New View Of Saint John On Google Maps

Checking out your neighbourhood and places you've lived on Google Street View is a great way to kill an hour or two--and updated images of Saint John on the popular mapping site may make that even more fun.

The new pics were taken on a sunny day in May 2013: before that, they were noticeably outdated.

To check it out, Google any local address and select Street View.

The Goal of Outflow's New Shelter Is To Transition Men To Homes

The goal of a new men's shelter that will open on Waterloo street this summer is not only to get people off the street but to play a role in transforming their lives.

Outflow Board chair Colin McDonald of Outflow tells CHSJ News it's not just about a shelter but having a larger vision.

He says they don't want to just shelter men which he calls a noble ambition but the bigger picture is they want to see these men transition into homes.

McDonald says solving the problem of finding a men's shelter came together much quicker than anyone is used to in the non-profit sector through co-operation with local agencies and the provincial government.

He tells us the province is providing Outflow with the temporary location in the Somerset Community Centre.

Seniors Have A Chance To Assist Police, Stay Safe

If you or a senior you know is interested in keeping an eye on the neighbourhood, they might be interested in this: the Saint John Police Department is hosting a Senior's Police Academy starting on May 8.

The program will deal with personal safety, fraud awareness, and other issues that effect seniors in our community. The program starts on May 8th and runs for 5 weeks, and spaces are limited.

For more information click here

Alward Government Pressed On Education

Show me the beef when it comes to a plan for education.......That challenge being made to the Alward Government by Provincial Liberal leader Brian Gallant. He charges there is no plan.

Education Minister Marie-Claude Blais is accusing the Liberals of talking big on education but there's more to it than just spin and producing a glossy paper.
 
Blais, who has two children attending school,  says teachers know exactly what the outcomes should be and how to achieve them.

Saint Johnners Lag Behind in Healthy Behaviours

The New Brunswick Health Council releasing community profiles and for Saint John, we're lagging behind in healthy behaviours.

Only 33 per cent of adults in the area eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables a day. The Health Council's Stephane Robichaud tells CHSJ News the way we eat has changed a lot in a generation with the onset of fast food. 

Among young people in grades 6 to 12, we're lagging behind when it comes to connecting with family. Robichaud believes that has a lot to do with social media.

Even among younger children in grades 4 to 12, there are higher than desirable levels of behaviour considered disrespectful, defiant and rude.

Saint Johnners are also lagging behind when it comes to alcohol, drug and tobacco use. 

Robichaud says these numbers are valuable because they can be used to devise strategies to make things better. 

Funding Boost For Symphony NB

The Symphony New Brunswick Foundation will receive about $220,000 in matching funds through the department of Canadian Heritage.

Saint John MP Rodney Weston made the announcement at the Imperial Theatre.
Symphony New Brunswick is the largest classical music orchestra in this province.

It's the largest grant the symphony has received so far from the program, and it puts their foundation assets past the $2 million mark.

A New 20-Bed Men's Shelter Will Replace The Centre of Hope

A new 20-bed homeless shelter for men will open in the city to replace the Centre of Hope at the Salvation Army on St. James Street.

That announcement from Social Development Minister Madelaine Dube.
 
The shelter will be operated by Outflow, a local organization that delivers up to 800 meals a week to those in need. 
 
The shelter will be located at the former Waterloo Street Baptist Church on Waterloo Street. 

The site is located near Romero House, St Joseph's Hospital and the regional office of Social Development.

It will open in a temporary location at the Somerset Community Centre on May 1st while renovations are completed on the old church on Waterloo Street. 

The work is expected to take about 8 weeks.

Vehicle Fire Forces Closure Of Highway Lane

A vehicle that was on fire prompting police to close one lane along Highway 1 eastbound by the weigh station in Rothesay to be closed between 3 and 4 this morning. 

The car had been parked on the side of the highway before the fire. Police tell us it was fully engulfed in flames and there were some small explosions until the blaze was extinguished.

Youth Speaker Talks To Teens At Boys & Girls Club

With the poverty, high teenage pregnancy rates and apparent lack of opportunities here in Saint John many of our young people may find it almost impossible to feel positive and empowered...but a Port City youth speaker wants that to change.

Nick Pereira tells CHSJ News part of changing your story comes down to loving yourself, saying we may be plagued by problems here in the city, but underneath those problems are a lack of vision and self-love. He says if all you see is poverty then all you know is poverty and the idea of becoming something bigger never enters your mind.

A speaking event called "Champion Your Story" at the Boys & Girls Club of Saint John marking the launch of the presentation Pereira will be doing all across the country. You can find more information by clicking here or here.