Pictures of the Olympic Relay Through Greater Saint John

For anyone who couldn't make it to the stops during the Olympic Relay through Greater Saint John...Enjoy:

(Crowd Waits Patiently at Rothesay Arena for Flame)

     (Torch Makes Final Run Into Rothesay Arena)

(Olympic Flame is Tucked Away For Safe Keeping)

(Fans Of Debbie Cooper Wait for Her Run to Begin)

(Cooper Waits for Her Turn to Feel the Olympic Spirit)
          

(Cooper Speaks to the Huge Crowd on Hand for Ceremony)

Debbie Cooper Makes Her Historic Run

(Debbie Cooper Lights Her Torch on Water Street)
                 (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

The Olympic Torch Run through Greater Saint John yesterday certainly lived up to the hype. With the exception of a few raindrops, cheers and smiles greeted each runner as they left their destination through Sussex, Hampton, Quispamsis, Rothesay and saint John. Debbie Cooper, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club was given the honor to carry the torch for the final leg into the festival on the waterfront. In her own unique style, Cooper turned away from the spotlight and thrust it onto her true passion......children.

As for the run itself, Cooper says it is so hard to put into words but certainly was worth the wait.

Other Runners Talk About Their Experience

(Debbie Cooper Lights The Flame on Water Street)
                 (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Scott Darling shared in the torch relay experience as well and tells CHSJ News, RBC nominated him for the privledge.

Darling adds he is and will remain grateful for the honor to take part in the run with his leg starting at the Golden Ball.

Olympic Torch In Rothesay

(Mayor Bill Bishop Speaking at Torch Relay in Rothesay)
                        (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Over two hundred people greeted the Olympic Torch when it stopped in Rothesay. Children and adults were cheering as the flame made it's final 300 meter run leading into the parking lot of the arena. Jim Bishop was on hand, decked out in his track suit from the 1988 Calgary Olympics when he was one of the torch bearers. Bishop tells CHSJ News, this years run brings back fond memories of his run.


Bishop and his son Mark carried the torch through Hammond River. The flame will resume it's trek this morning with a stop in Grand Bay Westfiled at the River-Valley Arena at 9:37am.

Bathurst MP Speaks Out Against Irving Oil on Long Wharf

(Artists Proposal of Future Look of Long Wharf)
                  (File Photo)               

A Bathurst MP thinks a deal between Irving Oil and the Port of Saint John concerning Long Wharf needs to be investigated by Transport Canada to see if it goes against the Canada Marine Act. Yvon Godin says that is the case because the company has already begun work without permission from Ottawa and believes Irving Oil is breaking the law.


Godin supports the International Longshoremen's Association in their appeal to Transport Minister John Baird that Irving Oil is going against the Canada Marine Act. Minister Baird says he is looking into the matter.

Olympic Torch Run

Olympic Torch Speech

Debbie Cooper speaks after carrying the Olympic Torch.

Trailer Filled with Furniture Stolen

City police are asking for the public's help in finding a stolen trailer loaded with furniture.
It was stolen Monday night about 11:30pm where the trailer was hooked on to a tractor at C.A. Munroe on the West side.
The furniture was destined for Newfoundland and it's valued at $35,000.
The trailer is described as a white 53-foot Manac Trailer with the New Brunswick plate of TLS 136.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Saint John police at 648-3333
or Crimestoppers.

Street Closures for Torch Run Today

Spectators are wanted in Saint John for the arrival of the Olympic Torch tonight.

You are reminded to dress for the weather and bring along a chair and blankets to enjoy the festivities.

Water Street from Duke to Lower Cover Loop will be closed to vehicle traffic starting at 4:30pm.

There is no parking permitted on Water street between 4:30 and 9pm.
Festivities start at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal at 5pm, the lighting of the cauldron happens just after 7pm and fireworks wrap up the event at 8pm.

Deer Island Ferry Schedule Will Not Change

Great news for the residents of Deer Island.
The ferry service will not change its run next year.
Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet tells us the ferry will continue to run every half hour.
Doucet says these ferries are a lifeline for the people of Deer Island and he was happy to announce there will be no changes to the ferry schedule in January.

Job Announcement in Saint John

             (President of Dealermine Robert Quirion)
                      (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

A Saint John company continues solid growth with a little help from the Province. Business Minister Victor Boudreau was in the city to award Dealermine with an unforgiveable loan worth $156,000 dollars. This will go toward creating 52 new jobs for the company that works with over 300 car dealerships in dealing with their customer base. President Robert Quirion says it is his staff that make this company what it is.

Dealermine has been in operation since 2001.

Deer Kill Estimates Are In

Spring like temperatures and a lot of rain is being blamed for a low number of deer being killed during this hunting season which closed over the weekend. Matt Jones with the Department of Natural Resources tells CHSJ News, the early estimate for the entire province is 5860.

Jones adds this years total is down 24% from last year which is close to what they expected. The final number should be comfirmed over the next two weeks.

David Alward Talks About Independent Panel

Provincial Tory leader David Alward says it's good the Premier appointed an independent panel to look into the proposed sale of NB Power---but he's going about it the wrong way. Alward tells CHSJ News, there should have been a bi-paritison committee of the legislature set up to look into the issue and he would have liked to seen the public involved.


Alward adds this panel is nothing more than Premier Graham window dressing the situation and believes the entire process has been alienating and everyone outside of the liberal government.

City Hall Looking to Set Up Taxation Committee

Seven citizens and four councillors are going to be make up a taxation review committee. Common Council plans to establish the committee to review spending and tax rates and report back with any recommendations. Councillor Carl Killen says this is an opportunity for the city to become more open and transparent in regards to taxes.

Killen adds this will also allow the general public to get a better handle on how the tax rate is formed.

Grand Bay Westfield Waiting For Olympic Torch

Excitement continues to build in the town of Grand bay Westfield as they wait for the arrival of the Olympic Flame tomorrow. Mayor Grace Losier tells CHSJ News she is confident the weather will not be an issue.


The Torch run gets underway tomorrow morning at 9:37am sharp.

Premier Williams Thinks Deal Will Die

Premier Danny Williams expects the proposed deal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec will not happen. He also thinks Newfoundland and Labrador will get the chance to make a deal with this Province once that happens. Williams told VOCM Radio in St. John's that he has support from different provinces and states:


Premier Williams believes Shawn Graham is under a lot of pressure with the mounting oppostion against the deal.

Fire Destroys Summer Camp

Nobody hurt after fire ripped through a summer home. Fire crews were called to Vacation Lane late yesterday afternoon to find the camp had been engulfed by the flame.

Officers are calling the fire suspicious.

Torch Relay Arrives in Greater Saint John

(Olympic Committee Member Sara Mulhall with Torch)
                      (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

The anticipation is over for several in Greater Saint John as the Olympic Torch will roll through the area today and tomorrow. The flame will arrive in Sussex at 1:30pm, Quispamsis at 3:30pm and then a ceremony in Rothesay between four and five. The big event will be tonight at seven o'clock when the torch makes it's way down Water Street in the hand of Debbie Cooper, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club. She tells CHSJ News, it's hard to put into words how she is feeling.


Cooper says her torch will find a permanent home in a display case at the Boys and Girls Club on Paul Harris Street. There is a childrens fair at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal starting at five leading up to the lighting of the cauldron just after seven. There will then be fireworks over the Harbor at eight o'clock.

Traffic Delays With Olympic Torch Relay

    (An Up Close Look at Inside of Olympic Torch)
                    (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

You can expect delays in your travels through-out Greater Saint John as the Olympic flames gets handed around. Sargeant Jeff LaFrance is head of the City Police Traffic Division and says they will begin their escort of the flame on the Old Rothesay Road.


Duke through Prince William Street will be closed to traffic between 4:30pm this afternoon and nine o'clock tonight. Also a reminder that there is no parking on Water Street throughout the evening. Ironically, Sargeant LaFrance was a torch bearer for the 88 Winter Olympics in Calgary.

PETA Makes An Appearance in Saint John

          (PETA Demonstration in Kings Square)
                (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

If your coming by or through Kings Square at noon, don't be suprised if you see a large inflatable seal. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals are staging a protest during the lunch hour to voice their displeasure with the annual seal hunt. Kate Brindle is a spokesperon for PETA and tells CHSJ News, they are not going to get in the way of the Olympic Relay.


Brindle says they have been in Halifax and Moncton and the reception from most people is understanding and compassion.

Hard Numbers From Fire Review

A comprehensive review of fire services in Saint John shows there is little room for change without increasing insurance premiums for tax payers. Loss Control Specialist John Redden says sometimes it's cheaper to take the insurance increase. Fire Services in the city is now at a 3 grade from the Fire Underwriters Survey. Since 2003, fire services has been at a 2 and conducting this review caused the grade to be changed.

Redden adds Saint John cannot be compared to any other municipality when it comes to fire service insurance because of it's size and the number of potential risks----such as the LNG terminal and the refinery.

Chief Simonds on Fire Review

Fire Chief Rob Simonds says he cannot provide scenarios that would result in insurance premiums not to increase after cuts to the fire services operating budget. Chief Simonds says it would take careful analysis of numbers before he could provide an answer to Councillor Peter McGuire's request for a least painful example.

Chief Simonds says his presentation was to outline where his department stands right now and to try and find room in the budget will take more time.

Long Wharf Up for Discussion in Ottawa

(Artist's Depiction of What Site Will Look Like)
             (Courtesy of Irving Oil)

Long Wharf will be the subject of a news conference in Ottawa today with the NDP MP for Acadie Bathurst. Yvon Godin will be joined by secretary-treasurer of the International Longshoremans Association Pat Riley to discuss the land swap between Irving Oil and the Saint John Port Authority. The proposal has the Port Authority taking ownership of the former Lantic Sugar site and in return, Irving Oil will take Long Wharf to build it's new headquarters.


With no public consultation nor green light from Ottawa, the ILA and Godin will ask the minister of transport to end the construction already underway on the Long Wharf site. As of October.22nd, 25% of the pre-construction work was complete at Long Wharf.

Poverty Report Card Released

Even in a pretty good economy, the child poverty rate remains too high.
That from Randy Hatfield of the Human Development Council which released the 4th Annual Child and Family Report Card yesterday.
He is encouraged by the Province's Poverty Reduction Iniative so, now the Federal government should step up.
The report also measures the growing gap between the rich and the poor and cites the stats for the number of families with core housing needs.
Copies of the report can be downloaded from the Human Development Council's website at www.sjhdc.ca under the products and services tab.

H1N1 Clinics for Kids Today

Public Health is holding two H1N1 clinics today for children.
The priority group clinics are for kids receiving their first dose aged 6 months to 18 years. The second dose is available for kids aged 6 months to 35 months who received their first dose at least 3 weeks ago.
The second dose of the vaccine is also available for kids aged 3 to 9 who got their first shot 3 weeks ago.
The clinics are underway at Simonds High School on the Hickey Road until 7:30pm tonight and the other is at Belleisle Regional High School in Springfield until 7pm.

Reversing Falls Name Change Still in the Works

The name "Fundy Vortex" is no longer being considered for Reversing Falls---that from President of the Saint John Waterfront Development Corporation Bill MacMackin.

MacMackin tells CHSJ News, changing the name of the site is apart of the Master Plan for redevelopment.
MacMackin says tourists still go to Reversing Falls expecting to see falls moving backwards.
MacMackin says he hopes there will be some capital investment next year to put into the Fallsview Park area, which is where most tourists from the cruise ships go.

Reversing Falls Lookout Officials Open

The Reversing Falls Lookout on the east side of the bridge is officially open.

Saint John Waterfront Development Corporation, the city and the province are collaborating on the revitalization of Reversing Falls, and the opening of this lookout will provide tourists and residents with a unique vantage point of the falls.
Supply and Services Minister Ed Doherty says the spot will continue to be a major draw for tourists in the city.
The master plan for the future of the site will act as the blueprint in the redevelopment of Reversing Falls and how usability, education and visitor interaction will be increased.

West Side Wellness Centre Opens

(photo courtesy of Aaron Kennedy)

Health Minister Mary Schryer on hand for the opening of the new Market Place Wellness Centre in the Carleton Community Centre.
The Department of Health invested 125-thousand dollars to help establish the centre
which consists of a clinic and meeting room.
A nurse practitioner from the St. Joseph's Centre will see patients at the facility for a half day each week. The facility is supported through the St. Joseph's Community Health Centre, the Horizon Health Network and the community group-Westside P.A.C.T.

Aids Awareness Week

(Julie Dingwell and Mayor Ivan Court at Flag Ceremony)
                    (Photo By Jim Hennessy)

If your walking or driving by City Hall, you will notice a new flag on the pole outside the building. It's to mark the beginning of Aids Awareness Week leading into World Aids Day. Julie Dingwell is with Aids Saint John and tells CHSJ News, here at home, there are new cases of H.I.V. on a regular basis.

Dingwell says it's important for people to take time to reflect on the terrible toll the disease has had on people young and old.

Joint Operation in Fredericton Nets Charges

A Fredericton man pleaded guilty to drug charges after a joint police investigation.

Gregory Quigg was in Fredericton Provincial Court on charges of conspiracy to traffic in cocaine and and marihuana. He previously plead not guilty to the charges.
The charges resulted from "Operation Jellybean"-a joint operation between the RCMP and Fredericton Police following an organized group trafficking several drugs in the province.
Other charges have been laid because of Operation Jellybean and there are more to come.   Quigg will be back in court in January.

Mining Accident Takes a Life

56-year old Vince Mitton of Penobsquis has been killed while working at the Potash Corporation Mine in Sussex yesterday. General Manager Mark Fracchia tells CHSJ News, the area where Mitton was working is closed while an investigation is carried out by Worksafe NB and an internal team on what exactly happened.

Mitton was working underground installing a section of pipe when he was killed.

Atlantic Coastal Action Program Funding

As their current five year funding deal winds down, Atlantic Coastal Action Programs across Atlantic Canada are hoping to speed up the paperwork to get a new deal in place. The ACAP networks need to renew a deal through Environment Canada's Atlantic Priority Ecosystem Initiative. ACAP Saint John spokes-person Tim Vickers tells CHSJ News, they have accomplished plenty over the past 17 years and would hate to see it end now.

ACAP Saint John has been around since 1992.

Getting Ready for Provincial Election

  (Provincial Conservative Leader David Alward)
                (Photo by Jim Hennessy)


Not only are they trying to keep the Graham Government's feet to the fire over the proposal to sell NB Power's assets, the provincial Conservatives are also tying to finalize it's line-up for next September's election. David Alward tells CHSJ News, he is pleased with the out-standing community leaders which have been chosen as candidates and they are already involved in the caucus process.

A familiar name that has re-surfaced is former Saint John Deputy Mayor and Conservative candidate in the riding of Saint John Harbour Michelle Hooton

New Magazine Coming to Your Home

You may already have found it in your mailbox or you now have something to look for. INVITE is the name of a new leisure and hospitality magazine that is being published by the City. The premiere issue features an editorial from Mayor Ivan Court who talks about what Saint John has to offer and invites all to come and see the city. It also has plenty of pictures of people enjoying the city night-life, restaurants and what is up and coming in and around the metro area.


No word on what the cost is and whether or not the circulation is province-wide.

Houses Shake in K-Park

There is a mystery in K-Park today. Rothesay Regional Police tell us they received calls from two homes about what sounded and felt like an explosion around seven o'clock last night.

Officer's combed the area but found nothing. No major damage reported to either of the homes that reported the loud bang.

Saint John's Fire Chief Review

After asking him to do a review, then not to, and then getting back on the hook--Common Council will finally hear the results of a review of the Fire Department by Chief Rob Simonds. It's aimed at finding ways the department would be able to save money, without the quality of service being affected. Chief Simonds will present his report to council, and up for discussion will be the utilization of volunteer fire fighters and how to decrease costs without lowering the departments Fire Underwriters Survey grade.

Tonight's meeting gets started at 6:30pm.

Mayor Court Comments on Ipsos Survey

The Ipsos Reid survey of Saint John residents shows the city needs to improve it's communication with the public. Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News, council is aware of the need for better communication, and it's one of their top priorities.


Court adds there is no doubt there is room to improve and that's why the city has established a new communications department to help try and remedy the concerns.

Latest Findings in for Peel Plaza Area

The results are in from the Heritage Development Board as to the historic importance of the buildings in the proposed Peel Plaza area. Common Council will review the facts and figures on the historic buildings around Peel Plaza at tonight's meeting.


The research is to be used in helping determine future developments and the retention of significant heritage landmarks in the area.

East Point Requests More Expansion

East Point Shopping Center keeps getting bigger and is looking to expand more. A request for a new road in the shopping district will be proposed at Council tonight. If approved the road will be added onto the end of the pre-existing Retail Drive. Developers have requested the new road be named, "East Point Way".


The next big opening for the shopping district is Costco in May.

Olympic Fever in Greater Saint John

Olympic Fever is expected to hit a fever pitch by this time tomorrow. The torch begins it’s trek through the Province today, coming through Greater Saint John by tomorrow. Things get started with a huge celebration in Sussex during the noon hour. It will then arrive in Hampton just after three o’clock, make it’s way to Quispamsis and then make a short trek down the old Hampton Highway for a stop and ceremony in Rothesay. This is the only community stop between Sussex and Saint John. It will be glowing in the parking lot of the Rothesay Arena between 4-5:00pm o’clock.


The huge ceremony is set for the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal at seven o’clock tomorrow. Things get started at five with a community type fair and then Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club Debbie Cooper will make her way down Water Street to light a make-shift cauldron followed by a fireworks display at eight o’clock over the Harbour. O n Wednesday, the flame will roll into Grand Bay-Westfield for a short ceremony just before ten near the River-Valley Arena.

Health Care Announcement West

       (Health Minister Mary Schryer)
                (File Photo)

The new work week gets off to a fast start for the Department of Health. Its Minister, Mary Schryer will be joined by Supply and Services Minister Ed Doherty for a news conference at eleven this morning.


It will take place at 82 Market Place West and no word on whether cash or new equipment will be rolled out.

Zamboni Sponsorship Unveiled

(Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll)
             (File Photo)

Construction of the facility isn’t done yet, but a sponsorship for the new zamboni that will clean the ice of the Q-Plex is being rolled out. Quispamsis has called a news conference for 12:30pm this afternoon at the town hall to announce the major sponsor of the ice cleaning machine and official vehicle.


Things get started at 12:30pm.

District Six Enrolment Drop

The drop isn't huge but enrolment numbers, with the exception of the Kennebecasis Valley, are down right across the board in District Six. In Sussex, the total number of students is 2474 which is down 71 bodies from last year. In the area which covers, Hampton, Bellisle and the Kingston Peninsula, total enrolment sits at 2576 which is down 47 seats from last year. Eight new students are taking up a seat in the KV with total enrolment standing at 5122. The entire district sits at 10,172 which is down 110 students from 2008.

Spyglass Hill

A Rothesay resident is hoping to prevent any development from happening at Spyglass Hill. Nick Gresh says the proposed municipal plan changes the zoning from low density to moderate density. Gresh says he would hate to see Rothesay lose the green space. There are over 13 hundred people on the facebook site started by Gresh to protest any development at Spyglass hill.

Possible Lower Taxes

The Commissioner of Finance will be going over the provincial tax assessment base impact at tomorrow nights council meeting. The province is suggesting Saint John lower its tax rate by 5 cents. Greg Yeomans will be presenting how the proposed tax rate was calculated, and what impact adopting the suggestion will have on the 2010 budget. This topic will be up for discussion at tomorrow nights meeting getting started at 6:30 in the council chambers.

Santa Visits the Valley

After driving through the West-Side, Santa will take a short break, and make a run for the Kennebecasis Valley. It's the 11th edition of Rothesay and Quispamsis's Santa Claus Parade. This years event is an Olympic Theme with the torch set to arrive in Quispamsis on Tuesday. Spokes-person Megan Lucas tells CHSJ News, a lot of entries have been able to incorporate the theme into their entry
The parade gets started at six o'clock from the parking lot of Kennebecasis Valley High School.

Saint John West Santa Claus Parade

The first of two parades in Greater Saint John goes this afternoon across the bridge. The 5th annual West Side Santa Parade is set to leave Manawagonish Road at one o'clock. Spokes-person Blaine Harris tells CHSJ News, they will have 90 floats for this years event.
Harris says there is a bit of a change to the route this year with things finishing up at the Sobeys Plaza on Fairville Boulevard.

Accident Sends One to Hospital

A two vehicle accident is resulting in one person spending the night in the hospital.

Rothesay Regional Police tell us the collision happened on the Gondola Point Arterial last night, and the vehicles the drivers were in helped save their lives.
Police say one vehicle deployed 6 airbags, while the other one was fresh off the lot just the day before.
One woman was taken to the hospital, but her injuries are not believed to be serious.

Citizen Survey Results Released

(file photo)

The results of the citizen survey conducted around the city are in.
The 39 thousand dollar survey was done by Ipsos Reid and Vice President Heather Shuve says the results are in line with other municipalities for the most part.
Shuve says there are some city services that people think the city is excelling at like emergency services like police and fire and garbage collection.
Shuve says the results show people want improved services when it comes to wastewater, stormwater, snow removal, and drinking water.

More Vaccine On The Way

The province is receiving twice as much H1N1 vaccine next week than originally expected.

108 thousand doses are expected to arrive in the province, which will end the temporary shortfall in supply.
With the increase of supply, clinics for individuals with chronic diseases will start next week, as well as clinics at nursing homes, and mental health institutions.
The general public will be able to get their swine flu shots as of November 30th.

Panel Led by David Ganong Will Examine Energy Deal

The Premier says a six person independent advisory panel will look at the proposed energy deal with Hydro-Quebec. The individuals which include David Ganong and Elizabeth Weir will offer expert advice to the provincial government about whether the proposal is good for New Brunswickers.

Chairperson David Ganong tells CHSJ News he was very involved in the selection of the panel.
He says the goverment rejected some of the names he put forward and they rejected some his suggestions until they found a group they think can work together.
It also includes Alison McCain, John McLaughlin, Gilles Lepage and Louis Lapierre.
The panel will examine the proposal and submit a report to the premier by mid-January.
The report will be tabled in the Legislature sometime in the New Year.

Paramedics Getting their H1N1 Shots

We want to make a correction to the original version of this story that started after noon
today.

Sophie Cormier-Lalonde is the spokes-person for Ambulance NB tells CHSJ News, they are in the process of getting paramedics the swine flu shot.
There are over 900 paramedics in the Province and some have been working at the H1N1 clinics handing out the shots.
Lalonde says like the other priority groups the amount of vaccine the province had was lower than anticipated.

City Fire Department Getting H1N1 Shots

Members of the Saint John Fire Department are being administered the H1N1 shot. The clinics began two days ago and Deputy Chief Mark Gillan tells CHSJ News, most of the department has been vaccinated and they hope to finish up by next week.


Gillan says whom-ever they don't get this week, they will next. The Department was deemed essential by the District Medical Health Officer and Association of Fire Chiefs because of their front line certified medical first responders status.

Enjoying the Spring Like Weather

Hard to believe but t-shirts and shorts continue to dominate most wardrobes in Greater Saint John. Weather over the past three weeks has been more spring like than fall. The normal high for this time of the year is six degree's but so far, of the 20 days on the calendar, 16 have seen temperatures above normal. Meteorologist Claude Cote with Environment Canada tells CHSJ News, it has been drier as well with only 35mm's down so far this month with the average being 135mm's.

That will change today how-ever with rain on way today and tonight. The full three day forecast is comign right up.

New Look Sobeys Store is Open

      (New Look Sobeys Store in Rothesay)
             (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

There was plenty of excitement leading up to the grand re-opening of the Sobeys store in Rothesay. Renovation work got started back in June and the finishing touches were polished up last night. Store Manager Don Gass tells CHSJ News, today's store is on the site of where a chicken farm once stood.


Over 100 people were lined up to be one of the first to get a peak at the new look store. Several dignitaries were on hand including veterans and Mayors Murray Driscoll and Bill Bishop to cut the ribbon to officially open the store.

Robbery on the West Side

The night crew working at the Tim Hortons on Simms Corner had a tough finish to their shift. At 4:15 this morning, a man with a weapon walked into the store and demanded cash from the clerk. She complied and the man ran from the store.


Nobody was hurt and no word on how much money was taken.

Fire in the North End

Quick action by a City Police officer saved a home in the North End from catching fire. It was just after three this morning, when someone driving by 254 Douglas Avenue noticed the front porch of the home was on fire. City Police were the first on the scene and dashed out the flames with an extinguisher.

City Fire then arrived and hosed down the area for hot spots. At this point, it looks like a cigarette butt in the front planter box may be the cause of the fire.

Public Meeting in Rothesay

     (Rothesay Residents at Public Hearing)
             (Photo by Dave Briggs)

Rothesay's municipal plan is up for public review and most residents want to know why the town needs to expand. Jill Wallace says the proposed municipal plan looks alright now with a few exceptions. Some of the concerns from the public include development in the area's of Millenium Drive and questions around why there needs to be development in the town.


Rory Grant says he would like it if council would supply each tax payer with what they are paying for the cost of each new house or development.

Rothesay Mayor Pleased With Process

The mayor of Rothesay says the municipal plan will be put to a vote at the next council meeting. Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News, after the public review, any new information will be taken into consideration.


Bishop says besides a few residents with concerns over development, the meeting went as planned.

Public Safety Critic on Flu Shots

The Opposition Public Safety Critic thinks Municipal police officers in the province should get the H1N1 shot like RCMP officers have. Carl Urqhart is a former police officer and tells CHSJ News, considering the direct contact officers have with prisoners, they should have the vaccine just like health care workers.


Urqhart adds Public Safety Minister John Foran has dropped the ball on this matter.

New Rules for Texas Hold'Em

They have been a hot ticket for a lot of charities and bars in Greater Saint John of late and now the Province has new rules set up around Texas Hold'em Tournaments. Some of the changes include increasing the allowable percentage of gross revenue for prizes and increasing the number of allowable participants per event. Public Safety Minister John Foran says this will promote participation in these events which means charities have the opportunity to collect more money for their causes.

If you want to get a look at all the rules, just go to gnb.ca.

High Marks For Local Community Group

The province has honored an agency of the Saint John chapter of the United Way. Pasage which stands for preventing addiction, substance abuse and gambling education, has received the Community Star Award. They are one of eight community groups that picked up the hardware earlier this week at a ceremony in Fredericton.

The award recognizes the groups on-going efforts to prevent substance abuse in Greater Saint John.

West Side Robbery

Another armed robbery in the city, this time the target was a West-Side business. City Police tell us a man walked into Tim Hortons on Simms Corner at 4:15 this morning with a weapon and demanded cash from the clerk. She handed over what she could grab and the man took off into the darkness.


Nobody was hurt.

St. Stephen Gets Next H1N1 Clinic for Priority Groups

St. Stephen is the next community to have a H1N1 clinic for adults with chronic condtions.
It includes people those with asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, COPD and cystic fibrosis.
People with ALS, multiple sclerosis, quadriplediga and paraplegia are also in the new priority group.
The clinic will be held tomorrow from 9am to 3pm at the Milltown Legion in St. Stephen.
To determine if you are included in the next priority group: go to www.gnb.ca/flu or
call 1-800-580-0038.

Municipal Plan Unveiled in Rothesay

A public hearing is ready to go tonight in Rothesay. The town will unveil the draft of it's new municipal plan after months of going over maps and documents. Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News, he is very pleased with how the document looks. Mayor and councilors have faced some criticism from home-owners concerned about the re-zoing of certain parcels of land. Tonight's public hearing gets started at seven in the cafeteria of Rothesay High School.


The proposal must still go to council for first, second and third reading.

Plenty of Vaccine in the Province

Good news on the H1N1 front..........Public Health says they received 44,000 viles this week with 49,000 expected next week. Dr. Eilish Cleary is the Chief Medical Officer of Health and says over the next two weeks, they hope to finish up with the priority groups. Following that, Dr. Cleary hopes by the end of this month or the first week of December, anyone who wants a shot will be able to get one.

To date, 112 people have been hospitalized with ten sick enough to be admitted to the Intensive care Unit. Of all those who are or were in hospital, 56% were under the age of 20 and those in I.C.U. were over 30.

H1N1 Clinics in District Six

Officials in District Six can see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to H1N1 shots. After they began immunizing students last month, officials tell CHSJ News, elementary schools are finished, they are now into the middle schools and will make the leap into the high schools in coming days.

Superintendent Zoe Watson tells CHSJ News, if everything stays on schedule, they hope to have all shots given to students by the middle of next week.

Major Crime Looking Into Incident

The Major Crime Unit is asking for your help after an incident late yesterday afternoon. Officers were called to Princess Court in East Saint John at 5:30pm. When they arrived they were told about how a man with a weapon, forced his way into a home and then took off on foot toward Simpson Drive.

No arrests have been made and if you do know anything, call City Police at 648-3333 or Crimestoppers.

Money Needed for Special Needs in District Eight

District 8 is asking the provincial government to take a look at it's budget to help fund special needs programs. District 8 has the highest number of students with special needs in the province and District Education Chair Rob Fowler says as enrolment number decrease so does the amount of funding for the district, but the number of students requiring specialized programs continue to increase.

Fowler adds in order to pay for special needs programs, money needs to be taken from other lines in the budget and it's time for the province to invest more cash into the district.

New Hardware for District Six

District Six is preparing to launch a new high-tech tool called VersaTrans. It is an upgrade to the current bus system and Director of Transportation Steve Evans this new set-up is going to make their job easier and the expectation for safety from parents can be met.

Evans says all officials who are and will be using this new set-up have really embraced the technology. The new system will go on-line in the fall. Cost of the new system is between $20 and $30,000 dollars.

Conservation Council Speaks Out at Open Session

(Inka Milewski, Science Advisor for Conservation Council)
                   (Photo by Jim Hennessy)


The Provincial Environment Department hosted an open house last night and opened the floor to comments on the proposed Eider Rock second refinery. The Conservation Council was well represented with several speakers including it's science advisor Inka Milewski. She tells CHSJ News, the council as a whole is thrilled to hear the project has been put on the back burner by Irving Oil.

Milewski says the base line health study completed in the Environmental Impact Assessment mis-represents the base line health status of those living in Saint John and the residents of Simonds Parish.

Department of Environment on Hand for Public Session

(File Photo of Proposed New Eider Rock Refinery)
               (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Michelle Daige was on hand last night representing the Environment Department. She tells CHSJ News, an independent panel will now get to work on it's findings from what they have heard and should have a final report handed over the next month.


The final Environmental Impact Assessment prepared for the project from Irving Oil has been handed over to the province and they are satisfied the company will take appropriate actions to protect the environment.

Saint John Portland MLA Looking for Answers

         (Saint John Portland MLA Trevor Holder)
                (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

The second day of the new fall session in Fredericton was a lot like the first. A proposed deal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec dominated question period. Saint John-Portland Conservative MLA Trevor Holder tells CHSJ News, the Graham Government doesn't have answers for their questions.

Premier Graham defended the proposal saying it was too good to refuse because it will lower power rates and reduce the provincial debt by 40 per cent.

District Eight Falling Short on Math Numbers

This years provincial assessment numbers are showing District 8 needs improvement in it's math scores. Director of Education Bev MacDonald says the district knows the scores need to improve and strategies are being put into place to find a remedy but parents and the public need to change their attitude towards math.

MacDonald adds when children constantly hear parents say they cannot do math, or are not good with numbers it is passed on. On the literacy side, District 8 was above or reaching provincial targets at all grade levels.

Rothesay High School Getting a New Look

          (District Six Superintendent Zoe Watson)
                  (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

The District Six Education Council is putting in a request for more modular class-rooms at Rothesay High. There are currently three at the school and if the Province approves, four more would be set up by next fall. Superintendent Zoe Watson says the school is bursting at the seams with class-rooms being held in the cafeteria and some teachers with no room to call their own.


Watson adds the top priority for the district remains the refit of Kennebecasis Park school with the hope of good news coming from the Province by next month.

H1N1 Clinic in Sussex

Adults with chronic conditions included in the next priority group can get the H1N1 vaccine in Sussex today. Public Health is holding a clinic at Sussex Middle school. The new priority group includes those with asthma, chronic bronchitis as well as people with respiratory issues. The clinic opens this afternoon at 1:30 and finishes up tonight at 7pm.


For more flu information, visit our website at country94.ca-click "news".

Gas Prices Continue to Fall

For the third straight week.....the price of gasoline has taken a tumble. The Energy and Utilities Board has released it's weekly price schedule showing a litre of self-serve going for 97.8 cents. That is down from 98.4 with most stations in the metro selling the black gold for 98.2.

Diesel is down as well coming in at $101.6, furnace oil tops off 82.2 which is down almost two cents and propane saw the only increase, just under a penny at 93.3.

Construction Set to Get Started

A sod-turning ceremony at St. Joseph's Community Health Center this morning will mark the beginning of construction for the new Leisure Wellness Garden. The garden is a fundraising project of this years Dragon Boat Festival.


The shovel goes in the ground at 9am in the rear lower parking lot.

New Moon Debuts Tonight in Saint John

Calling all fans of Edward, Bella and Jacob.......the next movie in the Twilight saga, "New Moon", opens in theatres tonight. It happens officially at midnight but, Empire Studio 10 in East Saint John has three advance screenings tonight. Assistant Manager Victoria Hutchison tells CHSJ News, the first two are sold out but there are tickets left for the 10:30 screening tonight.

For anyone who wants to catch up, the first film in the series-"Twilight" runs at 4:30 today at Empire Studio 10.

Gagetown Ferry Will Operate Into December

The Province's Transportation Minister says the Gagetown ferry will keep running into December.
Denis Landry says this decision honours recommendations by a community working group that looked at the future of three ferries. Landry says the 52 year old Gagetown vessel will continue to operate until early to mid December before the Saint John River freezes up.
The Graham Government agreed in September to continue operating the vessel on a seasonal basis for 18 hours a day. Landry says his government is making good on another recommendation by the working group. That is the ferry will undergo assessment by a naval architect to determine if it meets federal standards and outline any necessary upgrades and costs.

Local Teens Promote Program for Homeless Teens

A group of teens are travelling around the city raising awareness about the Teen Resource Centre and its Oasis program.
The program helps teens with free showers, laundry services or personal needs.

Volunteer Chantal Savoie says the drop-in centre is available for all teens who need somewhere to go after school.
There are over 120 homeless teens in Uptown Saint John.
For more info on Oasis, call 632-5765 or visit by the Teen Resource Centre at 28 Richmond Street.

Elsie Wayne Continues Her Recovery

(file photo)

Former MP and Mayor Elsie Wayne continues to rest and recover. This after the 77-year old suffered a stroke almost two weeks ago. Brian Mosher is a long time friend of the family and tells CHSJ News, she is still at the Regional and showing improvement everyday.


Her speech is slowly coming back but she is still having trouble swallowing and is working with a therapist to correct that problem. Mosher says there is no timeline as to when she will be going home.

Premier Responds to Proposed Tax Rate Change

Premier Graham is defending his parties latest move concerning tax rates as municipalities continue to go over their budgets. The Liberal Government has proposed a cut in the rate for every municipality in the province, some as high as 11 cents. Graham tells CHSJ News, after years of complaints, they have put a new mechanism in place they hope will aleviate some of the pressure on home and property owners.

Graham adds if municipalities choose to access those tax dollars from residents of those homes, with-out having to provide extra infrastructure, they have to pass that vote in council.

Open House Tonight on Eider Rock

                                                   (file photo)
              
The Environmental Impact Assessment process continues for the Eider Rock project even though it is on hold. The Provincial Environment Department will hold an open house tonight to hear positive or negative comments. The final EIA documentation prepared for the project from Irving Oil has been handed over to the province. They are satisfied the company will take appropriate actions to protect the environment and now begins the public consultation process.

The Clean Air Coalition is not in favor of the project and since day one, has been calling for a Federal E.I.A before the project is given the green light to proceed with construction. Tonight's meeting gets started at seven o'clock at the Simonds Lions Auditorium on the Loch Lomond Road.

Update on Construction of Costco Store

All of you waiting patiently to do some shopping at the new Costco Store in East Saint John, are going to have to wait a little while longer. Even though construction is moving along at a solid pace, the store won't have a ribbon cutting until May. Troy Northrup with East Point Shopping tells CHSJ News, they expect to have a few more announcements about the area soon.

Also under construction is a new TD Canada Trust Branch which is expected to be open by March.

Winter Meeting Tonight

Municipal Operations has the second of it's five meetings ready to go tonight. It's to discuss the City's Winter Management Plan for snow removal and information on changes to on street parking. The first was Monday night and was received well by residents of Ward One.

There will be a short presentation and then a question and answer period. Things gets started at 6:30pm at the Carelton Community Center.

Cherry Brook Zoo Looking for Cash

Respresentatives from the Cherry Brook Zoo are asking Quispamsis council to support the facility in becoming a regional facility. This, according to the director would ensure financial stability for the zoo. Lynda Collrin tells CHSJ News, finances are the only concern regarding keeping it's accreditation, and this change will give them the funds they need.


By supporting the change, Quispamsis will make a financial committment, so the issue has been reffered to the finance committee, as did the town of Rothesay.

Red Cross Awards Handed Out Tonight

The ballroom at the Delta will provide the back-drop for the 2009 Red Cross Humanitarian Awards. Two women, Diane Ganong and Leah Secord will be honored. Ganong is from St. Stephen and Secord is a high school student here in Saint John, will receive the 2009 Young Humanitarian for her dedication to helping others.

The hardware will be handed out starting just after eight o'clock.

Growing Your Business On-Line

Social Media and Small Business don't mix so well according to a new survey. BizLaunch.ca found 49 per cent of the entrepreneurs surveyed spent up to 101 hours in social media promotions but, only 28 per cent say that investment brought returns. Andrew Patricio of BizLaunch.ca says the biggest mistake small business owners make with social media is using your Facebook page or Twitter account only to plug sales or specials.


He says social media is about building a community of people with common interests. BizLaunch and Bell Aliant are hosting a free seminar on growing your business online. It's tonight at the Saint John Library in Market Square starting at 6pm.

More Olympic Runners Announced

The thrill of a lifetime will happen for many on Tuesday of next week. More of those people chosen to escort the Olympic Flame through Greater Saint John have been announced. In Quispamsis, the torch will be carried by the mother and daughter duo of Cindi and Megan Baisley. It's expected to arrive in the Town just after 3:30pm on Tuesday of next week. Tim Lowery will also get the honor in Quispamsis.


Down the street in Rothesay, Katelyn Johnson of Fredericton will get her 15 minutes of fame with the flame. Barry Short will take up the torch here in Saint John before it is handed off to Debbie Cooper for the huge ceremony at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal. The following day, Ellen Steeves will continue the relay with a run in Grand Bay Westfield.

Christmas Spirit in Quispamsis

A trip to Quispamsis tonight could help you get over the hump if your still trying to find your Christmas spirit. The town is holding it's annual tree lighting ceremony tonight in the Arts and Culture Park. Mayor Driscoll and councilors will be there and along with the tree, the switch will be thrown on the town's Dreamland Display.

The outdoor rink will open for the first time this season following the tree lighting and starting tomorrow, the ice surface will be open every day between ten in the morning and ten in the evening. The ceremony gets started at seven o'clock.

Strong Numbers for Saint John Area Real Estate

After you hear these numbers, you might not wonder any longer why so many people in Greater Saint John are choosing Real Estate as a profession. The numbers are in for the residential average price for homes sold by Saint John Real Estate Board’s MLS® system. They set a new record with the average price for a home up 18% to over $178,600 dollars.


MLS® home sales were 544 last month, down just three per cent from a year earlier. The total value of all MLS® home sales was $30.4 million in October up 15 per cent from last year.

No Curfew for Quispamsis

The town of Quispamsis will not implement a curfew bylaw. The request came from a resident who noticed young people strolling through his property and ringing his doorbell at all hours of the night and early morning. Rothesay Regional Police Chief Stephen McIntyre wrote to council advising them the cost of prosecuting offenders would be considerable and would be the sole responsibility of the town.


McIntyre adds he would not like to see a situation where officers are taken away from other duties because they are taking a young person home or waiting to turn them over to an adult.

Project at the Irving Oil Refinery is Finished

It took almost 1.4 million working hours and cost 220-million dollars but, the Irving Oil Refinery maintenance project is finished. During the peak of the project, there were 2300 construction people working. Spokesperson Lesley MacLeod tells CHSJ News, even better news is no one was hurt over the two month stretch and that means no lost time.


During the project, 37 cranes capable of lifting 750 tonnes each were used and this is the largest project of it's kind for the refinery.

New Bylaw for Subdivisions in Quispamsis

From now on, subdivisions in Quispamsis are going to require more focus on storm water management. A bylaw is now in affect requiring developers to conduct an examination on stormwater sewers and any impact rain and snow melt would have on neighbouring properties. Director of Engineering Gary Losier tells CHSJ News, so far the feedback from new residents is positive.

Losier adds developers are going to charge to do the assessments and it will likely be included in the lot fee.

Provincial Conservatives Set Up Website

The Provincial Conversatives are taking to YouTube and the web to get their views out on the proposal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec. Leader David Alward says they want to offer the people of the province straight talk on the issue and says these sites serve as tools to help New Brunswickers get the real facts about the deal.

Alward adds these outlets allow everyone in the province to get information that hasn’t been tainted by the Liberal spin machine. The website is STOPSHAWNNOW.CA and the party also has a YouTube channel.