SWN Resources Suspends Exploration Plans

SWN Resources is suspending shale gas exploration in the province after a delay in receiving permits.
 
Tom Alexander says they are working with the province on getting permits but made the call on exploration due to time constraints with contractors.
 
He tells CHSJ News it's disappointing because they would like to get the work done but they have lots to do.

He says they can still work with the province on other matters such as how the new royalty plan will work.
 
Alexander says they are very interested in how the government's public consultation tour on shale gas will go.

Qplex Gets Award

The Qplex is one-of-a-kind in Atlantic Canada....and it's being recognized for its eco-friendly design on the national level.

The popular recreation complex was designed to adhere to a gold standard energy conservation and sustainability. It has a geothermal heat recovery system, an electric Zamboni, motion-sensored lighting, and three water collection systems used for the rink ice and topping up the pool.

All those features went into earning the Qplex a 2012 Environment Award.

New Councillors Speak Out

Newly-minted common Councillors John MacKenzie and Donna Reardon being welcomed to the horseshoe....MacKenzie says he takes the responsibility seriously and takes it as a honour Ward 2 elected him as a representative.

Reardon offering a ray of optimism against those who think the city's problems are unsolvable, saying it's out of the greatest challenges and adversity that good ideas often come.

The new council holding its first special meeting tonight dealing with pension reforms.

Liberal Candidate Brian Gallant Meets With SJ Voters

A new approach--that's the slogan for Liberal candidate Brian Gallant. Gallant visiting Saint John to speak to voters and hear their views on policy. Gallant tells CHSJ News he's talking to voters in 55 ridings in 55 days and the economy is a top issue.

He says contained in the issue of economic develop is education, job creation, and attracting new citizens to the province.

Gallant taking notes on citizen's concerns during an open discussion of issues like education, healthcare, and immigration.

Province Proposes 12 Regional Service Commissions

The Province introducing the Regional Services Delivery Act that would see the creation of 12 regional service commissions by next January.

Under the proposed legislation, it would see the creation of a  commission for each region governed by a board of directors that includes the mayor of every municipality and rural community along with representatives from the local service districts.

It would also allow for and encourage communities to collaborate on additional voluntary services.

Region 8 would include Sussex, Norton and Kars.

Region 9 is made up of 14 communities including Grand Bay-Westfield, Kingston, Quispamsis, Rothesay, Saint John and St. Martin's.

Hampton is in Region 9 but is requesting to be in Region 8.

For more information, click here

St. Martin's Hosts Showcase On Saturday

Free admission, free parking and free food might draw you to the St. Martin's Showcase on Saturday.
 
The village hosting the event as a way of bringing the businesses, services and attractions all together.
 
Jackie Bartlett of the St. Martin's and District Chamber of Commerce tells CHSJ News the event has been growing since inception three years ago.

She says you go kayaking and visit the restaurants and they had locals last year suprised at what you can do in St. Martin's that they were not aware of.

The event will feature many exhibitors including the Fundy Trail Parking and one lucky person will win the door prize of 25 pounds of lobster.
The event runs from 10am to 5pm on Saturday at the Four Seasons complex in St. Martin's.

Two Campbell Drive Collisions Injure One

Police in Rothesay responding to two collisions on Campbell Drive at the Fire Station this morning and one of them sent a woman in her 30's to hospital.

Rothesay Regional Police want to remind motorists that drivers heading eastbound going straight through the intersection have the right of way.

The two collisions about 40 minutes apart are being looked into and if violations are found charges may be laid.

Princess of Acadia Sailings Cancelled

Bay Ferries telling CHSJ News that all sailings of the Princess of Acadia are cancelled for tomorrow and service will resume on Friday at noon leaving from Saint John.

Bumper Year For NB Liquor

Some positive news for NB Liqour--the corporation achieving the largest ever net income in the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

The net income totaling $164.1 million with a $500,000 dollar reduction in operating expenses.

The resulting showing wine and spirit sales are up, and beer sales marginally down--which might be corrected by the lower beer prices being rolled out over the summer.

There are 47 corporate outlets and 73 private agency stores in the province.

Two Schools Closing At 10am

 
Inglewood School and Westfield School will be closing at 10:00 a.m. this morning due to a power outage in the area.

Buses will arrive at 10:00 a.m. as well to deliver students home.

Reported Abduction Turned Out Not To Be

Police departments in the area were searching high and low for a stripper who had been performing in Saint John and who had been reported abducted. 

It turned out not to be an abduction at all. 

She was eventually found safe and sound at a hotel in St. Andrews and we are told was there of her own free will.