Christmas Tree Lighting Later Today In Crescent Valley

Almost 200 Irving Oil employees demonstrating the true spirit of Christmas today in Crescent Valley.

The workers will be on hand for the tree lighting ceremony at the community's resource centre.

Irving Oil's Lesley Dickson tells CHSJ News in working with the centre's staff, the company is learning of their needs. The Christmas wreaths are being distributed between 3 and 4 today.

Santa is dropping by the event today and things get underway at 3 this afternoon at the Crescent Valley Resource Centre.

EMO Officials Hope To Get Into The Bonney River Area Tomorrow

Provincial Emergency Measures officials say river levels in the province have crested and are on the decline following flooding from this week's rain and wind storm.
Spokesman Karl Wilmot says while the flood waters have receded in most areas, the St. George and Bonny River areas are still flooded.

He says St. George is still in the impact and response phase and he says over the next day they hope to get people on the ground in there.

EMO Says The Dams Will Hold

Reports from EMO officials say all the dams in the St. Stephen and St. George area are holding.
The high volume of water causing great concern among the locals because of previous flooding.
The province assuring residents that water levels are going down and this includes the Magadavic River, the St. Croix River and the Digdeguash River.Recovery mode starts tomorrow as work crews in St. Stephen will begin going into homes to start inspections.
To report damage and register for the Disaster Financial Assistance Program, call 1-888-298-8555 or click here.

Highway 1 Partially Re-Opened Near St. George

The Department of Transportation informing us that Route 1 is open in the Manor Road area near St. George but, it is reduced to one lane.
Drivers are reminded to use caution because there is still some water on the road.
To avoid delays, commercial traffic heading westbound to the U.S. should take an alternate route to the border crossing at Houlton, Maine if they can.

Homeowners In Province Warned About Dangers Of Radon Gas

Even if you don't smoke, you could be in danger of contracting lung cancer and it has nothing to do with tobacco.

The New Brunswick Lung Association is warning about the buildup of Radon gas in your home which emanates from uranium.

The President and C-E-O of the Lung Association Dr. Barb McKinnon tells CHSJ News you can't smell Radon and as many as 1 in five homes around the province may have it but you're not completely helpless.

Radon is easy to test for. A device the size of a hockey puck is placed at the lowest part of your house where you live and after 3 months is sent away to a lab for testing.



Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Ambulance Service In City Criticised

The city has to get after the provincial government to address the inadequate ambulance service we're receiving.

That criticism being voiced by John Campbell who was one of the candidates in last Monday's Ward 3 byelection.

He tells CHSJ News of seeing two ambulances in separate calls having to make U turns and follow the fire trucks that were going to the same calls which tells him the ambulances were going the wrong way.

Campbell says Saint John seems to be unique when it comes to duplicating emergency response and it's costing taxpayers in their pocketbooks. He maintains because Saint John is an industrial city, it's even more critical its ambulance service be top notch as compared to other places with less industry.

RCMP Investigate Summerville Shooting On Sunday Night

Grand Bay-Westfield RCMP investigating a shooting on the Kingston Pennisula.

A 32-year-old man was shot on Sunday night at a home on Route 845 but, police did not find out about it until yesterday.
The victim is already out of hospital.

Police would like to talk a 21-year-old man who is a person of interest.
If you know anything, you are asked to contact RCMP or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Water Levels Peak In Charlotte County

Water levels have peaked in Charlotte country meaning the situation is stabilizing after severe flooding this week.
Andrew Holland of Emergency Measures tells CHSJ News residents can report any damage to their properties to the province.

Holland says as of last night over 100 people had called Service New Brunswick to register their damage which will trigger the process for health and safety inspections.

The Service New Brunswick toll free line is 1-888-298-8555.
For information on road conditions, phone supports and to report flood damage,
click here.

Hampton Tax Rate For Next Year Determined

The tax rate in Hampton will be the same next year at $1.25 per 100 dollars of assessment. Mayor Ken Chorley tells CHSJ News the town's bottom line was helped by revenue from the gas tax and 4.2 million dollars in new construction.

He expects residential development to copntinue growing with alot of people in the town commuting to jobs in Saint John and Sussex.

One big challenge facing the town in the future, which was mandated by the province, is to find a central water source. The search is ongoing and Chorley jokes the town could use someone with a devining rod to find it.

Flooding Forces Closures

Authorities were forced to close Highway 1 near St. George between Magaguadavic Road and Manor Road because of water on the road.

Rising levels on the St. Croix River prompted the closure of the Milltown Bridge and customs on both sides of the border.

Flood Victims Warned About Their Food And Wells

The Medical Officer Of Health for the Province warning about food and water safety after flooding and power outages.

Dr. Eilish Cleary says people should be careful with drinking water and food while cleaning up during and after flooding.

To avoid food contamination, all perishable goods and anything touched by flood waters should be thrown out.

Cleary adds people should also be wary of consuming frozen or refrigerated foods after going without power for any length of time.

Water supplies should not be used while the wellhead is flooded.

After flood waters recede, the well should be disinfected and water quality should be tested before its used.

Gas Prices Drop A Bit

If you have to fill up today you'll be paying a bit less for gas after the weekly setting. Self serve regular is going for 107.1 a litre in the city. That represents a price drop of over a cent. Diesel is just slightly cheaper at 114.7. No change with heating oil. It remains at a dollar a litre for the second week in a row.

Premier Promises Help For Flood Victims

Premier David Alward says his government will provide financial assistance for people affected by flooding from this week's storm.

Alward flew by helicopter over many of the affected areas in the southwest of the province today. He says talks are already underway with the federal government.

The Premier says they plan to work with the federal government to provide help to the victims of flooding.

Alward says the province is working with businesses and homeowners to ensure drinking water is safe and that structures are safe before power is restored.

For more information on the Disaster Assistance program, call Service New Brunswick at 1-888-298-8555 or go to www.gnb.ca/public/flood-e.asp

M-L-A Tours Area Devastated By Flooding

The M-L-A in Charlotte County seeing first hand the devastation of flooding in the St. George area.

Rick Doucet of Charlotte and the Isles was able to tour the area by boat and help deliver groceries to stranded residents near Bonney River.

Doucet tells CHSJ News the holidays are a terrible time of year to have a flood. He calls it heart wrenching.

Doucet says seeing the damage is absolutely incredible and he's amazed at the good spirits among the people and the spirit of co-operation he witnessed as the flood victims try to get through a crisis but adds the government has to step up the plate with disaster assistance.

Car Destroyed By Fire Along Highway One

A car fire yesterday afternoon along Highway One at Lepreau. The car was fully engulfed in flames when Musquash firefighters arrived to put it out. The fire was reported by an ambulance crew travelling westbound on the highway. No one was injured and the cause has not been determined yet.

Highway One Near St. George Is Under Water

A travel note for you this afternoon.
The Department of Transportation advising drivers that water is covering Route 1 at the Manor Road in the St George area.
The highway remains open, but motorists are asked to be very careful.

Motorists travelling west are encouraged to divert to Route 7 and then to Route 2 to enter the United States.

Premier Views Damage In Charlotte County

Premier David Alward says his government is discussing with Ottawa the possibility of financial assistance for people affected by flooding.

Alward saw first-hand some of the damage the flooding caused in the St. Stephen area.
People in the province are contending with dropping temperatures today as emergency officials work to stem the overflow of rivers after days of rain.  Temperatures in some regions have fallen below the freezing mark.
Karl Wilmot, a spokesman for New Brunswick's Emergency Measures Organization, says the change in weather is a mixed blessing.    He says it will slow the possible overflow of water, but it's going to be a problem for homeowners with drenched basements.

Rising Waters Close US Crossing At Milltown

The Milltown bridge is closed due to the rising water level of the St. Croix River.
US Customs in Milltown is closed due to the rising water level while the Canadian customs remains open.

St. Stephen Residents Can Report Water Damage

Residents of St. Stephen experiencing water damage from flooding have some recourse with the Province.
Homeowners can report damage or create a work order for a home inspection which will register them for the Disaster Financial Assistance Program.
It's expected word on that will be coming soon from the province.
To report water damage, call Service New Brunswick at 1-888-298-8555 or click here

Direction Set for Former Paramount Theatre Location

Uptown Saint John has set its sights on turning the former Paramount Theatre into a multi-purpose performance venue.

That conclusion after consultations with the public and various stakeholders.

President of Uptown Saint John Matt Alexander tells CHSJ News he's confident he can get funding from the government to help out with the 3.6 million dollar price tag.

He says if government contributes, the rest of the money will be raised through a capital campaign.

Common Councillor Speaks Out On Raise Given To Enterprise Saint John GM

Common Councillor Bruce Court is fit to be tied over the General Manager of Enterprise Saint John Steve Carson receiving a 21 thousand dollar raise.

Court is angry because the city is trying to cope with a shortfall as it tries to put together next year's budget and not raise the tax rate. He points out there is a wage freeze in effect for city hall management and some municipal unions.

Court tells CHSJ News he wants to see Enterprise Saint John get less money next year from the city.

Charlotte County EMO Officials Urge Those Under Flood Threat To Leave

The EMO spokesperson for Charlotte County says the situation worsened overnight. Darren McCabe says the flood threat is high for anyone living near Elmsville, Bonney River, Second Falls and into St. George because of rising water levels on the Magaguadavic River.
He says if home owners feel threatened or are flooded and can get out, EMO officials are recommending that they leave and head to the reception centre.

Charlotte the Isles MLA Rick Doucet says Cooke Aquaculture is one of many unsung heroes who took part is water rescues yesterday.
He says people were clinging to the sides of the homes in Bonney River and the company sent out boats rescueing about 40 people.
The Reception centre in St. George is set up at the Family Worship Centre at 89 Mount Pleasant Road in St. George. To reach them, call 467-5287, 755-3759.

Saint John High Helps Family Who Lost Everything In House Fire

A fundraiser is taking place over the next few days at Saint John High to help out a students whose family lost everything after two separate fires on the same day last week destroyed their home on Broadway Avenue. Teacher Angie Cameron tells CHSJ News they're hoping to raise something like 25 hundred dollars for the family who suffered a devastating loss at the worst possible time of the year.

If the teachers raise more money, the students will have to dress up anyway the teachers want but if the students raise more, some of the teachers will have their heads shaved.

Moncton Man Wins Dream House Draw

David Jardine of Moncton is the winner of the dream home in the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation's Home Lottery.  Jardine works as a dishwasher and he tells CHSJ News he had a good feeling when he bought his ticket.

Meanwhile, Alison Aiton of Fredericton winning 153-thousand dollars in the 50/50 draw. She says the first person she told was her sister. The lottery raising about 700 thousand dollars. It will be split among the Regional Hospital, the New Brunswick Heart Centre, and Mindcare New Brunswick.

Operation Christmas Rolls Along

Hampton RCMP conducting check stops as part of Operation Christmas focusing on impaired driving, seat belts and speeding.

300 vehiches were checked over the last few days and several violation tickets and warning issued to drivers but, no incidents of drunk driving.
District 3 RCMP will continue the check stops over the next few weeks hoping to make the Holiday season safer for everyone.

EMO Officials Fearful About Water Levels Along The St. John River

Emergency Measures officials in Fredericton are casting a wary eye on the St. John River for the possibility of more flooding. Spokesman Karl Wilmot says the high water levels are now making their way downstream.

Wilmot says they are seeing a slight decline in water levels in Fredericton but, he says there will be an increase downtstream.  He adds the problem is the water only has one outlet which is the Reversing Falls in Saint John. St. John river began spilling over its banks in some low-lying areas yesterday after a storm that brought heavy rain.

Two People Saved From Drowning Just In The Nick Of Time

The Red Cross is reporting a dramatic rescue last night in Bonny River not far from the fire hall which was being used as a shelter for people who had to be evacuated from their homes because of flooding.

A man and woman were in a car when the daughter of a Red Cross volunteer, Jennifer Sharkey, who's a paramedic, noticed their lights had disappeared from view.

The car had gone into the water and the two were on top of their vehicle screaming for help as it was being swept downstream. A boat, owned by Rodney Cooke, was launched and they were pulled to safety.


NB Power reports there are still more than 400 homes and businesses without electricity this morning with most being in Sussex and Bathurst.
 
All mainland schools in District 10 will be closed today because of road conditions.
On the advice of the Department of Transportation, the schools will remain closed because of washed out roads and blocked bridges.

The island schools (Grand Manan, Deer Island and Campobello) will be open today.

Hospital Home Lottery Winners Drawn

The big home in Millidgeville on Anchorage Avenue valued at something like 750 thousand dollars was the first price in the Hospital Home Lottery for the Regional Hospital and it was won by a Moncton man, David Jardine. The 50/50 cash prize of more than 153 thousand dollars was won by Alison Aiton of Fredericton. Judianne Luck of Saint John won either the 2011 Toyota Tacoma or 2011 Toyota 4Runner.

Mayor Says Frontier Centre's Criticism Of City For Lack Of Transparency Is Off Base

Mayor Ivan Court is dismissing a report from the Frontier Centre for Public Policy that Saint John is the least transparent city in Canada.

The Centre charges the city did not make its 2009 audited financial statements public but Court tells CHSJ News it is simply not the case because all the information was available online.

Premier Alward Has Not Heard From City On Pension Changes

Premier Alward says he hasn't been contacted directly about the city's pension woes.

In an interview with CHSJ News, the Premier says he can't really make a comment until he's been briefed on any request for changes to provincial pension legislation but some preliminary talks could be underway at the departmental level.

The city wants changes to provincial pension legislation to relieve some of its financial obligations to the civic pension fund's huge deficit which would include deferring contributions for a year.

Fare Increases Coming For Bus Riders Next Year

You will need a little more jingle in your pocket to hop on the City bus next year.
Saint John Transit increasing adult fares by a quarter to $2.75 as of January 1st, while for seniors and passengers 14 and under will go up to $2.50.
General Manager Frank McCarey tells CHSJ news he expects their users will be disappointed to hear fares are going up.
He realizes some people will find the increase very difficult

On February 1st, monthly passes go up to $70 for adults, $60 for students and $50 for seniors. He says the increase is needed because of increasing costs and city's ability to support them is challenged so to keep the level of service they need to increase fares.


For the complete list of fare increases, click here

Fear Over Funding For Universities

The best days of public funding for universities are behind us -- that from Alex Usher of Higher Education Strategy Associates.  He tells CHSJ News the rise of tuition fees will be faster in the next 10 years than in recent memory but affordability will not be an issue as student aid programs will adjust to compensate.  He says they find ways of helping students as long there is student aid available.

He adds even with the trend of tuition increases, there are more low-income people attending post-secondary schools than than there were fifteen years ago.
Usher was a guest speaker at the UNB Petition Celebration.

Flood Waters Recede In St. Stephen

The water are receding and the state of emergency has been lifted in the Bordertown after severe flooding from yesterday's storm.
Town Manager John Ferguson tells us the rain stopped at midnight and the water started dissipating.
He says by 8 this morning they had withdrawn the local state of emergency and focused on the two roads experienced the most flooding.
The roads are Milltown Boulevard and the King Street bridge near the Charlotte Mall.  Ferguson adds they will be assessing those roads before they are re-opened to the public.

NB Power Is Getting The Lights Back On

Just over 6700 NB Power customers are without power because of last night's storm. Outages in Moncton, Sussex and Rothesay are affecting nearly 5300 homes and businesses.

NB Power Communications Officer Meghan Gerrish tells CHSJ News in addition to the NB Power crews and contractors working to get power back on, they have tree trimming crews working with them.

Fire At St. Stephen Business

Crews from St. Stephen, Oak Bay and Calais battling a blaze in the bordertown today.

The fire is at the corner of Queen street and Main street at Pierce's Plumbing and Heating.

Flooding Problems In Fredericton and Stephen

The Red Cross is reporting at least 40 people were evacuated from several homes north of Fredericton because of flooding including Burtts Corner, Nashwaak Bridge, Hoyt and Tracy.

A State of Emergency was declared in St. Stephen due to flooding in the town.   To see video of the flooding click here.  (Video courtesy of Alexander Cheney)

10,000 Are Still In The Dark

Over 10,000 homes and businesses are still in the dark in the province.
That number includes over 2300 in Rothesay and Quispamsis and more than 1600 in Sussex.
Moncton has the largest outage with over 4400 in the Hub City without electricity.
NB Power's Meghan Gerrish tells CHSJ News these outages are due to high winds and rain overnight causing tree branches to hit power lines.
She says their crews are working as safely and efficiently as possible to restore power.

Torrential Rain And High Winds Batter Parts Of Province

A state of emergency has been declared in St. Stephen caused by the heavy rain. The emergency area stretches from King Street North at the Charlotte Mall entrance south to Milltown Boulevard and Queensway.

Mayor Jed Purcell tells CHSJ News there has been severe flooding with further property damage being a concern. Water has seeped into stores, according to the Mayor. One-third of Milltown Boulevard is compromised and the integrity of that portion of roadway is uncertain. Several roads surrounding St. Stephen have been closed as well but Highway one is open.
 
As of early this morning, NB Power is reporting 132 outages around the province affecting more than 11,700 customers. There are 11 outages in the Rothesay region which includes Grand Bay-Westfield leaving 3,700 customers in the dark.
 
The Red Cross is reporting at least 40 people were evacuated from several homes north of Fredericton because of flooding including Burtts Corner and Nashwaak Bridge. Flash flooding has also been reported in St. Andrews and Deer Island.

Fire Budget In Valley Slashed

The K-V Fire Department has made good on its directive to shave 75 thousand dollars off its 2011 budget.

Some of the additional cuts include changing an administrative assistant from full time with benefits to a part timer without benefits. A new full-time fighter will also be starting in July rather than January.

Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News it wasn't an easy thing to ask.

The budget is 7.2 percent higher than the 2010 budget, coming in at about 3.64 million dollars.

First Meeting To Be Held To Talk About Amalgamation In K-V

The first meeting between Rothesay and Quispamsis to discuss the possibility of amalgamation is set to take place over the next week but it's being described as exploratory.

Rothesay mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News the mayor of Quispamsis Murray Driscoll wants to get the ball rolling.

Bishop says the first meeting will gauge the see lay out the groundwork on possible topics and challenges they could face.

He says nothing is set in stone and if they were to proceed down the path of amalgamation, they would need to bring in a third party to assist them.

Commuters From Valley May Have To Pay More For Bus Service Into City

It may cost you more to ride the K-V Comex in the New Year.

The Saint John Transit Commission making an application to the Energy and Utilities Board for a fare increase.
The rate jump will see fares go from $3.25 to $3.50 and a monthly pass will go from 99 dollars to 109 dollars.

The Commission says even with the rate increase, the service will still not break even.
A public hearing will be held on January 17th.

If you want to oppose the application, go to our website country94.ca for details.

Byelections Decided With Low Voter Turnouts

Voter turnout for the Ward 3 byelection was low at under 16 and a half per cent which mean't lawyer Mel Norton was able to win the byelection with 516 votes.

He takes over the seat left vacant with Carl Killen's election as the M-L-A for Saint John Harbour. Norton tells CHSJ News he was told time and time again by people that they feel decisions made by Council did not reflect what their individual needs were and writing cheques that couldn't be cashed.

Mark Leger came in second with 392 votes followed by Anne Marie Mullen with 333, Jay Chang at 248, John Campbell with 241 and Dan Robichaud at 211.

In Grand Bay-Westfield, Mike Likely won Councillor-at-Large capturing 562 votes with Stephen Evans at 227 and Allen Titus with 132 votes. Voter turnout in the town exceeded 25 per cent.

Likely Wins In Grand Bay-Westfield

In Grand Bay-Westfield - Mike Likely has been declared elected to fill a vacant seat on town council.
The latest results from Elections NB shows Likely with 562 votes topping rivals Stephen Evans with 227 and Allen Titus who garnered 132 votes in today's municipal by-election.

Tight Race In City Council By-election

The latest results from today's election shows Mel Norton leading with 386 votes followed closely by Mark Leger with 349 votes.
Anne-Marie Mullin is third with 272 votes while hopefuls Jay Chang - John Campbell - and - Danny Robichaud are well behind the front runners.
In Grand Bay-Westfield - Mike Likely is out in front with 562 votes while Stephen Evans has polled 227 votes and Allen Titus has 132.

State Of Emergency Declared In St Stephen

A state of local emergency is now in effect in St Stephen as the heavy rainfall continues to cause flooding problems.
Severe flooding is reported along King Street North near the entrance to the Charlotte Mall and traffic circle.
In addition - town officials are worried about a section of Milltown Boulevard and the Queensway where flooding has compromised the roadbed - there have also been reports of washouts and flooding outside of the town.
The state of emergency will remain in effect until 8am tomorrow and motorists and onlookers are being advised to stay away from the affected areas for their own safety and to protect property in the area from additional damage.

Poor Voter Turnout In City Byelection So Far

It's a poor turnout for the Ward 3 byelection with less than two hours to go.
The vote is necessary to fill a vacancy left when Carl Killen was elected provincially.

Returning officer Mary McAuliffe tells CHSJ News as of 6pm tonight 1647 votes have been cast.  That figure includes nearly 700 votes cast in advance polls.
Six candidates are running for the seat on Common council.

In Grand Bay-Westfield, over 600 votes have been cast in their byelection to fill the Councillor At Large position.   Returning Officer Richard Mackie tells us voter turnout is good considering the weather.      Three candidates are running for the job.
The polls close at 8pm tonight.

St Stephen Traffic Circle Under Water

Video courtesy of our St Stephen station - 98.1 the Tide.

Heavy Rain Causing Flooding Problems In Border Town

Like many communities, St Stephen is water logged today.
A combination of mild temperatures, melting snow and heavy rainfall resulting in severe flooding.

Town manager John Ferguson tells us at the traffic circle at the end of King Street near route 170 is closed.

He says they are worried about the water level and they have built as temporary dyke to protest the area businesses as much as possible.


Ferguson adds parts of Milltown Boulevard near Queensway and Hill Street is closed off after a partial washout and significant property damage to nearby homes.

Wind And Rain Causing Problems In The Region

The heavy rain and high winds causing problems in the Bordertown and around the region.
We are receiving reports of severe flooding in St. Stephen.

Due to the high winds, the 4 o'clock crossing of the Princess of Acadia from Digby to Saint John is cancelled.
Tomorrow's 9am sailing from Saint John to Digby is also cancelled.

Chicken Noodle Club Saved From Closing Its Hot Lunch Programme

Irving Oil coming forward with a 35 thousand dollar lifeline to the Chicken Noodle Club to keep it's three locations from closing. Gary Bischoff of Irving Oil tells CHSJ News the company has been a supporter since 2002 because studies have shown children have difficulty learning when their stomachs are empty.

The Chicken Noodle Club is operated by the Inner City Youth Ministry. Its Director Donnie Snook tells CHSJ News this donation comes just in the nick of time.

Snook says this funding could lead to a fourth Chicken Noodle Club being set up. There are more than 400 children registered with over 30 thousand meals served each year.

Harbour Station Will Add Smoke-Free Zone In The New Year

The new year will see a tougher non-smoking policy put in place at Harbour Station.
As of January 1st, smoking will be prohibited with ten metres (about 33 feet) of the building.  Dr. Barbara MacKinnon of the New Brunswick Lung Association tells CHSJ News when you walk by 10 to 20 smokers gathering in a doorway you are experiencing second-hand smoke.
She adds many people do not want to be exposed to the smoke for health reasons and they find it unpleasant.
Harbour Station General Manager Mike Caddell says there have been many requests to address the smoking issue and offering a smoke-free zone is becoming the norm at most major arenas in North America.

Coast Guard Deal Near?

The city is preparing for a final deal which will see Ottawa sell the Coast Guard site on Water Street to clear the way for more waterfront development.
Just over 900-thousand dollars have been earmarked in next year's proposed capital budget for the purchase and to begin survey work and environmental assessments.
The five year capital budget projection also includes 2.8-million for repairs to the sea wall on the harbour side - and - another 400-thousand for a pedway from Market Square to the site.
The Hardman Group wants to develop more retail space - a hotel - and - condos in that area.

Taxpayers Who Are Not Earning Their Pensions Are Subsidizing Those Who Are

Common Council is beginning its budget deliberations with an 8.3 million dollar shortfall. It will find itself behind the 8th ball financially if the provincial government doesn't go along and approve regulatory relief when it comes to contributing to the city's pension plan. The Atlantic Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation Kevin Lacey tells CHSJ News there's a risk other taxpayers will get angry.
He says what ends up happening is the taxpayers who are not earning their pensions are subsidizing those who are and he adds it's not an equitable or sustainable way of dealing with these pension programs.
Lacey says it's unrealistic to expect the provincial government to keep topping up its pension plan to the tune of 300 million dollars yearly.

Common Council Gets Ready For Belt Tightening As Budget Deliberations Begin

Common Council gets down to budget deliberations in earnest tonight after learning its unconditional grant from the province will be cut next year by 200 thousand dollars. That, along with a freeze on property assessments, is going to make it challenging to say the least, according to Mayor Ivan Court.

The Mayor estimates the city spends something like 800 thousand dollars on community events and that could be in jeopardy. City Police and the Fire Department have been told to limit their budget increases next year to an even 1 per cent.

Court says Council will have to distinguish between wants and needs with the needs coming first and the wants getting any money that may be left over.

The budget is not expected to be ready until sometime in January.

City Told To Work With Developers On New Direction

Some developers don't appear to be happy at what appears will be a change with future development in the city with less building outward and more upward closer to the urban core.

Urban designer Mark Reid tells CHSJ News the city will have to work with developers, asking them what they need to make this work along with sprucing up what have become known as the priority neighbourhoods and putting its money where its mouth is with incentives.

Plan SJ is looking at a growth boundary being established in the outskirts of the city to put a halt to urban sprawl. Suburban growth would be concentrated on Gault Road, Forest Hills, Lakewood and Millidgeville.

It's Byelection Day In Saint John And Grand Bay-Westfield

There's a byelection in the city today with voters in Ward 3 being asked to go to the polls are select someone to fill the seat on Common Council which became vacant with Carl Killen's election as the M-L-A for Saint John Harbour.

There are six candidates on the ballot....... Jay Chang, John Campbell, Anne Marie Mullen, Mark Leger, Dan Robichaud and Mel Norton.

The town councillor at large position will be filled with the byelection in Grand Bay-Westfield. There are three candidates to choose from........Stephen Evans, Mike Likely and Allen Titus.

The polls open at 10 this morning and close at 8 tonight.