Woman Dies After July Boat Crash

A Nova Scotia woman injured in a July boat crash has died from her injuries.

47-year-old Susan Taylor was involved in a crash between two pleasure boats on Silver Lake in Sackville, New Brunswick.

She died in hospital in Halifax yesterday.

Department of Health Prepares to Launch Pandemic Flu Vaccine

The provincial Department of Health expects to be able to roll out the pandemic flu vaccine by late November. Deputy chief medical officer of health, Dr. Paul Van Buynder says they are completing clinical trials to ensure it is safe before releasing it to the public. But Van Buynder says they have never tried to vaccinate an entire population in such a short time before.

Dr. Van Buynder says certain groups will be able to access the H1N1 vaccine first--such as medical professionals, children, and pregnant women. Meanwhile, the Seasonal flu vaccine is set to be rolled out in about three and a half weeks--but--the Department of Health warns when it's gone, it's gone.

Minister Says Support Workers At Sufficient Levels

Education Minister Roland Hache says enrolment across the province is down by just over two thousand students this year -- and -- he says there will be enough unionized support workers to meet the needs. Hache says only 45-workers have been laid off completely with 14 of them working on temporary assignments -- and -- he says the actual number of support workers has increased over the past three years.Hache says it translates to no changes in the number of support workers in District 6 while here in District 8 -- two people won't be rehired while one will be hired on a temporary basis -- but -- he does expect the majority without jobs now may well be rehired to fill vacancies throughout the school year.

North End Fire Considered Suspicious

A North End building has been damaged by what city police are calling a suspicious fire. The call came in around 3:30 this morning with reports of smoke coming from the roof of a two-storey abandoned building at 31 Douglas Avenue.

Fire Officials tell CHSJ news the blaze appears to have started in the kitchen area at the back of the building. Major Crime and fire investigators are sorting through the burnt building to determine the cause.

Gas Prices Hold Steady

For the third week in a row, there is no change in the price of gas in the province. The Energy and Utilities Board has released its weekly price schedule and the price for regular self serve gasoline has dropped percentage points to land at a maximum of 101.5 --from yesterday's 101.8. Most stations in greater Saint John are selling gas for just under a dollar a litre.

Diesel fuel has dropped a penny to land at 100.2 and propane has increased by half a cent to land at 97.1 cents a litre.

Missing Ontario Man Found Dead in N.B.

A missing Ontario man has been found dead in Albert County.

RCMP and the Waterloo Regional Police Service were both looking for 42-year-old Donald Tambourine who was reported missing by his family.

His body was discovered in New Horton today and police do not suspect foul play.

Joint Funding Going to the Fundy Solid Waste Commission

The federal and provincial government are making a joint investment of over $220 thousand dollars each to the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission.The money will be going towards improving the regions recycling program, and will help build a sorting conveyor and install a baler to process recyclables more efficiently.General Manager Mark McLeod says this funding is coming at a great time, because just over a year ago, the solid waste commission almost lost the recycling resource.
McLeod says the site was actually paying to have recyclables taken away, but were able to plow through.He says the $600 thousand dollar project should be operating by the end of October.

Energy Minister Wants Long Term Outline of Point Lepreau Works

[Energy Minister Jack Keir----Photo By Dave Briggs]

The Energy Minister says he has no update on the progress of the refurbishment at Point Lepreau by NB Power and the Atomic Energy of Canada.Jack Keir says the utilities are looking at the work schedule right now using in depth analysis.He says he'd prefer to see a long term outline of work, rather than monthly updates.
Keir says the last report indicated the refurbishment project is seven and a half months behind schedule.

Weston Surprised About Fall Election

[Saint John M-P Rodney Weston----Photo by Dave Briggs]

Saint John M-P Rodney Weston says he's confused that Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff wants to take Canadians to the polls.Weston says the liberal leader has heard from Canadians that they do not want a fall election, but he is going to look for one anyway.
Weston says he's only been on the job for less than a year, and says he's ready to stay put. He says part of being apart of a minority government is always being prepared for a surprise election.

Budget News Out of Fredericton

A Provincial budget will be tabled early because of the economic meltdown. That from Premier Shawn Graham and Business Minister Greg Bryne with the numbers to be presented on December.1st and the fall sitting of the Legislature to resume a week early on November.17th. Byrne says all of the recent criticism levelled against the government from the Conservatives is with-out merit.

Byrne says all three credit rating agencies they ar associated with says this Province's economic out-look is stable but isn't with-out it's challenges. Pre-budget consultations around the Province will begin next month.

Rothesay MLA Not Suprised

The news out of Fredericton doesn't come as a big shock to one Conservative MLA. Margaret Ann Blaney of Rothesay tells CHSJ News, her party has been calling for a fiscal update but this doesn't satisfy the itch.

As for the pre-budget consultations, Blaney says knowing that the numbers have to be in by the end of November, that doesn't give the Liberals alot of time to digest what people are saying.

Crash Causing Grid Lock

A two vehicle crash on Highway One is creating some gridlock between the Fox Farm Road exit and Dolan Road -- RCMP have arrived on scene and traffic is being rerouted around the area. Callers to our 648-3000 Newsline tell us there are a number of fire trucks - an ambulance - and - police cars on the scene -- we will keep you posted.

City Police Face a Wage Freeze

A wage freeze will affect some positions with the Saint John Police Force. A recommendation of a two year wage freeze on management salaries was barely passed at last night's Board of Police Commissioners Meeting. Chief of Police Bill Reid tells CHSJ News that its a tough pill to swallow, but they will get by.

A resolution on wage freezes was passed by council at the end of March, but concern over the effects on the Police Force has kept it from being passed until last night.

Gagetown Soldier to be Honoured

A Gagetown soldier joins 10 other Canadians who have received the Govern General's Bravery Decoration. In September of 2007, Sergeant Roger Lane caught two men who had robbed a grocery store in Edmonton, Alberta. Sgt. Lane noticed a man wearing a disguise running towards him and instantly realized a robbery had taken place. He caught the suspect, wrestled him to the ground, removed the gun stuck in his waistband and threw it out of reach.

While other shoppers held the robber, Sergeant Lane grabbed a second suspect who was running away. The second man sprayed tear gas in Sergeant Lane's face and although temporarily blinded, Sergeant Lane managed to hold onto him until the police arrived. Lane and the other 10 recipients will receive their decorations at a future ceremony.

IT Workshop Hopes to Deal with Employee Shortage

A shortage of workers, especially women in the I.T. sector is the focus of a work-shop at UNBSJ today. Many companies including J.D. Irving and Aliant X-Wave have been struggling to get several positions filled and Ruth Shaw with UNBSJ tells CHSJ News, these companies and several others are leaving the Province to find workers.

Shaw adds there is a public perception that the dot com bust is tied into I.T. jobs and that is not the case. These are careers with solid companies and opportunities for growth.

Industry Leaders from India Visit Saint John

A group of industry leaders from India will be in the city today. The delegation is on a week long business mission to Atlantic Canada, visiting port and railway facilities in the region. They will tour NB Southern Railway's West Side facility this afternoon.

Their visit is to focus on understanding the cost and time benefits of accessing U.S. markets through Atlantic Canada.

Funding Expected for Landfill

For the second time in three weeks, there is a funding announcement scheduled at the Crane Mountain Landfill. Energy Minister Jack Keir will be joined by Saint John MP Rodney Weston for what is being called an infrastructure announcement.

Things get started at two o'clock. It was back on the 18th of last month, the Province put forward $1.75 million toward a project to capture methane gas and use it to generate electricity.

Quispamsis Mayor Says No Discussion On Increasing Tourism Dollars

The Mayor of Quispamsis says if the mayor of Saint John wants the town to kick in more money towards tourism, maybe he should try asking.Murray Driscoll is responding to Mayor Ivan Court saying areas in Greater Saint John need to put more than 25 hundred dollars each into promoting tourism in the area.
Driscoll says the town has not been approached to increase it's funding, and will continue to make the contribution that is asked for.
Driscoll tells CHSJ News, Quispamsis isn't exactly a high profile tourist spot, but when the Q-Plex opens it's doors, it will be a significant contribution to tourism in the region.

Fall Election Speculation Ramping Up

Whether you want it or not.....speculation is growing stronger we could have a fall federal election. Word out of a Liberal caucus meeting in Sudbury today says leader Michael Ignatieff says his party won't vote to prop up the minority Harper government anymore. Former Saint John MP Paul Zed tells CHSJ News, the Liberals have been trying to make Parliment work over the past month.

The Liberals get their first opportunity to present a motion of non-confidence the first week of next month but at the party caucus meeting in Sudbury today, Ignatieff isn't saying if he'll do that.

Federal Minister Talks of Atlantic Gateway Potential

[Mayor Ivan Court; Imelda Gilman, President of the Board of Trade; Peter MacKay, Minister of the Atlantic Gateway; Saint John MP Rodney Weston-- Photo By Diane Henry]

The federal Minister for the Atlantic Gateway is reinforcing New Brunswick's importance in the future of international trade as well as the generation and sale of energy. Peter MacKay says Saint John is central to the Atlantic gateway bringing business from the biggest and best companies in the world.

Meanwhile, MacKay won't say if federal money is on the way for the Saint John Airport through the Atlantic Gateway Fund. He tells CHSJ news they will determine the funding priorities after they have received all of the applications. MacKay was speaking at a Board of Trade luncheon today at the Delta.

UNBSJ on Recruitment

Toronto University Professor David Foot says universities in Atlantic Canada should stick with international recruitment and shelve expansion plans as enrollment numbers dwindle. UNBSJ Acting Registrar John Johnson tells CHSJ News expansion plans and international recruitment work together in maintaining a quality experience in learning and teaching.

He says Universities have to put their resources into making the experience great for a student from China or from Saint John but, no institution can grow forever. Johnson says cost is one factor that affects enrollment in university, the others being the availability and types of programs as well as how well the local economy is performing.

Working Under the Lights

If you've noticed that a section of the west-bound lanes of Highway One have been torn up but you don't see any work crews, there is a good reason for that. They are doing their work during the evening and over-night hours. Matt Frye with the Department of Transportation tells CHSJ News, crews are setting up the light standards late in the afternoon and working from six pm until six the following morning.

Frye says there are many benefits to this new shift including safety and of course, less traffic means crews can get more work done. The re-paving is expected to take three weeks and the work will go right to the Somerset Street intersection near the new Chateau Saint John hotel.

Prostitution Charges Laid in Moncton

Seven men are facing prostitution related charges after they allegedly approached an undercover woman police officer in Moncton. Codiac Regional RCMP say arrests were made on Dufferin, Highfield, Cameron and St. George Streets.

The men are from Ontario, Shediac and Moncton--and--are between the ages of 27 and 65.They are scheduled to appear in Moncton Provincial Court on October 26th answer to the charges.

Minimum Wage Increases by 25 Cents

The minimum wage has increased by 25 cents an hour today. This is the second increase since April, bringing the provincial minimum wage to $8.25 per hour. That translates to an employee working 40 hours per week earning a minimum of 330 dollars--versus the 268 dollars he or she would have earned in October 2006.

Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault says it's important to give people a better standard of living. New Brunswick now has the second lowest minimum wage in the country---above PEI which is $8.20 an hour.

City Hustles to Get Water Projects Done on Time

The question remains---can city staff complete the work on the six water treatment projects before the March 2011 deadline. Brent McGovern with Saint John Water says it can be done, and that two projects are almost complete in design and are ready to go to tender. Commissioner of Muncipal Operations Paul Groody says it's going to be tight, but it can be done.

Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase wants to know if grouping the projects together would save the city money rather than each project going to tender separately.Groody says each project requires specific preparations, so they need to go to tender separately.

Peel Plaza Street Upgrades Approved

Common Council is approving city staff to proceed with putting out the tenders for upgrading work around the proposed Peel Plaza development. Under the revised funding report nearly $2.9 million dollars will come from the General Fund Capital, and an additional $1 million will come from the Water and Sewerage Utility Fund Capital project.Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase wants to know where the additional money is coming from, and what projects are going to be dropped.Commissioner of Municipal Operations Paul Groody says no projects will be dropped, the scope of the project has been expanded, and this is the cost.

Councilor Bill Farren says the upgrading work on Union Street to Wellington street is necessary even if the Peel Plaza project doesn't go forward.

City Council Has Questions About Tourism Proposal

Councilor Bruce Court says he cannot support the Destination Marketing Organization because come budget time, tourism may be an area that gets cut back.

Court says another reason he cannot support the idea is because of the pension deficit. He says eliminating an entire department where employees pay into the pension fund doesn't make sense with the shape it's in. The proposal has been referred to the city manager.

Mayor Not Supporting Tourism Proposal

Mayor Ivan Court is calling out to surrounding municipalities regarding this tourism proposal. Under the proposed singular group the city is asked to invest over a million dollars, while Grand Bay Westfield, Hampton, St. Martins, Rothesay, and Quispamsis are all asked to invest 25 hundred dollars. The city is also asked to give an additional 2.5 per cent on top of the original one million dollar investment, while the combined total from the Greater Saint John region is only 12 thousand-five hundred dollars. Court says other municipalities need to step up to the plate.

Court says our tax payers are asked to carry the region, and we are being asked to do everything for everyone, whether they work, live or play here. He says it's time for everyone to start doing their part.

City to Consider One Tourism Entity

The Saint John Destination Marketing Organization is asking common council to consider establishing a singular entity to handle all things tourism. Spokesperson, Gail Bremner is suggesting the city get involved in a 5 year service agreement, which will mean increasing it's funding by 2.5 per cent. Bremner says the D-M-O will absorb the city's tourism department.

Bremner says this organization will give Saint John a distinct voice in regards to tourism, which is needed with Fredericton building a new convention centre, and Moncton getting a casino.

Airport Turned Down for Federal Funding

It's proving to be a challenge to find a source of funding for proposed improvements to the Saint John Airport. Bernie Leblanc, President and CEO of Saint John Airport Inc., says they recently learned they are not eligible for the Building Canada Fund because they are located on government-owned land.But, Leblanc says there is a glimmer of hope. Transport Canada has suggested the Atlantic Gateway Funding might fit for this project.

The funding will be used for a project which includes expanding and relocating the parking lot and the expansion of the terminal building because of increased traffic at the airport.

Grand Old ANE Returns to Saint John

It might not be as big as it once was but the Midway is back for another year in East Saint John. The Atlantic National Exhibition opens today and runs through til Friday. Blair MacDonald is the General Manager of the Exhibition Association and tells CHSJ News, there is plenty for everyone to see and do.

MacDonald admits they could use some more space and now that the issue surrounding harness racing has been settled, they are exploring all of their options. The fireworks go tonight to kick off the four-day event.

Brain Research Seminar

Brain research will be the focus of a seminar for 700 District Six teachers tomorrow. They will meet at the Kings Valley Wesleyn Church to hear from Eric Jensen. He is an author and world-renowned speaker on the subject of brain research. His lecture will focus on development and how teaching strategies and techniques can be tweaked to benefit students.

Superintendent Zoe Watson tells CHSJ News, this seminar is just one of several through-out the year teachers will attend to help them and their students.

Emergency Department Re-Opening

After months of repair work, the Emergency Department of the Oromocto Hospital will re-open tomorrow morning. It had to be shut down back on May.20th when a water line broke and caused significant water damage to the Emergency and Diagnostic Imaging Departments totalling $360,000.

The Diagnostic Imaging Department will re-open soon.

Waste Water Money

Fredericton is teaming up with Ottawa and the Province to invest five million dollars to upgrade that city's main waste-water treatment plant. $1.6 million is on the table from the Federal and Provincial governments while Fredericton will contribute the rest.

The project involves major improvements to the existing treatment plant, which serves 90 per cent of the population and is processing twice the waste water it was designed to handle.

Several City Streets Remain Closed Due to Storm Flooding

The aftermath of Tropical Storm Danny is still being felt in East Saint John where several streets remain closed due to flooding. Police tell CHSJ News streets blocked off to traffic include McAllister Drive at Golden Grove Road, Golden Grove and Dresden, Simpson Drive, Rothesay Road at the end of Rothesay Avenue and Ashburn Lake Road at the entrance to Rothesay Road.

Also closed because of too much water on the road is: Holland Street, Todd Street, Broadway Avenue, Glenn Road and Brown Street. Several basements flooded in the Glen Falls area as heavy rain brought about 60 millimeters of rain to our city.

City Looks to Youth to Fill Job Vacancies

A motion at tonight's common council meeting may see more teens working for the city next summer. The proposal recommends the city hire more youth with financial difficulties who plan on pursuing post secondary education, in the slots of summer student positions. Councillor Bill Farren tells us he hopes to see an application system worked out the teachers to hire students.

If the motion is passed, applications for the positions should be ready by Early December.

Peel Plaza Project on Tonight's Council Agenda

Peel Plaza is being pushed ahead at tonight's common council. A proposal will be discussed recommending council approve the revised funding of the Peel Plaza Municipal Upgrades Project and authorize staff to proceed with a tendering process. The request totals almost 4 million dollars in capital funding, if passed the project will be one step closer to completion.

Harbour Passage Painting Up for Discussion Tonight

Harbour Passage may be getting a face lift sometime in the not to distant future. A proposal at tonight's common council meeting may mean Jamac Painting and Sandblasting will be hired to repaint and repair the steel structures along Harbour Passage. The original budget estimate was 89,000 dollars, but Jamac will be able to complete the job for 30,000.Council will start tonight at 6:30.

Report Being Reviewed - Meetings Planned

The Department of Social Development is now reviewing a consultant's report on revitalizing the Crescent Valley area -- and -- part of that revitalization process will include replacement housing for old social housing which fell to the wrecker's ball earlier this year. Minister Kelly Lamrock tells CHSJ News the new development will be geared to mixed income levels.Lamrock says he will be down around the middle of next month to meet with various community groups before making final decisions on the recommendations in the consultant's report -- once those decisions are made -- a time table will be determined for construction of the replacement housing.

Pink Bus

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's "pink bus" is stopping in Sussex today on the last leg of its tour through Greater Saint John. The foundation promoting the importance of breast screening and early cancer detection before heading to Alma tomorrow. Tour Rep, Selina Hughes tells CHSJ News everyone is welcome onboard to see the breast model, information boths and video on having a mammogram.
Their goal is to have 85 per cent of all women between the ages of 50 and 69 in Atlantic Canada routinely screened for breast cancer by 2010. The Pink bus will make its last stop in New Brunswick on September 10th before heading to Nova Scotia.

Harbour Clean Up

Ottawa and Fredericton realize they have to help out with the Harbour Clean-up Project. That from Mayor Ivan Court as City Officials continue to evaluate the proposal and draw up a working map. Court tells CHSJ News, this municipality or any other cannot front the bill for this type of proposal and help from the other two levels of government is a must.
Court admits the price of materials and labour have jumped 24% over the past four years and they continue to look at ways to get the total price tag down.

Minor Hockey KV

August is coming to a close and that means for most homes in the Kennebecasis Valley, hockey fever is building. The Minor Hockey Association has been planning for the up-coming months since the previous season finished and President Darren Zwicker tells CHSJ News, everything appears to be falling into place.
Zwicker says if the trend continues....he expects numbers will be up this season by 3-5% coming in at just over 1000 players last year. There is also a registration date on the third of next month.

Dragon Boat Results

The 5th annual Dragon Boat Festival kicked off yesterday at the Renforth Wharf near Rothesay. With over 254,000 dollars raised for the St. Josephs Hospital Foundation's Wellness Garden, Organizer Jill Logan tells CHSJ news regardless of the weather she feels it was still a success.
Festivities began yesterday morning with a traditional Chinese Ceremony. First place winners were the Plumbers and Pipefitters team, followed closely by Dundee Securities.

Minto Barricade

The 28 year old man who barricaded himself inside a Minto home for 13 hours yesterday, has been arrested without incident. Minto RCMP responded to a firearms complaint shortly after 4:00am. RCMP did have contact with the man during the day and he was finally arrested shortly after 5:00.Highway route 10 that runs through Minto was closed during the stand-off as a safety precaution. The highway is now open to traffic.

Damage from Danny

It seems Danny did manage to do some damage to our area afterall. Last night tropical depression Danny passed through our region leaving rocks, branches and approximately 60 mm water on our roads. Emergency crews have been busy all night responding to calls of flooded basements and flooding on the East Side in the McAllister Drive area. Police are warning people to steer clear of Foster Thurston Road, Asburn Lake Road and the Rothesay Road, which remain closed in certain sections.

Armed Stand Off

An armed stand off in Minto is keeping police busy today. RCMP in the area have closed Highway 10 through Minto to monitor a person who've barricaded themselves on Pleasant Street. No word on if hostages are involved. This tip was phoned in by a caller, police will be releasing further information later today as the story develops. If you have a news tips, please feel free to call out 648-3000 newsline.

Robberies

Two robberies in the area last night have police searching for the thieves responsible. Two masked men entered the Courtney Bay Inn lobby with a weapon just after 12 and fled with an undisclosed amount of money. Shortly after 1 o'clock, a taxi driver was robbed under the same circumstances. Police believe the two men to be in their late teen's or early twenties. No one was injured.

SJ Minor Hockey

With a new season just around the corner.......Saint John Minor Hockey has most of it's pucks lined up and ready to fire. The Association continues to wait for ice time schedules from the city. President Bob Purdy tells CHSJ News, from everything he is hearing, the number of children on blades should be up.
Purdy says they currently have 34 teams looking for ice time in five rinks and that is never easy admitting a new arena could alleviate some of that pressure. Registration letters are out and begins on the 18th and 19th of next month.

Dragon Boat Festival

The 5th annual Dragon Boat Festival kicks off today at the Renforth Wharf near Rothesay. 52 teams with more than one thousand paddlers will compete in 25 races throughout the day to raise money for the St. Josephs Hospital Foundation's Wellness Garden. Organizer Jill Logan tells CHSJ news NB Southern Railway will run a passenger train between Harbour Station and the festival site on James Renforth Drive.
The goal of this year's event is to raise 250 thousand dollars. Festivities begin this morning with a traditional Chinese Ceremony. The outdoor Festival also includes musical performances, tug-of-war competitions, martial arts demonstrations, children’s activities and a food fair.

Latest on Tropical Storm Danny

If your taking part in the Dragon Boat Festival tomorrow, no doubt your keeping a close watch on Tropical Storm Danny. This is the latest information we have. The hurricane center in Dartmouth is now predicting this will be a mostly rain event which will roll into our backyard late tomorrow and pull out Sunday afternoon. Forecaster's are now calling for anywhere between 70-90 millimeters of rain in less than a 24 hour span. Heavy swell associated with the storm may cause signifigant surf and rip tides along the coastal areas and people are being urged to stay a good distance back.

As far as the wind is concerned, meteorologists say it will be windy but not as bad as first predicted.

President of UNB Says Goodbye

The long-time face of UNB is fading into the back-ground. John McLaughlin delivered his final adress in his role as President this afternoon saying goodbye to colleagues and friends. He tells CHSJ News, his greatest accomplishment is strengthing the school's role as a national university.
McLaughlin says there are many challenges for the university in the future including fiscal and competition. Dr. Eddie Campbell assumes the role of President on Tuesday.

KV Library is Staying Put

Landing Court will continue to be the home of the Kennebecasis Library. The facilities board voted unanimously to leave the building where it is as opposed to a possible move to Rothesay. An independent study, which cost tens of thousands of dollars stated the current location is fine but in need of an expansion. Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ News, the town owns the property adjacent to the library which is available.

Driscoll adds there has been alot of talk recently about environmental concerns with said property but that is not the case.

How Are Things Coming Along on the Q-Plex

Despite all of the rain this summer, construction marches on for the Q-Plex Facility. After breaking ground six weeks ago, crews are now pouring concrete, putting in footings and building the first floor walls. Project Manager Barry Brown tells CHSJ News, so far, not alot of complaints from neighbours.

Brown says the project remains on schedule for completion next summer.

Meeting at the Norton Legion

Several communities have received a letter from the Department of Transportation in recent days. It's notification of a service cut-back which includes no longer cleaning out parking lots such as churches and Legions. Gord McKenzie with the Norton Legion is not pleased and tells CHSJ News, this is not the same as several church parking lots in other communities paying for it's plowing service because this building also serves as the EMO set-up for the community.

Mckenzie says the letter indicates this move is necessary due to cost restrictions. A meeting to discuss the issue is set for tonight, seven o'clock at the Norton Legion.

New Technology for Parking

Imagine if you can being able to put some extra minutes on your parking display ticket from your Black-Berry. The technology is available and being used by city officials in Fredericton in their off-street lots. With the help of a credit card, you can pay for the day or add some time if your running late.

This technology is also being used in several other cities from coast to coast.
Richard Smith is General Manager of the Saint John Parking Commission and tells CHSJ News, they are aware of the technology and it is something they will further examine about bringing to Saint John.

Sales-Persons Being Investigated

Four salespersons involved in the promotion of an alleged illegal distribution of securities issued by a shell company related to CTIC, will appear in front of a panel of the New Brunswick Securities Commission next month. Staff have filed a motion alleging that Pierre Emond and Armel Drapeau of Edmundston, Jules Bossé of St-Jacques and Robert Saintonge of Fredericton promoted an illegal distribution of CTIC securities.

NBSC staff believe the distribution shows signs of a Ponzi scheme. The initial bankruptcy trustee indicates that money received from investors was being used to pay other investors. The scheme, which is still under investigation, is currently estimated to be in the range of $15 million, $5.7 million of which was in this Province.

Princess Street Block Party Tonight

The city's Fusion group is hosting a block party tonight to celebrate the completion of phase one of the Princess Street redevelopment. Sebastian, Happinez Wine Bar, O'Leary's, and the Big Tide Brew Pub will feature appetizers and drink specials along with musical entertainment. Spokesperson Kelly Lawson tells CHSJ news they hope to draw a large crowd.

City Planner Jody Kliffer will also be delivering an update on the street reconstruction project. The block party will take place between 5:30 to 7pm tonight on Princess Street between Canterbury and Prince William Streets.

Tropical Storm Danny Losing Steam

Saint Johners can expect about 50 mms of rain and up to 70 km per hour winds this Saturday night as Tropical Storm Danny hits us. Meteorologist Claude Cote with Environment Canada tells CHSJ news the system is less vigorous now and will cross the mainland of Nova Scotia--not New Brunswick.

The storm is currently centred over the Atlantic just East of Georgia.

Lifesaving Society Issues Warning Ahead of Tropical Storm Danny

Strong words from the Lifesaving Society today in anticipation of Tropical Storm Danny, which is expected to reach the Maritimes this weekend. Hurricane Bill had a minor impact on the province last weekend but Executive Director, Elizabeth Lamothe, says many people took risks during the storm that were nothing short of stupid. Last Sunday, thousands of people stood on ocean beaches to look at the large waves. She says they not only put themselves in danger but they also risked the lives of their potential rescuers.

The organization is warning people to stay away from the water this weekend when the tropical storm makes landfall. Three young men were swept off the rocks at Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia during Hurricane Bill forcing rescue personnel to retrieved them. A family in Maine was also swept out to sea where a 7 year old girl was pronounced dead.

Pink Bus Continues Tour in NB

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is touring the Atlantic region promoting the importance of breast screening and early detection. The “Pink Bus” is stopping in Quispamsis today as well as Grand Bay Westfield and Sussex this weekend--after already making stops in Saint John and Rothesay. Tour Rep, Selina Hughes tells CHSJ News the goal is to have 85 per cent of all women over 40 in Atlantic Canada routinely screened for breast cancer by 2010.

Hughes says 1 in 8 women in Atlantic Canada will be diagnosed with breast cancer and only 53 per cent are going in for regular screening--which is the highest in the country. The five month "pink bus" tour will include a total of 124 stops in four provinces.

EIA Process for Second Refinery a Go

It's full steam ahead for Irving Oil's Environmental Impact Assessment for it's proposed second refinery. This despite word from the company just weeks ago the proposal is in a holding pattern. Pierre Doucette is with the Environment Department and tells CHSJ News, this makes alot of sense from the company and their point of view because if the proposal gets a second life, this is a huge part of the process they don't have to start from scratch.

Doucette says there have been other smaller cases where this has happened but no proposal of this size before. The Environment Department's Open House is scheduled for Nov.18th....seven o'clock at the Simonds Lions Auditorium. Irving Oil has also announced the date for it's open house which is September. 9th between two and nine o'clock at the Community College.

Maintenance Work Coming to the Refinery

If you noticed some industrial cranes hovering in the shadow of the Irving Oil refinery, so did we and here is why they are there. They are in place as preliminary work get started for their planned Fall Maintenance Project. Full details of what they are going to be doing won't be released for two more weeks.

Spokes-person Leslie McLeod tells CHSJ News, letters have been sent to their neighbours around the facility to tell them there might be some higher than normal flaring, noise or odour coming from the facility. This planned work will not affect the refinerys output to it's customers.

Street Party for Romero House

Plenty of sunshine and smiles were on display for Romero House's street party today. This was the organizations way to show their thanks for all of the funds raised for the soup kitchen over the past two months. Over $60,000 dollars is in their account after announcing they might lose their full-time staff due to a shortage of cash. Director Carolyn McNulty tells CHSJ News, she is not retiring but will be stepping back some due to her health.

McNulty has been serving Greater Saint John for almost thirty years when she began helping people out of her own home.

Blood Donors are Staying Home

A shocking discovery from Canadian Blood Services today. Spokes-person Amanda Cullen tells us she has spoken to people who are boycotting giving the gift of life. This is due to the news the production lab on University Avenue might re-locate to Halifax. Cullen tells CHSJ News, it's important to point out that nothing is set in stone at this point.

Cullen points out if the production lab does re-locate, there will still be donation labs set up in Saint John and Moncton.

Report on Energy in Atlantic Canada Released

The energy sector has become the most important group of industries in Atlantic Canada, according to the latest report by the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council. APEC Senior Economist David Chaundy, tells CHSJ news the push for clean energy could open up considerable potential for new growth.

Chaundy says the most important challenge has been the drop in demand for energy products amidst the recession --and-- the need to consider the emphasis of energy export to the suffering New England Market.

Keeping an Eye on Tropical Storm Danny

The Canadian Hurricane Centre is tracking Tropical Storm Danny which is headed our way this weekend. Environment Canada Meteorologist, Claude Cote, tells CHSJ news it's too soon to predict the exact path of the storm--but--says the Maritimes will be hit Saturday night.

Cote says New Brunswick will likely get the most rain--around 50 mms---but the system is expected to be a post-tropical storm by the time it reaches us.

Strong Summer for Moosehead

Plenty of smiles at Moosehead Breweries despite the soggy summer. With all the rain in June and July, there were concerns it could be a tough year for sales but bring on Cracked Canoe and Moosehead Light Lime. They have vaulted strong summer numbers with Light Lime becoming the companies third best selling brand. Vice-President of Communications Joel Levesque tells CHSJ News, lime is on it's way to other provinces as we speak.

Levesque adds sales are not only up here at home but around the Maritimes as well.

Update on Peel Plaza

The long drawn out process for Peel Plaza and the new home of the Police Headquarters and Justice Complex is coming to an end. That according to Mayor Ivan Court who says despite the lack of ""shovels in the ground"" the proposal is not in a holding pattern and they continue to put in place the final plan. Court tells CHSJ News, once the Police Department is out of City Hall, the opportunity for extra revenue with a new tenant is there.

Court adds all this recent talk of finding a new location for the new Police Headquarters and Justice Complex would do nothing but jack up the over-all cost of the project. Construction is expected to get started this fall.

Gas Prices Holding Steady

Gas prices in the province haven't budged an inch overnight. The Energy and Utilities Board is posting a maximum price for regular self serve at a dollar-one-point-8 cents a litre with most gas stations in the metro area still selling a fuel for 99.1 cents a litre.

Diesel fuel is up nearly a penny to land at 98.5 cents a litre before the possible 2 cent delivery charge--and--propane is up half a cent from yesterday at 96.5 cents a litre.

Fourth Starbucks on the Way for Saint John

The coffee market in Saint John is getting a little more competition. A new Starbucks is under construction in Brunswick Square. Paullette Hicks is the General Manager of the mall and tells CHSJ News, they have been working on this deal for quite some time.

With a Tim Hortons just around the corner from the new Starbucks, Hicks says there are no hard feelings and both companies realize competition and having a choice is healthy.

Heather Way Gets Speed Humps to Slow Traffic

City Works crews didn't waste any time in getting a project done. After announcing on Monday they were installing speed humps along the southbound lanes of Heather Way they are in place. Several calls to our news-room tell us they hit them and got quite a surprise. The decision to install the humps was made after months of consultation when a 79-year old woman was struck and killed by a speeding vehicle in October of last year.

A 16-year old boy was charged with dangerous driving causing death back in June and handed a two year suspended sentence. City Hall tells us they do have a plan for the North-bound lanes but no word yet on what they are.

Mayor Optimistic Provincial Share of Funding is Coming for a Key Project

A week after Ottawa handed over just a million dollars for refurbishment work at the Canada games Stadium, Mayor Ivan Court sounds optimistic a cheque from the Province isn't far behind. Court tells CHSJ News, Saint John MLA's have told them they are on-board with this proposal.

Court says the important thing is to get started on the majority of the work at the stadium right away.

Election: Talking in Circles

If there is a Fall federal Election looming, the Conservative Party doesn't appear to be worried about it. Heritage and Official Languages Minister James Moore tells CHSJ News, he hasn't met anyone recently that wants an election now or anytime soon.

Moore says Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff is about as in-decisive as you can get telling everyone he wants an election and then two days later backing off the statement.

City's New Methadone Clinic Has Lengthy Wait List

The new Methadone clinic at St. Joseph's Hospital opened just over 2 weeks and the doctor in charge says things are going well. Dr. Duncan Webster says they have over 100 people on the waiting list but, those numbers change daily.

Dr. Webster says before methadone is prescribed, patients get a physical exam and they determine if the patient has a substance abuse problem.

More Spending from Ottawa and Fredericton

Water and waste-water infrastructure in Sussex Corner are getting a much needed upgrade thanks to the Province and Ottawa.Both are investing just over $270,000 dollars towards the projects and the Village will cover the remainder of the cost. This upgrade will provide municipal water and sewer services to residents along Route 111 and in the East Coast Village Home Park of Sussex Corner. No word on what the total cost of the project is, when construction will get started or when it will be finished.

Also, Ottawa has invested $53,000 dollars and the Province $35,500 in a new educational tourist attraction at the Fundy Trail Parkway. The cash will go towards buying and managing a small scale working sawmill.

Merit Awards to be Handed Out

The woman affectionately known as the ""Moose Lady"" is being honored for her commitment and hard work. Cathy McCullom of Welsford will receive one of six Merit Awards to be presented next month. McCullom gained national attention three years ago when she took on the then Lord Provincial Government to put up moose fencing along Highway Seven.

Fundy River Valley MLA and Energy Minister Jack Keir will be on hand to present the awards on Sept.8th at the KBM starting at seven o'clock.

Close to a Million Dollars for Saint John

Along with the Port City....Saint John now has a new title......Cultural Capital of Canada for 2010. It was unveiled during a news conference today at the Arts and Culture Center along with a cheque from Ottawa for $750,000 dollars. This will be used to help celebrate the city's 225th anniversary. Heritage and Official Languages Minister James Moore says Saint John can be proud of it's arts and culture accomplishments.

Quebec was also designated a 2010 Cultural Capital of Canada earlier this week.

Getting Ready for a City Wide Party

Imagine if you can, trying to make plans and organize a year long party? That is the task Peter Buckland and the Saint John 225 Committee are taking on during the city's 225th anniversary next year. Buckland is chair and tells CHSJ News, this ia golden opportunity for all of Greater Saint John.

Details of the year long celebration will be rolled out during a news conference in five to six weeks time.

Grand Bay Westfield Money

Along with Saint John, Federal officials were also in Grand Bay Westfield handing out funding. It totals $90,000 that will go towards new batting cages and improved tennis courts. The batting cages will be built near an exsisting field and the tennis courts will be completely over-hauled.

Ottawa's contribution is just over $31,000 dollars while the Town puts up the rest which comes in at just over $62,000 dollars.

Sears Warns Consumers

Sears Canada is warning consumers about safety hazards with certain models of Frigidaire and Kenmore stoves sold across the country over a seven-year period. The company says the warnings apply to smoothtop freestanding electric ranges with rotary knobs and digital displays. Sears says the stoves' elements may heat up without being turned on, fail to cool down after being turned off, or heat to different temperatures than those specified by users. The ranges were sold in retail stores, online and through the company catalogue between June 2001 and September 2008. Sears says it will contact customers who bought the affected units to arrange a free repair, and urges consumers not to use their stoves until the problem is dealt with. Customers with questions are urged to call Sears at 1-866-691-9948.

St. Andrews Gets Recreation Funding

The town of St. Andrews is getting 75 thousand dollars for improvement to its arena and tennis courts. Federal Minister of State Keith Ashfield made the announcement today saying it will increase the quality of life in the town.

The Town of St. Andrews is providing nearly 128 thousand dollars for the project and the community has raised 15 thousand dollars. Work includes adding two new tennis surfaces and improving the energy efficiency of the W.C. O’Neill Arena.

City Development Officers Given More Powers

Homeowners who want to make small changes to their properties that require city approval can now do so a lot faster and easier. Amendments to the city's planning act give Development Officers new powers that will prevent a number of items from heading to the Planning Advisory Committee. City planner Sarah Herring tells CHSJ news the changes give Development Officers the authority to approve or deny minor variances.

Herring says the changes will not only remove headaches for homeowners, it will also save city staff time and money.

Energy Crunch Coming

The top researcher with non-profit organization Canarie Inc isn't suggesting we abandon nuclear power--but--says investing in renewable energy in the next ten years is vital. Prominent provincial academic at the University of Moncton, Yves Gangnon, says the province should abandon its pursuit of nuclear power in favour of renewable energy. But Bill St. Arnaud says most of North America's aging nuclear power plants will be going off-line in the next ten years.

He says individual businesses and homeowners should be looking for ways to generate their own renewable energy--because those that do will be the ones saving money during the energy crunch.

Concert Announced for Harbour Station

One of the most popular and best-selling artists in the Christian music industry is making its only maritime appearance at Harbour Station this fall. The Newsboys will make a stop on their ‘Way We Roll Tour’ on October 8th. The group has released 15 albums and has been nominated for four Grammy’s.

Tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10 a.m.

Demonstration at Potash Terminal

The Potash Terminal along Broad Street will be the scene of a protest at Noon today. The International Transport Workers Federation is calling out Potash Canada for chartering vessels from Dowa Line. The company has pled guilty and been fined for dumping dirty oil over-board it's vessels in Florida. ITF Inspector Gerard Bradbury tells CHSJ News, they have no evidence this has happened here in Saint John.

Bradbury says the demonstration is to draw attention to the companies actions and try to kep them accountable.

Now that the final report from a group trying to help save two river cable ferries is in the hands of the Province, when can we expect to get a look at it? Village of Gagetown councilor Bob McDowell tells CHSJ News, he and most know that a pay for use service is highly probable scenario.

McDowell points out the Deer Island Island ferry is run by a private operator and they seem to make it work although the numbers they have crunched show for Gagetown, it isn't a feasible solution. The Hampstead Ferry service has already been cut. A spokes-person with the Department of Transportation tells CHSJ News, there is no timeline for a final decision.

Plenty of Funding Announcements Today

The pace picks up again today after a flurry of announcements last week with the first stop this morning at ten at the Saint John Arts Center. MP Rodney Weston will be joined by Mayor Ivan Court and the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages James Moore. Then at one o'clock, Provincial Minister of Tourism and Parks Stuart Jamieson will be joined by Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore for an unveiling.

The Interpretive Centre of the Fundy Trail will provide the back-drop where a new attraction to honor the logging industry will be on display. Minister Jamieson will them make his way to Sussex Corner for another news conference at three o'clock. That is where details of a Provincial-Federal water funding announcement is expected to be rolled out.

Search for a New City Manager

City Hall has activated it's search for a new City Manager. Along with an ad on it's web-site, notices will go out in news-papers and web-sites from coast to coast. Terry Totten took a severance package of half a million dollars back in June to go along with his pension. Pat Woods is the acting City Manager and Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News, he is a good contender.

Court says it wouldn't be fair to bring someone into the posistion in the middle of budget deliberations so they have set a Jan.1st deadline.

Saint John Resident's to Board the Queen Mary

Almost 80 people will be leaving the Port City aboard the Queen Mary when the luxury liner makes a stop in Saint John next month. Tour organizer Rae Wallace of Freedom Travel says the local passengers are very excited to board this ship in Saint John because that chance hasn't been offered in many years.

The tour begins in Saint John on September 6th but also spends two nights in New York City and overnight stay in New Hampshire before returning to Saint John on the 11th.

Seadogs Continue Season Ticket Drive

Just shy of the 2000 mark, officials in the Saint John Seadogs front office are confident they can reach their self-imposed goal. They hope to have 2500 season tickets locked up before the team plays their home-opener next month. President Wayne Long tells CHSJ News, the late showing of the summer season certainly is a strike against them.

Long also expects that once they finalize their roster at the close of training camp, a few more hockey fans will emerge.

Shopping in the United States

Here is something you might not know if your travel across the border on a frequent basis. The Canadian Automobile Association and Health Canada have teamed up to let you know about some of the things you can't bring home after a trip to the good old U.S. of A.

Some of the products include baby walkers, children's sleepwear, cribs, cradles and playpens just to name a few.

Teachers Conference in Saint John

Close to 700 teachers have gathered in Saint John for the next three days. They are in the city for a seminar to discuss best practices in classroom assessments. Dawn Weatherbee is with the Department of Education and tells CHSJ News, assessment is a very powerful motivator or de-motivator for students.

Weatherbee says none of the teachers are being paid for their attendance and that shows the commitment each has to their students.

ICT The Partial Cause and Solution to Global Warming

The Chief Research Officer with a non-profit research organization says the Internet Communications and Technology sector has a huge role to play in global warming. Bill St. Arnaud with CANARIE Incorporated says ICT currently produces 2-3 per cent of the world's Carbon Dioxide emissions but that could reach 12 per cent within a decade. He says the cause is the energy used to power electronic devices and new appliances.

St. Arnaud says up the flip side, ICT can use smart technology to come up with ways to reduce the carbon foot print. He says one way to do that is by bringing whole data centres--- such as Google--- to Canada where they can run completely on renewable energy such as hydro power. St. Arnaud is one of the speakers at an industry and e-business convention underway at the Delta.

Third Tanker Arrives at Canaport

And then there were three. The third LNG Tanker docked at the Canaport Terminal late yesterday afternoon and will be off-loaded before the end of the day. Officials at the facility tell us everything is working the way it should.

Construction als continues on the third storage tank which is scheduled for completion early in the new year.

Looking for a New General Manager

Who will be the new General Manager of Saint John Waterfront Development? That is the question in circles around the metro today with the announcement that Michael Baldwin is stepping down at the end of next month. Baldwin took over the job almost a year ago on Sept.2nd from Ross Jefferson. Baldwin tells CHSJ News, his replacement is totally out if his hands.

No word on what Baldwin's new job is but he tells us it takes him back to Fredericton. He was in adminstration at UNB before taking the GM's job where he handled the development and leasing of university owned land.

A Fitting Tribute to Fallen Officer

A fitting tribute to a fallen RCMP Officer. Hampton RCMP has a new patrol boat which has been named after Constable Jason Porter. He along with his young daughter and son were killed in a head on crash back in February on Highway Seven. Officers were asked to submit a name over the past several months and ""Porter's Salute"" was the unanimous choice.

The vessel will be used to patrol the water-ways near Belleisle Bay and the Kennebecasis and St. John Rivers which is a combined distance of more than 320 kilometers.

Atlantic Province's Challenge Each Other to Eat Locally

The provinces agriculture minister is challenging New Brunswicker's to become locavores on September 4th. That's the day the four Atlantic province's are competing to see who can get the most people to eat locally produced food.

Agriculture minister Ronald Ouellette says the benefits of eating locally grown food will have environmental and economic spin offs for New Brunswickers. Ouellette will be joined by his Atlantic counterparts, John MacDonell of Nova Scotia, George Webster of Prince Edward Island and Kathy Dunderdale of Newfoundland and Labrador, who have all pledged to eat only food from the Atlantic region that day. To join the competition head to http://www.eatatlantic.ca/

Soup Kitchen Celebrates Fundraising Success

Former MP and chair of the Romero House Finance Committee Paul Zed says the soup kitchen will celebrate its success in raising more than 60 thousand dollars this summer. Earlier this year, Zed challenged the community to come up with 30 thousand dollars so staff at Romero House would not be laid off in August. Thanks to donations and fundraising--in large part by Irving Oil and its employees--the soup kitchen doubled that goal. Zed tells CHSJ News the work is never over.

A street party will be held on Thursday in celebration of the money raised.

World Congress Meeting

Industry along with the research and academic communities. Just some of the focus of the 2009 World Congress on Privacy, Security, Trust and the Management of E-Business which gets started today at the Delta. Several seminars are planned including a discussion about the Provincial Energy Hub. Provincial spokes-person Greg Sprague tells CHSJ News, E-Business plays a huge role in all this Energy Hub talk.

The conference gets started this morning at nine at the Delta.

Local Man Wins Writing Competition

Paul Healey of Rothesay has taken home top prize in one of five divisions for his short story. It's part of the 32nd Annual Atlantic Writing Competition where over 250 writers from all four Atlantic Provinces submitted novels, poetry, short stories, and works for children.

This is the third year for the competition and Healey was the only winner from this Province.