Lepreau Is Number One Issue

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)
(File Photo)

The refit at Point Lepreau doesn't seem to be making any headway, still 18 months behind schedule and losing ground.

Energy Minister Jack Keir tells CHSJ News, the Graham Government realizes this is the number issue for rate-payers right now.

Minister Keir adds officials still have no answer for the ""technical"" problem they have encountered.

Every day the plant is off line, the Province is paying one million dollars for replacement power.

Letting The Cat Out

If you're thinking about getting a pet, right now is a good time to let the cat out of the bag.

The Saint John Animal Rescue League is having an information session on cat foster care today from 2 until 4.

Shelter Manager Shelley Rogers says there are always more cats available in the Spring and Summer because it's mating season.

Rogers says families really love it when they get to come in and choose a cat and it's always a big event.

To find out more, go to http://www.saintjohnanimalrescue.com/.

People's Alliance To Put Together Policies For Provincial Vote

(People's Alliance Of New Brunswick Leader Kris Austin)
                             (File Photo)

After this weekend, we should have a better idea what the newest political party in the province, the People's Alliance stands for. The party is meeting in Oromocto to put together a platform to offer voters for the September 27th provincial election. Party leader Kris Austin tells CHSJ News what won't change is the pledge to hold free votes in the Legislature so M-L-A's can better represent the views of the people in their ridings. He claims that won't be as chaotic as some people might think. Austin vows the policy meeting will give those people who haven't been listened to by the mainstream parties a chance to be heard for a change.
The Party's Executive director Stirling Wright says they will have a lot to talk about including transportation, health care, education, the environment, energy and employment opportunities.

Mayor Says Projected Cost Of New Police Headquarters Proves Naysayers Wrong

(Saint John Mayor Ivan  Court)
              (File Photo)

Mayor Ivan Court says all the fear mongers were wrong about how much the new police station at Peel Plaza will cost. The figures being bandied about ranged from 40 to 60 million dollars. The Mayor tells CHSJ News those were wildly off the mark and he's pleased with the lowest bid. Court goes on to say both the city ands the province explored the possibility of a public-private partnership and found it to be too expensive. Mayor Court predicts the majority of Common Council will be pleased although Deputy Mayor Stephen is expected to vote against at a special meeting of Common Council planned for Tuesday to vote on the project.

Body Found

The body of the missing 54-year-old Saint John man has been found.

A family member reported him missing after they found an empty aluminum boat on the South Oromocto Lake earlier this morning.

After searching the area, RCMP found the body just before noon.

The man's name has not been released yet.

Energy Conference Raps

(Jack Keir speaks at the energy conference)
(Photo by Sherry Aske)

Coming out of a day and half long energy conference, Energy Minister Jack Keir says it's important to have the whole community involved.

He says they need the universities, the building trades, the unions, and social organizations all involved.

Keir says they've established a task force that will be responsible for moving the energy hub forwards, defining it, and coming up with key projects.

Welsford Man Is Going To Court

Tuesday morning is when a 65-year old Welsford man will appear in Hampton Court to answer to two charges of luring over the Internet.
The charges stem from an ongoing investigation initiated by the Halifax Regional Police Department into a man allegedly attempting to lure a child over the Internet.


On April 14 a search warrant was executed at the man’s home by the RCMP where computer and electronic equipment were seized.

Where Will All The People Go

As the issue of out-migration from Saint John continues to swirl, there is a question that needs to be answered?

Hypothetical, if everyone who calls the Kennebecasis Valley home were to say they wanted to move into the city, is there enough room?


Dave Cochrane is a realtor with Remax and tells CHSJ News, not a chance because with just over 25,000 people living in Quispamsis and Rothesay alone, there are not enough properties to go around.


Cochrane says if you also take the price of a home for example in Millidgeville, along with the $1.72 tax rate and a lot of people simply can't afford to hang their shingle in Saint John.

Arrest Made in Oromocto Legion Fire

(Photo Of The Oromocto Legion Before The Fire)

                (Courtesy of a Listener)

A teenager from Oromocto has been arrested in connection with a fire that destroyed the Legion in that town last month.


RCMP picked up the 18-year old man yesterday and a charge of arson is expected to be laid.


The man has been released and is scheduled to appear before a judge September.13th to enter a plea.

Special Meeting To Discuss New Police Headquarters

(Saint John Mayor Ivan Court)
          (File Photo)

Mayor Ivan Court says the new police headquarters at Peel Plaza will cost as little as 20.7 million dollars which is far less than some of the estimates that were put forward by those opposed which ranged from 40 to as high as 60 million dollars.
The Mayor tells CHSJ News there has been alot of fear mongering when it comes to the final price of the proposed headquarters.


The fate of the project will be decided at a special meeting of Common Council on Tuesday night.

Saint John Harbour Independent Candidate Talking Water

(SJ Harbour Independent Candidate John Campbell)
                      (File Photo)

The independent candidate for Saint John harbour is talking water.


As the City struggles to find the hundreds of millions it needs to improvement the current system, he applauds Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase for bringing options to the table instead of complaining.
John Campbell tells CHSJ News, a solution to this problem is going to take some creative thinking.
Campbell admits the over $200 million dollars needed for the water upgrade is a tremendous amount of cash and is one of the biggest issues facing the city right now.

Search Underway On Lake For Missing Saint John Man

The RCMP in Grand Bay-Westfield are looking for a missing 51 year old man. They were told about his disappearance by a family member who discovered an empty aluminum boat floating on South Oromocto Lake. The missing man was last seen around 7:00 yesterday morning. The search resumes this morning with the RCMP's underwater recovery team. The man's name has not been released.

Enterprise Saint John Welcomes Areva Announcement

As you can imagine, Enterprise Saint John is thrilled with the letter of intent signed between the Province and Areva. General Manager Steve Carson tells CHSJ News, this is an exciting time for all of Greater Saint John and he isn't concerned about the proposal being lost if the Graham Government fails in it's bid for re-election. Carson adds even with the plan for a second refinery being shelved, investments continue in Greater Saint John which gives him every indication the energy hub is alive and well.

Head Honcho At NB Power Denies Allegations Of Lax Work Habits At Point Lepreau

(NB Power President And C-E-O Gaetan Thomas)
                        (File Photo)

Do video games and movies have anything to do with the refit schedule at Point Lepreau falling 18 months behind schedule? Callers and e-mails to our news-room over the past several weeks tell us employees are doing both while on the job. President and CEO of NB Power Gaetan Thomas tells CHSJ News, this couldn't be further from the truth.
Thomas says the delay is caused by the leak tightness of the calandria tubes but they have a solution to the problem and will then move on to the fuel channel installation and the lower feeder being put back on line. An udate on the refit schedule is due out next week.

Motorcycle Collides With House On West Side

One man was taken to hospital after suffering significant but not life threatening injuries after his motorcycle collided with the side of a house. This happened at 429 Prince Street on the lower west side. City Police say the motorcycle was heavily damaged. The house, itself, also sustained some damage. There was also a fire in a vacant lot with alot of railway ties at the corner of Bay and the Gault Road. Firefighters sprayed them down with foam.

East Saint John Man Charged With Murder Back In Court

A 30 year old man accused in the brutal stabbing death of his estranged wife will remain in jail until a preliminary hearing begins on October 5th. Two days have been set aside to determine if there's enough evidence for Jason Getson of Martha Avenue to stand trial. He's charged with first degree murder in the killing of 28 year old Melanie Getson of Douglas Avenue in a parking lot on Rothesay Avenue May 10th.

Update On One Mile Interchange

(Shot Of Construction At One Mile Interchange)
           (Photo By Jim Hennessy)

As if there wasn't enough traffic confusion in the metro area, here comes another change in the pattern.
Starting Saturday, the eastbound lanes of Route One near the One Mile Interchange will be closed and traffic will be shifted to the westbound lanes with one in each direction.
Transportation Minister Denis Landry is pleased with the progress being made on the project.


Supervisors at the site says the project is both on time and schedule and should be open in two years.

Conservatives Comment On Areva Deal

(Margaret-Ann Blaney comments on the Liberal's deal with Areva)
(Photo By Sherry Aske)

Conservative M-L-A Margaret-Ann Blaney says she can't help but notice the timing of Shawn Graham's Areva announcement.

She says this, like the NB Power-Hydro Quebec deal, was done behind closed doors.

Blaney says she'd like to know where Graham's Minister of Public Engagement was when they were having discussions with Areva because it doesn't seem like the public was consulted.

Blaney says they don't know enough about the deal to know if they'll keep it on the table if elected, but it looks like it could have a lot of value if it fits in with their energy plan.

Province and Areva Sign Letter of Intent

     (Premier Graham At The Podium)
         (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

It's official. A letter of intent has been signed between the Province and nuclear giant Areva.
Following the completion of a feasibility study Areva will be entirely responsible for managing the design construction and financing of a new light water reactor the first of it's kind in the country.
Premier Shawn Graham says the tax-payer is not on the hook for this project should it move forward.


If the plant and energy park move forward, over 8000 construction jobs could be generated and close to 500 permanent positions.
It's hoped a detailed agreement can be ironed out by the end of the year.

Areva Happy With Proposal

Also touting the economic spin-offs from this proposal and safety of nuclear energy is the Chief Executive Officer of Areva.

Jacques Besnainou says this proposal will be up front and not hidden in the back board-room.


Besnainou adds his company is not here to make a quick sale.....they are here for the long run saying this Province provides many benefits including it's bilingual work-force.

New Report On Cancer

The province is making progress in reducing the number of deaths caused by common types of cancer.

A new report from New Brunswick Cancer Network shows a reduction in mortality rates for people with prostate, breast and colorectal cancers.

The report says nearly 20,000 people were diagnosed with some form of invasive cancer in the province between 2002 and 2006, and roughly 9,000 people died as a result.

The report says lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women.

Hampton Fires

RCMP are busy investigating some suspicious fires in Hampton.

Police responded to a grass fire that was started in a wood pile off the Base road in Willow Grove.

They say the fire was deliberately set.

Two other fires were set in a field on Highway 111 in Willow Grove.

Humidex Continues To Soar

There is no relief in sight from the muggy temperatures.

Environment Canada has issued a humidex and health advisory for several area's including Sussex, the Kennebecasis Valley, Kings County, St. Stephen, Fredericton and Oromocto.

The warm airmass that has been lingering over the Province is going to persist with humidex values to reach between 35-40.
The Department of Health reminds everyone to stay in the shade or seek shelter in air conditioning if possible.

Drink plenty of water, wear light clothing and take plenty of breaks if your working or exercising outside.

Common Council To Decide On Residential Development Near Rockwood Park

           (Entrance to Rockwood Park)
                      (File Photo)

Common Council will have another hot potato on its hands about whether to allow more housing to be built near Rockwood Park along Sandy Point Road. Consultant Brian White of A-D-I tells CHSJ News its all about making the area more of a people place and safer. Opponents fear to allow more housing near the park will eventually lead to residential development inside the park itself.
White acknowledges there is alot of distrust between some Saint Johnners and the city when it comes to development and there's a good reason for that considering the history of less than steller well planned and designed development. White believes if more people live in a particular area, their presence alone improves security.

Major Announcement In City Involving Areva, The Provincial Government And NB Power

           (Premier Shawn Graham)
                     (File Photo)

The betting man's money is riding on a letter of intent to be signed between the Province and French nuclear giant Areva today. Both sides have called a news conference for later this morning at the Delta but nothing confirmed from either party. Premier Shawn Graham says the announcment will help build jobs in the community.
Energy Minister Jack Keir spent time in Florida last week meeting with Areva and discussing the possibility of a second reactor at Point Lepreau or an energy park. Also taking part in the announcement is President and Chief Executive Officer of NB Power Gaetan Thomas. The news conference gets started at 11am.

Liberals Choose Their Final Candidate In Saint John Area

Kit Hickey is the newest Liberal candidate running in the fall Election. Hickey was nominted by acclimation last night in the riding of Hampton Kings and says she decided to run when she heard about the Liberal poverty reduction plan.
If elected, Hickey says some of the things she wants to focus on in her home riding would be road repair, water quality and ferry services. The Liberals got into trouble when they tried to cut ferry service at Belle Isle.

Early Morning Fire In The Uptown

City fire crews called out in the early morning hours to a blaze in an apartment building on Leinster Street. The Red Cross was brought in to help 11 people find alternate accomodation after they were evacuated from the building. The cause is under investigation.

Gas Prices Fall In Saint John

Saint John drivers are getting a break if you have to fill up today. Gas prices are down after the weekly setting. The price of self serve regular fell by three cents a litre to 96.4 in the city with diesel down to 98.3. Propane is listed at a dollar a litre.

Trauma Line Is Up And Running

As promised, the 1-800 trauma care line as part of the new system unveiled by the Liberal Government is up and running.

An official with the Horizon Health Network tells CHSJ News, it was on-line at the end of last month and has had 24 calls since.

It is set-up in emergency departments around the Province so doctors and or nurses can get in touch with the trauma control physician if a question about a patient comes up on their condition or whether they should be transferred.

Dr. Martin is the trauma control physician but splits his time between Quebec and this Province.

Hospital Survey Released

Hospital Patient Care Experience is the focus of a survey being released by the New Brunswick Health Council.

It looked at hospital patients who stayed at least one night in an acute care setting during the months of November and December of last year and January.

Three out of four patients responded by giving the province’s facilities a thumbs-up in terms of overall rating which is comparable to other hospitals in North America.


As far as the Regional is concerned, it was rated in 13 categories and failed three.

Responsiveness of staff, preferred language of service and how well staff help patients manage pain.

The over-all rating of the facility is 76.6%. Over 10,000 questionnaires were mailed out with a response rate of nearly 50%.

Keir Reflects on Proposal Gone Wrong

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)
      (File Photo)

With some time and tempers now between the failed NB Power-Hydro Quebec proposal, the Energy Minister is reflecting on his government's actions through the process.


Jack Keir tells CHSJ News, being so close to the file for three years, he was pretty sure he understood the problem and didn't think it needed to be defined in detail as it should have been up front.


The NB Power Hydro Quebec proposal was taken off the table back in March.

Port Authority Spells Out Future Role

(Aerial Shot Of the Port of Saint John)
             (File Photo)

The Port Authority is committing an additional $9.3 million dollars toward a berth extensions project with the hope Ottawa and Fredericton aren't far behind.


Officials have outlined this project as one of it's top priorities to maintain and build business.


Port Authority Chair Stephen Campbell says talks with government officials are going well.


Campbell was speaking yesterday at a news conference to announce tender for $1.4 million dollars worth of work is set to get started on an upgrade for the Rodney Container Terminal.

Police Chief Concedes It Will Be Tough To Live With Budget Restraint

City Police broke even this year with its budget but whether they can do it again next year will be alot tougher. Common Council wants to limit both the police and fire departments to just one per cent increases in their budgets. Police Chief Bill Reid concedes it won't be easy to live within that.
The Chief points out an undercover drug investigaton like "Operation Portland", which resulted in 50 arrests, also cost 450 thousand dollars to carry out and something unexpected like the L-N-G disturbances over the use of workers from outside the province cost 67 thousand dollars..

Conservation Council Critical Of Areva Talks With Province

(David Thompson of the Conservation Council)
                        (File Photo)

All this talk about the possibility of a deal between French nuclear giant Areva and the provincial government leading to a second reactor at Point Lepreau is drawing condemnation from the Conservation Council's David Thompson. He calls it ridiculous. Thompson claims people in the province don't want more nuclear power but would rather see renewable forms of energy together with conservation. He is also dismissive by any suggestion of a clean energy park arguing you can't have any such thing with the radiactive spent fuel that comes with nuclear power.
Meantime, Premier Shawn Graham will be in town tomorrow for an announcement on energy.

No More Arrests Expected In Cemetery Vandalism

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

Just one person was involved in the large scale vandalism that took place in late April at St. Joseph's Cemetery on Westmorland Road. That word coming from Police Chief Bill Reid who says every lead was pursued even beyond the city. A 20 year old man from the east side will be in court later month on a charge of causing mischief of over 5 thousand dollars. His name will not be released until he is formally charged. More than 300 headstones were toppled over and some could not be repaired. Alot of people are expressing surprise at just one person being responsible but the Chief says it doesn't take a lot to push over the headstones.

Relief At Police Commission Over Budget Numbers

The City Police budget pretty much broke even for the year and the Police Commission was told there was adequate funding for the job to be done as it should. Salaries were 490 thousand dollars over budget but that was more than offset by 625 thousand dollars recovered through city police officers taking part in peacekeeping missions abroad and Point Lepreau pays 50 thousand dollars a year to have members of the Emergency Tactical Unit on call. Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News the police department could get alot more revenue if it was paid for work that is really a federal responsibility. He estimates that could be as high as 2 million dollars a year or even more.
Common Councillor Peter McGuire, who is also a member of the Police Commission, says the current way the province funds the city is inadequate.

More Work Today On One Mile Interchange

You can expect to see some extra construction activity at the One Mile Interchange all day today. There's a concrete pour going on until midnight tonight. Andrew Holland with the Department of Transportation says traffic shouldn't be affected but adds commuters and people who live near by should expect some extra noise.

Common Councillor Wants Ottawa To Pay For Safer Drinking Water

(Saint John Common Councillor Bruce Court)
                      (File Photo)

Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase couldn't get to first base with his ideas on how to pay the estimated 260 million dollar cost to provide safe, clean drinking water in the city. His fellow Council members rejected even referring his suggestions to the City Solicitor. Councillor Bruce Court tells CHSJ News for him it was a non-starter saying Saint Johnners can't afford to pay higher taxes. Court says if the federal government wants new regulations then it should provide the extra money to pay for them and points out Ottawa could divert some of the money it is sending overseas down this way if it wants cleaner drinking water. Common Council will be hearing from the head of Municipal Operations, Paul Groody on this very issue later this month.

Liberals To Choose Candidate In Hampton-Kings

The Executive Director of Housing Alternatives will carry the Liberal banner in the riding of Hampton Kings for the fall vote. Kit Hickey will be acclaimed as the candidate for the riding tonight.
Premier Shawn Graham will speak at the event which gets started at seven o'clock at the Masonic Lodge. The riding is currently held by longtime M-L-A Bev Harrison, whose time in the Legislature dates back to fo the late Premier Richard Hatfield.

Energy Minister Denies Timing Of Areva Discussions Has Anything To Do With Provincial Election

(Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir)
              (File Photo)

As we wait for a letter of intent to be signed between the Province and nuclear power house Areva, a question has surfaced about the potential deal. Would the Liberals be this open about what is going on if it were not an election year? Energy Minister Jack Keir tells CHSJ News, he will not apologize for the timing and says there's no rush to finalise a deal because everyone has to be comfortable with the final outcome. He adds Areva has no concerns with the delays of the refit at Point Lepreau.
Keir says discussions with Areva actually started back in the winter here in Saint John and finished up last weekend in Florida.

New Restaurant Coming To The Uptown

(Former Reggies Restaurant On Germain Street)
             (Photo By Jim Hennessy)

A new restaurant is coming to Uptown Saint John. Relish is opening in the former Reggies on Germain Street.


The owner is Bill Eaton who tells CHSJ News, he has always had a passion for the food service industry.


Relish already has locations in Fredericton and Oromocto and Eaton says they hope to be open by October.

Keir On Liberal Ads

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)

(File Photo)

Energy Minister Jack Keir says the Liberals aren't launching American style attack ads, despite what David Alward says.  

Keir says he's heard attack ads from the Conservatives on the radio today.

Keir says they're not attacking anyone and the ads they're running on the radio are just comments made by Alward.
 
He says Alward clearly said in Dalhousie that he thought the 150 jobs that went to Saint John should have gone somewhere else.
 
Keir says it's not right that Alward can say that in Northern New Brunswick and not expect people in Saint John to understand exactly what he's saying.

A Tribute To A Former World Champion

Remembering Charles Gorman

(New HeadStone Unveiled for Charles Gorman)
           (Photo By Jim Hennessy)

The final resting place of former World Champion speed skater Charles Gorman has a new monument for him to be remembered.

A granite headstone with several pitchers of the Saint John native can now be seen at the Cedar Hill Cemetery on Lancaster Avenue.

A big crowd turned out for the dedication ceremony including 79-year old Connie Garnett who tells CHSJ News, she saw Gorman skate at the old Forum in 1936

 when she was 16.

Along with the new headstone, a portrait by artist Norm Jackson was presented to Irving Oil for their contribution toward the project.

Ironically enough, today is Charles Gorman's birthday.

Renovations To Rodney Terminal

(Chair of the SJ Port Auhtority Stephen Campbell)
             (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

The Saint John Port Authority has issued tenders for renovations to the rodney container terminal on the West-Side.
The work is expected to get started this month and includes replacing and refurbishing the decking piles and pile caps at the terminal which is located on the west side.


Chair of the Port Authority is Stephen Campbell who says much of the Port Authories infrastructure dates back to the 1800's.
The work is expected to be finished in September of next year at a cost of $1.4 million dollars.

Man Arrested After Uptown Robbery

One man nabbed by city police on Charlotte Street after the Subway on King Street was held up. The suspect ran through the rear door with some cash before he was arrested. City Police also investigating a report of a man being jumped and beaten up by two other men in King's Square. Police aren't sure whether this is a robbery or not because the victim was drunk at the time of the assault. He's in hospital being treated for his injuries.

City Staff And Some Members Of Common Council At Odds Over Bike And Pedestrian Lanes

(Common Councillor Carl Killen)
             (File Photo)

City Staff are not enthused about the idea of spending 18 thousand dollars for bike and pedestrian lanes along Main Street North and the Viaduct. Deputy City Manager Andrew Beckett calls it a temporary fix to the problem caused by the closure of Harbour Passage for 18 months. Common Councillor Carl Killen disagrees arguing it goes beyond that. He calls Main Street North barren and sterile and would be surprised if it is determined six lanes of traffic are needed. Another member of Council, Donnie Snook calls it a safety issue.
Before any decision is made, Common Council will get a traffic study and some input from the provincial transportation department because the roadway is considered part of the highway system.

Common Councillors Impressed With Revamped City Website

(Saint John Common Council)
          (File Photo)

Common Council getting a first hand look at the city's new revamped website which is expected to be up and running in two weeks time. Deputy City Manager Andrew Beckett says you'll be able to go online and communicate any problems you have with the city, such as potholes and sidewalk repairs, with the hope being you'll get an initial response in 24 hours. There will also be the ability to download pictures. You will also be able to submit your own individual profile so you'll get information on such things as when your garbage and compost are picked up and who your ward councillors are. City services will be listed in an A to Z directory along with an events section to let people know of public meetings and other happenings around town.

Frustration Mounts Over Rockwood Park Boundary

(Entrance To Rockwood Park)
           (File Photo)

There is continuing frustration about where the boundary of Rockwood Park is. The confusion has thrown a monkey wrench into the works of trying to determine what sort of development there should be along Sandy Point Road. Common Councillor Patty Higgins maintains there is no point in having public consultations until that critical question is answered. Higgins and other members of Council have been told the City Solicitor and City Manager should have answers for them in two weeks time. This will be followed by another period of public consultation lasting until the end of August.

Keir On Second Reactor

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)
(File Photo)

Energy Minister Jack Keir says there's no reason to wait to sign a letter of intent with the French Company Areva.

Keir was in Florida last week to discuss the possibility of a second nuclear reactor at Point Lepreau. He says there are all kinds of reasons why Areva would want to invest in New Brunswick.

He says Areva sees that New Brunswick is a bilingual province and there's opportunities here for them to do research and development at both UNB and UDM.

Keir says if a letter of intent is signed the next step will be to build a business case that works for everybody.

Thieves On The Prowl

Over the past six days, five homes and a business in the jurisdiction of Hampton RCMP have been robbed.


It started with a home in Baxters Corner on the 29th and the latest happened last night in Bloomfield.
Plenty of things were stolen including jewelry, diesel, an ATV and an ATV trailer.
Also, officers tell us someone stole a dozen patio chairs from Holly's restaurant that were left on the outdoor patio.


No word on whether the robberies are connected.

Graffiti Clean-Up At Imperial Theater

Graffiti spray-painted on the back wall of the Imperial Theater will be gone in the next two weeks.
Through a method called soda blasting, crews will remove what some consider to be art on the newly constructed wall.

Operations Manager S.G. Lee tells CHSJ News, an exact dollar figure isn't available right now.


Lee adds she is pleased that someone has been caught and charged with the crime and unfortunately, graffiti is one of those facts of city life.

Holder Rejects Liberal Accusations

(MLA Trevor Holder)
(File Photo)

The Provincial Liberals have accused the previous Conservative Government under then Premier Bernard Lord of neglecting Saint John and claim they have spent much more money in the area.

Saint John Portland M-L-A Trevor Holder rejects that and tells CHSJ News the September election will be about what sort of government you want for the next four years.

Holder says it was the Lord Government who refurbished the plant at Coleson Cove and the Lily Lake Pavilion, extended Harbour Passage, contributed to water treatment projects in the city and built the ball fields at Millidgeville North.

Arrest Made In Cemetery Vandalism

For many.....this story should help bring some closure.
After a lengthy investigation by the Major Crime Unit, a 20-year old East Saint John man has been arrested in connection with vandalism at the St. Joseph's Cemetery on Westmorland Road.
It was back in April that police discovered over 300 headstones had been kicked over and damaged sometime on April.25th.
The man has been charged with mischief over $5,000.00 and will appear in court later this month.

A Local Look At the Oil Spill in Gulf Of Mexico

The Atlantic Coastal Action Program is trying to put the effort in perspective as the clean-up continues from the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Executive Director Tim Vickers tells CHSJ News, if a spill were to happen in this area, measures are in place to tackle it.
Vickers adds in taking the time to walk the shorelines in Greater Saint John, you can envision what kind of damage could be done if a spill of that magnitude were to happen.

Gas Prices Holding Steady

With trailers on the move and vehicles filled with people enjoying vacation, many are smiling as the price of gasoline holds steady.


It was just two years ago that prices reached as a high as a dollar forty a litre and Kevin McCann with Wilson Fuels tells CHSJ News, he doesn't expect any fall-out from the Gulf of Mexico spill right now.


McCann says in the short term, he doesn't expect any huge spikes as the demand for oil and refined products is soft.

Peace In The Valley

There appears to be peace in the Valley, inparticular along the Vincent Road after fears of declining property values and children's safety.
It all came about when a youth home for at risk teenagers was given approval to move into the neighbourhood much to the dis-approval of many home and business owners.
Mel Kennah is Executive Director of Moncton Youth Services and tells CHSJ News, there is certainly no immediate plan to expand in the Valley.
Kennah adds only one resident is living at the home with a second expected over the summer and a third by the end of the year.

Acadian Games A Huge Success

The organizing committee of the Acadian Games is feeling good about what they accomplished.


Spokes-person Michel Cote tells CHSJ News, the games were a huge success.
Cote says all of the feedback from the close to 1200 athletes and their families has been positive about not only the games but Greater Saint John as well.


The next Acadian Games will take place in Edmunston in 2012.

Alward Accuses Premier Of Launching American Style Attack Ads

(Provincial Conservative Leader David Alward)
                       (File Photo)

As the Liberals continue to launch attacks through radio ads, the Conservative Party is ready to fire back. Their campaign ads started over the weekend and Leader David Alward tells CHSJ News, he is disappointed the Premier is resorting to American style attack ads while claiming it shows a lack of leadership with the Premier unwilling to run on his record.
Alward says the Conservative ads will remind voters about some of the decisions made by the Graham Government but won't start slinging mud.

Saint John World Champion To Finally Get Headstone

After sitting with no marker for years a former World Champion will be given a proper headstone. A ceremony will be held tomorrow and a headstone will mark the resting place of speed skating legend Charles Gorman. Historian Harold Wright played a big role in making this a reality and tells CHSJ News, he was shocked to learn there was no grave marker.
Local artist Norm Jackson will also be on hand to present Irving Oil with a portrait of the former world champion as the company put forward the money for the grave-stone. The ceremony is at the Old Cedar Hill Cemetery. Wright has seen photographs of the new marker and says it is impressive:

Common Council To Get Update On Closure Of Two Lanes Of The Viaduct

       (City Hall In Uptown Saint John)
                    (File Photo)

It can be done but there are still a few hoops City Hall has to jump through to make bicycle and walking lanes on the Viaduct a reality. A proposal was brought forward a few weeks ago to put them on the south side of the bridge and staff will provide council with an update at tonight's council meeting. The cost is pegged at $18,000 dollars but support from Fredericton has to happen as Main Street North and the Viaduct are part of the provincial highway system.
If the proposal does move forward, two of the six current vehicle lanes on Main Street and the Viaduct would be converted to bike and pedestrian lanes. Also, the speed limit would drop to 50 kilometers an hour from the current 60.

City Revamping Its Website

             (Saint John Common Council)
                        (File Photo)

Within the next week and a half, the new look for the City of Saint John's web-site will be on-line. The Mayor and councillors will get a sneek peek during tonight's Common Council meeting as staff have been working on the redevelopment for several months now.
There are plenty of new features that will be available. More details will be unveiled tonight.
           

Saint John Airport Will Not Be Renamed

       (Saint John Airport)
              (File Photo)

There will be no name change for the Saint John Airport. A letter was sent to council recently by former mayor and councillor Eric Teed to change the moniker to honor Rothesay native Wallace Turnbull.
In a letter, airport officials point out it already has two displays paying respect to Turnbull for his accomplishments. Turnbull is the man who invented the varible pitch propeller and built the world's first wind tunnel which revolutionized the aviation industry.

Premier Graham Talks About A Second Reactor

(Premier Shawn Graham)
        (File Photo)

Cautious optimism from Premier Graham concerning a proposal to build a second reactor at Point Lepreau.

Energy Minister Jack Keir met with officials from Areva to explore the possibilities last week and Graham tells CHSJ News, it's vital the private sector take on the risk and not the rate-payer.


Premier Graham says the next step in the process now is to see if a letter of intent can be signed.

Acadian Games Finish Up Today

Over 1200 athletes will put in their final bid for a medal today as the 31st Acadian Games enters it's final day of competition.

Things got started last Thursday as athletes from around Atlantic Canada are in Saint John to make their mark.


The weather has been perfect for all the competitions at the outdoor venues and the closing ceremony will be held today at Harbour Station.

Randy Jones Makes A Lasting Impression

Quispamsis' resident NHL player Randy Jones will have his hand prints placed among other members of the community beside the sidewalk leading up to the Q-Plex.
Jones was in town last week for his Celebrity Golf tournament and was the first person to have his hands cast for the towns "Lasting Impressions" campaign and got a tour of the construction site and can't wait to see the finished product.


Jones says it will be neat to come back down the road and see his hand prints on the property with everyone else's.