Two Parades Today

It's double parade day in the city and out in the valley -- the Lancaster Santa Claus Parade kicks off at 1pm on Main Street West and will make it's way towards Catherwood Street and Fairville Boulevard.

Parade Chair Blaine Harris tells CHSJ News 65 floats are taking part this year.

For those in the valley, the 13th Annual Santa Claus parade kicks off tonight at KVHS at 6 o'clock.  The parade will go along the Hampton Road.

You're being asked to bring food donations to both events.

Report Says CBS Move Will Have Huge Economic Impact

Enterprise Saint John commissioning a report on the economic impact of Canadian Blood Services moving to Dartmouth on the city and province.


Jupia Consultants of Moncton finds the business case for moving does not seem strong and questions why New Brunswick taxpayers should foot a large portion of the cost when it's the Nova Scotia facility that needed to be replaced.

The report also says decisions like this should include an assessment of the local economic impacts.


In terms of numbers, Jupia Consultants claims the move will result in 1 million dollars in direct employment income lost and 31 jobs.


It says the lost GDP impact will be over 1.2 million dollars and lost taxation to government exceeds $400,000.

Drug Bust In Rothesay

This had to turn a few heads...RCMP and the Rothesay Regional Police arresting three people in a mall parking lot on Lacey Drive about 7 last night.
It's the result of a joint investigation into the trafficking of prescription drugs.

A 28-year-old woman and man along with a 34-year-old man taken into custody without incident and police seizing a quantity of prescription drugs and cash.

The two 28-year-olds are due in court in March while the other man remains in custody for a parole violation.

Port Makes $4000 Food Donation

The food banks in every corner of Saint John will have full cupboards for a while thanks to a donation from the Saint John Port Authority.
Esther Shanks of the Community Food Basket on Charlotte Street tells CHSJ News it began as a temporary measure in 1984.

She calls that an absolute disgrace but, she's not blaming the city adding she's never been in a city more generous than Saint John.  Saint John Port Authority CEO Jim Quinn says part of the reason they can provide this help to the food banks is because of the support already given to the Joshua Group.

Quinn says they raised $36,000 for the Joshua Group ahead of schedule and we able to divert fundraising efforts to other local groups.

The Port Authority giving a donation of food and other goods totalling $4000 to the North, West, East and Uptown food banks.

Tree Lighting Ceremony Tonight

The city will be getting into the Christmas spirit tonight with its 27th annual tree lighting ceremony.

There will be carollers, treats, and a visit from Santa.

Everyone is invited and it gets underway at 6 o'clock at the Loyalist Plaza next to Market Square.

Housing Alternatives Celebrates 30 Years

Housing Alternatives getting honoured with a community breakfast today as it celebrates 30 years of helping to develop affordable housing in Saint John.

Brenda Murphy is the Coordinator for the Urban Core Support Network and she tells CHSJ News while great strides have been made, more affordable housing is needed in the city as there are hundreds still on waiting lists.

She says the group is the unsung hero on this issue.

Housing Alternatives manages 550 units in the city.

President Of One Change Honoured By The "Y"

The YM-YWCA is honouring the President of One Change, Scott Crawford with its 2011 Peace Medal.

Crawford says residents of the old north end are not just sitting back and waiting for others to make their neighbourhood better.

The projects on the go include setting up a computer training centre and, with the help of doctors, a new model health centre to better deliver primary healthcare in the priority neighbourhoods.
 
One Change also has made a proposal to the city to take over the day to day running of the North End Community Centre.

Seinfeld To Visit Saint John

Now here's a stocking stuffer to get excited about: Tickets to see Jerry Seinfeld when he visits Harbour Station next year.

The actor most famous for his show about nothing is returning to his first love--stand-up comedy.

The tour will visit Saint John on February 3 and tickets go on sale next Saturday at 10am.

Ticket prices ranges from $55 to $105 dollars.

For ticket info, click here

Bus Strike Averted For Time Being

It was feared bus service between cities in this province and Prince Edward Island might be disrupted by strike action within 72 hours but that's not going to happen.    

The union representing Acadian Lines employees gave the company strike notice  yesterday but has now withdrawn it.

A new offer will be presented to the union on the issues still in dispute and a vote on that proposal by bus drivers, mechanics and maintenance workers will be held Sunday and Monday.

If the offer is rejected, December 2nd is being talked about as the new date for strike action if it comes to pass.

    

Prostitution Arrests Made By City Police

City Police making another sweep through the Village area around Waterloo and Cobourg Streets where the sex trade seems to flourish. 

Two women in their thirties will be charged in early January with communicating for the purpose of prostitution.

Province Releases Totals For Unconditional Grants

Municipalities, rural communities and local service districts will receive $69,012,690 in unconditional grants in 2012.

Saint John will be receiving about 19 million dollars while Quispamsis is getting over 800-thousand and Rothesay a little over 400-thousand.

Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News with these figures coming in along with provincial assessments, the town budget for next year will be finalized soon.

He believes the town will be able to hold the tax rate.

There was a slight reduction in funding overall and local service districts will see a slight increase in taxes to reflect administration costs in LSD's.