Construction Leader Chosen As Santa Claus Parade Marshall

A long time supporter and developer in our region is being tapped to be a rep for Santa Claus -- Pat Darrah is the President of the Saint John Construction Association and has been chosen as the Honorary Parade Marshall for this year's Santa Claus Parade.

He has been a key promoter in economic and social development in the region and has helped develop Market Square, the 1985 Canada Games, the Imperial Theatre, and most recently, the establishment of Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick.

Darrah was also recently awarded the Order of New Brunswick.

The 59th edition of the parade takes place November 19th.

YM-YWCA Lookning for Nominations For Community Award Recepients

The final call is being put out by the YM-YWCA on nominations for the Red Triangle and Leader to Watch Award.

The Red Triangle is given to someone who has a long and recognized history of volunteer service and achievement with the Y and the community.

The Leader to Watch Award is given to someone 35 or younger who acts as a role model in the community.

The deadline for nominations is tomorrow with the awards slated to be given out in April.

To submit a nomination, here.

Two Days Left To Vote For The Bay

Tourism Minister Trevor Holder says the contest for the Bay of Fundy is like an election campaign and the only way to win is to get out the vote.
A voting rally held at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal encouraging the public to vote with two days left.
He tells CHSJ News a lot of us have grown up with the Bay Of Fundy and he thinks taken it for granted.

He says we have to get the message out to the world that people have to come see the Bay Of Fundy.

The decision on who wins the contest will be announced on Friday afternoon.

To vote click here

Brian Lund Memorial Fund Donates to P.R.O. Kids

The Brian Lund Memorial Fund making a 25-hundred dollar donation to P.R.O. Kids.

The money was raised by a casino night held by the fund back in September.

The money will be used to help place youth from low-income families into sports, music, or other recreations.

P.R.O. Kids has placed 920 children to date in 2011.

Province and Feds Sign Affordable Housing Agreement

The federal and provincial governments signing a new affordable housing deal.

The arrangement will see an investment of 23.4 million dollars from both sides that will be used to build new homes and renovate existing properties.

Social Development Minister Sue Stultz says the plan will give the province more flexibility to design and deliver housing programs.

The agreement is the result of a recently announced deal among the federal, provincial, and territorial governments.

Big Job Gains From Shale Gas Would Require Huge Deposits

If a significant amount of shale gas is found in this province, it could mean 2000 jobs and up to 200 million dollars in royalty revenue and more relating to corporate income tax and license fees.   That from Fred Bergman Senior Policy Analyst with the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council.

Bergman tells CHSJ News one deposit in the province is estimated at 67 trillion cubit feet but most reserves end up being much less. He says you would need a major find in order to produce 2000 jobs.

Bergman acknowledges the environmental concerns that come with shale gas.

He says the province lost $100,000 in revenue after one company decided not to continue their exploration efforts.

RCMP Will Investigate Shale Gas Testing

Windsor Energy may have apologised but the Natural Resources Department is still filing a complaint with the RCMP alleging the company violated the Oil and Natural Gas Act by testing for shale gas in Sussex without first getting the permission of the town.

Under that legislation, written permission from the municipality is required before geophysical activity can be conducted within town boundaries.

Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup says the results of his department's investigation have been turned over to the RCMP and any further comment would be inappropriate.

Breakin Reported At Uptown Construction Site

City Police are investigating a reported break and enter at the condos on Water Street.

It was called in around 4 this morning. 

Copper has been stolen from the site before.