from high schools across the region gathered for the Student Superpower Challenge.

Three teams of students could win as much as $5,000 to pursue innovative ideas that solve real-world problems in the categories of Our Town, Our People, Our Environment, Our School, and Our Style.

Olivia Wills is in high school at J.M.A Armstrong in Salisbury She tells CHSJ News she learned a lot about what's trending in the tech sector--particularly, that coding isn't just for "hackers" like one sees on TV and movies, but that it's simply about problem-solving.

Students have been challenged to find a real-world problem they want to solve and pitch it by April 30 to T4G, Brilliant Labs and Wicked Ideas.

The winners will be announced May 16th.

VIDEO: Salvation Army's Centre of Hope Closing

See Rhonda Harrington of the Salvation Army speak about why the Centre is closing on April 30th and what they are doing to mitigate the impact.

Support A Local Program For Young Girls With Just One Click

It can be a hard world for girls in 2014, given our fast-paced, celebrity and weight-obsessed culture. That's why healthy eating, physical activity, and self-esteem are all the more important for girls ages 10 to 14.

A local program that helps young girls weather those essential tough issues in a fun, supportive environment could win as much as 25,000 dollars in a contest by Goodlife Fitness--but they need your vote.

Big Brothers Executive Director Laurie Collins tells CHSJ News the Go Girls Program is setting many local young women on a better path--but with that prize money, they'd be able to do much more. With the money, Collins says they could afford to run a summer camp and reach for more girls.

You can vote online until noon tomorrow on the Win 4 Kids Facebook page. You can vote for them here.

Liberals Accuse Alward Government Of Not Having A Plan On Education

The opposition Liberals are accusing the Alward Government of having no plan for education. Moncton East M-L-A Chris Collins wants to know how the province is going to produce better educated students.

Education Minister Marie Claude-Blais disputes that contention and calls it insulting to suggest those people who work in education are flying by the seat of their pants ever since the Alward Government abandoned the 21st century learning agenda. Collins is pressing Blais to be specific about what has taken its place.

Blais maintains incredible work is being done just on inclusion alone.

Warrant Issued For Fredericton Teen

The RCMP are looking for help finding an 18-year-old Fredericton man in connection with an incident that occurred in December of last year.

18-year-old Nicholas Daniel Bain is wanted in connection with a Boxing Day incident in Pennfield.

RCMP seized a significant quantity of drugs, a loaded handgun and body armor during a traffic stop.  He's facing several charges related to alleged drug trafficking and weapons offenses.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Nicholas Bain is asked to contact the RCMP at 506-755-1130, their local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at www.crimenb.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
 

Man Arrested In Drug Store Robbery

City Police arresting a man in connection with the robbery of a drug store on the West side earlier this month.

On February 4 a man came into the MediTrust on the Manawagonish Road demanding prescription pills then took off into a waiting truck after getting some.

The 22-year-old will be appearing before a judge at a later date. Two men are believed to be involved in the incident

BREAKING: Salvation Army In South End Announces Imminent Closure

The Salvation Army has announced the Center of Hope on Saint James Street, which provides emergency and longer-term housing for the city's homeless, will be closing its doors as of April 30th.

Rhonda Harrington of the Sally Ann tells CHSJ News the organization has offered residential services in this city since 1906, with the current facility operating since 1982.
 
The Center of Hope has been receiving $1 million annually from the province. Recently, a request for additional funding to repair the aging building was turned down. The organization has released a statement explaining the Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters has had to provide significant emergency operating funds to fill the gaps, and the shortfall has made the operations unsustainable.

The Salvation Army is now working to place all their current clients elsewhere. According to their website, the shelter has 67 beds in total for men, with 27 of the beds for the Community Housing Program and 40 for the Special Care Program.

Harrington says talks have already began with an eye to offering services at a new location in Saint John--however, no details are forthcoming on when and where that might be.

Missing Woman Last Seen On King Street

The Major Crime Unit of the SJPD is looking for your help finding Karen Lynn Ogden.....the 35 year old was reported missing on Sunday. She was last seen on the 19th at an uptown bank on King Street.

She is described as being 5'7"- 5'8", about 170lbs, wearing black ¾ length jacket, dark pants, shoulder length brown hair with blond highlights, brown eyes, facial piercings including- an eyebrow ring, nose ring, a loop earring in her lip, a tribal style tattoo on her lower back with "Jamie" written in it.

The Saint John Police Force is continuing the search and is asking anyone who has any information in relation to this missing person to contact the Saint John Police Force at 506-648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Van Seized After Striking Woman

A 73 year old woman is fighting for her life at the Regional Hospital after being struck by a van while making her way to the Mercantle Centre across the Viaduct. 

City Police say their investigation continues and the van has been seized. It will be examined for any mechanical problems.

Saint John Man Charged In Fredericton Holdup

A 24 year old Saint John man has been charged in the aftermath of an armed robbery earlier this week at a pharmacy on Prospect Street in Fredericton followed by a standoff at a nearby hotel which ended peacefully. 

24 year old Kyle Alexander Cameron is charged with robbery and disguise with intent. 

A Moncton man, 26 year old Tyson Paul Colford has been charged with robbery. 

The two have been remanded to jail until they next appear in court.

Nominate A Worthy Volunteer For NB Human Rights Award

The NB Human Rights Commission is seeking nominations for the 27th annual New Brunswick Human Rights Award.

The awards recognize outstanding volunteer achievements and leadership----either by individuals or organizations-- in promoting equality and human rights in the province.

The deadline is April 1. The award was founded in 1988, and last year, the recipient was John Wood of Oromocto.

For the nomination form, click here

All LLCC Users Found Another Home

Every group using the old dilapidated Loch Lomond Community Centre has found a new home.

Regional Services Commission Chair Grace Losier tells CHSJ News says all users have found space elsewhere and some wouldn't go back if given the choice.

She says the City was approached after the centre lost because many were fearful about what it's absence would mean to the community.

The City has said if as a region they want to build a new facility or repair the old and someone from one of the LSD's wants to take the lead they they can have that discussion but as it stands now all the groups have been accommodated.

The RSC passed a motion to share the information from the City's report to the LSD's who may have used the Centre.

A Pedestrian Crash, and Shoplifters Busted

Some shoplifters who tried to make away with merchandise from a local sports store were busted shortly after leaving the store yesterday afternoon.

Sergeant Jay Henderson of the Saint John Police Department explains a 36 year old man and a 19-year-old woman were arrested for stealing $430 worth of goods. They were charged with theft under $5,000.

As well, around 2pm crash on the viaduct, near the intersection of Union and St. Patrick Streets, between a van and a 73-year-old pedestrian resulted in the senior being taken to hospital with serious injuries. 

The traffic division is looking into what happened.

NB Power Now Testing Smart Grid Technology

Data Science will allow NB Power to be more efficient and could even reduce your electricity bill if it costs the utility less to operate.

 Brad Wasson who's in charge of rolling out the smart grid tells CHSJ News someday NB Power might even be able to predict when an outage might happen with the use of sensors.
 
Wasson says if there is an outage, Big Data would allow NB Power to respond faster instead of waiting until someone gives them a call.

He estimates the smart grid technology will be implemented in stages over the next five to ten years.

Local Housing Market Will Remain Lacklustre

The Saint John housing market in 2014 will be flat but the worst is over. So says analyst Jason Beaton of Canada Mortgage and Housing who tells CHSJ News it's a good time if you want to buy a home because there's an over supply but if you are looking to sell your home, there's a lot of competition for buyers and it's taking, on average, 120 days to make the sale.

Beaton doesn't expect growth in the housing market until 2016. He says there's an over supply of homes and apartments in Saint John with the vacancy rate at a record 12 per cent which accounts for the incentives being offered to renters.

He does say the housing market is healthier in the Kennebecasis Valley than it is in the city proper.

A Saint Johner and Another Man Choose Judge And Jury For Arson Trial

Two men including one from Saint John facing arson charges relating to a 2010 motel fire in St. Andrew's choosing to be tried by a judge and jury.

The owner of the motel, Gordon Lankisch of St. Andrews is charged with arson and conspiracy while Robert Levesque of Saint John is also charged with arson.

The Blue Moon Motel in St. Andrew's was destroyed by fire in June of 2010. 

The judge set a date of May 22 for preliminary inquiry.

VIDEO: Renovated K-Park Elementary Officially Opens

Applause rang through the gymnasium at Kennebecasis Park Elementary School as students, teachers and others celebrated the official opening of the upgraded facility. 

Superintendent of the Anglophone South School District Zoe Watson tells CHSJ News the gym is probably one of the biggest highlights for the kids because they didn't have a gym before, they had a large multi-purpose room you had to walk through to get to the office.
 
Renovations include upgrades to its architectural, mechanical and electrical systems along with a wheelchair lift. The school also grew in size with the construction of a more than 1,500 metre addition, and can now accommodate about 200 students.

What Does Big Data Have To Do With Healing Rates For Chronic Wounds?

"Big data" isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about treating diabetic ulcers and chronic wounds--but actually, the vast information doctors collect on patients could be used more efficiently, speeding healing by as much as a year.
 
Health Outcomes Worldwide CEO Corinne McIsaac presented this morning at the T4G Big Data Congress. She tells CHSJ News users of their database have the tools to heal patients faster. On a yearly basis, $3.9 billion is spent on would care in Canada.

Doctors, RNs, and other healthcare professionals can access the database from their phone or computer and see a graph of all the information about a particular patient.

Even though McIsaac says they've demonstrated the dramatic benefits of the service, McIsaac says they're having a hard time getting New Brunswick to sign on--despite having clients across Canada and overseas. McIsaac says they've met with Health Minister Ted Flemming, but haven't received any word about using the system here in New Brunswick.

New Planning Regulations For Future Development In City Moves Forward

If you're sick of noise from illegal car repair shops or seeing buildings torn down to make way for vacant lots, you might be pleased to see Common Council voting to take the steps to finalize ZoneSJ by this summer. 

The draft zoning bylaw is the result of numerous public info sessions and workshops, and presents a roadmap of where new development should be located and where it shouldn't. 

Common Councillors John Mackenzie and David Merrithew say they hope the city can enforce it.
 
The zoning by-law is also supposed to keep heavy industrial developments away from residential areas although some people who live in rural areas of the city complain it focuses too much on the urban core, neglecting the interests of those outside. 

Only Common Councillor Susan Fullerton voted against moving forward with Zone SJ but she declined to comment on why.

Probe Underway After Fire On East Side

A fire on the east side is under investigation. It broke out in a baby barn on Knox Court but was prevented from spreading.

The fire department also reporting a woman was struck by a car on Union Street outside the Mercantile Centre. Police say she was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Men Arrested In Armed Robbery

Fredericton police have arrested two men in connection with the robbery of a pharmacy at 640 Prospect Street this morning.

Around 11am, one man went into the business carrying a weapon and made demands, then fled in a black SUV with undisclosed items.

No one was injured, and the suspects were tracked down at an uptown hotel around 3pm. They eventually surrendered to police without incident.

Salvation Army's Funding Request Denied By DSD

A request from the Salvation Army for more funding to go towards the Centre of Hope getting shot down by the Department of Social Development. 

Minister Madeline Dube tells CHSJ News they have been reviewing the request for the past few weeks and says based on the business plan and financial information given to them by the Salvation Army, they've decided they're not able give them more than the $1.1-million already being given.

The department says they could find efficiencies and that they will work with the non-profit to identify those so that it can be more financially sustainable. She tells us in terms of changes, a combination of things would need to happen including reducing services and staffing.

The centre's future is currently uncertain, and it could be closing by the end of February.

MLA Surprised At Salvation Army's Dire Situation

The Saint John Harbour M-L-A says the possible closure of the Salvation Army Centre of Hope in the South end seems to have come out of left field. 

Carl Killen calls the situation totally unexpected and tells CHSJ News he toured the facility a short while ago and things appeared to be going well, and now he's hearing they're in trouble.

Killen says no matter what happens, he's confident the government will continue to make sure that people who are now using the facility on St. James Street continue receiving the services they require.

Fatal Snowmobile Crash Near Bathurst

A Moncton man being killed in a snowmobile crash in northern New Brunswick. 

The 21-year-old died after being ejected from the snowmobile on a trail located about thirty kilometres south of Bathurst. 

RCMP did not release the man's name.

Frustrated Tenant Seeks Answers From City

A Millidgeville man fed up with the flooding situation at his apartment complex is looking for answers from the city. 

Doug James of 10 Charlie Grace Terrace says his superintendent has been struggling to keep rain and melting snow from flooding the building, which is located just a few feet away from a sloping hill. 

The tenant says a few weeks ago the superintendent had to dig a big trench to try and contain the water and describes the middle of the parking lot as looking more like a skating rink this winter.

In a letter directed to Mayor Mel Norton with Councillors Gerry Lowe and Donna Reardon copied, James says he wants to know why the building was built where it was without considering proper drainage and what MetCap is going to do to provide a long-term solution to the problem.

Shed Fire On The East Side

Crews battling a structure fire on the East side of the city. 

Firefighters quickly knocking down the fire which broke out in an unattached shed on Knox Street. 

It doesn't appear anyone was hurt as a result of the blaze.

Fredericton Police Want Help Finding Missing Men

Joshua Jewett

Police are calling on the public for help finding two missing men from Fredericton.

31-year-old Joshua Jewett disappeared on February 10 while 40-year-old David Watt has been missing since on December 2. Both were last seen in the capital city. The two cases are not related.

Jewett is described as 5 foot 9 inches tall, thin build, approximately 160lbs, the last time he was seen he was clean cut and clean shaven but may also have some facial hair, has glasses but rarely wears them, brown shaggy hair that may be in a ponytail, and does not have any tattoos, scars or other distinct features. He normally wears a black ski jacket and blue jeans. 

David Watt

Watt is described as 5 foot 10 inches tall, 150lbs, with short brown hair, and brown eyes. 

If you have any information about either of the missing men you're being asked to get in touch with the Fredericton Police Force by calling 460-2300 or Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

NDP Leader Wants To End MLA's Influence Over Hiring

Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy says people are still fearful of voting for the wrong party at election time because the M-L-A's have too much of a say in who the provincial government hires. 

Cardy would like M-L-A's to have their influence limited to just the people who staff their offices. 

Cardy created quite a stir recently when he equated the reluctance of the school system to fail students to the province's high rate of illiteracy but he tells CHSJ News we have a crisis on our hands with 56 per cent of people in New Brunswick considered functionally illiterate. 

Cardy argues having a highly trained workforce is the best way to attract business investment to the province rather than handing out grants.

Saint John Hosting Conference On Big Data

Big Data is fast becoming big business and T4G is holding a conference on Data Science at the Delta. 

Paul Mansz of Ambir Technology estimates it could be worth in the tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars as companies struggle with sifting through all the data that's available these days before they can make a decision.
 
Saint John M-P Rodney Weston says a lot is happening under the radar in Saint John. 

The conference will be examining how data science can help improve patient outcomes while, at the same time, be cost effective.

The C-E-O of NB Power Gaetan Thomas will be taking part in another session on energy and the smart grid entitled "What can be measure, can be managed".

Future Of Salvation Army's Homeless Shelter Up In The Air

The city might lose the Salvation Army Centre of Hope on St. James Street as early as the end of this month, according to the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
 
The Union representing the workers at the Salvation Army, CUPE local 4780, says it told last week four days of negotiation were being postponed until further notice. Marcos Salib of Local 4780 is warning the closure would result in 35 employees losing their jobs and 34 residents without a roof over their heads. 

Salib goes on to say the employees have been told the building, itself, is in need of repairs.

Cost Cutting In Healthcare Will Continue

The C-E-O at Horizon Health John McGarry has been given the mandate to reduce the cost of healthcare which was increasing year by year above the rate of inflation and swallowing up a greater percentage of the provincial budget. 

McGarry tells CHSJ News the revamping of healthcare will be the norm from now on because the provincial government wants it to run more like a business and, as such, there will be destabilisation among the workers in healthcare.

McGarry says the technology is there to allow lots of things to occur at a distance which will restrain costs. He estimates if 2 per cent in cost efficiencies can be found in the system each year and growth can be limited to 4 per cent, the system should be sustainable with an annual increase in funding of 2 per cent. 

One of the messages to be delivered to the Big Data conference getting underway today at the Trade and Convention Centre is that improved patient outcomes and increased cost effectiveness is within our reach with the intelligent application of data science to healthcare.

Common Council Holding Special Meeting On Future Development In City

Common Council holding a special meeting tonight to go over Zone SJ which is the road map to guide future development in the city over the next generation. 

Jacqueline Hamilton is the Commissioner of Growth and Future Development and says under the plan, rural development would still take place but it would be clustered in places like Lorneville and Ketepec. There would be be restrictions on building sub divisions in the more remote rural parts of the city. 

Industrial development would be allowed in the industrial parks and industrial zones to avoid conflict in residential neighbourhoods.

ZoneSJ To Address Problems With Parking Lots, Heavy Industry And More

Fed up with buildings being torn down to make way for new parking lots?

The new draft zoning bylaw, ZoneSJ, will purportedly crack down on landowners who allow properties to crumble, only to replace them with gravel lots.

Common Councillor David Merrithew says he just hopes it's enforceable--a sentiment echoed by Councillor John Mackenzie and others.

Planner Stacey Forfar explained another element of ZoneSj is addressing the problem of heavy industry situated right beside residential areas. While we might have accepted such development in the past, Forfar explained, we need to safeguard against it going forward to ensure resident's quality of life is maintained.

ZoneSJ also relaxes the rules about adding granny suites to homes, and will make sure developers follow minimum landscaping standards; although, some rural residents have criticized what they see as a singular focus on urban development at the expense of their interests.

Council voted to take steps to adopt ZoneSJ by this summer with only common councillor Susan Fullerton voting against.

Most Investors Believe Market Volatility Is "New Normal"

It seems many of us have come to expect the unexpected when it comes to investing in these market conditions.

According to a new report by BMO Global Asset Management, 77 percent of investors feel market volatility is the "new normal" and will stay that way for the foreseeable future. When asked to point out their top priorities when deciding how to invest their cash in today's market, 96 percent said balancing risk in their investments is critical.

80 percent of respondents said they could use a helping hand finding their ideal investment level while 85 percent reported needed assistance finding investments suited for their risk level.