Saint John Construction Association Not Thrilled With District Cut

The recent decision by School District 8 to cut a co-op training program in carpentry is not sitting well with the Executive Director of the Saint John Construction Association.

Pat Darrah tells CHSJ News the move is a head-scratcher as the talent pool for tradespeople is already drying up and a shortage will have a profound effect on the economy in the long run.

He says schools need to introduce the trades at a young age to get people interested, preferably at grade 9 or 10.

Police Execute Search Warrant At Rothesay Home

Police aren't saying much about their activity at a home on the Gondola Point Road in Rothesay this afternoon.
They do confirm they're executing a search warrant - but - won't say if it's in connection with the investigation into last week's murder of businessman Dick Oland.


Police also won't confirm media reports the home belongs to Oland's son Dennis.
Oland's body was found in his Canterbury Street office last Thursday morning -- and -- earlier this week Police Chief Bill Reid indicated Oland probably knew his murderer.

Quispamsis Man Advancing On TV Dancing Competition

A Quispamsis man is receiving lots of love as he competes on So You Think You Can Dance Canada.  20-year-old Matt Marr spent many years performing with the local company, Dancability, and tells us the those years really prepared him for it.
Marr tells CHSJ News he is thrilled with the support from home.

He says he can't believe how many people are behind him adding his Facebook page has become a party with changes every 15 minutes.  Marr is in the top 20 on the reality competition show and says he is surprised at the work involved--15 hours a day.  To learn more, click here

Local Government Ministers Meet In St. Andrews

Canada's local government ministers gathering in St. Andrews to talk about drinking water, transportation and recreation.


Provincial Minister Bruce Fitch says they note that investment in local infrastructure creates jobs, advances green energy efforts and stimulates private sector investment.
The ministers, who represent all municipalities across the country, discussing the importance of adequate, flexible and long-term funding for municipal infrastructure needs.

Alberta will host the 2012 meeting of local government ministers.

More Upgrades Coming To Rainbow Park

The future of Rainbow Park is looking bright -- that from Common Councillor Donnie Snook.

The city recently held the grand opening of the splash pad at the park and Snook tells CHSJ News more upgrades will be made this year including new swings and the addition of a dog park.
 
He says the ultimate goal is to have the park connected to Harbour Passage as well as the restoration of the basketball and tennis courts.

Snook says he's confident city dollars will be allotted for the work as the park has been identified as the top priority of the Leisure Services Department.

Memorial Set Up For Richard Oland Uptown

The landlord of the Canterbury Street office building where the late Richard Oland had his office and where he was murdered set up a memorial outside for people to sign.

John Ainsworth, who runs a printing shop on the ground floor, tells CHSJ News Oland had his office in the building for ten years so their relationship developed into something more than that between a landlord and tenant.

Ainsworth concedes how tough it is for he and his employees to be in the building right now in light of what has transpired and goes on to say he's had plenty of sleepless nights over the past week. 

What he will miss most was Oland's easy manner and smile. 

Blaney Says New Wetlands Policy Will Be Out By Year's End

Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney says a new wetlands policy will be out by the end of the year.
She says they had their last consultation with the 50 stakeholders looking for a long-term plan for wetlands and she's waiting on a report from them.

She tells CHSJ News she will meet with all of the key players when it comes to wetland development once the report is finished.
The province scrapped their wetland policy earlier this year, which boosted wetland designation from four to 18 percent, after landowners and developers claimed the plan was too restrictive and confusing.

Kayaker Tossed Into The River

A close call for a kayaker who was reported to be in distress last night shortly after 8 in the river around the Reversing Falls bridge.

District Fire Chief Gerry Morris says she was ejected from her kayak but had a wet suit on along with a life jacket and made it safely to shore.

She turned out to be okay and the Coast Guard later recovered her kayak down by Ocean Steel.

A Busy Night And Early Morning For City Police

City Police on the lookout for two suspects after a holdup early this morning shortly after 2:00 at Needs Variety on Wellesley Avenue.They say a weapon was used.

Last night shortly before 8:30, a man, whose face was concealed, was arrested after a security guard at Sobeys in the north end was slugged with a pipe. Whether the motive here was an assault or attempted robbery isn't certain.

Responding to neighbourhood concerns in South Bay, a man was arrested in the parking lot of the Martinon Community Centre and he's looking at charges of possessing a drug for the purpose of trafficking along with possession of a prohibited weapon.

Gas Prices Increase Significantly

You're paying alot more for gas after the weekly setting.

Self serve regular has risen to $1.27.1 in the city, an increase of 4 cents a litre.

Diesel is almost 4 and a half cents more a litre at $1.30.8 around town.

No change with propane which is listed at $1.14.1 a litre but there has also been a major increase in heating oil which rose by over 4 cents a litre to $1.13.8.

Delays Expected Along Highway One

Attention all drivers..........Highway 1 will be closed intermittently where the Chesley Drive off ramp crosses over from the Harbour Bridge.

The highway will be closed off and on for approximately 15 minutes at a time for some demolition work in the area.


The closures will begin at 7 tonight and will continue throughout Friday.