Harbour Bridge Agreement In Limbo Even As Repairs Progress

(Saint John M-P Rodney Weston)
               (File Photo)

More than 30 million dollars worth of repairs may have started on the Harbour Bridge but there's still no long term solution yet on financing for future maintenance. Saint John M-P Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News the last federal offer, worth 40 million dollars, would allow the Harbour Bridge to become debt free so the ball is in the provincial government's court. He points out the bridge, as we speak, is 57 million dollars in debt. Weston calls the federal offer, which would also fund half of the cost of the refurbishment, the largest commitment any level of government has ever made towards the Harbour Bridge.

SeaDogs Head Coach takes home award

(File Photo)

SeaDogs Head Coach Gerard Gallant is the top dog in terms of coaching.

The Canadian Hockey League has named Gallant the CHL Old Dutch Coach of the Year for the 2009-2010 season.

In his first season as Saint John's Head Coach Gallant led the SeaDogs to a record 53 wins, 109 points and 309 scored goals.

Gallant also won the Ron Lapointe Trophy as QMJHL Coach of the year in March.

Also considered for the award was Mark Holick of the Kootenay Ice, and Dale Hunter of the London Knights.

Car hits moose

(File Photo)
A word of caution- the moose are also out for the long weekend.

City fire crews responded to a call just before one am last night that a car had struck a moose on highway seven.

Two people were in the Honda Civic when they struck the animal just after highway one ends.

They were both taken to hospital with only minor injuries and the moose died. Saint John police are investigating.

Impaired drivers on city streets

The Saint John Police Force is raising concern after a night full of violations.

Sargent Robert Buck with the Force says they caught 6 to 7 impaired drivers at a road check on Loch Lomand Road last night. 

Buck says four people were also given twenty-four hour suspensions after failing roadside breathalyzer tests.

Canadian Hockey League to get new team websites

(File Photo)

This year's hockey season may be over, but the SeaDogs are all ready re-vamping themselves for next year- starting with their website.

The Canadian Hockey League, which includes team from the Quebec-Major-Junior-Hockey-League, the Ontario-Hockey-League and the Western-Hockey-League, has announced that all 60 of their teams' websites will be getting facelifts.

Before the puck drops this fall, fans will see schedule and ticket locations on every website, as well as new news and video features.

The new CHL network will be the largest online sports network in Canada.

Quispamsis and Rothesay solve fire issue

(Mayor Murray Driscoll addresses council)
                    (File Photo)

Quispamsis Council is withdrawing arbitration against Rothesay now that the town has agreed to hire another firefighter.

Rothesay was originally against the idea saying the fire department's budget needed to be cut by 100 thousand dollars, but changed their minds based on a recommendation from the new chief.

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll says, now that the issue has been resolved, arbitration is no longer needed.

He says a new firefighter will be hired before the end of the year.

Saint John Theatre Company unveils new season

The Saint John Theatre Company has unveiled its Main Stage series to mark its 20th anniversary.

Three plays will be staged.

Artistic Director Stephen Tobias says one of them is called "Black Comedy" that will run from March 17th through the 19th.

The other productions are "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde which will run from November 25th through the 27th and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" by Tennessee Williams from May 19th through the 21st of next year.

For the first time, smaller scale productions will be staged at the Theatre Company's newly renovated building on Princess Street.

More about that will be announced in the next few months.

Airport upgrades to start soon

(Saint John Airport)
    (File Photo)

The Saint John Airport is close to getting work started on it's taxi way and apron lighting.

Authority President Bernie Leblanc tells CHSJ News, both were installed in the early 1980's and are in need of an up-grade. 

Leblanc says a contract has been awarded to a consultant for the initial engineering design with the work contract to be awarded by next month.

The project is expected to get started in August and finish up in October.

Driscoll says deer culling not on the table

(Mayor Murray Driscoll Speaks to Council)
            (Photo By Sherry Aske)

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll wants to make it clear council is not planning on culling the deer to deal with the rising deer population in the Valley.

In an update on the deer situation, Driscoll says Hampton, Rothesay and the local service districts are all keen to take part in a public education session.

He had invited the other councils to collectively tackle the deer population after concerns were expressed about road safety and the spread of limes disease.

Driscoll says culling the deer has not been talked about as an option, it is just a method that is out there that some communities may use.

Fire Department encourages Long Weekend safety

Whether it be camping, a barbeque or re-opening the camp for the summer, the Long Weekend is upon us and the KV Fire Department is urging safety in all activities.

Chief Bill Ireland tells CHSJ News, it only takes a minute for something to go wrong.

Ireland says if your firing up the barbeque for the first time, make sure you give the soap and water test to all hoses.

If you see any bubbles, that means you have a leak and it needs to be replaced.

Ireland adds if you are camping and plan to have an open fire, keep something close by to put it out as it has been a dry spring.

Railroaders meet in the Port City

It's day three of the model railroaders annual convention at the Fort Howe Hotel.

Enthusiast's of the hobby are here from across the martimes and eastern united states.

Spokes-person Bob Henry tells CHSJ News, things got started on Thursday and there is plenty to do.

Henry adds it's great the convention coincides with the city's 225th birthday with the public train show running until three this afternoon at the LBR.

Police patrolling on Long Weekend

Safety also applies to the roads where-ever your travels might take you this weekend.

Sargeant Pat Bonner with the City Police tells CHSJ News, this is Road Safety Week so don't be suprised to see extra patrols. 

Bonner says along with City Police, RCMP, the Commercial Vehicle Unit and Fisheries and Oceans will be on patrol for any violations so if your are planning to have a few drinks, park your vehicle.

Dalzell gets Clean Air Award

The New Brunswick Lung Association is giving Gordon Dalzell with a National Clean Air Day Award for “Outstanding Citizen Engagement and Advocacy.”
The Lung Association says Dalzell has lead and inspired grassroots environmental action in the province for 15 years.

His public interest group, the Citizens Coalition for Clean Air, has successfully worked with all three levels of government to affect clean air legislation, to reduce allowable air pollution limits and to ensure citizen participation in the province’s clean air agenda.

Dalzell is also known for his tireless work ethic, thorough research and well-balanced opinions.
Dalzell will receive his award next Friday at City Hall.

Seadogs Regular Season Schedule

A day after their pre-season schedule was released, the Saint John Seadogs regular season schedule is available.


The Dogs open at home against the Rocket on Sept.10th.


Saint John has 20 coveted Friday/Saturday home games this season, an improvement of five over last year’s total.


There is also a change for Sunday games pending league approval next month. Instead of a four o'clock starts it will be three.


Here is a complete list of the schedule for the coming year:


SAINT JOHN SEA DOGS 2010-11 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE:




Friday, Sept. 10 – 7:30pm vs. P.E.I. Rocket






Saturday, Sept. 11 – 7:00pm vs. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Saturday, Sept. 18 – 7:00pm vs. Halifax Mooseheads






Sunday, Sept. 19 – 4:00pm @ P.E.I. Rocket






Friday, Sept. 24 – 8:05pm @ Montreal Juniors






Saturday, Sept. 25 – 8:00pm @ Drummondville Voltigeurs






Friday, Oct. 1 – 7:00pm @ Halifax Mooseheads






Sunday, Oct. 3 – 4:00pm @ Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Friday, Oct. 8 – 7:30pm vs. Moncton Wildcats






Sunday, Oct. 10 – 3:00pm vs. Montreal Juniors






Tuesday, Oct. 12 – 7:00pm vs. Rimouski Oceanic






Saturday, Oct. 16 – 7:00pm vs. Rouyn-Noranda Huskies






Sunday, Oct. 17 – 3:00pm vs. Victoriaville Tigres






Friday, Oct. 22 – 7:30pm @ Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Saturday, Oct. 23 – 7:00pm @ Halifax Mooseheads






Wednesday, Oct. 27 – 8:00pm @ Val-d’Or Foreurs






Friday, Oct. 29 – 8:30pm @ Val-d’Or Foreurs






Saturday, Oct. 30 – 8:30pm @ Rouyn-Noranda Huskies






Sunday, Oct. 31 – 5:00pm @ Rouyn-Noranda Huskies






Friday, Nov. 5 – 7:30pm vs. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Saturday, Nov. 6 – 7:00pm vs. Chicoutimi Sagueneens






Wednesday, Nov. 10 – 7:00pm vs. P.E.I. Rocket






Saturday, Nov. 13 – 7:00pm vs. Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Sunday, Nov. 14 – 3:00pm vs. Quebec Remparts






Saturday, Nov. 20 – 7:00pm @ Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Sunday, Nov. 21 – 4:00pm @ Moncton Wildcats






Friday, Nov. 26 – 7:30pm vs. Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Sunday, Nov. 28 – 3:00pm vs. Halifax Mooseheads






Friday, Dec. 3 – 7:30pm vs. Lewiston MAINEiacs






Saturday, Dec. 4 – 7:00pm vs. Gatineau Olympiques






Tuesday, Dec. 7 – 7:00pm @ P.E.I. Rocket






Friday, Dec. 10 – 8:00pm @ Lewiston MAINEiacs






Sunday, Dec. 12 – 3:00pm vs. Halifax Mooseheads






Friday, Dec. 17 – 7:00pm @ Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Saturday, Dec. 18 – 7:00pm @ Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Tuesday, Dec. 28 – 7:00pm @ P.E.I. Rocket






Thursday, Dec. 30 – 7:30pm @ Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Friday, Dec. 31 – 7:30pm vs. Moncton Wildcats






Sunday, Jan. 2 – 2:00pm @ Moncton Wildcats






Tuesday, Jan. 4 – 7:00pm vs. Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Saturday, Jan. 8 – 7:00pm @ Halifax Mooseheads






Tuesday, Jan. 11 – 7:00pm vs. P.E.I. Rocket






Friday, Jan. 14 – 7:30pm vs. Drummondville Voltigeurs






Saturday, Jan. 15 – 7:00pm vs. Drummondville Voltigeurs






Friday, Jan. 21 – 8:30pm @ Baie-Comeau Drakkar






Saturday, Jan. 22 – 5:00pm @ Chicoutimi Sagueneens






Sunday, Jan. 23 – 5:00pm @ Quebec Remparts






Thursday, Jan. 27 – 7:00pm @ Moncton Wildcats






Saturday, Jan. 29 – 7:00pm vs. Baie-Comeau Drakkar






Sunday, Jan. 30 – 3:00pm vs. Baie-Comeau Drakkar






Wednesday, Feb. 2 – 7:00pm vs. Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Friday, Feb. 4 – 7:30pm @ Moncton Wildcats






Saturday, Feb. 5 – 7:00pm @ Halifax Mooseheads






Friday, Feb. 11 – 7:00pm @ P.E.I. Rocket






Sunday, Feb. 13 – 3:00pm vs. Moncton Wildcats






Friday, Feb. 18 – 7:30pm vs. Val-d’Or Foreurs






Saturday, Feb. 19 – 7:00pm vs. Shawinigan Cataractes






Tuesday, Feb. 22 – 7:00pm vs. Halifax Mooseheads






Friday, Feb. 25 – 8:30pm @ Gatineau Olympiques






Saturday, Feb. 26 – 5:00pm @ Victoriaville Tigres






Sunday, Feb. 27 – 5:00pm @ Shawinigan Cataractes






Friday, March 4 – 7:30pm vs. Moncton Wildcats






Saturday, March 5 – 7:00pm vs. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Thursday, March 10 – 8:30pm @ Rimouski Oceanic






Friday, March 11 – 7:30pm @ Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Sunday, March 13 – 4:00pm @ Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Friday, March 18 – 7:30pm vs. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Sunday, March 20 – 3:00pm vs. P.E.I. Rocket

J.D. Irving Mill Receives Federal Cash

The Lake Utopia Paper Mill has received $22 million dollars in funding from Ottawa.
The cash will be used to increase the mill's capacity to produce clean energy and decrease it's reliance on fossil fuels.
The mill is installing a new biomass boiler that will be fuelled by wood waste from the company's forestry operations.


Also, the new boiler will provide enough steam to fulfil the energy needs of the mill and lowering green house gas emission by more than 66,000 tonnes per year.


Total cost of the project 32.9 million and the remaining costs will be covered by a $10.8-million repayable loan from the Provincial Government and a half a million dollar grant from Efficiency NB.

Cupe Members Ready to Stage Hunger Strike

Nine members of Cupe Local 2745 representing education support staff will being a hunger strike on Monday.
This is to bring attention to what they call the lack of fairness and respect they are getting from the Province.
Cupe spokes-person Sandy Harding tells CHSJ News, all they want is a fair collective agreement.


The union has been with-out a contract since February of last year and Harding says the hunger strike will be staged in front of the Fredericton Inn beginning Monday.

Would Be M-L-A Takes Up Wheelchair Challenge

(John Campbell who's seeking Conservative nomination in Saint John Harbour)
                                     (File Photo)

Brutal..........That's the reaction of John Campbell, one of the candidates running for the Conservative nomination in Saint John Harbour, to spending yesterday trying to get about the city in a manual wheelchair. Campbell tells CHSJ News he found out trying to use a public washroom is a challenge even with the stalls that are geared for wheelchairs........They're just not big enough and wheelchairs are now custom made.
Campbell also found trying to make the hills in the city tough but also discovered alot of well meaning people who are more than willing to help. He says all new construction should be wheelchair accesssible as a matter of course. The 52 year old Campbell concedes his fingers are torn up and his shoulders along with his chest are hurting after his ordeal.

Manager of Coyle Nissan Passes Away

A long time employee and friend of car dealerships in Greater Saint John has passed away.

Mark Alderman suffered a massive heart-attack while playing golf yesterday.


Alderman worked for several dealerships along Rothesay Avenue in his career including Centennial Pontiac and was the Manager of Coyle Nissan.

 Alderman was only 48 years old with his funeral set for Tuesday of next week at St. Mathews Catholic Church in Grand Bay Westfield.

Laptops Stolen From High School

Hampton High School hit been hit by thieves.

RCMP tell us someone broke into the building Wednesday night and got away with four HP Probook 4510 laptops.

A man and a woman have been caught on surveillance tape. RCMP point out that anyone who buys one of these stolen laptops is committing a criminal offence.



Here are the serial numbers of the stolen lap-tops:

CNU0101HN9, CNU0101K4V, CNU00875HW and CNU0101H46.

Environment Projects Get a Boost from the Province

The provincial government is investing more than $554,000 from the Environmental Trust Fund this year toward 30 projects in the Saint John area.

The money is used for many initiatives including to restore, improve, preserve and protect air, land and water resources.
Some of the projects receiving cash include $40,000 dollars for the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee, $25,000 dollars for the Hammond River Angling Association, the Atlantic Coastal Action Program receives $48,000 dollars for three projects, the Fundy Bay-Keeper has $10,000 dollars and $15,000 dollars for the Cresent Valley Resource Center.