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Friday, November 29, 2013

Province Declares Bridge Work Officially Complete

It's old news for the locals but the Harbour Bridge Refurbishment is officially complete.
 

Provincial Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams was bridge side for the official announcement with Saint John MP Rodney Weston and Mayor Mel Norton.


CHSJ News asked Williams if there will be any asphalt resurfacing on the westbound lanes next year.

He says the engineers may be looking at that as part of the asset management within the department.

Mayor Norton says the combined investment in the Bridge work and the One Mile Interchange project is over 100 million dollars.

He says it's the kind of investment that's long term and that fuels big business.

The One Mile Interchange is expected to be complete early next month.

Energy Institute Comes Under Fire For Ties To Tories

The only First Nations member of the provincial Energy Institute has resigned....and the institute itself is coming under fire for its supposed lack of impartiality. 

Liberal Leader Brian Gallant tells CHSJ News the Energy Institute's close ties with the Alward government are stifling an open dialogue about the energy future of the province.

When he tendered its resignation Metallic said the institute was too concerned with what the Tory government wanted it to say about shale gas development.

Help Fill Food Bank Shelves At "Fill The Truck"

The Rothesay Regional Police Department holding their Fill The Truck event tomorrow at the KV Superstore from 9am-3pm.

They're collecting non-perishable food items, toiletries, and toys with the goal of filling their big truck full of items to help as many families as possible.

All food will be donated to the KV Food Bank.

Free Festive Events For The Whole Family

Save the date next Friday if you want to get into the Christmas spirit in the uptown. Uptown Saint John will be hosting a special night of free horse-drawn carriage rides, Victorian carollers, festive lights and more. 

Matt Alexander of Uptown Saint John tells CHSJ News there will be street boutiques and music starting at 5pm.

As well, the City Market will be lit up for the only time this year.....it's the first year for this celebration, and for a full schedule click here

Missing Public Landing Man Returns Home

A man reported missing this week is safe and sound.

60-year old Roger Taylor of Public Landing returning home this morning. He had last been seen at the Department of Natural Resources office in Welsford on Tuesday afternoon.

Police had called on the public for help finding him.

Alward Stresses Importance Of Moving Forward

Premier David Alward talking to business leaders and politicians in Alberta about the potential consequences of standing still.

Alward says it's concerning that a number of projects across the country are simply gathering dust and potentially $650-billion is at risk. He says that translates into less investment, meaning, fewer jobs and not being able to meet the priorities of Canadians.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce unanimously passing the Energy East Pipeline resolution presented at their general meeting.

Collision Between Cruiser And Other Vehicle At Garden St Irving

A police cruiser and another car got into a bit of a scrape-up at the Garden Street Irving shortly after 1pm with some debris littering the road.

No one was hurt, but the collision did cause some traffic snags.

Klohn To Lead Financial & Consumers Services Commission

A big promotion for a Saint Johner. 

Peter Klohn is the new chair of the Province's Financial and Consumer Services Commission. His five year appointment begins January 1st.

Justice Minister Troy Lifford says Klohn has demonstrated the leaderships skills required for this role as show in his role as a partner at Stewart McKelvey. Klohn has practised law in the City for over 25 years.

The commission provides protection to consumers and investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices. It was established last summer.

Paramount Dismantling Reaches Home Stretch

It's a sad yet fascinating process to watch for those living and working uptown.  

The dismantling of the old Paramount Theatre on Kings Square began in September but you can really see the progress now as work on the facade is underway.

Owner Paul Daeres told CHSJ News in September that tearing it down presents challenges because this building was built to last in the late 40's.

Uptown Saint John and others attempted to save the theatre even going so far as hosting fundraising concerts and handing out "I Heart the Paramount" buttons.

Hemming House Pictures released a documentary on the movement to save the theatre which was released internationally earlier this year.

Uptown Saint John's general manager Matt Alexander told CHSJ News in September that word the theatre was coming down was "disappointing".
 

Black Friday Crowds In Saint John

It’s Black Friday in the United States — otherwise known as the busiest shopping day of the year and retailers in Saint John are trying to cash in as well.
People started lining up outside one big box store out East at 6 this morning waiting to take advantage of Black Friday discounts on this side of the border.
We are told highly popular discounted electronic items like Apple's iPads sold out within minutes of the store opening.

A Local Businessman In Court On Tax Charges

A Saint John businessman has been convicted for failing to file his tax returns.

 Leland Blake Baisley was fined 6 thousand dollars for failing to file his 2006 and 2010 personal income tax returns, his 2009 and 2010 corporation tax returns and the June 2010 and June 2011 quarterly HST returns for Jaycor Developments.
 

The court heard the outstanding corporation and HST tax returns, as well as his 2010 personal tax return have since been filed.