Contract for Harbour Bridge repairs is awarded

A 32.6 million dollar contract has been awarded to an Ontario company for repairs on the Harbour Bridge.
Bridge Authority General Manager Ken Anthony tells CHSJ News that the traffic will be impacted.
He says work will start this weekend and will not affect traffic until May 15th.
The work will continue until the end of October.
Concrete USL of Bolton, Ontario has been awarded the contract.

Candidates Lined Up To Run Provincially For Conservatives In The K-V

(Provincial Conservative Leader David Alward)
          (Photo by Brian McLain)

The Conservatives have their candidates in place in the K-V for the September 27th provincial election. Blaine Higgs, the Director of Business Development for Irving Oil will be nominated for the riding of Quispamsis tomorrow night. This will be a joint event with the riding of Rothesay where long serving M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney, who was first elected in 1999, will be reaffirmed. Party leader David Alward tells CHSJ News the credibility of the Graham Government will be the big issue when the campaign officially starts. Alward accuses the Liberals of fiscal mismanagement. Health Minister Mary Schryer has held the Quispamsis riding for the Liberals since 2006 when she defeated Brenda Fowlie.

Manufacturers And Exporters In Province Will Have To Change The Way They Do Business

Manufacturers and exporters in the province are said to be cautiously optimistic as they prepare to meet in Fredericton later this month. Some may find that surprising in light of the rise in the value of the loonie in relation to the U.S. dollar and the failed NB Power deal with Hydro Quebec that would have seen a dramatic reduction in electricity rates. The Regional Vice-President for Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, David Plante tells CHSJ News change will be the name of the game because electricity rates will continue rising. Plante says coming up with an energy policy for the province should be a priority. Another worry, according to Plante, is growing protectionism in the U.S.

Close To A Record But No Cigar

Yesterday was warm and unusually muggy for Saint John but, contrary to what you might believe, we did not reach a record high. The temperature did get up to 24.4 celcius just after 3:00 in the afternoon but fell short with the record high for the date being 25.6 degrees.

Car Fire Under Investigation

A taxi driver called City Police around 2:30 this morning to give them a heads up about a car on fire at 176 Metcalf Street in the north end. No one was injured but the cause of the fire is considered suspicious. The Major Crime Unit has been called in to investigate.

Harbour Station To Get New Scoreboard

By the 24th or 25th of this month, Harbour Station will have a new look. A new four screen high definition scoreboard and screen for the marquee will be installed. General Manager Mike Cadell tells CHSJ News, this is amazing technology.
Cadell compares the new scoreboard to watching four high definition televisions for some of those plays you might not be able to see from your seat.

Changes Coming to Highway One

If your morning commute brings you in from outside Saint John, there is a change coming to Highway One you need to know about. First of all, work on the One Mile Interchange is ramping up at Exit 125 at Crown Street and also the Allison Road and Wright Street Intersection beginning tomorrow. Then later this week and the first of next, the Crown Street Off-Ramp, Exit 125, will be permanently closed depending on weather. Traffic will be directed to a new ramp to access Allison Road.

City Police Using New Technology To Determine Problem Areas For Crime

E-S-R-I, a leading Geographic Information Systems company, is using the Saint John Police Department as an example of how to use crime mapping technology effectively. Brian Malone, Director of Knowledge Management for City Police, says crime mapping is a tool that allows them to see crimes in relation with their locations so problem areas can be identified.
After conducting a case study based entirely on Saint John's use of the product, E-S-R-I determined car thefts in the city are down by 18% and break and enters are down by 27%.

McHappy Day Across The City To Raise Money

If you can find some time, try to drop by one of the eight McDonalds locations in Greater Saint John. It's the 17th annual McHappy Day with a loonie from each Big Mac, McMuffin or Happy Meal sold going to the Boys and Girls Club. Spokes-person Amanda Masters tells CHSJ News, last year, $15,000 dollars was raised.
Mayor Ivan Court and Debbie Cooper with the Boys and Girls Club will get the day started with breakfast at the McDonalds on Fairville Boulevard. Masters adds 28 million dollars has been raised across the country on McHappy Day in the past 16 years

Seadogs Win Game Three of Presidents Cup Final

(Seadogs Open Scoring in Game Three of Presidents Cup)
                     (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

The Saint John Seadogs offence finally came alive last night as they beat Moncton 6-4 in Game Three of the Presidents Cup Final.


Mike Hoffman had four points including the game winner into an empty net.

Dogs Head Coach Gerard Gallant says his team locked up the lanes to keep Moncton from setting up.


Gallant is referring to Moncton scoring three goals in just over five minutes to make it a 5-4 game with just under three minutes left to play.
Wildcats Head Coach and GM Danny Flynn says Saint John has plenty of fire power but is happy with how his team battled back to close the lead to one.


Moncton still leads the set 2-1 with Game Four on Friday in Moncton and Game Five Saturday at Harbour Station.


Tickets for Saturday's game go on sale tomorrow at ten at the Harbour Station Box Office.

New Parking Set-Up at Parlee Beach

Seeing that today feels like the first day of summer, a reminder to anyone heading to Parlee Beach in the coming months.


It will use a new automated parking system for this tourism season.


Visitors will take a ticket upon entry and pay for their parking at one of two pay stations before leaving.


Debit, credit card and cash will all be accepted.


Daily passes will cost $10 and season passes are $82.

Dates For Rate Hearing Set

The 22nd and 23rd of next month is when a hearing ordered by Energy Minister Jack Keir will get started.


The Energy and Utilities Board will go over the proposed rate increase of three per cent by NB Power.


A hearing isn't required for three per cent or under but Minister Keir has asked the EUB to review the rate hike.


NB Power must have all of it's documentation filed by noon on the 28th.


Saint John Energy has announced it's rate is going up by three per cent as of June.1st.


The hearing will be held at the Delta.

Update on Cemetery Investigation

City Police tell us they are still working on making an arrest as work to repair close to 500 headstones in St. Josephs Cemetery continues.


It was just over a week ago, that officers were called to the graveyard to find the headstones had been kicked or pulled off their base and damaged.


Sargeant Pat Bonner tells CHSJ News, they are still investigating leads.

Workers at the cemetery tell us the repair work is slow going and will take weeks to finish.

Another Phone Scam Making the Rounds

Another phone scam is making the rounds.


CO-OP Atlantic has issued the heads up after receiving calls about someone claiming to be from it's organization.


The caller says you have won $25,000 dollars and must come to a specific adress to claim the prize.


Co-OP tells us they are not running any contest with a cash prize and if you do receive this type of call, call police or RCMP right away.

Nine municipalities purchase software to help in Emergencies

(EMO Manager Murielle Provost)

Nine municipalities are now able to alert 14,000 households in an hour when an emergency strikes thanks to a new software program. The communities located between Saint John and Sussex Corner are sharing the cost of the $111,000 system. Manager of the Saint John Emergency Management Organization Murielle Provost says the program will make people more aware when an emergency is taking place.


The software was purchased from Bathurst-based company Sentinel Systems Ltd. which is the only company doing this type of work in Canada.

Tenders awarded for new Maintainence facility in St. Stephen

(Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet)

The Province has awarded about $4.7 million in contracts for a new Department of Transportation maintenance facility in St. Stephen.
Premier Shawn Graham made the announcement today during a tour of the construction site on Church Street in the St. Stephen Industrial Park.


Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet tells CHSJ News this announcement is an investment in the safety of Charlotte county and the region.

Doucet says the work will get started soon and he expects it will be finished by the fall.

Test Number Two

Testing mobile posting.

Game Three of the Presidents Cup Final

The Saint John Seadogs are looking to get back into the Presidents Cup Final tonight. Down two games to none against Moncton, Game Three goes tonight at the Station.


Dogs Head Coach Gerard Gallant says the philosophy is simple heading into tonight's match-up........WIN.


Wildcats Head Coach and General Manager Danny Flynn says this series is far from over.


Flynn says Des-champs condition is day to day and still no word on if he will be in the line-up tonight. Game time at the Station is seven o'clock.

Search is on For Volunteers

The Sexual Assault Response Team of the Community Health Centre wants to put together a team of dedicated volunteers to assist victims.


The volunteers advocat and offer support to victim's in the aftermath of sexual assault. Terry Albright tells CHSJ News, the training is intensive.


Training for the next session starts June 4th with the deadline for applications being the 24th of this month.


For more information call 639-7283 or email sartprogram@gmail.com

Power Outage On East Side

Most people were probably asleep at the time but if you live on the east side and wake up to find your electronic alarm clock flashing there's a very good reason for that. There was an early morning power outage. Saint John Energy crews managed to restore the power at about 1:15 after completing repairs.

Fire crews respond to smell of natural gas

The City's fire department responding to the west side this afternoon where someone thought they smelled natural gas.
The Hazmat team was called in to assist at the end of City line near the Bayshore railyard.

Crews investigating near the railway cars found a product that is used to supress smell was used on a tank. It was cleaned up.

No one was hurt.

Volunteers needed to assist victims of Sexual Assault

It's the kind of volunteering that would not be for everyone.

Terry Albright of The Sexual Assault Response Team is trying to organize a team of dedicated volunteers to assist victims of sexual assault.
Albright says the volunteer's role is to be an advocat for the victim.
They would accompany the victim through a hospital examination if they are wanted there.

The next session's training starts the first weekend of June and continues over three weekends.
For more information,  call 639-7283 or email sartprogram@gmail.com

More tickets for Game 3

The Canadian Hockey League has just released 300 tickets for tomorrow night's Game Three of the Presidents Cup Final tomorrow night. To get your hands on some, you can drop by the box office at the Station, go on-line at www.tickets.harbourstation.ca or call them at 657-1234.


Moncton leads the Seadogs 2-0 in the best of seven final. Game Time tomorrow night is seven o'clock.

City Can't Afford To Pay For Convention Centre Facelift On Its Own

The exact cost isn't known yet but renovating the Trade and Convention Centre will cost something like 9 million dollars. With the other funding commitments, City Manager Pat Woods concedes for this to happen, the federal and provincial governments will have to step up to the plate and help.
A business case has been put together by the city with the help of Enterprise Saint John. Moncton will soon be opening up a new convention centre adjacent to the gambling casino which will be up and running tomorrow. Saint John will face even more competition when Fredericton's new convention centre opens.

Saint John Behind the Eight Ball Headed Home

(Dogs Head Coach Gerard Gallant Makes a Leap at Moncton Bench)
                      (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Things got ugly both on and office the ice for the Seadogs in the Presidents Cup Final. Moncton scored early and often today en-route to a 9-3 spanking of Saint John and 2-0 series lead.

In the dying seconds of the game, Moncton Head Coach and GM Danny Flynn pulled starting goalie Nicola Riopel which sent Dogs Head Coach Gerard Gallant lunging at the Moncton bench.

Gallant says this is the second game in a row this has happened and there is no reason for it.


As for Flynn, he says the move was no reflection on the Dogs staff or players he just wanted to make sure there were no goal mouth collisions that would see Riopel get hurt.


When asked what went wrong, Gallant simply answered Moncton.

So far, the Wildcat has out-scored Saint John 14-4 in the series. Game Three goes tomorrow night, seven o'clock at the Station.

Are You Prepared For Emergencies?

It's Emergency Preparedness Week and the Emergency Management office wants Saint Johnners to learn three simple steps: know your risks, make a plan and get a kit. Manager of EMO Murielle Provost tells CHSJ news this week is about awareness and preparedness. She reminds Saint Johnners an emergency doesn't have to be a flood or a tornado, it can also be a simple power-outage or storm. People are encouraged to always have 72 hours worth of supplies in case of an emergency, including flashlights, batteries, radio, food and water. There will be a contest this week where the prize is a pre-packed emergency kit.
An information booth will be set up in Brunswick Square Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 11 am and 2pm. People are encouraged to come out and get tips from the Week's mascot, Preparedness Patti.

Senator Mike Duffy In Saint John Speaking Out on Afghanistan And Freedom Of Speech

(Senator Mike Duffy in Saint John on the weekend)
                 (Photo by Sherry Aske)

Free speech and the Afghan Detainee issue are two topics on Conservative Senator Mike Duffy's mind. Duffy was the keynotes speaker at the Radio-Television News Directors Association Conference in Saint John this weekend. He says free speech in Canada is under attack from the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council acting on behalf of the C-R-T-C which regulates TV and radio stations.
Duffy also says he finds it hard to believe people think Stephen Harper is hiding something in the Afghanistan documents. He says Parliment has been more involved in Afghanistan than in any other war.

Saint John to commemorate Battle of the Atlantic

Saint John's Naval Reserve Unit will commemorate the Battle of the Atlantic today.

A ceremony will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception beginning at ten.

Following the ceremony, sailors from HMCS BRUNSWICKER and the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets will parade from Waterloo street to Market slip where there will be a wreath laying ceremony at 12:10 p.m.

This World War II Naval Battle took place between September 1939 and May 1945.

Game Two of Cats vs. Dogs to begin at 4pm

The Presidents Cup Final switches to Moncton this afternoon for Game Two.

The Wildcats punished the Seadogs in the opener with a stifling defence on their way to a 5-1 win.

Cats Head Coach and GM Danny Flynn says Saint John is the best team they have seen all year.

Seadogs Head Coach Gerard Gallant says one of the areas his team needs to focus on is winning face-offs.

He says he juggled the line-up late in Game One but doesn't expect any drastic changes today.

Game time this afternoon is four o'clock at the Coliseum.

Student says Saint John should be on Monopoly board

Get ready Uncle Pennybags, District 8 student Alex Magee wants Saint John to be the next property on the new Monopoly board.

Magee was invited by Common Councillor Gary Sullivan at the District 8 speech competition to deliver his speech on Saint John's unique cultural and historical background to Council.

MaGee's speech praised Saint John as the home of many firsts, including Canada's first public high school, Saint John High, and Canada's first YMCA, which opened on Germain Street.

Mayor Ivan Court congradulated Magee and added Saint John should also be on the board for winning $5000 for Hospice last year.

He encourages people to vote in this year's competition at bayshore.ca, where the city is currently in 2nd place.

High School teams compete in Envirothon

Student teams from Saint Malachy's and Harbourview High are competing in Envirothon this weekend.

It's an environmental competition at Mount Allison University and Grade 12 Harbourview student Melissa Chase tells CHSJ news she and the other 7 students on the team have been preparing for weeks leading up to today.
 
The teams have been studying in class every week and doing fieldwork.
 
Chase says her teacher, Miss Blennan, approached her about joining the Envirothon because she knew she has interest in the environment.

Chase's team and the team from St. Malachy's are making presentations to the judges today.

The winning team from the Province moves on the international championship in California in August.

Hampton gets a farmer's market of their own

After consulting the community, the Tourism Committee from the Town of Hampton decided they needed a farmer's market of their own.

They formed a board of directors for the new Hampton Market and Chair Brian Fowler tells CHSJ News, it took about five months to put together.

He says they hope to see 25-30 vendors this weekend and have everything from sweet treats to swedish weaving.

The Hampton Market is located at 48 Cemetery Road inside the Hampton Curling Club.

Fowler says once you pass the Green bridge-just follow the signs.

It's open from 8 until 2 today.

Advanced Polls open today!

Eligible voters in nine municipalities can take advantage of advance polls today.

There are vacancies for councilors at large in St. Andrews, St. George, McAdam,

Nackawic, Petitcodiac, Port Elgin, Saint-Hilaire and Tracadie Sheila.

Voters in Riverside-Albert will cast ballots to elect a new mayor.

The advance poll will also be held on Campobello Island as part of a plebiscite to determine if voters wish to replace the existing local service district with a rural community that would have an elected council.
 
Everyone wishing to cast their ballot is reminded to bring their voter information cards.
 
The polls are open today between ten and eight with the regular polling day on Monday the 10th.

Saint John Energy raises rates by three per cent

The news is not good for residential, commerical and industrial users of Saint John Energy.

The utility has announced that on June.1st, it is raising it's rates by three per cent.

This is in conjunction with the three per cent increase that NB Power has applied for.

President and CEO Eric Marr tells CHSJ News, those rates represent 85% of the utilities cost and three per cent is large amount of cash and the only way to recover it is through the rate-payers.

Kingston General Merchants store owner thrilled

After 11 years of lobbying for a liquor outlet, the owner of Kingston General Merchants is thrilled with the news from NB Liquor that an outlet will be opening.

Steve Gatien tells CHSJ News, he realizes there are some concerns with a school right across from his store but is ready to prove that liquor will not be sold to minors.

Gatien adds this is a win for him and the community because it provides a product people want.

As for when the outlet might open, Gatien says he is now shooting for the Canada Day Long Weekend.

Kingston Peninsula to get new liquor store

The Kingston Peninsula is getting a liquor outlet store.

NB Liquor spokes-person Nora Lacey tells CHSJ News, the board of directors have given thumbs up to the store which will set up shop in Kingston General Merchants.

She says the next step in the process is to send out written notification, meet with the store owner, set up training dates and then lock up an official opening.

Lacey adds there are still renovations that need to be finished at the store, getting a supply of stock and the training as well.

Irving Pulp and Paper has its day in court

Irving Pulp & Paper will pay $71,250 to the Atlantic Coastal Action Program and pay a fine of $3,750 under a court order handed down yesterday in provincial court.

This after the mill released green liquor (a by-product of the chemical recovery process) into the Saint John River on October 31 of 2007 during the start-up of a new lime kiln.

The company says human error is the reason for the incident.

Moncton Takes Opener of Presidents Cup Final

(Opening Face-Off of Presidents Cup Game One)
              (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

It's advantage Moncton in the Presidents Cup Final.


A smothering defenceman and three goals by Gabrielle Boruque led the Cats to a 5-1 win over the Seadogs last night to take Game One in the best of seven.


Moncton head Coach and GM Danny Flynn says his team did a lot of things right but is taking nothing away from the Seadogs knowing this is only one game and doesn't expect they are ready to rollover.


Dogs Head Coach Gerard Gallant calls his teams performance flat and give full marks to Moncton for a solid blue-line and winning important face-offs.


Game Two in the series goes tomorrow afternoon at the Coliseum. Game time is four o'clock.

West Side Pulp Mill is Fined

The work week has closed with a hefty fine for the Irving Pulp and Paper mill on the west-side.

The company will pay $71,250 to the Atlantic Coastal Action Program and pay a fine of $3,750.

This after the mill released green liquor (a by-product of the chemical recovery process) into the Saint John River on October 31 of 2007 during the start-up of a new lime kiln.

The company says human error is the reason for the incident.

NB Liquor Approves Liquor Outlet on Kingston Peninsula

The Board of Directors at NB Liquor has given thumbs up to a liquor outlet setting up shop on the Kingston Peninsula.

NB Liquor spokes-person Nora Lacey tells CHSJ News, the next step in the process is to send out written notification, meet with the store owner, set up training dates and then lock up an official opening.

Lacey adds NB Liquor is pleased they are able to bring their product where the demand is.

Store Owner Thrilled With Decision

The news out of Fredericton has put a smile on the face of Steve Gatien.


He is the owner of the Kingston General Merchants store and has been fighting for a liquor outlet for 11 years.
Gatien tells CHSJ News, there is still a lot of work to do in setting up the store before locking up an opening date.


There are some concerns from some residents with a school right across from the store but Gatien says he is ready to prove that liquor will not be sold to minors.

Saint John Energy is raising it's rates

The news is not good for residential, commerical and industrial users of Saint John Energy. The utility has announced that on June.1st, it is raising it's rates by three per cent. This is in conjunction with the three per cent increase that NB Power has applied for. President and CEO Eric Marr tells CHSJ News, those rates represent 85% of the utilities cost and three per cent is large amount of cash and they only way to recover it is through the rate-payers.

 Energy Minister Jack Keir has ordered a hearing with the Energy and Utilities Board for NB Power to justify it's rate his proposal but no date has been set.

Weston on the Harbour Bridge

(Saint John MP Rodney Weston)

After Energy Minister Jack Keir told us he came away with a negative vibe, Saint John MP Rodney Weston is weighing in on the meeting in Ottawa this week concerning the future of the Harbour Bridge. Weston tells CHSJ News, the bottom line is Saint John is not getting equal treatment:

Weston again points out, federal funding for repairs the bridge might need in the future are not being pulled off the table. Ottawa's proposal for the Harbour Bridge includes providing $17.5 million toward repairs and in return, the bridge becomes part of Highway One with the province responsible for all future costs and the tolls are removed immediately.

Call Goes Out For More Community Policing

(Saint John Councilor Donnie Snook)
          (File Photo)

Its an area of the city infamous for prostitution and drug use.

Common Councillor Donnie Snook believes the time is right, as part of a poverty reduction strategy, to set up a community policing office in the Waterloo Street area which has become known as the Village.


The final say will be made by the Police Commission which will mull over the request.
 
Snook maintains the cost could be minimal.

Headstone Mystery Continues

     (Damaged Headstones at St. Josephs Cemetery)
                 (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Fifty dollars is being offered up by a Saint John woman to go toward the reward of finding who is responsible for the damage caused at St. Josephs Cemetery.

Kim Barry tells CHSJ News, a lot of her family is buried in this cemetery and she can't figure out why anyone would do something like this.


Barry is disabled and says she doesn't have a computer but is looking for some help in getting a fund set up on a web-site.
 
Her number is 652-3923.
 
Crimestoppers is also offering a reward of one thousand dollars to anyone with information which leads to an arrest.

Commercial Fishery Looking For a Permanent Home

(Saint John MP Rodney Weston (right) at Announcement)
                (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Local fisherman are a step closer to finding a permanent home.

Ottawa has handed over two hundred thousand dollars to look into where the best location is to set up a dock.

John Mcdade is President of the Saint John Community Harbour Authority and says the site they are exploring is Pier 14, just north-west of the Bay Ferries Terminal.


Right now, fisherman are using Long Wharf slip and Peir Three on the West Side which is working for now but is hampering productivity.

The Deadline Is Here To File Your Income Tax Return

If you still haven't filed your 2009 personal income tax return - time is running out -- tonight is the deadline.
Roger Haineault  of Help 4 Taxes tells CHSJ News there's a very good reason for filing your return on time...... if you owe money and don't file by the deadline, you will be subject to a late filing penalty plus interest on money owed. Haineault says if you don't have the money to pay what you owe - at least file and then work on a payment schedule with the Canada Revenue Agency. If you are owed money by the government, it doesen't matter when you file. If you're self employed, the deadline isn't until June.

City Police Chief Wants To Reduce Number Of Assaults Taking Place

(Saint John Police Chief Bill Reid)
            (File Photo)

City Police will be embarking on a campaign to reduce the number of assaults taking place which has led to Saint John getting a reputation of being more violent than other cities. Police Chief Bill Reid says the vast majority of assaults that were reported turned out to be minor but that doesn't mean something shouldn't be done to reduce the numbers.
The Chief says they have identified the areas where more of these assaults seem to be taking place and police will try to take away the opportunities.

Arbour Day To Be Marked In Saint John

This is Arbour Day, the time when we reflect on the need for more trees to be planted to make our environment cleaner and more pleasing to the eye. Researchers claims people behave better in areas where there are more trees. J-D Irving's Geoff Britt says 34 spruce seedlings will be distributed to the grade one class at St. Rose on the west side and two hardwood trees will be planted later this morning on the school property. As well, the company is giving seed cards to every grade one student in School District 8 to be planted later on and a hardwood tree will also be planted on Rev. Lloyd Lake's property to recognise his efforts over the years to save the trees along Manawagonish Road.

Camping season is gearing up

It feels a little cool to be talking about camping season but here is the latest. Eight of the Province's 10 provincial parks will open on Friday, May 21, just in time for the Victoria Day weekend. Mount Carleton will open on Friday, May 14 and Parlee Beach will open on May 29.


Also, the Mactaquac Golf Course opened last Friday as did the Herring Cove Golf Course and both are described as being in excellent condition.

Canaport LNG Terminal is complete

After years of planning and protests in between, the Canaport LNG Terminal in Red Head is fully operational almost four years after the first piece of land was cleared. The company says in a news release, the third storage tank is now finished and the entire terminal has a capacity of 10 billion cubic feet of natural gas. That makes it the largest above ground LNG storage capacity in this country and the U.S. Northeast.

Construction of the third tank began in May of 08. There are 70 employee's working at the terminal now and there were 1600 jobs during peak construction.

More Wildlife fencing in the Province

Wildlife fencing continues to be a priority for the Graham Government. Premier Graham and Transportation Minister Denis Landry announced construction of a new stretch of 29km's between Edmunston and Saint Basile on Highway Two. 
324km's of wildlife fencing are currently in place around the Province.

The province has committed to another 100 km's of new fencing between Oromocto and Saint John as part of the new Route One Gateway Project.
Every year, over 300 drivers in this Province are involved in an accident with a moose with 85% of the crashes between May and October.

Salty Jam set to Celebrate Musical Reunion

(Festival Chairs and Jim Lavigne announce Salty Jam line-up)
                             (Photo by Sherry Aske)

Salty Jam is celebrating its fifth birthday with a musical reunion this summer from July 8th to 10th.

Festival Chair Renea Sleep says people can expect to see lots of fresh faces, as well as some familiar ones.

Shows include jazz and blues performer Matt Anderson, country singer Corb Lund, and Melvin Seales & the Jerry Garcia Band to attract a younger crowd.

Sleep says these are only a smattering of the performances, and hopes to attract a large audience with multiple genres and venues.

Sleep says they have added an entire day to the festival, with the Moosehead Tent on Water Street opening to the public Thursday, July 8th.

Tickets go on sale next week at Harbour Station, Market Square News and Backstreet records.

City Police Taking Part in Rail Safety Week

It's Rail Safety Week and City Police are joining with NB Southern Railway to remind drivers and those walking near them to be careful.


Sargeant Jeff LaFrance is head of the Traffic Unit and says one of the problem area's is the tracks near Ashburn Lake Road and Rothesay Avenue where vehicles line up and get stuck on the tracks with no where to go if a train is coming.


LaFrance says one of the solutions is working with City Hall to synchronize the railway and traffic lights so that when a train is coming, the traffic lights will turn green which enables vehicles to get off the tracks.

Construction Work Starts On Waterfront Condos

(Three Sisters site for waterfront condo project)
           (Photo by Gary MacDonald)

The waterfront is about to undergo yet another change -- work has started on phase one of the Rocca condo project between Water and Prince William Streets.
Developer John Rocca tells CHSJ News the first phase will include 81-units and is scheduled to be completed by next summer. Rocca says no date has been set for construction of phase 2 -- he says that will depend upon demand. The project originally stirred controversy over concerns about restricted views of the harbour.

Gas Prices Up Slightly In City

If you're filling up today you'll find gas prices are just a tad more expensive than they were last night after the weekly setting. Self serve regular is a cent a litre higher at $102.7 while diesel is being sold for $104.7. Heating oil is at 92.1 cents a litre which is a bit higher and propane is a bit lower at $102.9 a litre.

Provincial Conservative Leader Accuses Graham Government Of Financial Mismanagement

(Provincial Conservative Leader David Alward)  
              (Photo by Sherry Aske)

Provincial Conservative Leader David Alward brought his message of building bridges and working together to the Saint John Lancaster nomination meeting last night and vowed to have an energy policy for the next decade in place six months after being elected.
Alward accused the Graham Government of abusing and damaging NB Power by calling the utility a basket case. He charged the Liberals with financial mismanagement saying the deficit will balloon to 800 million dollars and there's no plan in place to reduce or eliminate it. Alward praised local decisionmaking as being the best way to go but would not say whether he would bring back local hospital boards which have been regionalised by the Liberals.

Conservatives On West Side Choose Their Candidate For Provincial Election

(Saint John Lancaster Conservative Nomination Meeting)
                 (Photo by Sherry Aske)

It was described as perhaps the largest turnout ever for a provincial party's nomination meeting in the city. The Branch 69 Legion on the west side was packed as Conservatives in Saint John Lancaster chose Dorothy Shephard as their candidate for the September 27th provincial election.
Shephard won a second ballot victory over Common Councillor Chris Titus. Shephard, who grew up in Randolp, owns the Benjamin Moore Colour Centre. Dean Secord dropped out after the first ballot and threw his support behind Shephard. The actual vote count was not revealed. Shephard says the turning point for her was when the Graham Government cut funding to the Women's Homeless Shelter by 85 per cent forcing it to close and she has little time for cheap and petty politics.

Minister Keir Frustrated With Talks on Harbour Bridge

(Shot of the Harbour Bridge From West Side)
                 (File Photo)

No movement in the on-going battle over the future of the Harbour Bridge.


Energy Minister Jack Keir was in Ottawa this week and came away with a negative vibe from the feds.


Keir tells CHSJ News, even a comment by the ex-deputy minister of Transport Canada suggesting what the Graham Government is looking for is fair and reasonable, didn't go over well.


Keir says he gets the impression that when it comes to the Harbour Bridge file, Ottawa doesn't want to move forward.

 Ottawa's proposal for the Harbour Bridge includes providing $17.5 million toward repairs and in return, the bridge becomes part of Highway One with the province responsible for all future costs and the tolls are removed immediately.

Headstone Repairs Are Underway

     (Damaged Headstones at St. Josephs Cemetery)
                    (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

So far, 35 of the close to 500 headstones damaged last weekend at St. Josephs Cemetery have been repaired.


Crews have been lifting and re-sealing the stones to their bases and some may never be put back to their original state.


Manager of the Saint John Diocese Cemeteries Darryl Olsen tells CHSJ News, they have had plenty of offers for help which is welcome but not needed at this point.


Olsen says he can appreciate that many families have put the stones back on their base but asks them not to because they need to be re-sealed.


As for when they might be finished, Olsen expects the work will continue for several weeks. Crime Stoppers is offering a one thousand dollar reward for any information relating to who knocked over the stones.

City Police are Looking For Your Help

A robbery that happened over a month ago is still active and City Police are asking for your help.


It was March.7th at two o'clock in the morning when a person was walking home along Harbour Passage when they were beaten up and robbed by a group of men.


The men were last seen headed north near the LBR. You can get in touch with the City Force at 648-3333 or call Crimestoppers.

Preparing for a Big Birthday Party

More details of Saint John's 225th birthday celebration are being rolled out with only three weeks left to go.


Things kick off on May.18th with plenty of festivities though-out the day including a night of song, dance and fun at Harbour Station.


The show is called ""Making History"" and is being put together by Kate Elman Wilcot who tells CHSJ News, the show will celebrate the history and stories that shaped the city.


Wilcot adds they also have invited 400 children to close out the show by singing and dancing on stage.


Doors open at six and the show, which is free, gets started at seven.

Grand Bay-Westfield appoints new Fire chief

The town of Grand Bay-Westfield Council has a new fire chief.
Troy Gautreau takes on the job as of May 1st.

Gautreau has 19 years of firefighting experience and previously served as Deputy Chief for six years and as the Training Officer for the Grand Bay-Westfield Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department.
He also holds a Certificate in Fire Service Leadership from Dalhousie University.

Play-Off Fever Hits Saint John

(Vehicles Lined Up at the Station)
     (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

If your waiting to get tickets for the Presidents Cup Final, don't wait too long.


Over 100 people showed up this morning when the Harbour Station Box Office opened at ten to secure their seat. Game One between the Seadogs and the Wildcats goes Friday night at the Station.


Most of the fans waiting in line are pumped about how the Dogs are doing but also concerned with how the schedule for the final has come together.
Other people in the line-up also agree that Saint John is getting the short end of the stick after earning home ice advantage by finishing first over-all.

The Coliseum in Moncton is booked for a Trade Show between Monday and Thursday of next week so the league ruled to open in Saint John and then alternate games for the remainder of the series.

Game One on Friday night is sold-out but tickets are still available for game three.

 (Fans Lined Up For Play-Off Tickets)
       (Photo by Jim Hennessy) 

Saint John Seadogs Living with Decision

Knowing that some fans are upset with the schedule, the President of the Seadogs is trying to move past it and focus on the task at hand.

Wayne Long tells CHSJ News, it was a 12-hour meeting yesterday to iron things out and now it's time to concentrate on what they want and that's a championship.


Long adds he is thrilled with the line-up for tickets today and is hoping Game One will be a sell-out on Friday night.

Changes Coming to Westmorland Road

Some changes are coming to improve the traffic flow along Westmorland Road and make it easier for residents who live along their to get out of their driveways.


A set of traffic lights will be installed at McLaughlin Crescent to make it easier for drivers to turn on to Westmorland.


Head of Municipal Operations Paul Groody says the real solution to the traffic congestion would be far more expensive.


Groody says the pedestrian lights at Northumberland and Westmorland will stay and there will be a dedicated left turn lane at Retail Drive.

Ambulance Hits Guardrail

Four people were taken to hospital this morning when an Ambulance New Brunswick ambulance got into a crash.

It happened in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia and the ambulance hit a guardrail.


A patient and a nurse were taken to hospital in Halifax and are going to be alright.
 
Both paramedics on board were take to hospital in Truro, checked out and are going to be fine.

Reversing Falls Pipeline Project To Be Delayed Two Years

(Mayor Ivan Court)
     (File Photo)

3.8 million dollars in federal stimulus money had been earmarked to construct two water pipelines at the Reversing Falls Bridge. That work will be delayed for two years, in part, because of the repairs to the Harbour Bridge and its felt there would be too much of a traffic disruption if work was being done on two bridges at the same time. Mayor Ivan Court worries the federal funding could be lost and he'll be knocking on the door of M-P Rodney Weston. The Mayor wants to use the money destined for the Reversing Falls on other water projects instead.
Court also says if those two pipelines had been up and flowing, there would have been no need for a bloil water order last week because water would have been sent to the east side from the supply in west Saint John.

Two Youths Arrested In The Valley For Numerous Vehicle Breakins

Rothesay Regional Police picked up a couple of young people for attempting to break into vehicles in the Hammond River area. When they investigated further, police now believe the two may be connected to as many as 20 previous breakins which have taken place over the past several months.

West Side Conservatives To Choose Their Candidate Tonight

The Conservative party faithful on the west side will be out for the Saint John Lancaster nomination meeting tonight.Three people hope to represent the west side riding held since 2003 by Liberal MLA Abel Leblanc when he defeated then provincvial cabinet minister and later Mayor Norm McFarlane. Police officer Dean Secord, business owner Dorothy Shephard and Crown Prosecutor and Common Councillor Chris Titus are vying to be the Conservative candidate in the riding for the September 27th provincial election. Tonight's nominaton meeting at the Branch 69 legion gets underway at 7.

Liberals Courting Candidate To Run In Rothesay

With just under five months to go before the Provincial vote, another name has shown up as a possible candidate. The Deputy Mayor of Rothesay, Blair McDonald tells CHSJ News, the Graham Liberals have asked if he would be interested in carrying it's banner on September.27th. Admitting it is an attractive offer, McDonald tells us he hasn't made up his mind and the party hasn't given him a deadline to do so.
The riding of Rothesay has been a Conservative strong-hold since 1999 when MLA Margaret Ann Blaney was first elected to office. Blaney has already said she will be seeking re-election.