Apartment Vacancy Rate On The Increase

If you're apartment hunting - you may notice a few more listings of late -- a survey by Canada Mortgage and Housing shows the city's apartment vacancy rate in October sitting at 3.6-percent -- up from 3.1 in October of last year.
And the federal housing agency is also reporting the average rent for a two bedroom apartment in the greater Saint John area at 644-dollars a month in October -- that's up 4.5-percent from a year ago.

Saint John Regional Hospital Home Lottery Winner Chosen

A husband and wife from Gagetown have won the 750 thousand dollar luxury home in Drury Cove which was the top prize in the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation's Home Lottery. Micheal and Lynn Barley bought three tickets. The winning ticket was selected from almost 22 thousand that were sold. Micheal Wallace of Moncton took the second prize, a 2010 Toyota truck.

Taxes Going Down in Quispamsis

[Mayor Murray Driscoll---File Photo]
Taxes in Quispamsis are going down.
As apart of the 2010 operating budget, the tax rate is decreasing by 2.2 cents, putting it at 1.20.
The entire budget is at $18.12 million dollars, and Mayor Murray Driscoll says there will be increased spending on road infrastructure as the town continues to grow.
Driscoll says the town is in good financial shape because it isn't borrowing money to pay for projects, with the exception of the Q-Plex. Driscoll says by not financing projects, and paying off the current debt, the town is realizing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of savings.

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll Addresses Town

Airport Looking for Your Feedback

(Runway Activity at SJ Airport)
  (Compliments of SJ Airport)

The Saint John Airport wants your feedback as officials go over the paperwork for it's strategic and 20-year master plan. They want to hear from residents in Saint John and all points in between Sussex and St. Stephen in putting the final document together. Input and comments can be forwarded to fly@sjairport.ca by January 08.

Results of the planning effort will be released at the Airport's Annual General Meeting in May.

Both Lanes of Highway 1 Eastbound open to traffic

The commute to the KV will be a lot easier this afternoon.
One lane of Highway 1 Eastbound was closed and the speed reduced near Strescon since last week while work crews put up a new sign for the Ashburn Lake Road exit.
It was gridlock on Highway 1 on the drive home last night with traffic backed up as far as the Harbour Bridge.

MP Moore wants the gutting of Bill C-15 reversed by the Liberals

[M-P Rob Moore---File Photo]
Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore is calling on Michael Ignatieff and his Liberals to reverse changes to Bill C-15, legislation to establish mandatory penalties for serious drug crimes.
Moore tells CHSJ News the problem is the Liberal controlled-Senate creating loopholes to delay passage of the legislation.
The House of Commons including the Liberals passsed the bill and then Moore says, the Senate did their dirty work and that is what the Conservatives want addressed.
The bill would make drug trafficking for organized crime purposes with a weapon carry a mandatory prison sentence.
Moore says the stalling shows the Liberals are soft are crime.

Moosehead on Board With Q-Plex

(Starting from Left...Mayor Driscoll, Joel Levesque
     and Derek Oland....Photo by Jim Hennessy)

When the Q-Plex in Quispamsis is complete, the name of the it's 4000 square foot meeting area will be known as the Moosehead Conference Center. In exchange for the naming right, the brewery makes a $125,000 dollar committment to the facility. Mayor Murray Driscoll says Moosehead continues to show why it is such an amazing community minded business.

Driscoll adds the search continues for a sponsor name for the facility. Along with the name of the conference center, Moosehead becomes the sole beer supplier for the facility for the next ten years.

Cartoon Attacks Premier and Irving

(Sign in Protest of NB Power-Hydro-Quebec Deal)
              (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Black and white cartoons have begun showing up in store front windows around the Greater Saint John area. They show a man in a suit holding a wrench with the Irving logo on it and the head of Premier Shawn Graham as to top of the tool. The writing on the sign reads ""The Only Tool Needed to Dismantle Public Assets""


The signs are showing up a day after the group calling itself Put NB People First held a rally on Germain Street and the offices of three area MLA's to voice their displeasure with the proposal to sell NB Power's assets to Hydro Quebec. So far, no one has taken credit for the cartoon. 

New Incentive to Recruit Nurses

[Health Minister Mary Schryer]
Talk is being replaced with action in the drive to bring more nurses to the Province. The Graham Government has announced a $10,000 incentive to nursing graduates who accept positions targeted as being hard to recruit. Health Minister Mary Schryer says this is a necessary tool to continue boosting the ranks. President of the Provincial Nurses Union Marilyn Quinn says this is another positive step in recruitement.

The program is available to nurses who graduated after March 3 of this year and to nursing students in their fourth year of studies who accept positions identified as hard to recruit. Since October of 2006, 357 nurses have been recruited to the Province.

Teenager Killed in Single Vehicle Accident

A 19-year old girl from Fredericton Junction is dead a single vehicle crash yesterday. RCMP were called to the Back Tracy Road to find the vehicle she was driving left the road and hit a pole. She was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle.


A 19-year old man in the vehicle suffered a few cuts and bruises but officers believe alcohol, speed and slippery road conditions all contributed to the accident happening. The name of the woman killed is not being released until family have been notified.

Construction Work Continues Along Highway Seven

Two contracts worth $11.8 million have been awarded as construction continues on the Route 7 Welsford-Nerepis bypass. Redem Construction Ltd. of Rusagonis won the job to construct a viaduct on Route 7 and Debly Enterprises of Saint John won a tender for work on a 2.6-km stretch on Route 101 to the transmission line near Route 7.

The total project cost for Phase 1 is $29.2 million and is scheduled to be finished in 2012.

Coleson Cove Gets a New License

The Provincial Environment Department has awarded Coleson Cove a new Class 1 air quality license approval. The company's current air quality operating approval will expire on Jan. 14.


The renewal follows a public consultation which included a 120-day public review between July 13 and Nov. 16. The new license is good for the next five years.

Where You Can Mulch Your Christmas Tree

We have the locations where you can take your Christmas tree to be mulched after the holiday. In Quispamsis, your tree can be dropped off at the parking lot of the Recreation Center off Meehan's Cove Road and the Walter Jewett Ballfield parking lot. Trees must be dropped of by Jan.8th. In Rothesay, there are four drop-off area's. The Bill McGuire Center, Wells Recreation Field, East Riverside Kingshurst Park and the front lot of the Rothesay Arena.


In Saint John.......you can take your tree to the Gorman Arena in Millidgeville, The Peter Murray and Hilton Belyea is taking tree's for the West Side and in East Saint John it is the Forest Hills Ballfield. A location for the South End is still trying to be found. All tree's will be mulched on January.9th and the complete list is available on our website at country94.ca just click news.

Proposed Bus Cuts

The Energy and Utilities Board wants to hear more from Acadian Coach Lines about its planned cuts to bus routes in the province. The Board wants more detailed information about ridership and costs on the two routes it wants to drop. Acadian is asking for approval to eliminate its routes from Saint John to Bangor which also serve Charlotte County as well as the Fredericton to Miramichi routes, which also stop in communities along Route 8. While asking for cuts, Acadian would like to increase the number of express buses between Saint John, Fredericton, Moncton and Halifax.

Quispamsis Girl Makes a Difference at Christmas

A young girl from Quispamsis is trying to make a difference and encourage others to do the same. For the past several weeks, 12 -year old Rebecca Dempster has held a bake sale at her school during the lunch hour. With the $230.00 dollars she has raised, Rebecca is sponsoring a young girl through a program with the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department. Dempster tells CHSJ News, four years ago, she and her family were sponsored. She is encouraging companies and individuals to support someone through the program. For more information you can contact the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department.

Tax Rate Maintained in Grand Bay-Westfield

(Mayor Grace Losier)

(photo by Tamara Steele)

There will not be an increase in the tax rate in Grand Bay-Westfield for 2010. Town Council passed the budget and kept the tax rate at $1.37. The 4.8 million dollar budget includes a nearly 20 thousand dollar increase in the cost of RCMP services to $627-thousand dollars. 2-million dollars will be borrowed in 2010 for the Colonel Nase Boulevard project connecting Highway 7 to River Valley Drive. The user fee for sewerage services will remain the same at $270 per unit.

Condo Project in Rothesay

The plan to build condos at 23 Marr Road has passed first reading so it can proceed for now. The town of Rothesay is allowing Rod Crowther to begin phase 1 of the development but is tabling the zoning by-law until more information can be given. Crowther wants to build 4 or 5 buildings, which will hold approximately 160 units. Phase 1 will consist of one buiilding with 20 to 24 condos and Crowther says the entire project benefits the town by putting nearly 160 housing units on 6 acres of land. Before approving the by law amendment, town council requires more information on how the development will affect neighbouring properties in terms of storm water management, as well as the scale of development.

Rothesay Tax Rate Goes Down

[Mayor Bill Bishop---File Photo]
The Town of Rothesay is reducing it's tax rate by 2 cents. The town's tax rate is down to $1.21 cents and Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News, unlike other municipalities, Rothesay includes garbage pick up in it's budget. Bishop says if the cost of garbage pick up wasn't included in the rate, it would be in the area of 1.16 cents, which is close to where the province recommended it to be. The town will increase spending on recreation which is something Bishop says residents have been asking for. The town will conduct a study on trails in the community, as well as major renovations to the Rothesay Arena, and the Renforth Wharf. The town's total general budget amounts to $14.85 million dollars.

H1N1 Clinics in greater Saint John area

(file photo)

If you still need to get the vaccine, H1N1 clinics continue in the Saint John area.
There is a clinic at the Assumption Centre on Chapel Street West until 7pm this evening.
You are asked to park and enter through the back. Wheelchair accessibility is available at the front.
Tomorrow, there is a clinic at Millidgeville North school on Woodward Avenue and it runs from 3-8pm.   You are asked to use the entrance to District 8 office. The clinic is in the school cafeteria.


The following are clinics between Wednesday and Saturday:
Sussex Middle School, December 16, 3:30 pm - 7pm


**Last clinic for this area**


St Paul’s Anglican Church, Rothesay, December 16, 2pm - 8pm


Belleisle Community Center, December 17, 3pm - 7pm
**Last clinic for this area, Belleisle/Hampton/Norton/Apohaqui**


WorksafeNB, 3700 Westfield Road, Grand Bay, December 17, 3pm - 8pm
**Please use the North side entrance with handrail. Parking is limited until 4:15pm
Last clinic for this area, Grand Bay/West Saint John**


St Stephen Public Health Office, December 18, 8:30am - 7pm
**Last clinic for this area, Charlotte County**


Bill McGuire Memorial Centre, Rothesay, December 18, 1pm - 7pm
**Last clinic for this area, Kennebecasis Valley**


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

Young Girl Makes Donation

A recent donation has officials at the Huntsman Marine Center thrilled. It has come from six year old Kayley Clark of Fredericton who made a huge sacrifice at her recent birthday party. Instead of bringing presents, she asked her friends to bring a donation to help move the seals at the center into their new home. Kayley also donated all of her birthday card money with the final total rolling in at $186.85 cents.

Kayley and her family dropped off the gift over the weekend and received a few in return from the center. A campaign has just been launched to raise two million dollars for a new Bay of Discovery Center with the hope of being open by 2011.

Rally in Saint John

(Protestor in Saint John Against NB Power Proposal)
                  (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

A small number of protestors braving the cold wind outside the energy building on Germain Street to stage a rally against the sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec. Bethany Thorne Dykstra of Put NB People First says if a referendum was held on V-L-T's a few years ago, then there should be one on this issue which affects all rate-payers.

Put N-B People First is urging every person in the Province to sign a number of petitions that are circulating calling on the Provincial cabinet to proclaim a referendum.

Piece of Property in Millidgeville Now Protected

(Ken Hirtle Making Presentation to John Irving)
                (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Another piece of land in the Province is now protected by the Nature Trust of New Brunswick. The Graham Government has donated 27 hectares which now becomes an official nature preserve. The piece of property is right behind Samuel de Champlain and runs down to the Saint John River. Renata Woodward with the Nature Trust tells CHSJ News, this is a wonderful addition to the group's to do list.


Along with the property from the Province, John Irving has donated $75,000 dollars which will finance the stewardship of the reserve. Homeowners in Ragged Point and the Boars Head Road area have been working for years to protect this piece of property.

Mini Home Destroyed by Fire

Nobody hurt but a mini home has been destroyed by fire. The St. Martin's Department was called Bains Corner last night just after nine to find the vacant trailer engulfed in flames and luckily, were having a meeting when the call came in so it took no time to get there.

Investigators believe someone may have been in the home illegally because there is no power hooked up.

SeaDogs Winning Streak is Over

        (Seadogs Logo)
          (File Photo)

It started with a win against Moncton and came to an end with a loss to the Wildcats. The Seadogs winning streak crashed at 22 at the Coliseum yesterday with a 7-3 loss to Moncton. Dogs President Wayne Long tells CHSJ News, no question it certainly stings a little more that the streak ends against Moncton.

President Long is hoping a big crowd shows up to pay tribute to the team for this amazing run of 22 straight wins.

Work on Highway One Almost Finished

The Traffic pattern out to the Valley should be flowing smoother by Wednesday. Matt Frye, an official with the Department of Transportation tells CHSJ News, the work being carried out near Strescon should be finished by tomorrow.


Crews have been braving the elements since last week to get a new sign for the Ashburn Lake Road exit in place.

Worlds Longest Bridge Gets Repairs

Over the next three months, the covered bridge in Hartland is getting some repair work compliments of the Department of Transportation. The roof on the first and second spans on the Hartland side of the bridge will be replaced which means the bridge is shut down starting today until Friday.


Total cost of the project is $120,000 dollars. The covered bridge in Hartland is the longest in the world.

New Sponsor for Ball Hockey Tournament

Tim Hortons has signed on as the title sponsor of the World 3 on 3 Street Hockey Championship for the next three years. The event will now be known as the Tim Hortons World 3 on 3 Street Hockey Championship.

This year the tournament will introduce a youth division, along with the very popular men's and women's divisions. There will be four categories within this division ages 7-9, 10-12, 13-15 and 16-18.

H-1-N-1 Flu Clinics

For those still deciding whether or not they want to recieve the H1N1 Virus Flu Shot, your time is running short. Friday, December 18th, will the be the final day to recieve the shot in a mass public clinic. With the provincial government's investment of $17.1 million dollars, the vaccine is free to all New Brunswickers who choose to be immunized.
By the time the clinics close, more than 55 per cent of the province will have been vaccinated against the virus. More then half of those immunized are under 19.

Rothesay Town Budget

Increases in spending across the board are expected to hightlight the budget for the Town of Rothesay to be handed down tonight. In the general document, there are increases for fire and police with cash also set aside for recreation and street maintenance. Mayor Bill Bishop believes taxpayers in the town will be happy with the final document. The current tax rate in Rothesay is $1.23 and tonight's council meeting gets started at eight at the Town Hall.

Proposed Condo Project in Rothesay

The town of Rothesay is considering rezoning a parcel of land on Marr Road and is holding a public hearing regarding the proposed rezoning of 23 Marr Road for a higher density condo project.
The town is looking to hear from those who are opposed or in favour of the change.
The meeting gets started at 7 o'clock at the town hall.

NB Power Rally

Anyone opposed to the proposed sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec is being called on to rally in uptown Saint John this morning in front of the Energy Building on Germain Street. Those taking part in the rally will then visit three Saint John MLA's Constituency offices. Bethany Thorne Dykstra is a spokesperson for the group and tells the wave the debt hanging over the public utility isn't all that bad. Thorne Dykstra adds they want to know where the yet to be named MLA's stand on this sale and whether they will push for a referendum on this issue.

Police Blotter

2 people are behind bars after a man was assaulted at 40 Ocean Court on the west side. The victim was treated in hospital for minor injuries. City police also arresting three people for a break and enter at Mr. Music on Prince Edward Street.

511 for Transport

Travellers are going to be able to get a heads up on weather, and road conditions thanks to a new hotline from the provincial government. Transportation Minister Denis Landry announced the province is setting up 511 to give travellers road construction reports, road openings and closures, along with ferry operations.The cost of implementing the service is over $83 thousand dollars, which is shared between the Department of Transportation and Transport Canada.
511 is now activated.

Tree Trimming Reminders

Tis the season to be careful when decorating your house for the holiday. Captain Andrew Sanojca with the Musquash Fire Department tells CHSJ News, before any lights or decorations that plug in are set up....give them a good once over. Sanojca adds it's a good idea to unplug any decorations as well if your going to be away from the house for an extended period of time. Also, if you have a real tree, try to water at least twice a day as they dry up very quickly.

House Fire on Loch Lomond Road

Fire crews busy last night fighting a blaze at 2225 Loch Lomond Road.
Just after 9 o'clock crews responded to the structure fire to find flames coming from the home.
After an aggressive attack, fire crews were able to contain the blaze to the living room area. The living room suffered heavy smoke, fire and water damage, while the remainder of the home sustained smoke damage.
No one was home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries.

Accident on Highway 7

A 41 year old man may be facing charges after a single vehicle accident last night on Highway 7.
Just after 7 o'clock last night the man crashed his car, and was found almost a kilometre away.
Police say he was taken to the hospital and suffered minor injuries.
Charges may be laid after the results of his blood test is returned.

Tory M-L-A Concerned Over Liberal Spending

[Former Conservative Finance Minister Jeannott Volpe---File Photo]

The Former Conservative Finance Minister says the Liberal Government shouldn't be concerned about NB Power's debt for future generations because the utility has to pay it's own debts.
Jeannot Volpe says he doesn't understand the logic of selling the utility to reduce provincial debt, because NB Power is responsible for it's own debts.
Volpe says what the Graham Government should be concerned about is it's spending.

KV Fire Chief Retires

[KV Fire Chief Larry Greer---File Photo]

The proper paper work has been filed and the search is on for a replacement. Kennebecasis Valley Fire Chief Larry Greer is hanging up the helmet and shield after 40 years on the job but no official date has been circled. Greer tells CHSJ News, it wasn't an easy decision.

Chief Greer says he leaves the job with no regrets and proud of what has been accomplished while he was in charge of the department.

Saint John part of global call for change on Climate Change

Global climate change is the reason for a candlelight vigil in King Square tomorrow night.


Vigils are being held across the country and around the world to coincide with the UN's Climate Change conference underway in Copenhagen, Denmark.


Organizer Mariel Hunter tells CHSJ news they will be taking a picture of the number "350" using candles because 350 parts per million is how much carbon dioxide is safe to have in the atmosphere.


Hunter says the world is currently hovering near 400 parts per million mark.


The vigil runs from 5 to 6:30pm tomorrow night at Kings Square in Uptown Saint John.

Coalition opposed to NB Power sale is launched

A coalition opposed to the sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec was launced in Moncton this week. The coalition's includes 27,000 citizens linked on Facebook, retiree groups, academics, the Conservative and NDP Parties, the NB Federation of Labour, retired NB Power employees and concerned citizens.
The group pledges to be community based, bilingual and inclusive.

They have received the endorsement of organizations in PEI and Nova Scotia also opposed to the sale.


The Coalition’s website is:  http://www.nbpowernotforsale.com/

Piece of Land in Millidgeville Now Protected

Another piece of land in the Province is now protected by the Nature Trust of New Brunswick. John Irving has donated 27 hectares which now becomes an official nature preserve. The piece of property is right behind Samuel de Champlain and runs down to the Saint John River. Homeowners in Ragged Point and the Boars Head Road area have been working for years to protect this piece of property.

This now brings the number of trust-held nature preserves in the greater Saint John area to six. The land was donated by the Provincial Government while John Irving's donation will finance the stewardship of the preserve.

Murder Charge Laid in St. Stephen Woman's Death

(file photo)

A 32-year-old man faces a first-degree murder charge in the death of St. Stephen woman. 59-year-old Mary Claire Scott was found dead in her Queen Street home on Novemeber 30th. Family members contacted RCMP when they had not heard from Scott for several days.

Tips led investigators to Bible Hill, Nova Scotia where William David White was arrested yesterday. White was living in Scott's home for a time.
The accused is scheduled to appear in St. Stephen Provincial Court today.

Fire Rips Through Home in Seeley's Cove

Nobody hurt after fire ripped through a home earlier this week in Seeley's Cove. Sargeant Greg MacAvoy with St. George RCMP tells CHSJ News, they were called to the home on Wednesday night and one woman living there got out safely.

Investigators are still going over the scene trying to figure out what sparked the blaze.

Home Saved by Off-Duty Firefighter

An off duty firefighter with the Musquash Department is being credited with saving a home in Maces Bay. He was driving past the home last night at seven o'clock when he noticed the front deck was on fire. A bucket full of ashes taken from the wood stove was melting around the wood floor. The firefighter used an extinguisher from his vehicle to smother the flames.


He then helped the homeowner and a neighbour put snow and water onto the deck to cool hot spots. Firefighters then used a hoseline to wet down the deck to insure everything had been extinguished and checked that the fire hadn't extended into the house. Danage was minimal and a reminder to use a metal bucket to collect the ashes from your wood stove.

Latest Word From Department of Health on H1N1

Decline continues to be the word when it comes to H1N1 activity around the Province. 170 people have been sent to hospital since the pandemic began back in April. 32 were in intensive care and 26 of those had underlying medical conditions. The death toll still stands at seven..........four men and three women. As far as the supply of vaccine, 92,500 doses arrived this week with 70,000 more expected to arrive next week.

Mass clinics will continue until the 18th but some will finish sooner than that. To this point, 55% of the population has received the shot with more clinics today in Greater Saint John. There is one at Lawrence Station starting at one and running until eight. The Barrack Green Armoury is hosting one as well until nine tonight and there is also one at Portland United Church in the North End until 3:30pm this afternoon.

Top Marks For Three Buildings

Bayside Middle School, the NBCC St. Andrews Campus and the Provincial Fish Health Laboratory have all received top marks as some of the Provinces most energy efficient new commercial buildings. This is all part of Efficiency NB's Start Smart program.


The design and construction of the buildings were managed by the Department of Supply and Services.

Lobsters For Sale on Long Wharf

With their catch going for four dollars a pound, lobster fisherman are hoping to finish up another tough year on a positive note. They will tie up their vessels on Long Wharf next weekend looking to draw in new business on an old idea. Fresh lobster will be sold right off the back of the boat for close to five dollars a pound. Fisherman John McDade tells CHSJ News, they are looking for some extra revenue but want to let people know this port is active.


McDade adds looking ahead, they would like to see this set-up in the area on a permanent basis. The event is being organized by the Fundy North Fishermen's Association and the sale runs between eleven in the morning and three in the afternoon.

House Fire in East Saint John

Fire Crews were met with heavy smoke and flames when they responded to a house fire last night at 22-25 Loch Lomand Road. District Chief Peter Saab says the fire was contained to the living room but there was smoke and water damage to the rest of the building. The people who live there were not at home when the fire started. The cause is under investigation.

Coverdale shelter collects items for women

The next time you are in a drugstore, grab an few extra toiletries or a pair of socks.
The Coverdale Emergency Shelter for Women are in the middle of their annual necessities drive for the Holidays.
Executive Director Nancy Porter tells CHSJ News that the shelter helps women 18 and older get back on their feet from a variety of situations.
You can also help out by picking up a hairdryer, hair straightener or pajamas, slippers and underwear. The items can be dropped off to our office at 58 King Street in Uptown Saint John until 5pm on December 18th.

Halifax Announces Country Show For the Summer

              

                   (file photo)
Halifax is wasting no time in locking up concert goers for 2010.
Country Rockfest is coming to the Halifax Common August 6th and 7th. The show opens on Friday with George Canyon and Johnny Reid. On Saturday it will be Lonestar, Billy Currington, Keving Costner and his band Modern West followed by the headliner......Alan Jackson.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday at some Atlantic Superstores or you can call 1-902-451-1221.

Operation Red Nose Not Liked By All

Operation Red Nose is being criticized by some local cab drivers. It is the program where volunteer drivers play chauffeur to someone who is attending a Christmas Party in which they drive them home from the festivities at no charge. The cab driver we spoke with, who asked we don't use his name, tells CHSJ News, the set-up is taking money out of his pocket.


The driver says the principle of the program is fine but it is hurting their bottom line. He adds there is some talk among drivers that they take their vehicles off the road on New Years Eve.

One Lane Shut Down Along Highway One

If you know someone who travels along Route One to get home, pass this along. The stretch near Strescon is going to be reduced to one lane starting today as crews put a new overhead sign in place.

The new sign will help direct traffic to the new Ashburn Lake Road exit at a cost of $296,000 dollars. Speed will also be reduced in the work area which is expected to take a week.

New Lights on the West Side

Saint John Energy is working feverishly on Fairville Boulevard this week. Crews are installing new LED street lights as part of a green energy pilot project. These new lights are replacing the current 250 watt high pressure sodium lighting. The new LED lamps use only 112 watts of energy and provide a whiter light with better colour.

The benefit of the new lights is they provide the same output for half the energy. Officials with Saint John Energy and the City are looking into other area's to install the new lights.

Busy Shift for Hampton RCMP

Hampton RCMP are on the look-out for a pair of vehicles that drove the flashing red lights of a school bus yesterday morning. In one case, the driver drove through the lights, picked up someone and then went through the lights a second time while students were getting on a bus. It happened on the Kennebecasis River Road and involved a red van. The second was a Subaru Legacy that drove through the lights on Dutch Point Road.


There was also a hit and run just before six last night on Highway One in Bloomfield. A white SUV was passing a Yaris when it began to fishtail and hit the Yaris. It crashed into a ditch causing over $1,500 damage.

More H1N1 Clinics

You have several choices today if your still searching for a spot to get your H1N1 vaccination. There are four clinics in Greater Saint John including the Deer Island Lords Cove Church of Christ until eight tonight. Also, you can roll up your sleeve at the Kings Valley Wesleyan Church until nine tonight. Over on the Peninsula, there is a clinic between three this afternoon til nine tonight at MacDonald Consolidated School and there is also a clinic at St. Marks United Church until seven tonight.


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.

Tannery Court Gets Glowing Recommendation

A glowing recommendation is being given to Tannery Court Co-operative Housing complexes. There are currently ones in Fredericton and Moncton with construction underway for a set up in the South End and another in the Hub City. The scientific evaluation of the quality of life of residents shows moving into the complex does improve the quality of life among people of this segment of society. The two-part study interviewed almost half of the residents at both housing sites.

It shows the single adults with life challenges whose incomes are below the poverty line, have experienced a significant positive change in their quality of life. Plans are also being explored for an additional Tannery Court set up in Fredericton. Several resident in the South End are opposed to the set-up saying it consolidates poverty within an already poor area.

New Gas Prices are Posted

At the time of the year when we all can use some extra jingle in our pockets......good news on the gas front today. The Energy and Utilities Board has released it's weekly price schedule which shows the maximum retail at 97.5 which is down two cents from seven days ago. Most stations in the metro are selling for 97.8.

The maximum total price for diesel is up a penny from last week at 105.8 a litre. Furnace Oil is going 88.4 which is up percentage points and propane comes in at $106.5 which is up a penny and a half from last week.

Speaking Out Against NB Power Hydro Quebec Proposal

Labour groups and political parties gathered in Moncton yesterday for a summit to discuss the possible sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec. Tom Mann is one of the spokespeople for the groups which is based on the original Face Book group opposed to the proposed sale. He tells CHSJ News, with no mandate or public discussion....this proposal should never have seen the light of day.

Mann adds the savings and benefits of the proposal are both inbalanced for rate payers across the Province.

Work Near Musquash Power Dam

The pen stock at the Mucquash Power Dam is being dismantled. It is owned by the Province and operated by the Department of Natural Resources. Spokes-person Matt Jones tells CHSJ News, the stock was going to have to be replaced if and when the dam gets back up and running.

Jones adds one is a possible sale to NB Power but given the uncertainty of the public utility, that may have to be put on the back-burner.

Christmas Cards on Their Way to the Troops

(Saint John MP Rodney Weston at Card Unveiling)
                (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

A little piece of home is on it's way to the troops in Afghanistan. Two Christmas cards created by local artist Norm Jackson and set up in the Valley and uptown over the past few months have left Saint John and arrived in Bellville. Saint John MP Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News officials with the Department of Defence will do everything in their power to make sure the cards arrive to troops in time for the holiday.


Greater Saint John was invited to sign one of the cards and let the troops know someone back home is thinking of them.

Natural Gas Leak

A natural gas leak is the cause of fire crews hanging around Brunswick Square for a few hours last night.
The fire department tells CHSJ News, it appears there was a malfunction with one of the burners at Cora's Restaurant, but the valve was shut off, and the problem was contained.
The fire department shut off the gas to the restaurant, and technicians came in to fix the malfunction.
Fire and police also were called to Golden Grove Road where a car flipped over but there were no injuries and Saint John Energy had to fix a power line that came down after a tree branch broke offand came down on it in the intersection of Loch Lomand Road and Greenwood Street.
NB Power is reporting five power outages early this morning in Rothesay affecting more than 950 customers.

Fredericton Man gets four years in jail

A 27-year-old Fredericton man is going to jail for four and a half years on drug charges.
Troy Morris Albert pled guilty to all charges back in June.
The charges include conspiracy to traffic cocaine and posession for the purpose of trafficking in cocaine and marihuana.
Albert can't possess firearms for a period of 10 years after his release from jail and
he must provide a DNA sample.
The charges stem from Operation Jellybean, a two year joint investigation by the city police and RCMP in Fredericton and Saint John drug units.

Pin Pad Thefts in Saint John

Just in time for Christmas.....another way for someone to try and steal your hard earned money. Pin Pad Theft has hit two stores in Saint John. The fraud unit says how it works is the thief or thieves usually show up at closing time to remove a pin pad and replace it with another. This pad doesn't work and acts as a prop until they get the original back. They then install hardware in the real pad, return it and then come back and steal it again at the end of the day to collect the pin numbers.


City Police ask all stores to treat their pin pads the same as cash and know your pin pad serial number.

H1N1 Clinic Times change due to coming Weather

Public Health has adjusted the hours of the clinics today and tomorrow because of the coming storm.

The clinic underway at Exhibition Park will only run until 7pm tonight.
Another clinic at the Royal Canadian Legion in St. Stephen will wrap up at 6pm this evening.
Tomorrow's clinic in Deer Island at the Lord's Cove Church of Christ will now run from Noon to 8pm.
For an updated list of clinics, go to www.gnb.ca/flu or call 1-800-580-0038

Municipal Works Crews Ready for Latest Storm

[Snow Falling on King Street]
Snow, high winds and rain are all expected with the latest blast of winter set to arrive this afternoon. Keeping a close watch on the track of the system is the City Works Department. Kevin Rice is the Deputy Commissioner of Municipal Operations and tells CHSJ News, they are happy with how it's winter management plan worked over the weekend.


Rice adds they are currently going over all the gear and meeting with managers to go over what the game plan is.

Saint John Energy Prepared for the Storm

Also ready for what-ever the storm might bring is Saint John Energy. President Eric Marr tells CHSJ News, they do a lot of work in the fall to try and make sure winter storms don't impact it's customers. Marr adds last weekend's storm did produce a few scattered outages for Saint John Energy due to the wet heavy snow snapping transmission lines.


NB Power Officials also tell us they have people watching the track of the storm and are ready to respond to any problem areas.

Saint John Airport Getting Ready for Storm

There is sure to be some frustration boiling over at the Saint John Airport through-out the day with a storm brewing. Flights in and out of the facility are sure to be grounded with the snow and high winds. President and CEO Bernie Leblanc tells CHSJ News, maintenance crews do a great job trying to keep traffic moving.


Leblanc reminds anyone due to catch a flight or has someone arriving at the airport, to call ahead at 696-0200 or punch up their website at www.sjairport.ca which shows arrivals and departures on a real time basis.

People Still Want to Know Why Did the Power Go Out?

Now that you've reset all the clocks in your home, people want to know why there was no advance notice of a power outage for a lrge area of Greater Saint John last night? NB Power spokes-person Heather McLean tells CHSJ News, an emergency situation popped up during a routine inspection of a transmission line.


McLean adds the repair last night had nothing to do with the huge outage two weeks ago which saw close to 16,000 people in the same area's knocked off the grid for over ten hours.

Plenty of Files for the RCMP

An alleged assualt is being investigated by Hampton RCMP following reports of an alleged assault on a 12 year old boy by a 48 year old man in Willow Grove. Corporal Pat Cole tells CHSJ News, they are very early into the investigation which has been launched following a third party complaint. Sussex RCMP tell us they arrested two teenagers after a camp in the Mechanic Settlement area was broken into. Someone living near the camp noticed two young people running from the area.

A 16 and 17 year old boy were picked up by officers a short time later and no word on charges. Officers also tell us a counterfeit twenty dollar bill was found in a large deposit from a local business.

Seadogs Can't Crack the Number One Slot

The Saint John Seadogs are still the number two ranked junior team in the country despite a twenty game winning streak. The latest numbers are in and the Windsor Spitfires still hold down the top spot with a record of 25-3-oh and 4. The Seadogs are sporting a record of 28-4 and 1.

This is the tenth week the Dogs have made it into the rankings and the 13th week for Windsor. The other Q-League teams in the rankings are Victoriaville at number seven, Drummondville is number nine and Quebec rounds out the top ten.

Energy Minister Defends NB Power-Hydro-Quebec Proposal

Opposition attacks on the proposed sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec are getting personal. Former Energy Minister Jennot Volpe compares the Premier to a child, accusing him of not understanding the significance of selling off NB Power's major assets. Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir says it's easy to fear monger.

The problem, according to Keir, is what to do about NB Power's massive multi billion dollar debt.

Former Finance Minister Speaks Out

The former conservative Finance Minister says something needs to be done regarding the Graham government spending because they're going to bankrupt the province. Jeannott Volpe tells CHSJ News, the reckless spending is going to result in the credit rating for the province to be downsized.


Volpe adds after looking at the recently tabled provincial budget, it appears there is going to have to be some major changes, and no matter what political party is in power next year, they have one major mess to clean up.

Murder Mystery Continues to Unfold

More details continue to be uncovered in the death of 16-year old Hilary Bonnell. A 29-year old Burnt Church man has been charged with first degree murder in the death of the teenager from the same community. Her body was found buried in a remote wooded area commonly known as the old Tracadie Military Training Area last month. She had been missing since September 5th.


The murder charge was laid yesterday in Miramichi Provincial Court against Curtis Bonnell. RCMP now believe Curtis Bonnell acted alone in the death of Hilary Bonnell.

Numbers in For Housing Starts in Greater Saint John

Last month was a good one for new housing starts in the greater Saint John area -- the latest report from Canada Mortgage and Housing shows 54-new units started in November -- a 15-percent increase over the same month a year ago but year to date figures aren't as rosey -- the federal housing agency reports a 20-percent drop in housing starts between January and November compared to the same period last year.


Moncton's housing starts so far this year are off 33-percent against the 11-month period in '08 while Fredericton starts are up six percent in the same period compared to a year ago.

Once It's Gone, It's Gone

[Former Conservative Energy Minister Jeannott Volpe]

Former Conservative Energy Minister Jeannott Volpe says he doesn't think the Graham government understands the impact of the propsed NB Power sale.
Volpe says once this the utilitys assets are sold, there is no getting them back, and before the sale is completed more discussion needs to happen.
He says at a recent Edmunston Chamber of Commerce meeting, a liberal M-L-A didn't seem to have many answers.
Volpe says this is a long term deal removing the options from New Brunswickers in the future. He says Hydro Quebec will be able to set the market price for energy, and residents will have no other option.

What's the Hurry in Selling NB Power Assets?

[Former Conservative Interim Leader Jeannott Volpe and Rothesay Conservative M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney]
A Rothesay Conservative M-L-A wants to know what the Graham Governments hurry is to sell the assets of NB Power.

Margaret Ann Blaney tells CHSJ News, the opposition is doing everything it can to prevent the sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec, and says she doesn't understand why it needs to be sold quickly.
Blaney says she continues to receive emails and phone calls about the sale, and people are full of questions. She says the Liberals need to take the time to answer those questions before selling off a Crown Corporation.

It's Going To Be Lights Out For Some

N-B Power crews are going to be working to make some emergency repairs to the transmission lines tonight -- and -- it means some people are going to lose their electrical service for awhile.
Crews expect to begin work between 10:30 and 11:00 this evening knocking out power to customers in the Rothesay - Quispamsis - Hampton - St Martin's - and - Baxters Corner areas -- but -- may also affect other nearby areas.
The utility says the outage is expected to last between two and three hours -- that's barring any unforseen circumstances.

Family's Home gutted by fire in Minto

A Minto family escaped injury after fire gutted their home early Tuesday morning.
Two people were treated in hospital and released.
The family which includes a 6-year-old child lost their belongings in the fire.
Red Cross volunteers from Chipman met with the family and arranged for them to get emergency clothes, groceries and personal care items.
They are staying with family for now.
The cause of the fire on Chestnut Street is under investigation.

Saint John fares poorly in National Survey

A national survey on the performance of local government puts Saint John in the bottom 10.
Fredericton and Halifax are also at the poor end of the ratings.
The Frontier Centre for Public Policy released the findings in its third annual Local Government Performance Index.
The index compares the revenues, expenditures, capital and financial assets with regional averages for 88 municipalities.
Coquitlam and Surrey, BC are in the top 3 with Lethbridge, Alberta getting the number one spot.
Survey results are based on the financial years of 2007 and 2008.

Six New City Police Officers Sworn In

(Hats and Badges of Six New Constables on Display)
                  (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Fellow officers and family packed the council chamber at City Hall today as six new police officers, all Constables took the oath of office. Don Shannon, Shawn Coughlan, Shawna Doiron, Owen Hatt, Robert King, Rheal Levesque and Donald Shannon are the newest members of the City Police Force. Chief Bill Reid tells CHSJ News, this is his first recruiting class and a great honor.

With these six new officers......the total compliment for the City Police Force is now 166.

More Talk About the Future of Point Lepreau

Hydro Quebec and NB Power are collaborating on the reburbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant. So says Thierry Vandal, the President and C-E-O of NB Power. Vandal sees it as a learning experience to prepare Hydro Quebec when it has to refurbish a nuclear plant of its own in a few years time. Vandal also warns about another shutdown down the road.

Vandal says he has no doubt Point Lepreau will be up and running soon.

Bad Crash Near Bathurst

A close call for two men on Highway 11 near Bathurst yesterday. RCMP tell us there was a head on collision when the front wheel of a passenger vehicle came off and rolled into the path of a pickup. The pickup then crossed the centre line and collided head on with another vehicle.

Two men had to be cut free from each vehicle and both are resting in hospital with serious injuries. No word yet on whether any charges will be laid.

Feud Between City Hall and the Paper Continues

The mayor is once again firing off against the editorial board of the local newspaper. Ivan Court says he was shocked to see a story recently published demanding the resignation of Commissioner of Municipal Operations Paul Groody. Court says the newspaper continues to show a great degree of bias, and the city doesn't need resignations, they do.


Court says when Neil Reynolds became the editor he promised a change in direction but now it appears the newspaper has fallen back into it's old habits of bias and Court wants a public apology printed.

Winter Parking Debate Continues

Common Council is considering putting into place a parking program allowing on street parking during the winter after the roads have been cleared, or when it is not snowing. Councillor Gary Sullivan says the idea is to let those who have no where else to put their vehicles to park on street after the necessary work has been done.


Sullivan says the only way this will work is if there is a notification system by email or voicemail telling people when they have to move their cars. City staff are going to look at the option and report back to council.

Cry is Being Heard for City to Host CFL Game

The Chair of the City's Recreation and Leisure Committee wants to bring a CFL game to Saint John. Barry Ogden has sent a letter to council asking that they contact the league's commissioner to play an exhibition game when refurbishment work at the Canada Games Stadium is finished. The stadium has played host to a pair of CFL games since it was built back in 1985 and the CFL will play a regular season game next year in Moncton.

Ogden says if we ask now, the city might be able to get a game booked for 2011. Ogden is also encouraging Mayor and Councilors to take the lead on finding a venue suitable for the city to start hosting an outdoor concert.

Are There Any New Jobs on the Horizon

There has been a gradual rise in the Saint John unemployment rate over the past few months but the latest hiring outlook from Manpower is painting a brighter picture for the new year. Its survey of local employers is suggesting 22 per cent plan to hire from January to March with 69 per cent staying with the status quo and 3 per cent uncertain of their future hiring intentions.

That outlook is not as good as it was for the same time last year but it is better than it has been of late.

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.