Rain And Flood Update

A number of roads are still closed due to flooding, even though the heavy rain warning has now ended. 

Rothesay Avenue and McAllister drive are still closed. 

Police reporting the stretch of Rothesay Avenue in front of Crosby's Molasses as one of the worst areas. 

The intersection of Brook Side, between the McDonald's and Parkway mall, is reported to have two feet of water. 

Police say they have already towed 4 cars from the area, and drivers are advised to avoid it if at all possible.

Rain Wreaks Havoc On City

The police getting lots of calls about the rain and flooding, so make sure to drive slowly if you're out and about today.

Traffic is being diverted on Rothesay Avenue because of the amount of water, and on the Loch Lomond Road near the Loch Lomond Villa a number of manhole covers have been lifted completely off from the pressure of the water.

City crews are aware and you're advised to be extremely careful if in the area. The highway near the Foster Thurston has also been reported as a particularly bad area.

A heavy rainfall warning is in effect for the region, with local amounts expected to reach 50 millimetres in one hour.

Motorcycle Event Benefits Food Banks

Area food banks are happy to see a crowd of motorcyclists gathered in St. Andrew's for the 2011 edition of Atlanticade. 

Donna Linton says food banks in Charlotte county will be benefiting from the event's generosity for the second year in a row. 

She says the food banks are in constant need of thousands of pounds of food every month, and they're very fortunate the event has come to town.

Linton says this year three events will benefit three local food banks, and they're hoping to raise 3000 dollars.

River Study Delivers Mixed Messages

The release of the newest survey of the Saint John River comes with some good and bad news. 

Researcher Karen Kidd says the report, which looks at how the river has changed over the last four decades, shows some parts of the river that have definitely improved over time.  She says that's likely because we've done a better job managing our waste water.

Kid says problem spots remain below Edmunston, and between Grand Falls and Mactaquac where oxygen levels are lower and fish have a harder time thriving in their environments.

She says the hope now is that stakeholders will step forward to discuss how things can be improved.

North End Drug Bust

Police arresting and releasing a 45 year old man in a drug bust in the city's North End on Thursday.

The man was charged with drug trafficking as well as weapons charges and will appear before the judge at a later date.

Police found 2 firearms, marijuana, 4 grams of crack cocaine, and pills in a home on Main Street North.

Rothesay Police Enforce New Rules

Rothesay police cracking down on impaired drivers now that there's a tougher punishment for driving under the influence. 

Police handing out three 7-day suspensions at a road block on the Hampton Road last night.  

The suspensions are part of new rules that kicked in June 24th, where drivers caught with a roadside breathalyzer reading above 0.05 get a week long time-out from driving. 

The punishment used to only be a one-day suspension.

Visitation and Funeral Times Announced For Oland

Funeral Services announced for the prominent businessman Richard Oland. 

Services will be held this Tuesday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Rothesay at noon. 

Visitation goes tomorrow and Monday from 2-4pm and from 6-8pm at Brenan's Funeral Home.

Oland Family And Premier Speak On Oland's Death

The family of Richard Oland releasing a statement on the death the 69 year old business leader.

The letter thanks friends and community members for the outpouring of support in a difficult time.  It goes on to say that they family is very proud of his many personal and business achievements as well as his contributions to the Saint John area and he will be remembered fondly.

Below is the full statement from the family of Richard Oland:

“We thank our many friends and others in the community who have reached out to us.  We appreciate the many offers of assistance and your condolences.  This is a very difficult time for our family and we hope everyone understands our need for privacy.  We are very proud of Richard’s many personal and business achievements and contributions to Saint John and the region.  We will remember him fondly and truly appreciate the outpouring of support and heartfelt remembrances we have already received.”

The Family of Richard Oland

Premier Expresses Condolences To Oland Family

Premier Alward is expressing his condolences to the Oland family on the death of Dick Oland.

In a statement - Alward says Oland's contributions to his community and the province were as generous as they were significant.

The Premier says Oland will always be remembered with deep respect by the people of Greater Saint John and the entire province.

Historic Final Shuttle Launch

Video Courtesy of NASA TV

Announcement Tenatively Planned By Police Regarding Oland's Death

The Chief of Police may be making an announcement Monday regarding the death of prominent local business man Dick Oland -- that from Sgt. Glen Hayward with the Saint John Police Force.

Hayward tells CHSJ News it depends on how the investigation shapes up over the weekend and what information they can release to the public.

The body of the 69 year old was found yesterday morning in his Canterbury Street office.

Police have deemed the death suspicious and have been seen canvassing the office and surrounding area today.

Former Group Member Shocked by CRRD Support For Shale Gas

A former member of the Citizens for Responsible Resource Development says the group's recent support of the shale gas industry is a shocker.

Otty Forgrave tells CHSJ News the CRRD's change of heart is a minority opinion.

He says most community groups still want a moratorium on shale gas development because things are moving too quickly.

Salty Jam 2011 Continues This Weekend

Live music fans in Saint John are happy campeers as the 2011 edition of Salty Jam continues.
Last night, Country star Rosanne Cash kicked things off and tonight, it's the Jam Stampede-a dance band from New York City.
Organizer Renea Sleep tells CHSJ News tomorrow night features the legendary Downchild Blues Band in the Water street tent.
Tomorrow's events include a Songwriter's Circle on the Boardwalk hosted by Mike Bigger and high school bands all day in the King Square tent. For all things Salty Jam click here.

BOT Expresses Grief And Shock Over Dick Oland's Death

The impact of Dick Oland's death being felt in all corners of the City.

Saint John Board of Trade President Imelda Gilman tells CHSJ News Oland was a long time member.

She says she didn't know him well but, she knew of him through his business reputation in the community over many years.
Gilman says when he left Moosehead, he started several companies including Brookville Transport and Manufacturing.


She says most recently the Board of Trade was dealing with Oland and his investment company Far End Corporation.

New Bike Lane Opens

 Those looking to get their biking fix will have a new place to do so -- the city is opening a new bike lane between Chesley Drive and Union Street along Main Street today.

City spokesperson Tim O'Reilly tells CHSJ News the lane is to make up for the temporary closure of Harbour Passage due to construction work on the Harbour Bridge.

He adds the lane will be open until construction is complete or October at the latest.






There is also a new traffic light for cyclists at the intersection of Main and Simonds Street in order to let them through.

No Change Locally But More Are Job-Hunting Provincially

 The Canadian economy created 28,000 jobs in June, the third consecutive month of growth.  Statistics Canada says the country's unemployment rate held steady last month at 7.4 per cent as the number of people entering the workforce increased.

The jobless rate in Saint John is unchanged from May to June while it's up across the province from 9.5 per cent in May to 9.6 per cent last month.
 



Increases in the public and private sectors were offset by fewer people who were self employed. The gains were led by the transportation and warehousing sector which saw a gain of 15,000 jobs.

Prominent City Businessman Dies

Saint John Police identifying the body found at 52 Canterbury Street yesterday morning as that of Richard "Dick" Oland.
The 69 year old's body was discovered in an office around 9 yesterday morning.

Police consider his death suspicious.

Oland was a prominent City businessman who was instrumental in bringing the 1985 Canada Summer Games to the city.


His family owns Moosehead Breweries, but he left the company in the 80s.
Oland became a competitive sailor participating in races around the world.

He was also key to bringing the New Brunswick Museum to Market Square.

Body Found In Canterbury Street Building

Police discovering the body of man at 52 Canterbury Street.

The body being found at 9:30 this morning and was removed around 2:30 this afternoon

Staff Sgt. Mike King would not say whether the death was suspicious in nature but family members have been notified.

The body was taken to the Regional Hospital for examination.

Parents Says Expansion Will Be More Than Enough For Student Needs

John Oxley is with the Parent Action Group that worked with the province on securing the project.

He tells CHSJ News while a new school would have been nice, the renovations will be more than enough for the students.
 
He says it's also a great day for the taxpayer as they were able to get what was needed at more than half the cost.

Upgrades announced for K-Park Elementary School

A new school isn't coming to Kennebecasis Park but the existing elementary school will be getting 5-million dollars worth of upgrades.

Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney making the announcement and she tells CHSJ News the community deserves a lot of credit for helping the province figure out how to make the project affordable when the new school was put on hold. 

The expansion will eliminate the modular classrooms as well the addition of a new gym and greenspace.

Work will begin this fall and is expected to be completed by September of 2012.