Vandals Hit The Imperial Theater

(Vandals Spray Paint Back Wall Of Imperial)
         (Photo By Jim Hennessy)

The Imperial Theater has been hit by vandals.

The back wall of the building, which was just re-constructed to stop water from leaking, has had a huge picture spray painted on the lower half.

There are no words and it looks more like a mural in black and white.


The money, $2.5 million, to fix the back wall and complete other repairs, was recently raised during the Theater's Keep It Live Campaign.

Premier Promises Voters Will Be Left With Clear Choice Come Election Day

(Political Scientist Don Desserud of U-N-B Saint John)
                           (File Photo)

Voters in the province will have clear choice when election day rolls around on September 27th......Do they want to switch back to neutral or move the province forward. So says Premier Shawn Graham who maintains the election will dictate the future of the province. The Premier maintains this province has done alot better economically coping with the financial downturn than many other jurisdictions, including Ontario. Political Scientist Don Desserud of U-N-B Saint John says there is a danger that the Graham government could be seen as reckless. Graham even concedes his government has not been perfect.

Armed Robbery And Beating Under Investigation

An armed robbery last night on the east side. City Police tell CHSJ News it happened at M and J Convenience store on Bonita Avenue. One man got away with an undisclosed amount of money. The Major Crime Unit is also investigating a beating which took place earlier in the day on Sewell Street. One man was taken to hospital for treatment.

PETA In Saint John For Protest

The one thing you can't accuse People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals of is being boring. Two women representing the the group will shower on King Street at noon today behind a banner that reads "Clean Your Conscience.....Go Vegan."" Spokesperson Virginia Fort tells CHSJ News, the shower is to shine a spotlight on the water the meat industry wastes.
As for just how naked the ladies will be, Fort says they have checked with police and will be as naked as they can be in public according to the law. Fort says to process one pound of meat, 9000 litres of water is used which is equivalent to six months worth of showers. The shower show gets started at the top of King Street at noon.

New Drug And Alcohol Treatment Centre For Young People

(Premier Shawn Graham)
         (File Photo)

A new drug and alcohol treatment centre for youth is opening at Cassidy Lake today.
The dormitory and building on the 165-acre site will accomodate youth between the ages of 14 and 21 who are battling addiction.
Portage Atlantic representatives along with ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield and Premier Shawn Graham will be on hand for the opening at 10 this morning.

Giant Wind Turbines To Move Through City

(Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir)
               (File Photo)

You may have noticed those giant turbines in the port over the last couple of days, they are headed to the Trans Alta wind farm in Kent Hills. The turbines will be transported through the city starting Monday at 6am. Their route takes them along Lower Cove Loop to the intersection of Crown and Union Streets on to Rothesay Avene and the highway. The turbines are 200 feet long and will have a police escort. The deliveries continue until August 20th.
Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir says the 96 mega-watt farm has been producing energy since December 2008.
Keir says the province also gets about 400 megawatts of electricity from the Mactaquac Hydro Dam.

Police Raid Home Near Centreville

Woodstock Police and RCMP raided a house near Centreville yesterday seizing some marijuana.

An 18-year-old man is under arrest and remains in custody.
He is facing charges for drug trafficking and has a court date today.

Charges are also expected against two other men who were arrested and released.

Three Deer Collisions In The K-V

The over population of deer has proven to be a thorn in the side of municipal officials in the Kennebecasis Valley. The RCMP in Hampton say they had three collisions last night which all involved deer. The first one occurred along Highway 1 near the Dolan Road Irving. The second one happened on the highway at Hammond River and the last near the Hampton off ramp. No serious injuries were reported.

Volunteers Wanted For Canada Day

The Canada Day celebration in Saint John has become larger in the last few years. This has prompted the need for more volunteers to help out. Heather Pederson, who chairs the Canada Day Committee, tells CHSJ News they need 100 volunteers, some of whom would include people who want to carry the flags of each individual province in the parade. Peterson says what would be ideal is to have volunteers from the various provinces who now live in the Saint John area. One of the attractions this year will be Canada Village at Loyalist Plaza which will feature all of the provinces.
Those people who want to volunteer can call Market Square at 658-3600.

Funeral Service Tomorrow For Local Serviceman

Mourners are being asked to wear red to the funeral of a 35-year old local serviceman tomorrow.
Corporal Patrick Painter of Quispamsis died earlier this month after an explosion and fire ripped through his home near Kingston.
Painter was stationed at the military base in the Ontario city and was due to be deployed to Afghanistan in September.
The funeral service is set for tomorrow morning at 10:30 at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rothesay.

(Photo courtesy of Fundy Funeral Home Online Obituaries)

New Truck and Engines Donated To NBCC

(Two Of the Donated Engines From GM)
        (Photo By Jim Hennessy)

The Automotive Service Technician Program at NBCC Saint John has some gear to study with.


General Motors has donated a 2009 Silverado Truck and 20 engines for students to use as training aids. Bill Best is the Interim President and CEO of the Campus and tells CHSJ News, this is a substantial donation.


Best adds the donation ensures students and apprentices are training with the latest vehicle technology and service methods in the industry.

GM Pleased To Make Donation

   (GM Spokesperson Eric Leblanc)
        (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Eric Leblanc is the District Fixed Operations Manager for GM in Atlantic Canada and tells CHSJ News, the company is pleased to provide this donation knowing that there may be some future technicians that come and work for a local dealership.
Along with the donation to NBCC Saint John, 750 engines were donated to campuses from coast to coast.

City Owned Building Set Ablaze

(District Fire Chief Gerry Morris)
              (File Photo)

A fire early this morning in Shamrock Park at the city owned equipment building was likely deliberately set. District Chief Gerry Morris says it took fire crews something like two hours to get a handle on the blaze. Morris says the fire began on the outside of the building and spread to the interior of the building causing heavy damage. Firefighters dhad to smash through the roof of the one storey building to get at the flames. The blaze was first spotted by a police officer who was on patrol in the area.




   

Gas Prices Remain Virtually Unchanged

Self serve regular is up a bit and diesel is down slightly after the weekly setting. Self serve going up by a cent to 97.7 a litre if you're buying gas in the city. Diesel fell to just under a dollar at 99.9. Propane remains unchanged at 102.9.

Toll Free Number Set Up To Report Animal Abuse

The Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty in the Province now has a tollfree number.
Executive Director Mike Murphy tells CHSJ News this number will give everyone the opportunity to prevent animals from being hurt or neglected.
The SPCA's board chair, Joy Bacon says the number will also give them a valuable resource to act on complaints from the public.


The number is 1-877-722-1522.

Rothesay Preparing To Relax Restrictions On Signs

(Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop)
          (File Photo)

Rothesay Town Council may make changes to its bylaw concerning signage. Mayor Bill Bishop recognizes Rothesay's laws regarding signs are generally stricter than laws in Quispamsis.
The change would allow business owners one sign each in a location of their choice and would change the dimensions for free standing signs. Bishop points out Rothesay is, for the most part, residential but the town is looking into providing more areas for community event signs..

Minister Keir Is Curious

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)
         (File Photo)

With word a counter-offer from the Province on the future of the Harbour Bridge could take months to review, the eyebrows of the Energy Minister have been raised.
this following a report that Southwest MP Greg Thompson has accused fellow Minister Keith Ashfield of holding back millions of infrastructure dollars to make sure the Graham Liberals can't ride the wave of good news announcements into the fall vote.
Keir tells CHSJ News, he would hope that is not the case.


Keir adds he has known MP Thompson for a long time and if he believes politics are being played with the Harbour Bridge, he believes him.

Victoria Clarke Is In For the Liberals

The Liberal Party has it's candidate in the riding of Rothesay and it's Victoria Clarke.

The mother of two who works for the Regional Hospital Foundation beat school teacher Jacques Theriault on the first ballot 78 to 53.

Clarke tells CHSJ News, she is thrilled with the victory but knows there is still a lot of work ahead.


Clarke adds she is proud to have the support of former women Liberal MLA's such as Jane Barry and Lorrraine Jarrette, who was the last Liberal to hold the riding of Rothesay.

Sub Standard Housing Up For Discussion

The topic of sub-standard housing was discussed between several community members at the Boys and Girls Club yesterday.

It was hosted by the Greater Saint John Homlessness Steering Committee and spokes-person Kit Hickey tells CHSJ News, many on hand have no idea some of the conditions people are living in.
Hickey adds there were no conclusions made during the forum and still a lot of work to be done.

Teen Girl Missing From St. Stephen Found Safe

A 16-year old girl missing from the St. Stephen area has been found safe sound.

Heather Dawn Daye of McAdam was reported missing on Sunday after she was dropped off at her grandmother's residence in Honeydale and never returned from a walk.

RCMP tell us Daye was located outside the province after a routine vehicle stop.

Saint John Man Back In Court On Murder Charge

A thirty day psychiatric evaluation has determined a 30 year old east Saint John man is fit to stand trial for first degree murder in the death of 28 year old Melanie Getson of Douglas Avenue. Judge Anne Jeffries told the court Jason Getson's stay at the Restigouche mental health facility determined he is not suffering from a mental disorder that would prevent him from criminal responsibility. Getson, of Martha Avenue, was charged after his estranged wife was stabbed to death in the parking lot of a tanning salon on Rothesay Avenue May 10th. They were living apart at the time. Getson returns to court July 8th at which time a date for a preliminary hearing is expected to be set to determine if there is enough evidence to warrant a trial. In the meantime, Getson will stay behind bars.

DOT Responds To Mackay Highway Concerns

In an e-mail, the Department of Transportation is responded to Mayor Court's concerns. Officials says exsisting traffic volumes warrant the expansion of the Mackay Highway which is not just a link from Saint John to the outlying area's. It is a key trade corridor between New England and Atlantic Canada and to help make way for further industrial and business growth.

The e-mail also points out the information on the expansion of the highway has been public knowledge for 16 months now and this is the first time they are hearing this concern which is a suprise to the department.
To date, DOT has not received any letter or e-mail from city officials voicing any concern about the project.

Premier Graham on Mackay Highway Expansion

The Premier was on the MacKay highway a few weeks back where he witnessed a traffic accident that tied up traffic for over two hours.


Shawn Graham says it's one of the most travelled highways in the province.
He says the traffic counts show it is warranted to be upgraded to the first six-lane highway in the province.
Graham says the government's upgrade will allow goods to flow safely in and out of Saint John.

Mayor Court Concerns about MacKay Highway Expansion

(file photo)

City Hall is growing concerned about an expansion of the MacKay Highway to six lanes. The project is to aleviate traffic congestion during the morning rush and afternoon drive home. Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News, the only thing this project will do is move the bottle-neck from Rothesay to Saint John:

Mayor Court adds if they only convenience of adding the extra lane is to get people in and out of the city faster, then there is no benefit but create more urban spawl.

Missing Girl in St. Stephen

RCMP need your help in locating a 16-year old girl who was reported missing on Sunday.

Heather Dawn Daye of McAdam was last seen on Friday around noon when she was dropped off at her grandmother’s residence in Honeydale, near St. Stephen.
She told her grandmother she was going for a walk and has not been seen since.

Her family thinks she could be with a 26-year-old man she knows who drives a 2001, two-door black Chevrolet Cavalier with the New Brunswick license plate GJC 577 and that they may be heading towards British Columbia.

Her family is encouraging Heather to contact them directly or through the police.

Heather Dawn Daye is described as 5'5" tall, 110-115lbs, with dark brown hair past her shoulders and blue eyes. She also has a nose piercing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP at 1-888-506-7267.

Marigolds On Main Street

Twelve Hundred school children are up to their elbows in dirt this morning planting Marigolds on Main Street.

Event Co-Chair Jackie Henneberry says she likes to see the smiles on the kids' faces.

Henneberry says it's an education program for the kids, as they plant their own marigolds in school and learn how to water and plant flowers.

Marco Polo: The Musical

Marco Polo: The Musical is getting some cash to fund production.

The Project, which brings together the Saint John Theatre Company, the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and the Saint John High School Concert Choir, has received a 30,000 dollar grant from the Greater Saint John Community Foundation.

Stage Director Stephen Tobias says the money will make a big difference.

Tobias says he can't wait to stage the show in Harbour Station and to experience the theatricality of the space.

Drug Raid On West Side And Vandalism In Hampton

City Police seizing some crack cocaine with a street value of 11 hundred dollars after a drug raid at an apartment on the west side. It happened at 336 Sherbrooke Street. A 33 year old man is facing a charge of possessing crack for the purpose of trafficking. Two men, aged 25 and 38, were also nabbed for obstructing police.
Meantime, more than 2 thousand dollars worth of damage was caused to a greenhouse owned by the town of Hampton behind the community centre. The RCMP say something like twenty rocks were thrown through the glass.

Serious Collision Along Millenium Drive And Short Chase On West Side

Two people were taken to hospital last night after a two vehicle smashup on Millenium Drive at the lights. Rothesay Regional Police tell CHSJ News both vehicles are writeoffs. City Police nabbed a suspected drunk driver, who's now under lock and key, after a short chase early this morning that wound up on Fairville Boulevard just beyond Catherwood.

Marigolds On Main Street Starts This Morning

(Marigolds On Main Street)
           (File Photo)

The North End will be a vision of orange with the annual Marigolds on Main event set to go this morning.
It's the 13th year and 40,000 of the plants will be put in the ground by local school kids starting shortly after 9:00. Organizer Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News the program has grown so much that over the new few days 150,000 marigolds will be planted between Sussex to Welsford. More than 2 million marigolds will have been planted over the 13 years.
Ogden says the programme came into beging to create pridge in the community. It has been recognised internationally and is being copied in New York, Germany and Britain. It has also become a popular attraction for the cruise ship passengers.

Rogers Loses Appeal

Rogers Communications has been denied by a Court of Appeal an attempt to appeal a decision from last month that granted Bell Aliant an injunction.


On May 4th, The Court issued an injuction to stop Rogers Communications Inc. from claiming to have the ‘fastest and most reliable’ high speed Internet product.

Keeping An Eye on Bridge Traffic

City Police say traffic is flowing smoothly for the time being despite construction to the Harbour Bridge.

On the first day of bridge construction the Traffic Sergeant and a City engineer took a helicopter up to look at traffic problems.

Deputy Chief Bruce Connell says posting traffic officers in key areas for a few days made a big difference.


Connell says they appreciate people who go into work early to help avoid congestion.

A Report On Community Policing

The Board of Police Commissioners is going to present to council on community policing.

Board Chairman Christopher Waldschutz says they consider community policing a top priority.


Waldschutz says he doesn't think the new municipal plan will shrink the number of community police officers even if more focus is put on the city's core.

Future Of NB Power Being Mapped Out

With-in the next two weeks, we should have a clear picture on what the future structure of NB Power is.

Energy Minister Jack Keir has been meeting with rate-payers from all different levels to get their feed-back.

Keir says he hopes to have a recommendation to cabinet in the next month.
Keir says he will continue to listen to the experts on this issue and consider the facts before a final proposal is brought forward.

Neighbourhood Continues To Make Strides

One Change and other community groups met with Common Council during a special meeting this week to show the positive strides they are making.

In the Old North End alone, police calls are down 50% and Mayor Ivan Court says this is a big hurdle for an area most had given up on.
Court says residents of the Old North End are taking back their neighbourhood with new growth and home owners making improvements.

Fire At Irving Paper

Nobody hurt but quite a bit of damage after fire broke out at Irving Paper on Bayside Drive last yesterday afternoon.

Crews arrived just after five to find thick black smoke and flames coming from the roof area of the thermal mechanical pulping area.

The wind and thick tar on the roof played havoc in trying to smother the flames.

Crews were trying to cover an area of 6400 square feet and the ladder truck couldn't reach the main source of the flame.

Deputy Chief Mark Gillan says the emergency response team at the mill has been a huge help.


In a news release, J.D. Irving says the mill was not evacuated and one person was taken to the Regional to get looked over for a sore throat.

Production at the mill is expected to resume just after midnight. Just last week, there was a fire on the roof at the Irving Tissue Mill on the West Side.

A New Venue to Report Crime

If you've been living where there is illegal activity going on and you want to make the area safer, you now have a new tool.

The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods unit is up and running where anyone can confidentially file a complaint about a home or apartment where they believe illegal activities are taking place.

SCAN offices are located here in Saint John, Miramichi and Moncton with the ability to serve all regions of the province.

Illegal activities the offices are looking for include growing, selling or buying drugs, organized crime, prostitution and sexual abuse.

The toll free line to file a report is 1-877-826-2122 or on the web at SCAN@gnb.ca

New Uptown Business Set To Open Next Month

(80 King Street-The future home of Silver Daisy Designs)

(photo by Tamara Steele)

A new mother-daughter gift shop is opening on King Street in the old Tapp's location next month.
Kate Lorden and her mother Germaine Doucette are waiting on renovations to be complete before the doors can open.


Lorden tells CHSJ News that Silver Daisy Designs will offer her handmade sterling silver jewellry, home decor and pet accessories.
Lorden says she loves working with her mom saying they both bring different strengths to the business.

Conservatives Not Impressed With Move By Energy Minister

(Saint John Portland MLA Trevor Holder)
                (File Photo)

Energy and it's future role continues to cause sparks to fly between the Liberals and Conservatives.


Saint John Portland MLA Trevor Holder is speaking out on the proposed new authority for the EUB when it comes to NB Power.

Holder tells CHSJ News, a policy on energy is still being put together piece-meal by the Graham Government.
Holder says he doesn't have a problem with Minister Keir making the decision because it is what voters asked for but funny it has to come on the eve of an election.

Switching Control Of NB Power To The EUB

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)
        (File Photo)

By this fall, responsibility of what NB Power has planned and is doing could fall into the hands of the Energy and Utilities Board.


A proposal has been taken to cabinet to put the change in place by this fall.


Energy Minister Jack Keir tells CHSJ News, NB Power is on board with the proposal.


Keir says after hearing from several organizations telling government to stay out of the public utilities business, he is listening.


Keir admits government involvement in the public utility has caused some of it's problems.

Energy and Utilities Board Taking It All In Stride

The EUB is welcoming the proposal saying it is all about public consultation and welcomes the views of others.
Chair Ray Gorman says at the end of the day, this is a government decision but welcomes the views of others.
Gorman doesn't believe this proposal will put more pressure on his group to meet the needs of many different organizations when it comes to electricity rates.

Saint John Energy Weighs In On Proposal

Saint John Energy is taking a cautious look at the new proposal.


President Eric Marr says this isn't the first time he has seen or heard about this proposal.


Marr says at this point, he doesn't know if that scenario is good or bad but feels the current set-up of reporting to it's board of commissioners is well focused on service and rates.

RCMP Find A Grow Op

A marijuana grow operation has been un-covered by RCMP at a home in Snyder Mountain yesterday.


Officers found 175 plants, dried marijuana and prescription medication packaged and ready to be sold.
A rifle was also found underneath a bed.


A 28 year old man has been released but will appear before a judge in the coming months to enter a plea on several charges.

Apartment Rental Numbers

According to the latest figures from Canada Mortgage and Housing, those living in an apartment are happy to be there.
As of April.1st, there is no change to the vacanacy rate, coming in at 4.7% over-all with a decline in Fredericton but a marginal increase in both Moncton and here in Saint John.


CMH says in-migration continues to support demand for apartment rentals in the Province's larger urban centres.
The highest apartment vacancy rate in the Province is 9.8% in Edmunston and it is the lowest in Miramichi at 3.4%.


The average price for a two bedroom apartment in Saint John is $644 dollars and $710 in both Moncton and Fredericton.

Saint John Law Firms Are Merging

Two of the largest law firms in Greater Saint John are finalizing a merger.


As of July.1st, Clark Drummie will join McInnes Cooper, which currently has more than 200 lawyers.


Details on where any new office space will be has not yet been released.

Forum To Discuss Sub-Standard Housing

An information session to discuss sub-standard housing will be held tomorrow at the Boys and Girls Club.


It is being hosted by by the Greater Saint John Homelessness Steering Committee.


Several groups will take part in the discussion to safeguard tenants by having appropriate policies and protective measures in place.


Some of the speakers include the office of the rentalsman, the building inspectors office and the Saint John Fire Department.

Rothesay Town Council Approves Plan To Alleviate Flooding In Oakville Acres

(Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop)
         (File Photo)

People living in Oakville Acres will be getting a solution to their flooding problem over the summer, but it's not the one they wanted to see happen first. Town Council is going ahead with a Clear Water System which will fix drainage problems underground. But Jim Sherrard of the Oakville Acres Citizens Committee says council should build a retention pond first to keep the water out of the subdivision.
Sherrard fears if there's a major rainfall the properties will still be flooded. He adds there is also an expectation homeowners will have to pay to hook themselves up to the underground drainage system, which could cost up to 10,000 dollars per household. For his part, Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop says Council has full intention of building the retention pond after they purchase the land for it and no one is going to pay 10,000 dollars to get their house hooked up to the drainage system.

Keir Blasts Conservative Leader Over Being Transparent With Voters

(Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir)
                (File Photo)

Jack Keir thinks David Alward's closed door negotiations with large industry are shameful considering his pledge to be transparent with voters in the Province. The Provincial Energy Minister is referring to the Conservative leader's Energy summit in Moncton.
Keir says Alward has changed his tune after holding the government's feet to the fire over the NB Power-Hydro Quebec talks. Keir is calling the about face shameful.
Keir says while he couldn't care less about Alward's visit last week with Premier Danny Williams, the Conservative leader should have been clear about who was footing the bill for his flight.

Seven Impaired Driving Arrests in Charlotte County

(file photo)

A flurry of impaired drivers in Charlotte County has the RCMP looking into seven different incidents.

All seven drivers, both men and women, ranging in age from 16 to 42, were arrested over the past four days for Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

They have all been released and have upcoming court dates in St. Stephen in August.

International Award for Efficiency NB

(Efficiency NB President and CEO Elizabeth Weir)

(photo by Tamara Steele)

Say "Congrats!" to anyone you know at Efficiency NB the next time you see them. They are the first Canadian organization to receive the International Star Award from the Alliance to Save Energy.
It recognizes the company's program for large industry for pioneering creative energy efficiency programs and innovative solutions.
President and CEO Elizabeth Weir tells CHSJ News sometimes when you are busy working hard you don't stop to look at your achievements.

She adds because the award comes from outside of the province and the country, it means a great deal.  Weir will travel to Washington in September to collect the Award.

Oromocto Legion Fire Is An Act Of Arson

         (Oromocto Legion Before Fire Last Friday)
                (Photo Courtesy of a Listener)

RCMP is now confirming the fire last Friday that destroyed the Legion in Oromocto was deliberately set.

No arrests have been made but officers have identified people they feel may have been involved in the blaze.


If you or someone you know was near the Legion the night the fire broke out or during the early morning when crews were gtrying to smother the flames, RCMP ask you give them a call or call Crimestoppers.

New Moosehead Beer Available on June 26th

Coming soon to a liquor store new you, from the vats at Moosehead Brewery, it's latest flavour, Moose Light Blackberry for you to try.

The new beverage is hitting the shelf a year after the West-Side brewery launched it's hugely successful light lime suds.
The company says it considered several flavour options for its new beer and blackberry was by far the clear choice.

Moose Light Blackberry will be available on the 26th.

Blaney Responds to Liberal Ad

(Rothesay Conservative MLA Margaret Ann Blaney)
                  (File Photo)


The Conservative MLA for Rothesay is responding to a Liberal ad featured on this radio station.


It takes issue with Margaret Ann Blaney's stance of a recent water infrastructure announcement by Premier Graham.
If elected, the Liberal Government has promised to put foward a third of the cost associated with an upgrade.


The commercial indicates that Blaney is calling the move irresponsible but she tells CHSJ News, it's not the upgrade she is calling out but the two billion dollars in spending committments the Graham Government has made since January.


Blaney says she can't figure out how the Shawn Graham plans to keep all of his promises if re-elected with no limit to what the party will spend.

New Piece Of Equipment For The Refinery

(Crews Are Slowly Moving Dehexanizer For Delivery To Refinery)


                     (Photo by Jim Hennessy)


A huge and expensive piece of equipment has arrived in port for the Irving Oil Refinery.


It's called a Dehexinizer and is being off-loaded near the WallBoard Plant on Bayside Drive.


Officials are going to leave it near that property until after the rush hour drive home and then move it with a police escort to it's home at the Refinery this evening.


The unit was built in Korea at a cost of $99 million dollars and took two months to get here. It is 185 feet long, 16 feet in diameter and weighs over 200 metric tonnes.


It's main function is to reduce benzyne content in gasoline by 30% which meets U.S. regulations.
 
150 new jobs will be created to hook up the Dehexinizer which should go on-line by this time next year.

Canadian Union Of Public Employees Comes Up With Own Solution To Pension Problem

Finance Ministers from across the country are meeting on P-E-I trying to reach an agreement on changing the Canada Pension Plan amid concern most of us aren't putting away enough money for retirement. The President of CUPE New Brunswick, Danny Legere tells CHSJ News both employers and employees will have to contribute more. Legere goes on to say asking people to set aside money for RRSP's is easier said than done with mandy living pay cheque to pay cheque. Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty wants to make it easier for financial institutions to offer pension plans to cover self-employed Canadians and others without corporate plans. He's also proposing modest increases in Canada Pension Plan payroll premiums that would be phased in. Canadian Labour Congress president Ken Georgetti has travelled to the P-E-I meeting to try to persuade the ministers to increase premiums enough to double benefits. Flaherty doubts whether that will have much support around the table.

Lifesaving Society Warns Boaters to Wear Life Jackets

A 51 year old man, who drowned yesterday in Douglas Lake after his canoe capsized, was not wearing a life jacket. The Executive Director of the Lifesaving Society in the province, Elizabeth Lemothe tells CHSJ News this is the third such incident recently in the Saint John area which she finds shocking. Just three weeks ago, three teens rescued a man who was exhausted and near drowning from a capsized canoe. A month before that, a fisherman in Grand Bay-Westfield lost his life after the boat he was in capsized.
She advises people if they're going to be on the water to think about a life jacket as insurance because if you fall in, chances are you won't have time to put it on. Lemothe says canoes and kayaks are the most dangerous.

Naval Exercises Underway and To Continue

A major multi-national naval exercise is and will continue to take place along the Canadian and US Eastern Seaboard up until the 25th.



Of particular interest are the vicinities of the Bay of Fundy, St. Margaret's Bay and the approaches to Halifax Harbour.

Warships are manoeuvring in the St Margaret's Bay area preparing for and conducting among other activities simulated mine-countermeasures operations.

Between June 20 and 22nd, ship and aircraft activities will occur in the Bay of Fundy area.


Vessels and aircraft will engage in mock combat operations at sea and conduct simulated bombing runs at CFB Gagetown.

Close Call For Quispamsis Men

As the community of St. Stephen comes to grips with the loss of a teenager after an ATV accident, it was a close call for two men from Quipamsis over the weekend.

RCMP tell us two machines got into an accident yesterday near the Creek Road in Waterford. One of the vehicles was rear-ended and both men, 22 and 21 years old, were taken to the Regional to get checked out.


Officers believe alcohol was a factor in the crash and charges are expected.

Drowning Victim Is Identified

51-year old Phillipe Michaud of Rothesay has been identified as the man who drowned yesterday on Douglas Lake in a canoe that turned over.

People who live in the East Saint John neighbourhood heard a man screaming for help and they ploughed into the lake trying to save the victim who was found at the bottom.
Michaud was brought to shore and C-P-R was performed on him but to no avail.

Car Fire Forces Closure Of Part Of Rothesay Road

Part of Rothesay Road was blocked off by police from the old Colwell Store past the road into K-Park to the Torryburn Irving after 4 this morning when a car was set on fire in the middle of the road. Police say the mess has now been cleaned up and the road is clear for traffic.

Man Drowns In East Saint John

Both the Lifesaving Society and the fire department are warning people to wearing a life jacket if you're boating. A 51 year old man drowned early this morning after the canoe he and another man were in capsized on Douglas Lake behind Morrison Road in East Saint John. People who live in the neighbourhood heard a man screaming for help and they tried to save another man who was found at the bottom of the lake by bringing him to shore and performing C-P-R but to no avail.


The fire department also responded to a fire at about the same time at 70 Mountain Road which is considered suspicious. No one was at home when the blaze started. Fire crews were there for about three hours. Damage was heavy and the Major Crime Unit is now investigating.

Saint Johnners Call For Smarter Growth And Not Sprawl

(Plan SJ Storefront In Brunswick Square)
                  (File Photo)

Lots of Saint Johners are giving Plan SJ much wanted input for the city's new municipal plan and they want growth to be smarter and smaller. Nearly one hundred people showed up to an Open House over the weekend to share ideas on how to grow the city. Deputy Commissioner of Planning Jackie Hamilton says there were a few themes that came up again and again including more growth taking place in the urban core including the north end and lower west side before spreading to the outskirts. Hamilton says we're still a year and a half away from the final product with the new municipal plan set to be finished by the end of 2011.

Provincial Election Campaign Not Real Yet

(U-N-B Poly Sci Professor Don Desserud)
                     (File Photo)

A U-N-B Saint John political scientist is weighing in on the Corporate Research Associates poll which gave the Graham Liberals 37 per cent support and the Conservatives 42 per cent.
Don Desserud tells CHSJ news the numbers are what he would expect since this is not the real campaign and he wonders if voters tune out poll results. According to Desserud, the "real campaign" doesn't start until about four weeks before the election.
In the Corporate Research Associates poll, the NDP has 16 per cent support of the voters and the Green Party had 5 per cent and Desserud warns they should be taken seriously.

New Tourism Strategies Being Worked On

(Federal Cabinet Minister and Fundy Royal M-P Rob Moore)
                                 (File Photo)

Fundy Royal MP and Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism Rob Moore is keeping a close watch on the summer season hoping many choose this country to spend some vacation time. Moore says tourism makes up 2% of the national economy.
Moore says the cruise industry is anticipating steady growth this and in the years to come and realizes there are challenges in bringing more people to the country by land. Several strategies are being worked on which include marketing directly to Chinese tourists. Moore says the U.S. market is still the most important market and he claims it is recovering after the ill effects of the financial meltdown.

Graduation Ceremonies Scheduled In School District 6

(School District 6 Superintendent Zoe Watson)
                   (File Photo)

With graduation season upon us District 6 has six ceremonies to prepare for. School Superintendent Zoe Watson say the first graduation ceremony is for the PALS school in Sussex and it's on June the 18th.
Belle Isle Regional High grads get their diplomas on Wednesday the 23rd while Hampton and Sussex High both go on Thursday the 24th. Watson says K-V High and Rothesay High finish up with ceremonies on the 25th and 26th.  

Natural Gas For District Eight

Four schools in District Eight are converting to natural gas this summer.

Director of Finance and Administration Chris Toole tells CHSJ News, he isn't sure this will mean signifigant savings as the price for each building is different.

Toole says the work will be carried out over the summer and finished in time for the first day of school in the fall.

The schools being converted are Havelock, Beaconsfield, Centennial and Princess Elizabeth.

Food Policy Not Perfect

(File Photo)

A policy that ensures healthy food is served at school cafeterias may not be working to the best of it's ability.

District Six Superintendant Zoe Watson says Policy 711 has brought on some positive changes. 

She says more students are drinking water and eating healthy snacks.

Watson says no one wants to go back to serving chips and chocolate bars, but cafeteria revenues have declined since the policy came into place.

She says high school students near fast food restaurants often leave the school at lunch to eat junk food anyway.

New Initiative Working Well

An initiative launched last year by the Provincial Education Department is getting rave reviews from the District Eight Education Council.

A student was selected from one of the four local high schools to sit as an active member and give a fresh perspective.

Elizabeth Murphy finished her mandate last week and tells CHSJ News, it has been an amazing experience.

Murphy is attending St. Thomas University in the fall and says they experience has her giving serious consideration about pursuing a career in the education field.

Murphy's replacement, Chris Harper will sit in on his first meeting in August.

Bay Of Fundy A Real Wonder

The Bay of Fundy is well known for having the highest tides in the world, but it may soon be known for something more.

The Bay of Fundy is currently one of the 28 finalists in the 7 Wonders of Nature contest.

Terri McCulloch, Manager of Bay of Fundy Tourism, says Facebook has been a big help in getting people to vote.

The Bay of Fundy is up against Wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon and the Amazon Rainforest. 

It is the only Wonder still in the competition from Canada. 

To vote for the Bay of Fundy as one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, go to : www.new7wonders.com/community/en/new7wonders/new7wonders_of_nature/voting.

Artisans Get Kicked Out

(Vendors Pack up in Loyalist Plaza)
(Photo By Sherry Aske)
Local artisans who take up shop in the Loyalist Plaza during the cruise ship season are being kicked out of their spot despite a signed contract.

Lisa Mourade is one of many vendors who signed a contract with the Hardman Group and paid them $250 so she could sell handcrafted items in the brick circle by the Volley Ball Courts.

She says it was only the second day of the season when a security guard came on behalf of the Hardman Group and told them they couldn't be there.

But Mourade and a few other vendors chose to stay, saying they had paid for a spot and signed a contract that allowed them to be there.

More than half of the vendors packed up and left, despite the cruise ship passengers in town.