GageTown Ferry Shutting Down For The Winter

If you use the Gagetown Ferry on a regular basis, keep this in mind. The vessel is being taken off the river for the winter as of midnight Thursday before heavy ice builds up. It will rest for the winter in Evandale and will be given a full inspection by a naval architect as per recommendations of the community working group.


This is to see if it meets federal standards and outline and necessary upgrades and what it will cost. The vessel was saved from permanent drydock earlier this year after protestors were able to reverse a budget decision by the Graham Government.

Tax Revenue for the City

The Commissioner of Finance says the province suggesting the city lower it's tax base rate by 5 cents will not provide the municipality with enough cash to efficiently operate. Greg Yeomans says the tax rate now doesn't provide the city with enough money, and it needs to find ways to generate more revenue.
He says his department is looking at solutions, such as increasing fees such as arena rentals, as well as more money from federal and provincial grants. The final decision on what the tax base rate will be is completely in the hands of common council.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase says municipalities should be getting revenue from the sales tax. He maintains Saint John could generate a lot of dollars due to it's investment in shopping centres on the East side. Chase says as it stands right now, the provincial government is enjoying increased revenue on the backs of the city.

Hydro-Quebec President and CEO Speaks

The President and C-E-O of Hydro Quebec made his first appearance in Saint John to talk about the proposed sale of NB Power's major assets. Thierry Vandal says there is no intention to sweep NB Power or its current suppliers away:


Vandal says Hydro Quebec assumes the risk for the Point Lepreau refurbishment and any upgrades at Mactaquaq while homes and businesses get stable electricity rates.

Opposistion Leader Responds to Speech

               (Opposistion Leader David Alward)
                               (File Photo)

Opposition Leader David Alward says he heard only generalities about what would happen after the sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec.

Alward wants to have a sit down with Quebec Premier Jean Charest to talk about the proposed agreement.

Open House in Rothesay Tomorrow Night

[M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney---File Photo]
If you've been looking for a forum to voice your opinion about the NB Power-Hydro Quebec proposal, look no further than Rothesay tomorrow night. Conservative MLA Margaret Ann Blaney is hosting a town hall meeting and tells CHSJ News, it's vital she hear from her constituents:


Blaney says she has received hundreds of calls and e-mails from people not in favor of the proposal. Tomorrow nights meeting gets started at seven o'clock in the cafeteria of Rothesay High School.

Compu-College Changes it's Name

Feeling it has outgrown it's name........CompuCollege is changing the name over the door of it's seven campuses in Atlantic Canada to Eastern College. Officials says they want to let people know they offer more than programs in computers with over 40 diploma programs including public relations and massage therapy.


Since it opened it's doors 20 years ago, Eastern College has handed out over 20,000 diploma's. Along with Saint John, there are campuses in Fredericton, Moncton, Charlottetown, Dartmouth and St. John's.

City Works Deals with First Winter Storm

The City Works Department has it's first winter storm under it's belt and for the most part, everything went smoothly. Kevin Rice is Deputy Commissioner of Municipal Operations and tells CHSJ News, minor equipment issues were one of the things they had to deal with.


The winter operations center was activated with a full compliment of staff and resources on hand. Rice adds it was nice to get the first storm out of the way to test the gear and give it a good run before the wilder winter weather arrives.

Update on Man Killed Late Last Week

More details are being released after the death of a 23-year old man from Passakeg last week. Jeremy Shaw was killed when his vehicle left the highway heading to Hampton and rolled. The reconstructionist team says it looks like the vehicle missed the off ramp to the North side, hit the shoulder and then over-steered to try and get his vehicle back on the road.


Officers believe in doing so, his vehicle shot across the road and rolled twice on the South side. Shaw was also not wearing a seatbelt.

Power Outages Around the Province

Moncton, Shediac and Sackville were the hardest hit area's of a good size power outage yesterday. The quick change from rain to snow made for heavy tree limbs and power lines which can wreak havoc for the public utility. NB Power spokes-person Marianne Limpert tells CHSJ News, the power went out just after six but was back on line by lunch time.

Limpert adds it's nice for the utility to get it's first winter storm related outage under it's belt to make sure they are ready for what-ever else winter may have.

Winter Storm in Saint John

Saint John received about 15 centimeters of snow over the weekend and it made for a busy Sunday for city police and the fire department. One person was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a vehicle along Mcallister Drive last night around 7 near the Empire theatre. Fire Crews also responded to a house fire at 24 Muriel Avenue in Champlain Heights. One person fled uninjured. There was heavy damage to the livingroom. Fire officials say the blaze began in the fireplace.
Yesterday afternoon, a taxi van collided with a plow at Chesley and Main Street. The van was pinned against a light standard and the door had to be pried open with the jaws of life to take the driver to hospital. Another person was taken to hospital after a crash on Route One.
There were small natural gas leaks outside Prince Edward Square Mall and at a new building off University Avenue. Enbridge Gas was also called to Northumberland Avenue after a plow slid into one of the natural gas regulators.
Drivers and pedestrians being warned to watch out for black ice this morning as you make your way into work.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

For everyone who was saying it was tough getting into the holiday spirit with-out any snow, here you go. Over ten centimeters is down in Greater Saint John with the first snow-fall of the winter season. Rain changed over to the white stuff early last night when the temperature took a sudden dip and the flakes continue to fall. Environment Canada tells us the sky should begin to clear by this afternoon. Police forces are reporting a few minor accidents but nothing serious at this point.

A reminder to make sure your vehicle is entirely cleaned off before pulling out into traffic and give yourself some extra time to get where you are going.

Rally of?

Word on what the replacement event will be for Rally of Hope is still being ironed out. The final event was held back in June and officials have been meeting ever since to get all the details wrapped up. Executive Director of the Regional Hospital Foundation Tim Cameron tells CHSJ News, they are talking to everyone who had something to do with the Rally to get the best ideas.
Cameron says the new event might be something that runs through-out the entire year with the final details expected to be rolled out early in the new year.

Donate While You Doze

For anyone who can't seem to find the time to donate to a charity, the United Way has a new initiative that takes very little effort. Its called ""Donate While You Doze"" and is in conjunction with the Holiday Inn and Suites in the North End. The hotel is slashing it's room rate in half with twelve dollars from each room going to the United Way. Elizabeth Jadoo is Executive Director of the United Way and tells CHSJ News, giving to charity doesn't get any easier than this.
Moncton raised over eight thousand dollars last year with this initiative and Jadoo hopes they can raise three thousand dollars. It runs between December.20th and January.4th.

Daycare Owner Continues to Wait for Council Decision

Another delay for the rezoning of Janie's Kid Zone in Quispamsis.

The process started back in May, and last week's town council meeting was supposed to determine whether the area on Sugarmaple Lane would be rezoned for a daycare.
With more letters of support coming in to the town, the issue has been tabled until a public hearing can be held in February.
Owner Janie Stewart says it's frustrating the process is still going on, but at least it's winding down.
Neighbours previously opposed the location of the daycare, and the final chance to be heard on the issue is on February 2nd.

Tenders For Water Projects to Go Out Soon

Tenders for the first 3 of 6 projects relating to safe, clean drinking water will be going out soon.

That from Commissioner of Municipal Operations Paul Groody, who says these are the most important projects the city has ever undertaken.
Groody says the a public call for proposals on the final three projects will also be going out soon.
Mayor Ivan Court says he heard from the Federation of Canadian Muncipalities these projects need to be started by March 31st, because after that date any flexibility may be lost.

Seadogs look to Continue Winning Streak

Can the Seadogs up their winning streak to 19 straight games? We will find out tonight when they play host to Gatineau for a seven o'clock start at the Station. When the season started, goaltending was a big question mark but they along with every player in the line-up has or is exceeding expectation. The holiday trading period starts on the 19th and Head Coach Gerard Gallant tells CHSJ Sports, it's too early to say what might unfold.
Gallant says a strong show of discipline has been a huge turning point for this team.

Santa Claus Visiting Dairytown

Santa Claus will wrap up his tour of the Greater Saint John area with a stop in Sussex tonight. It's the town's annual Santa Parade with plenty of people expected to show up along the route to see the jolly old elf from the North Pole. This years parade has 50 floats which will start from Princess Louise Park at 6:30pm. It will then cruise down Main Street and finish up in the Walmart parking lot.

Children are reminded to bring their letters for Santa and members of the Kiwanis Club will walk the route picking up non-perishable food. The theme for this years parade is the Olympic Spirit of Christmas.

More H1N1 Clinics for the General Public start tomorrow

Public Health has announced more H1N1 clinics for the general public.
They start tomorrow and run until December 11.
The following is a list of the upcoming clinics:

NBCC Saint John, 950 Grandview Ave, Saint John, December 5, 9am - 9pm
Norton Elementary, 274 Route 124 Norton, Saint John, December 5, 9am - 3pm
NBCC Saint John, 950 Grandview Ave, Saint John, December 6, 9am - 9pm
Campobello Island Consolidated School, 1722 Route 774, Wilson’s Beach, Campobello Island, December 7, 12pm - 8pm
Village Hall, 73 Main St, St. Martins, December 7, 10am - 7pm
Hampton Senior Resource Center, 31 Demille Ct., Hampton, December 8, 9am - 7pm
St. George Community Center, 11 J.O. Spinney Dr., St. George, December 8, 9am - 9pm
Carleton Community Centre, 82 Market Place, Saint John (West), December 8, 9am - 9pm
Royal Canadian Legion, 43 Queen St. West, St. Stephen, December 9, 9am - 9pm
Exhibition Park,159 McAllister Drive, Saint John, December 9, 9am - 9pm
Saunders Irving Chapel, Bethany Bible College, 26 Western Street, Sussex, December 9, 9am - 7pm
Lord’s Cove Church of Christ, 227 Route 772, Lord's Cove, Deer Island, December 10, 10am - 8pm
Macdonald Consolidated School, 3950 Route 845, Kingston, December 10, 3pm -9pm
St Marks United Church, 50 Dexter Drive, Saint John, December 10, 12pm - 7pm
Kings Valley Wesleyan Church, 332 Hampton Road, Quispamsis, Kennebecasis Valley, December 10, 9am - 9pm
Barrack Green Armoury, 60 Broadview Avenue, Saint John, December 11, 9am - 9pm
Lawrence Station Elementary School, Lawrence Station, December 11, 1pm - 8pm

For more updated information on the clinics go to www.gnb.ca/flu or call 1-800-580-0038.

Knappe Is Still Missing

(photo by Tamara Steele)

City police are still looking for a 26-year-old man who has been missing since October.
Kristopher William Knappe was seen near uptown Saint John on October 17th and later spotted in Fredericton on November 2nd.
He is about five foot seven with light brown hair, hazel brown eyes and a goatee.
If you have seen him, call police at 648-3333.

Damage to Fundy Trail

     (Photo of Damaged Main Gate at Fundy Trail)
         (Photo Courtesy of Fundy Trail Officials)

The search is on by Hampton RCMP after senseless damage has been done to a section of the Fundy Trail. Officers were called to the area to find someone had done damage to the entrance gate. Brian Clark is General Manager of the Trail and says someone with an ATV used winches and cables to tear open and damage the main entrance and back gate.

This is the third time there has been damage to the trail this year. The cost to fix what was broken is estimated to be around three and four thousand dollars.

St. Stephen Woman Was Murdered

(file photo)

The death of a St. Stephen woman is now being called a murder by RCMP. 59-year-old Mary Scott was found earlier this week at her Queen Street home in the border town and autopsy results tell officers they are dealing with a homicide.


Her family notified police when they had not heard from Scott for several days. Major Crime continues to go through the home looking for clues and are following up on a numbers of leads.

Update on Elsie Wayne's Condition

(Former Mayor and MP Elsie Wayne)
                (File Photo)

We have been getting a steady stream of phone calls and e-mails asking about her condition and today we have an update on Elsie Wayne. Almost a month after suffering a stroke, former Mayor and MP Elsie Wayne continues her road to recovery. Her husband Richard tells CHSJ News, things are coming along slow but steady but there is still no indication as to when she will be going home.

The 77-year old Wayne has been working with a therapist to correct some of the effects of the stroke for the past several weeks.

Firefighters and Police Officers Score Huge Victory

A huge victory for firefighters and police officers in New Brunswick. They are now exempt from the three day waiting period in the Workers' Compensation Act. The act contains a provision that anyone injured on the job must wait 72 hours before compensation is paid to an injured worker.


The new rule will apply to nearly 470 active police officers and almost 4,800 full-time and volunteer firefighters working around the Province.

New Coroner Appointed for the Province

The Province has announced Greg Forestell as the new chief coroner. Forestell began with the Department of Public Safety as deputy chief coroner in 2007, and took over as acting chief coroner in the summer of last year. Prior to that, he worked for the Canadian Red Cross in disaster management and community development.


Forestell begins his new duties right away.

District Eight Education Council Wants Your Input

If you have a child or children attending a school or schools in District Eight, you will want to hear this. The Education Council will start holding open houses in the new year to get your feed back. They want to know what you feel should be priority projects as far as infrastructure and programming is concerned. Director of Education Bev MacDonald tells CHSJ News, she really likes this kind of forum.


The Graham Government announced in it's budget earlier this week that over $90 million dollars will be spent on education in the coming year.

H1N1 Clinics Continue

There is still plenty of time for those looking for the H1N1 vaccination to get the shot. One is open until three this afternoon at Rothesay High and there is another up and running until nine tonight at the Carelton Community Center. The Chief Medical Officer of Health says there is declining activity in all areas of the Province with 171 people hospitalized since April with over 177,000 new doses arriving this week and over 92,000 are expected to arrive next week.


Mass immunizations clinics will continue until the 16th at which by that time, they hope to have given the shot to everyone looking for it. Even after the clinics finish up, shots will still be available to those who want it.

Conservatives Make a Motion in the Legislature

          (Conservative Leader David Alward)
                        (File Photo)

The Conservatives have tabled a motion in the Legislature asking the Graham Government to freeze any increase in energy rates. They want this set-up until after a referendum or election has been held. Leader David Alward says this needs to be done to assure every person in the Province they are protected while the NB Power – Hydro-Québec proposal is being debated.

Premier Graham claims the deal must be signed on or before March 31 in order to avoid an electricity rate increase of three per cent.

Wrong Way Driver

Rothesay Regional Police arrested a driver who was going the wrong way down the Mckay Highway. Police responded after getting a report of a vehicle travelling westbound from Hampton in the eastbound lanes. A charge of impaired driving is likely.

Hampton Fatality

A single vehicle crash last night has left one young man dead. Hampton RCMP tell us 23-year old Jeremy Shaw of Passakeg was killed after his vehicle left the highway and rolled over on the off-ramp in Quispamsis as you make your way to Hampton.

Citizens Needed for input on Saint John's New Munipal Plan

You could be part of the 13 person Citizen's committee that will advise Common Council
on the new Municipal Plan.
Committee members will meet regularly over 2 years.
Jacqueline Hamilton of the City's planning department tells CHSJ news council decides on who will make up the committee.
The new Municipal plan will guide development in the City for the next 25 years.
You have to include a letter and resume outlining your interest in the committee.
The deadline for applications is December 11th.
To apply, go the City of Saint John website.
http://www.cityofsaintjohn.ca/

Moncton Man Charged With Luring Over the Internet

They say it is important to watch what your children are doing on a computer and this next story proves it. 41-year old Robert Vanbuskirk of Moncton is facing several charges in connection with luring a child over the internet. He was arrested yesterday in the hub city as part of an ongoing investigation by the RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit.


Their investigation began on June 21 when Moncton RCMP received a complaint. The child was not physically harmed and did not come in contact with the suspect. Vanbuskirk will be back in court tomorrow afternoon for a bail hearing.

H1N1 Activity Slowing Down

There is declining H1N1 activity in all areas of the Province. That from the Chief Medical Officer of Health issuing it's latest statement concerning the pandemic. 171 people have been hospitalized since April and 27 people have been isolated to intenstive care and seven people have died. Over 177,000 new doses arrived this week and over 92,000 are expected to arrive next week.


Mass immunizations clinics will continue until the 16th at which by that time, they hope to have given the shot to everyone looking for it. Even after the clinics finish up, shots will still be available to those who want it. Total cost of the program is expected to be $17.3 million......half of the original estimate.

H1N1 Clinics in Greater Saint John

There is NO H1N1 Clinic at the Carelton Community Center today. We have spoken to the director who tells us close to one hundred people have shown up looking to get immunized. The clinic at the community center is scheduled to go tomorrow between nine and nine. There are how-ever a pair of places to get vaccinated in Greater Saint John today.

There is a clinic at the Rothesay Baptist Church running until nine o'clock tonight. They other one is in Coles Island at the Lions Club which gets started this afternoon at one and runs until seven o'clock tonight.

Nursing Homes Around the Province Get a Boost

The Province isn't wasting any time in spending some of the cash announced in Tuesday's budget. There is going to be a major over-haul of nursing homes including 11 that will be replaced by new buildings, two new nursing homes will be built and several will undergo major expansions. This includes the Loch Lomond Villa that will add 250 beds to it's current set-up over the next five years.

The total investment is $400 million dollars and means 297 new nursing home beds will be created around the Province. All of the construction work will get started in the spring with completion dates set for between 2016 and 17.

Provincial Sports Honoring the Best

The man known as the Fighting Fisherman is one of two sports legends that will be honored with a virtual exhibit honouring two of the Province's sports icons next week. It will celebrate the Golden Anniversaries of Willie O'Ree and Yvon Durelle and the important contributions both made to the Province's sport heritage.


The ceremony will be held in Moncton on Thursday.

H1N1 Clinics Continue

This is an Updated List of the latest H1N1 Clincis Happening in Greater Saint John:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 3



1pm - 7pm Coles Island Grand Washademoak Lions Club


11318 Route 10 General public
-----------------------------------------------------------
December 3


9am - 9pm Kennebecasis Valley Rothesay Baptist Church


30 Vincent Rd. General public
--------------------------------------------------------------
December 3


9am - 9pm St. Andrews NBCC - St. Andrews Campus


99 Augustus St. General public
-----------------------------------------------------------
December 4


9am - 3pm Rothesay Rothesay High School


61 Hampton Rd. General public
-------------------------------------------------------
December 4


9am - 9pm Saint John Carleton Community Centre


82 Market Place General public
----------------------------------------------------------
December 4


9am - 5pm St George St George Community Centre


11 J.O. Spinney Dr.


General public
-------------------------------------------------------
December 4


9am - 7pm Sussex Sussex Elementary School


25 Duke St. General public
------------------------------------------------------
December 5


9am - 3pm Norton Norton Elementary School


274 Route 124 General public
------------------------------------------------------
December 5


9am - 9pm Saint John NBCC - Saint John Campus


950 Grandview Ave. General public
------------------------------------------------------
December 6


9am - 9pm Saint John NBCC - Saint John Campus


950 Grandview Ave. General public
----------------------------------------------------
December 7


12pm - 8pm Campobello Campobello Island


Consolidated School


1722 Route 774, Wilson's Beach General public
------------------------------------------------
December 7


10am - 7pm St. Martins Village Hall


73 Main St. General public
---------------------------------------------------
December 8


9am - 7pm Hampton Hampton Senior Resource Centre


31 Demille Ct. General public
--------------------------------------------
December 8


9am - 9pm Saint John Carleton Community Centre


82 Market Place General public
-----------------------------------------------------------
December 8


9am - 9pm St George St George Community Centre


11 J.O. Spinney Dr.


General public
-------------------------------------------------------------
December 9


9am - 9pm Saint John Exhibition Park


159 McAllister Dr.


General public
-----------------------------------------------------------
December 9


9am - 9pm St Stephen Royal Canadian Legion


43 Queen St. West General public
------------------------------------------------------------
December 9


9am - 7pm Sussex Saunders Irving Chapel


Bethany Bible College


26 Western St. General public
-------------------------------------------------------------
December 10


10am - 8pm Deer Island Lord’s Cove


Church of Christ


227 Route 772


(*This clinic will be held in the


Church Hall) General public
--------------------------------------------------------
December 10


9am - 9pm Kennebecasis Valley Kings Valley Wesleyan Church


332 Hampton Rd. General public
-------------------------------------------------------------------
December 10


3pm - 9pm Kingston Macdonald Consolidated School


3950 Route 845 General public
--------------------------------------------------------------
December 10


12pm - 7pm Saint John St. Marks United Church


50 Dexter Dr. General public
-----------------------------------------------------
December 11


9am - 9pm Saint John Barrack Green Armoury


60 Broadview Ave. General public

Bare Necessities Campaign "Wrap Up"

(Members of the committee finish wrapping toiletries - photo by Deborah MacDonald)

The Saint John Board of Trade's Women in Business Forum has finished wrapping toiletry items for their eighth annual "Bare Necessities" campaign.
The goal of the campaign is to provide women's shelters, food banks and other organizations packages containing the 'little but necessary' personal care items, just in time for the holiday season.
Going on vacation or a business trip? The next time you find yourself in a hotel room, don't forget to bring home the complimentary items available to you from every hotel - shampoo, soaps, lotions, etc.

Methadone Treatment Waiting List

The waitlist for drug addicts seeking methadone treatment is now just over 20, down from over a hundred during the summer. Dr. Tim Christie says there are 150 people currently using the uptown methadone clinic, and nearly 350 people in Saint John receiving treatment.
Dr. Christie says addicts who do not get treatment generally fall into old habits.
Since becoming Police Chief---Bill Reid has been vocal about his support for more methadone clinics in the city, and says the more people getting treatment can be related to a decrease in crime.
Dr. Christie says once a person becomes addicted to opiates, they display drug seeking behaviours, which are generally illegal in order to fund their drug habits.

Weapons Charges

City Police have two men in custody after a man was approached on Charlotte Street with a weapon being produced. police say the suspects tried to force him into an alley but he managed to get away unharmed and nothing was stolen. The two were picked up later on.

Crime Reduction in Saint John

The statistics for break and enters and motor vehicle thefts are hitting a 10 year low this year.Deputy Police Chief Daryl Scribner says the number of break and enters are down 27 per cent, while motor vehicle thefts are down 15.5 per cent. Scribner says the decreases can be traced back to intelligence led policing, which looks at patterns between crimes in the city. The department has bi-weekly crime control meetings with every officer in charge, and while looking at the suspects for the drug investigation Operation Portland, one officer noticed they were the same people involved in domestic violence cases.
Scribner says looking at patterns, and connections of crimes in the city is helping reduce criminal activity. He says next year there will be a focus on decreasing the amount of assaults in Saint John.

Gas Prices Rise

A slight increase in the price of gas following the weekly setting. The maximum price for self serve regular is 102.4. It's selling around town for 102.1 a litre, an increase of just under a penny. The maximum price for diesel is 104.9 but is going for 103.2 a litre in Saint John, a rise of just over a cent from last night. Heating oil is at 88.2.

District Eight Implements New Policy

         (District Eight Superintendent Susan Tipper)
                    (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

I'll see you outside after school or I'm going to kill you. Just two of the types of threats that will be evaluated if heard or seen in a note or e-mail at any school in District Eight. It now has a Community Threat Assessment Protocol in place to deal with any issue that may arise in a school. Superintendent Susan Tipper tells CHSJ News, some people may think this is over-kill but they don't.

Tipper adds all school principals have been briefed on the new protocol and students are aware of what is exceptable behaviour and what falls into the questionable category.

SeaDogs Rank Number Two For a Third Straight Week

For a third straight week......the Saint John Seadogs are the number two ranked junior team in the country. This despite a 17 game winning streak and the latest rankings show the Windsor Spitfires at number one riding a 21 game streak with-out a loss. Dogs President Wayne Long tells CHSJ News, it may sound like a cliche, but just showing up in the rankings shows the progress the team has been making.


Long says the team tries not to get caught up in the numbers but he would be lying if he said the players don't take notice of how they rank against other junior teams.

Acadia Broadcasting Grows Again

From the business file -- the parent company of Country 94 and 97.3 the Wave is growing again -- Saint John based Acadia Broadcasting has just received approval from the Canadian Radio - Television - and - Telecommunications Commission to purchase two radio stations in Thunder Bay from Newcap Incorporated.
The proposed purchase was first announced back in July of this year -- and -- with the regulatory approval -- the deal will be completed by the end of the month.
Acadia also has radio stations in St Stephen - Bridgewater - and - three communities in northwestern Ontario.

Early Bird Winner is Announced

  (Francis Fowler and Family with their Winnings)
              (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

You would be hard pressed to find someone with a bigger grin on his today than Francis Fowler. He is the early bird winner in this years Hospital Home Lottery and drives away with a brand new Lexus and five thousand dollars. Fowler tells CHSJ News, he bought a ticket last year but had no plans to do the same this year but is glad his son talked him into it.


Fowler is from Upham and says he is sure to turn a few heads when he rolls through the community in his brand new vehicle. You last chance to buy a ticket is midnight tomorrow.

Legion on Bayside Drive

The Memorial Legion Branch 53 is one step closer to establishing a legion on Bayside Drive.
The Planning Advisory Committee passed the proposal to approach Common Council but not without considerable questioning and concern. A letter of opposition  outlined potential noise levels and late night activities.
Terry Murphy, 1st Vice President of the Branch, told P-A-C the legion has been through some tough times and is trying to get back on its feet.
All P-A-C members voted yes to the proposal with the exception of PAC Chairmen Stephen Horgan, who voted against it.

Fire alarms ring at City Hall

City Hall was a buzz with activity last night, but not the type of activity you would expect. 30 minutes into last nights Planning Advisory Committee meeting, fire alarms began to ring, forcing the committee and citizens to evacuate the building while emergency crews responded. District Chief Peter Saab tells CHSJ News that what turned out to be a false alarm was set off on the second floor by pranksters.
The meeting resumed approximately 15 minutes after the evacuation, but left a new experience for all of those involved.

Support for provincial Liberals plunges

A new public opinion poll shows support for the provincial Liberals is plunging because of the proposed sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec. The Corporate Research Associates poll was taken from November 9th to the 30th and shows the Conservatives leading by ten points, 46 to 36 per cent.

Robbery charge laid in Hampton

A 55 year old Saint John man has appeared in court for the robbery of the Barnwood Pub at gunpoint earlier this week and abduction of a female employee. AA 55 year old Saint John man has appeared in court for the robbery of the Barnwood Pub at gunpoint earlier this week and abduction of a female employee. Adrien John Lepage was charged with stealing money from a woman who worked there, using violence and making threats of violence. Lepage did not enter a plea and was remanded to jail until his next court appearance December 29th. drien John Lepage was charged with stealing money from a woman who worked there, using violence and making threats of violence. Lepage did not enter a plea and was remanded to jail until his next court appearance December 29th.

Blaney reacts to budget

Election is the word the Conservative MLA for Rothesay uses to describe yesterday's Provincial Budget. Margaret Ann Blaney tells CHSJ News, bringing in a capital and operational budget four months ahead of the fiscal year should really set off alarm bells for everyone.

Blaney she now understands why the Graham Government wants to sell the assets of NB Power to Hydro Quebec.......to try and offset some of the debt they continue to pile up.

Board of Trade on Provincial Budget

  (President of Saint John Board of Trade Imelda Gilman)
(Executive Director of the SJ Construction Ass. Pat Darrah)
                  (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

President of the Saint John Board of Trade gives the Provincial Budget a passing grade. Imelda Gilman tells CHSJ News, her major concern is the ballooning deficit. Pat Darrah is Executive Director of the Saint John Construction Association and tells CHSJ News, he is more worried about what Finance Minister Bryne didn't say in outlining how they plan to pay down this huge deficit.

Darrah adds construction was a big reason the southern half of the province wasn't hit hard by the recession with over 10,000 labourers on the job this year.

Provincial Budget Is Good News for the Port City

If you can get past the looming deficit in the Provincial Budget, here are some of the highlights for Greater Saint John. Over $30 million dollars has been set aside for the Saint John Community College including $19 million for the new center of excellence. There is also $11.5 million for the new Health Center upgrade at UNB Saint John. K-12 education gets a nice boost of 91% from last year, coming in at $95.7 million including $28.7 million in capital projects.

That includes a new K-5 school in the Kennebecasis Valley. On the transportation side.....a new ferry for Fundy Isles will cost $49 million, the Weslford Bypass is $24.2 million and the One Mile Interchange comes in at $30.5. $23 million is going to be spent on the new Justice Complex in the uptown and over ten million is being invested in public housing.

H1N1 Clinics Continue for the General Public

Public Health officials continue with their H1N1 vaccination clinics for general public in the Greater Saint John Area.
The following is a list of clinics between today and Friday:

Marco Polo Cruise Ship Terminal, 111 Water Street, Saint John, December 1 until 9pm

Royal Canadian Legion, 43 Queen St. West, St. Stephen, December 1, until 9pm

Royal Canadian Legion, 43 Queen St. West, St. Stephen, December 2, 9am - 5pm

Hampton Senior Resource Center, 31 Demille Ct., Hampton, December 2, 9am - 7pm

Westfield Elementary School, 147 Nerepis Road, GrandBay-Westfield, December 2, 4pm - 9pm
 (Please be aware public access to the school will not open until after school hours)

Side Court Right (gymnasium) George Forbes Elliot Athletic Centre UNBSJ, 100 Tucker Park Road, Saint John, December 2, 9am - 3pm ** for UNBSJ students and staff only**

Side Court Right (gymnasium) George Forbes Elliot Athletic Centre UNBSJ, 100 Tucker Park Road, Saint John, for the general public, December 2, 3pm - 9pm

NBCC St. Andrews, 99 Augustus Street, St. Andrews, December 3, 9am - 9pm

Rothesay Baptist Church, 30 Vincent Road, Quispamsis, Kennebecasis Valley, December 3, 9am - 9pm

St. George Community Center, 11 J.O. Spinney Dr., St. George, December 4, 9am - 5pm

Carleton Community Centre, 82 Market Place, Saint John (West), December 4, 9am - 9pm

Sussex Elementary School, 25 Duke Street, Sussex, December 4, 9am - 7pm

For more updated information on the clinics go to www.gnb.ca/flu or call 1-800-580-0038.

Suspicious Death in the Border Town

(photo courtesy of Kim Hall)

St. Stephen RCMP are investigating a suspicious death in the town.
Police called to a home on Queen Street on Monday after family members had not heard from a woman for a few days.
Police discovered the body of a 59-year old woman in the house.
The death at this point is considered suspicious and the RCMP’s Major Crime Unit is investigating.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

The woman's identity has not been released.

Dead Monkeys at the Cherry Brook Zoo

The deaths of three infant Callimico Goeldi monkey's born at the Cherry Brook Zoo is being blamed on an incident that happened a year and a half ago. You might remember April, an infant Goeldi monkey was kidnapped and after a city-wide search, she was returned to the front door of the facility. Zoo Director Lynda Collrin tells CHSJ News, they have put back together the original breeding pair and are hoping to re-populate the species.


Collrin says April's brother Charlie became so over-protective after she was kidnapped, that he would hold on to each infant so tight and long, they became to weak from starvation to nurse.

LNG SuperTanker Arrives in Port

After travelling 22 days and 15,000 kilometers, the Q-Flex, one of the largest and most advanced LNG Vessels has arrived in the Port. It is the first LNG supertanker to to arrive on North America’s East Coast. No word on when it will berth at facility because at the moment, it is to windy.

The arrival of the Q-Flex marks the 10th ship to dock at Canaport LNG since it came on line back on June 22.

Update on Robbery in the Valley

A man will appear in court this afternoon in Hampton to be charged with the armed robbery and abduction of a woman yesterday afternoon from the Barnwood Pub. A woman working at the pub, who did not know the robber, was held up at gunpoint and taken to Lepreau before being released a couple of hours later.

Police say the man in his fifties, was nabbed without incident at a home in Rothesay.

H1N1 Clinic at Marco Polo Cruise Terminal

              (Jim Hennessy Getting H1N1 Shot)
                (Photo by Liane Jordan)

It's another day of H1N1 clinics in most parts of the Province as the general public lines up to get immunized. The Marco Polo Cruise Terminal is hosting one until nine o'clock tonight. Marilyn Rankin is one of those who showed up and tells CHSJ News, she is very impressed with how organized everything is.


The clinic is open until nine o'clock tonight and a complete list of the clinics scheduled for Greater Saint John over the next few days is here.

World Aids Day Being Marked

This is World Aids Day -- set aside to remember those who have passed away and those still suffering with the disease.
Julie Dingwell is with Aids Saint John and tells CHSJ News, better access to medication is helping to stabilize the number of people being diagnosed.
Dingwell is asking everyone to touch base with the offices of MP Dominic LeBlanc or Brian Murphy and show your support for bill C-93 which talks about access to medicine.
The bill will be voted on tomorrow in Ottawa.

Questions About Police Presence At Border Town Home

Yellow police crime scene tape surrounds a house on Queen Street in St Stephen at this hour.
So far - the Mounties are tight lipped about why they are at the home -- but -- neighbors say police have been at the scene since around three this morning.

Quispam Council Considers Active Transportation

Quispamsis Town Council will be taking an in depth look into expanding the possibilities of Active Transportation within the community at tonight's council meeting.
Michael Haines, director of Transactive Solutions, tells CHSJ News that there are many different ways for you to use active transportation like skateboarding or cycling.
Quispamsis is looking into the possibility of expanding the town to replicate Fredericton's success of bike paths, walking paths and general use of active transport. Town Council gets started at 7.

Concerns Linger About Winter Parking Ban

With the winter parking ban going into effect this weekend, Commissioner of Municipal Operations Paul Groody says some people are saying it's in inconvenience -- but -- many others are saying it's about time.

Groody says at the end of the day the decision is going to save the city and tax payers money, as well as increase snow removal services.
Mayor Ivan Court says there should be some flexibility -- Court says people have been telling him some people are in awkward situations where they have no where other than the street to park their cars.
He says something needs to be done to accommodate those citizens.

Flu Clinic Busy

There was a steady stream of traffic yesterday at the swine flu clinic for the general public which was held at Exhibition Park.
There will be another clinic today in the city from 9 this morning to 9 tonight at the Marco Polo cruise ship terminal on Water Street.
For an updated list of H-1-N-1 flu clinics - click here.

City Police Make Arrest In Hit And Run

One man is under arrest after a hit and run last night shortly after 6:00 on Hickey Road.
The collision itself was minor and city police stopped the vehicle that took off.
The driver is facing charges of impaired driving, possession of stolen goods and probation violation.

Robbery And Abduction In Ken Valley

Rothesay Regional Police are investigating an armed robbery and abduction which took place around noon hour yesterday at the Barnwood Pub.
A woman employee of the pub was taken to Lepreau and released a couple of hours later.
Police are looking for a suspect described as being white, in his fifties who's bald with grey hair on the sides and a grey handlebar moustache.
He was driving a late model dark blue Chevy van with a Montreal Canadiens logo on the passenger side window and a ribbon decal at the back of the van on the driver's side.
If you have any information about his whereabouts, you can call police at 847-6300 or crimestoppers at 1-800-222-tips. a two thousand dollar reward is on offer.

Fire near Woodstock

A fire near Woodstock this morning has left a family homeless.
The Red Cross says the two adults and two kids were not injured and have been taken in by family for the time being.
Red Cross volunteers provided them with replacement food and clothing.
The cause of the fire in the community of Beardsley is under investigation.

Campers found safe

Two missing campers have been located safe and sound near Hammondvale.
Sussex RCMP tell us they were found walking along the Shepody Road this afternoon.
The 25-year old man from River Glade and 25-year old woman from Colpitts Settlement went missing over the weekend while on a camping trip after the truck they were driving broke down and their cell phone died.
Four different agencies along with volunteers and family members spent nearly two days looking for them.

New Pre-School Program at Forest Glen Community Centre

Parents have another option with a new YM-YWCA Preschool program opening in January at Forest Glen Community Centre.
Adrienne Boudreau of the YM-YWCA tells CHSJ News the program for 3-5 years olds is licensed by Social Development and supervised by an early childhood educator.
Boudreau says the kids will have fun, develop friendships and skills to help make an easy transition into school.
For more information on this program, please contact Forest Glen Community Centre at 658-2816.

Locals Love Recycling Milk Cartons

In two weeks, the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission has collected 820 kilograms of milk cartons.

They are accepted under a new streamlined recycling program making the blue box experience easier and quicker.
Brenda McCullum tells CHSJ News they do need to remind people to put cereal boxes in with paper.
She add they are still seeing a lot of cereal boxes in with the corrugated cardboard.
Seven transport truckloads of recyclable materials has left the landfill after the first two weeks of material collected was processsed.

Campers Missing in Sussex Area

The good news for a pair of missing campers is it isn't as cold as it should be for this time of the year. Sussex RCMP tell us a 25-year old man from River Glade and a 25-year old woman from Colpitts Settlement who went missing over the weekend while on a camping trip that started on Friday. They made a call from a cell phone call to friends telling them the truck they were driving had broken down.


The couple have camping supplies and food but the cell phone is dead. RCMP have grounded their helicopter because the weather isn't the best but search teams continue to look for the two. Officers tell us the 25-year old man is a seasoned camper and the warm weather is playing in their favor as well.

Thieves on the Run

The search continues by Grand Bay Westfield RCMP for a thief or thieves. A summer home was broken into on the Brittain Road and officers believe it happened sometime between the 19th of this month and yesterday. Someone got into the home through the front door or a window as there was damage to both. Among the stolen stuff was a set of solar lights.


RCMP tell us this is the fifth reported break and enter in the Lower Greenwich and Browns Flat area in as many weeks. Other stuff stolen was a television and radio-cd player.

Trailer thefts over the weekend

You may want to go take a look at your trailer if it is parked at a campground on the Taylor Road at the head of Millstream. Sussex RCMP tell us that sometime yesterday, five trailers were broken into at a campground in the area.
A 42" Samsung television was stolen from one trailer and the other four were ransacked but it's still not known if anything was stolen from these trailers. Two suspects have been identified but no arrests at this point.

Still Looking For Answers in Miners Death

Still no answers surrounding a death at the Potash Corporation Mine in Sussex. 56-year old Vince Mitton of Penobsquis was killed while working at the facility on November.22nd. He was working underground installing a section of pipe when the incident happened.


General Manager Mark Fracchia tells CHSJ News, their internal team continues to work with Worksafe NB to find some answers. No word on how much longer the investigation will take.

Harbour Bridge Authorities Search for Cash

One option down for the Harbour Bridge Authority in it's search for construction cash. A bank loan was approved subject to a federal or provincial loan guarantee, but they can't get either, so the search continues. General Manager Ken Anthony tells CHSJ News, the state of the economy could be playing a factor in a bank's final decision.


Total cost of the project is over $30 million dollars. The Bridge Authority has been approached by another bank and are also looking into possible private financing avenues. If neither of those come through, Anthony says he isn't sure where they will go.

Premier Graham Remains Optimistic

Don't think for a minute that Premier Shawn Graham is losing any sleep over the heat coming from the proposed deal between NB Power and Hydro-Quebec. Graham tells CHSJ News, political pundits have put the nails in his coffin more than once in the past 11 years.


Graham adds he is ready to prove wrong all those who think this move is political suicide.

City Police Kept Busy Sunday Night

City Police have three men in custody after the tires on 8 vehicles were slashed outside the L-B-R last night. Police say there was an altercation inside the arena and are investigating whether there is a connection. Police also have another man in custody after he threatened to jump twenty feet from a building at the corner of Princess and Canterbury Streets. Police wanted to question him about a reported assault.

The suspect was eventually grappled by police and could also be facing a charge of mischief.

Heart and Stroke Bus Pull

Co-ordinators for the 1st annual Heart and Stroke Bus Pull say yesterdays event could only be described as a success. Terry Wagnor of the Heart and Stroke Foundation tells CHSJ news the event is aimed at putting AED machines into high schools in the Saint John area.


With the use of CPR, survival rate for cardiac arrest is 5 percent, but with the use of an AED machine, the rate increases to 50 percent. Saint John High School will be one of the recipients of the events AED machines.

Mayor Court Helps Out

The popular Fusion Saint John initiative "Project Rednose" has gained the support and volunteerism of Mayor Ivan Court. The Project, aimed at keeping drunk drivers off the road during the holiday season, kept 30 to 40 people safe this past weekend. Mayor Court tells CHSJ news he hopes to see even more Saint Johners use the service as the season continues.

The Free Volunteer Run Service will continue until News Years. The number to call to use the service is 693-6810.

Active Transportation in the Valley

People in Quispamsis interested in active transporation--listen up. The town is hosting a workshop designed to get people informed on active transportation, as well as alternate modes of transportation such as cycling. The workshop will outline what other communities are doing to help improve pedestrian and cycling facilities, and will be asking what the community would like to see in the Valley.

Things get underway at 7 o'clock at the Quispamsis town hall.

General Public Ready for H1N1 Shots

If you've been waiting patiently for your chance to get an H1N1 shot, you day has arrived. Exhibiton Park is hosting one that gets started at ten this morning and runs til eight o'clock this evening. There is also one in Grand Manan at the Community Center also between nine and eight. So far, seven people have died from H1N1 around the Province but public health officials are quick to point out all had underlying conditions that complicated the virus and the recovery.


Late last week, Dr. Eilish Cleary, Chief Medical Officer of Health says the intensity of the activity has gone down but warns people not to let their guard down. Health officials strongly urge everyone to get the shot as soon as they can. Clinics that are running between now and Dec.10th are all posted on the government web site at gnb.ca and you can find all of them on our website at country94.ca......click news.