Loch Lomand Villa Expansion Delayed But Not By Much

There has been a bit of a delay with the 75 million dollar expansion of Loch Lomand Villa because of the government review in light of the budget crunch in Fredericton and need to slash costs.

Villa C-E-O Cindy Donovan estimates the delay at around two months but she is looking ahead to 2014 when the nursing home will have two new buildings and more residents.

The Horizon Health Network was told at its last meeting, 28 per cent of acute care beds at regional hospitals around the province are being used by people who should be in nursing homes but there isn't any room.

The first new building will be built across the street where the former Bayview Elementary School is located. Donovan says the residents should be moving in there during the summer of 2012.

Another new building will then be constructed where the existing nursing home is located.

North End Watermain Break

A shower may take a little longer in the North end today and a watermain break.
If you live near Lansdowne Place in the north end, you might have to make do with low water pressure.

It was a hazard for drivers with a lot of water on Wellesley Avenue.
Earlier, Wellesley Avenue was blocked to traffic between Landsdowne and Somerset.

Serious Fire On East Side

A fire early this morning on the east side in a single family home at 5 Braemar Drive.
The house was fully engulfed in flames when fire crews arrived shortly after 4:00.

An elderly man was taken from inside the home and transported to hospital.
Part of Westmorland Road in Forest Hills has been blocked off to traffic because of the fire.

Provincial Government Warned About Raising Minimum Wage

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is calling on the provincial government not to raise the minimum wage in April because the economy is still shaky.

 The C-F-I-B's Provincial Affairs Director Andrea Bourgeois tells CHSJ News a new report entitled "Minimum Wage........Reframing the Debate" shows raising the minimum wage hurts the very people such an increase is intended to help. The report claims raising the minimum wage by ten per cent could cost as many as 7 thousand jobs in the province. 

Bourgeois says the C-F-I-B has suggested low income earners not pay any tax at all which is the case in B-C. That idea has been resisted by the provioncial government in New Brunswick.

The Tolls Come Off The Bridge Soon

The tolls will be coming off the Harbour Bridge at the end of next month.


Harbour Bridge Authority chair Bob McDevitt says they signed a deal in January to begin the process of handing over the Bridge to the province.


He tells CHSJ News the authority's 7 employees will be out of work as of March 31st.

He adds there are another 20 commissionaires that are under contract and they will not all be placed elsewhere mostly due to the time of year.
McDevitt says the removal or demolishing of the toll plaza is part of the due diligence that provincial engineers are in the process of carrying out.

Simonds Has Mixed Feelings About Leaving The Port City

After almost 7 years as fire chief, Rob Simonds is leaving the city to take up the same job in Hamilton, Ontario with mixed emotions. He has spent more than 30 years with the Saint John Fire Department.


He says he is leaving a city with significant fire protection challenges to a city with parallel challenges and he looks forward to helping to solve those challenges.

Simonds tells CHSJ News the Saint John fire department is doing a lot more these days.
He notes the risk assessment on the Canaport LNG facility or their work on the pipeline project.
He also says the spending caps imposed on the fire department by Common Council this year and next had nothing to do with his decision to leave the city.

Minister Urges Being Active In The Winter

The Minister for Wellness, Culture and Sport is encouraging the people of the province to remain active in the winter months.
Trevor Holder tells CHSJ News it's a little more challenging in the winter but, there are lots of activities to get involved in.
He suggests using Rockwood park for snowshoeing and winter hiking as ways to stay active all year round.
Holder adds the "Boom Boom Clap" public service announcement that's currently airing on tv is very successful in getting New Brunswickers thinking about wellness. For more info...click here

City Police Shut Down An Alleged Brothel

Saint John police shutting down a brothel on Waterloo Street.
The investigation resulting from intelligence and concerns from citizens about the activites at the Sun Flower Spa.

Police executing a warrant yesterday seizing cash and arresting two women in their 50's and one man in his 30's. The women faces charges including living off the avails of prostitution.

All three faces charges of being an inmate in a bawdy house and will appear in court at a later date.

Fire Chief Steps Down

Fire Chief Rob Simonds has announced his resignation effective March 14th to become the new fire chief in Hamilton, Ontario.

Mayor Ivan Court concedes getting someone like him again will not be easy. He describes Simonds as the best of the best.

Simonds has been with the Saint John fire department for over 30 years and is currently serving as President of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.
 
 His departure comes at an awkward time because contract negotiations are being conducted with the Firefighters Association. The fire department is being limited to a one per cent increase in its budget this year and next.
 
Simonds became Chief in July of 2003, replacing Glen Tait who is now an M-L-A, and was responsible for developing the municipal emergency response plan for Canada's first liquified natural gas terminal at Canaport.

No Dramatic Change In Gas Prices

Gas prices remain virtually the same around town after the weekly setting.

 Self serve regular is just a bit less expensive at $1.09.4 while diesel is being sold in the city for $1.22.7.

Heating oil continues to climb and is listed at $1.08.2 a litre.

Partnership Paying Off For North End School

Lorne Middle School is working with ONE Change and the Youth Inclusion Network are they are seeing the benefits.
The school is offering a wide range of programs for students and the community.


Principal Greg Norton tells CHSJ News one of the more popular new programs is the Robo-Science enrichment program.
He says students are coming in and making robots and he says the technology and the hardware is sophisticated.

The school was able to hire an Academic Case Manager who teaches small groups of students in alternative settings because they can't attend school due to severe anxiety or academic challenges that are better served outside the classroom.

Cruise Industry Vet Gets Big Honour In Miami

"Extremely special" is how Betty MacMillan feels about winning the 2011 Cruise Award.


MacMillan, who has been with the Saint John Port Authority for 26 years, receiving the honour at the American Association of Port Authorities seminar in Miami.
She tells CHSJ News her boss Andrew Dixon put a presentation together that she describes as her life in the cruise industry.


MacMillan tells us the most significant change in the industry over her career is the size of the ships.
She adds one day last year we had 10,000 passengers in port and in the beginning that constituted an entire cruise ship season.

Saltys Nominees Revealed

The best in social media being recognized by the Saltys...a new group of awards in Saint John.
The categories includes Twitter person of the year, Coolest Blog and Best Facebook Page.
Web marketer and event co-chair Craig Allen tells CHSJ News Saint John is the social media capital of the province.

He says it's good to acknowledge what these organizations and businesses are doing to achieve their goals.
Our sister station 97.3 the Wave snagging a nomination for Best Facebook Page, also in the category are Hemmings House Pictures and the Saint John Mill Rats.
The winners of the Saltys will be revealed on the 17th at the Ale House starting at 5pm.
To find the link to vote, click here

Fate of Memorial Cup Now Up to Judges

The selection committee for the Memorial Cup getting a good look at the city as Saint John tries to win hosting duties for the 2012 Memorial Cup.

Committee President Gerald Janneteau tells CHSJ News he is impressed with what Saint John has to offer and the decison won't be easy.

He says the selection committee looks considers many factors when making a decision, such as logistics, facilities, and community spirit.

Saint John is one of four cities bidding for the cup. 

The committee is off to Shawinigan next with a final decision to be announced on April 7th.

Regional Hospital To Raise Money For Stem Cell Therapy

The goal is set: the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation setting their sights on raising 680-thousand dollars for Stem Cell Therapy equipment.



The procedure protects blood stem cells from chemo therapy and makes cancer treatment much more effective.


Fundraising Chair Steve Titus tells CHSJ News this kind of treatment cutting edge and could lead to multiple spin-offs.


Saint John would be the only city in the province to offer this kind of treatment.

The John T. McMillan Jr. Memorial Foundation kicking the campaign off with a 100-thousand dollar donation.

Chris Atkinson of Fredericton receiving stem cell therapy last year in Saint John as part of a pilot project.

He tells CHSJ News getting treatment in Saint John rather than Halifax was a huge relief for him as it kept him close to his family.

He says it also cuts down on travel expenses and making treatment as stress-free as possible can aid in recovery.

Less Money Will Be Circulating Around City With Wyndham Layoffs

The City will feel the economic impact of those 300 layoffs announced at the Wyndham contact centre in Prince Edward Square even if they land jobs at other call centres.


The people who got layoff notices with the closure of the times shares division, being on commission, were on the high end earning big dollars, considerably more than your run of the mill job in a call centre. Even though there are jobs available at other contact centres around town, it's unlikely they will be able earn anywhere near the same amount.
Mike Bacon of Contact NB tells CHSJ News the industry has become much more sophisticated since first establishing itself in the province back in the mid 90's with a growing number of opportunities to work from home........It's no longer a matter of a bunch of 800 numbers coming into the provionce and being answered by New Brunswickers in a call centre.

City Issues Warning Over Ice Conditions

The City and it's Fire Department reminding you that the ice conditions on lakes and rivers may not be safe.

It's a timely warning after a rescue on the Saint John River last weekend of a snowmobiler who went through the ice.


Communications Officer Leah Fitzgerald tells CHSJ News firefighters had to go down a very steep drop with ropes and ladders to get onto the ice.


She says it was a harrowing rescue as some firefighters and one police officer did fall through the ice but managed to get out quickly and were not hurt.
To check on ice conditions at Rockwood Park...call 658-2908.

Potential Blow To Local Economy

It could be bad news for the local economy -- we're getting reports that the timeshare division of Wyndham Worldwide is closing down in April, which would put 300 people out of work.

Other divisions are not affected.

Our newsroom has placed a call with Wyndham Worldwide for confirmation but no response so far.

Chipman Hill Suites Offering Job Hunter's Getaway

The Chipman Hill Suites is looking to give a boost to those who have been hit hard by the economy.

The suites are looking for submissions from couples who are over 25, have been out of work for 6 months, and are actively looking for work.

The winning entry will win a 2 night stay at the Chipman Hill Suites and owner Susan Fullerton tells CHSJ News it's nice to offer a break to those under a stressful situation.

The winner will be chosen by staff and a free stay will be given out once a month.


You can submit your story to suites@chipmanhill.com or via snail mail at Chipman Hill Suites, 76 Union Street, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 1A1

Saint John Should Not Take A Back Seat To Moncton On Sporting Events

There's no reason why Saint John has to take a back seat to Moncton when it comes to staging major outdoor sporting events like a CFL game. That, according to Barry Ogden who chairs the city's Leisure Services Committee. He tells CHSJ News the Canada Games Stadium has to be promoted the same as Harbour Station.

Ogden says in the past the City had an organization that seeks out events but, they do not anymore.
He adds Moncton and Halifax both have groups that do that.

Ogden says the CFL has been contacted to make clear Saint John wants to host a CFL pre-season game.

The City Will Support Paramount Project If The Other Levels Of Government Will

The city is willing to pony up 300 thousand dollars for the restoration of the Paramount Theatre in King's Square but only if the project also gets funding from the other levels of government. The general manager of Uptown Saint John Peter Asimakos says they've done the number crunching.

He says they completed a business plan before Christmas that shows the profitability for the project in year 2 making it sustainable.
Even though the commitment from the city is only conditional, Asimakos says it sends a positive message to potential contributors.

Pharmacists Call More Help With Methadone Program

The need is there for more provincial pharmacists to be in the methadone program.

That call from two pharmacists, one in Devon and the other in Saint John.


Pharmacist Sean Luck of the Guardian Drugs on Loch Lomond Road tells CHSJ News it took a tragedy to change his mind about the program.
He says he was like everyone else and he thought methadone users are on the street, doing drugs, dirty and they steal but, after he lost a patient to suicide it really opened my eyes.
Of the 200 pharmacies in the province, only 50 are participating in the methadone program.

Possible Gas Leak Disrupts Busy City Intersection

Flashing lights and sirens causing a commotion at King and Germain this morning -- fire crews - ambulances - and - police responding to reports of gas fumes in the area.  
District Fire Chief Gerry Morris tells CHSJ News readings inside nearby buildings including the CIBC bank failed to turn up any traces of natural gas.
Morris says there were roofers working on one of the buildings and it appears some of the fumes from propane fired heaters may have been hauled in through the ventilation system.
After double checking for gas fumes - the o-k was given a few minutes later and life returned to normal at the busy intersection.

City To Spend More On Paving Roads This Year

Common Council has spelled out in detail what it will spending its 42 million dollar capital budget money on this year. While money is tight, there will be more funding to pave the roads.


The head of Municipal Operations Paul Groody concedes the city has alot of streets that cannot be maintained as they are. 220 lane kilometers of city streets will have to be reconstructed.


City Manager Pat Woods expects the city will have to keep a close eye on what it spends for the next few years because the province is in a cost saving mode.


There are several projects on the wish list that will go ahead if there is funding help from the province and federal government. These include retrofitting the Trade and Convention Centre, restoration of the Paramount Theatre and an artificial turf field in Millidgeville. The city manager singled out the Trade and Convention Centre as a priority because of the economic spinoffs.


The capital budget contains over 18 million dollars to be spent on the Peel Plaza development by the city this year. Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase isn't happy about that but fellow Council member Chris Titus sees the project in a positive light with potential for future growth in a part of the city that has been largely vacant. Chase points out 60 per cent of new money is being eaten up by Peel Plaza but, nonetheless, he still voted in favour.

Cause Of Garage Fire Appears Suspicious

The fire department launching an investigation to determine how a garage fire got started at 17 Green Street East early this morning.

The fire department found the two storey building fully engulfed in flames when they arrived and has been heavily damaged.

No one was injured and three nearby buildings did not sustain any fire damage.

Province Needs to Increase Renewable Energy Sources

The province should be pursuing more aggressive targets for renewable energy -- that from the Alliance for Community Energy.

Vice-Chair Greg LeBlanc tells CHSJ News the province should aim to have 20 percent of its power green by 2020. 

He says it will lead to many spin-offs, such as job creation and reduce the use of fossil fuels.

He adds less than 7 percent of New Brunswick's electricity comes from renewable resources.

Phase 1 Of Waterfront Condo Project Is 80 Per Cent Sold Out

Work continues on 83 units at the Harbourfront Residences Condominiums on Water Street.
The developer says people will be able to move in by this fall.


John Rocca of the Ellerdale Group of Companies says the unit prices have increased three times and will increase again when the building is enclosed and when the project is ready for occupancy.

He says condo projects never drop their prices so they also tells their buyers someone that bought in the beginning, the value of their condo has likely increased by $30,000.

Phase 1 of the project is estimated at $20 million and Phase 2 will be worth about $12 million.
To see video of the Water street project..click here

SCAN Legislation A Success

 The Safer Communities and Neighbourhood Unit is being embraced by Saint John residents -- that from Lead Inspector Bill Hanley.

The unit investigates confidential complaints of illegal activities and has the ability to shut down buildings where crimes are occurring.

He says the unit has handled 46 cases since June and residents are comforted by the anonymous nature of the program.

He says most cases are dealt with in the span of a month and the program has yet to come up short in closing down a building for legitimate reasons.

New Brunswick is the 7th province in Canada to utilize the program.

Quispamis Mayor Says Regionalization Is Not Necessarily Better

Whether the province agrees or not remains to be seen but Mayor Murray Driscoll doesn't think bigger is necessarily better.

That's why he's not in favour of regionalizing municipal services with Saint John.

Driscoll predicts regionalizing with the city of Saint John would only result in higher costs for the people who live in the Valley.

PANB Praising Tory MLA's Call For Public Involvement On Compensation

The People's Alliance of New Brunswick commending Conservative MLA Brian MacDonald who thinks their should be more public input on MLA compensation.
Since forming last year, the PANB says they have been calling for more involvement from the public on the issue of salaries and pensions for MLA's.
Leader Kris Austin tells CHSJ News he is pleased that a sitting MLA would raise this issue that is being talked about by thousands of New Brunswickers.
Austin says it's blatantly immoral that both the Conservative and Liberal MLA's would boost their wages, benefits and pensions in 2008 and doing it a secretive vote made it much worse.
Austin says what the MLA's did in 2008 is wrong and he believes a call for more public involvement should be received by the Premier and his colleagues as a way for government to rebuild a level of trust with the people of this province.

Saint John Area Mayor Cool To The Idea Of More Regionalisation

The regionalization of police services holds no appeal for the Mayor of Grand Bay-Westfield.

Grace Losier tells CHSJ News in 1998 during restructuring the town did ask for bids from Saint John Police Force, Rothesay Regional Police and the RCMP.

Losier says the town pays 651 thousand dollars a year now for policing that's provided by the Mounties. She says the city wanted to charge 880 thousand dollars to provide policing to the town 13 years ago.

Public Safety Minister Robert Trevors is suggesting more regionalization as a means of cutting costs.

Premier David Alward indicating the number of municipalities and local service districts in this provice are unsustainable but promises he will not force amalgamation.

Fire At St. Joseph's Hospital And Another Dramatic Rescue In St. John River

Fire crews called to St. Joseph's Hospital after a light fixture in a 5th floor bathroom caught fire. There were no injuries but some patients had to be evacuated from the area. An electrician will investigated the determine a cause.

Meantime, more details are emerging about another dramatic rescue of a middle aged snowmobiler who crashed through the ice of the St. John River Saturday night. City Police and fire crews responded and District Chief Eric Garland says it was not an easy rescue. The victim was clinging to ice and had to be pulled up a steep embankment.

The ice was so thin, some of the firefighters themselves broke through the ice. Betty Melanson's brother saw what happened from his sister's house and called 9-1-1. She has lived On Bay Crescent for 8 years and has only seen that part of the river frozen once.

There was also a fire on Milltown Avenue in St. Stephen in a building that has businesses on the ground floor. There were no injuries but the Red Cross had to find another place for a mother and her young baby to stay for a while.

Update on Power Outage in the KV

Most of the power in the Ken Valley has been restored. 

About 200 people still need to be reconnected to the grid.

There is still no word on the cause of the outage.

1500 people lost power in the Ken Valley around 9am this morning.

For the latest updates from NB Power, click here.

Power Outage in the KV

About 1500 people are without power in the Ken Valley. 

The outage began shortly after 9am. 

Crews are currently looking into the cause and restoring power. 

NB Power says power should be restored between 12pm and 1pm.

The Human Development Council getting the chance to meet with Saint John MP Rodney Weston recently as part of the federal government's pre-budget consultations.

Executive Director Randy Hatfield tells CHSJ News the group has a few key initiatives they would like to see addressed on a national level, such as a housing strategy and the return of the long form census.

He says addressing poverty is primarily done through a neighbourhood approach and you need to be in the ear of all three levels of government.

Another Snowmobile Goes Through Ice

Another icy rescue for a snowmobile driver

He went through the ice at Bay Crescent around 7:30 last night.  Friends phoning for help and rescue crews saving him from the water.  A police officer did go through the ice but both not seriously hurt.

On Friday, a driver wnt through the ice on the Kennebecasis River.  He was rescued by crew on the Gondola Point ferry.

Budget Cuts Not The Answer

The Fredericton Anti-Poverty Organization says making budget cuts is a sign of weakness and a new economic model is needed for the province.

Coordinator Dan Weston tells CHSJ News slashing budgets hasn't solved anything in years.

He says the provincial government should revitalize industries such as agriculture and forestry.

The group recently presenting to the Department of Finance as part of their pre-budget consultations.

Gondola Point Ferry Pulls Man Out Of Water

A Gondola Point Ferry operator pulling a man out of the icy waters.

Rothesay Police say a man was riding his snowmobile across the Kennebecasis River last night when his vehicle broke through around 10pm.

The ferry was nearby and lowered a plank to get the man out.

He was unconscious and the crew performing CPR on him before emergency crews arrived.

No word yet on the driver's condition.

More Snow Coming

Prepare for another blast of winter.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Stephen Hatt tells CHSJ News we can expect the snowfall to begin tonight around 10pm.  About 15 centimetres is expected overnight and 10 centimetres Sunday morning.

The snow should let up late Sunday afternoon.

City crews are already out cutting into snow banks, widening streets and removing snow east, west and in the south/central peninsula.

They will be focusing their efforts in Champlain Heights, in the Lower West Side, on the Courtney causeway and in the Elliot row area.

Chinese New Year Celebration Tonight

Those looking to celebrate the Chinese New Year can do so tonight.  The New Brunswick Chinese United, the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, and The Chinese Cultural Association of Saint John holding a feast and performance to ring in the Year of the Rabbit.

The event will feature a full Chinese buffet and entertainment by various cultures.

The event takes place at the Delta Brunswick tonight, starting at 6pm. 

Tickets can be purchased at the Northern Chinese Kitchen at 24 Coburg Street, The Multicultural Resource Centre at the 3rd floor of the City Market, or by calling 506 639 2721

Unionised City Police Officers Vote On New Contract

A 30 month contract agreement has been approved by unionised police officers in the city who say they're doing all they can to help during these times of tight budgets.

They have agreed to no wage increases this year and next with just a 3 per cent hike effective July 1st of last year.

The President of the Saint John Police Association Jamie Hachey tells CHSJ News they're no longer opposing changes to the city's pension plan requested by Common Council.

This new contract means police officers in the city will no longer be the best paid in the province.

They, along with the Police Commission, are asking Common Council not to make any changes to long term disability.

Wine Fair Supports Local Red Cross Programs

While you mull over what type you might pick up this weekend, why not enjoy a wide variety of wines and continue the good works of the Red Cross at the same time. The 9th Annual Saint John Wine Fair supports the training, equipping and deploying of Red Cross disaster teams throughout the Province in situations like the December floods.
Co-chair Janelle Shillington tells CHSJ News it offers a lot more than wine with beer vendors, a chocolate fountain and cheese sampling.
Sommelier Craig Pinhey will once again host a wine-tasting seminar just before the event which is coming up February 26th.
The Red Cross is hoping to raise $40,000 for local programs through this event.
For more info or to book at ticket click here or call 674-6195.

NB Power Issues Update On Lepreau Refurbishment

Another progess report from NB Power on the refurbishment at Point Lepreau.
The polishing activities continue on the 760 calandria tube sheet bores, that process is 65 per cent complete and should be finished by the end of March.


NB Power's Public Affairs Manager Kathleen Duguay tells CHSJ News the polishing process requires strict quality and safety.  She says they need to ensure a tight seal when the calandria tubes are installed because it's part of the overall reassembly of the reactor.
They expect installation of the tubes will take place this August and the project's on track for a return to service by the fall of 2012.

Health Minister Acknowledges World Cancer Day

The World Health Organization estimates 84 million people will die of cancer before 2015 without intervention.

In this province, Health Minister Madeline Dube acknowledging World Cancer Day today saying she remains optimistic there will be more successes leading to more prevention, earlier detection and better treatment.

Dube encouraging New Brunswickers to adapt healthy lifestyle habits which can also have a great impact in reducing cancer rates in our province.
She is also thanking health-care professionals and volunteers for the vital role they play in delivering care and support to cancer patients and their families.

City Asks Residents To Watch Where They Put Snow

City crews working hard to clear the streets and sidewalks of snow to make them safe for walking and driving.


Communications Officers Leah Fitzgerald tells CHSJ News putting snow from driveways and walkways is a violation of the a city by-law and can result in fines.
She says that means not putting snow on top of an existing plowed snowbank, on to the streets or sidewalks and she adds since 2009 the by-law gives them the ability to fine people for doing that.   Those fines range from between $200 and $500.
For more information click here or call 658-4455.

City Fire Crews Called To The East Side

A house fire last night shortly after 8 in a two storey home at 320 Latimore Lake Road.

District Chief Gerry Morris says fire crews were met with heavy smoke coming from a first floor bathroom which was gutted out.

The family will have to find somewhere else to say until the repairs are made.

It has been determined the fire was caused by a candle that was burning too close to material that was combustible.

Not As Many Vehicles Towed In Latest Street Parking Ban

City Police have been told a dozen vehicles were towed after the City issued a temporary overnight snow ban for the South/Central peninsula.

Parking on the streets was not allowed anywhere in that part of the city between 11pm and 7am. Any vehicles remaining on the street were towed to allow for snow removal. Police tell CHSJ News there are some streets where you can barely get a car through let alone a fire truck if there is an emergency.

In the last snow ban, more than 50 vehicles were towed.

To find the snow ban number or see the City's Winter Management Plan, go to country94.ca and click news.

Meantime, Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning of the possibility of significant accumulation from the snow that is expected to come our way Saturday night into Sunday morning. The Weather Network is calling for over 10 centimeters.

$30 Million From The Province For School Improvements

The province announcing 30 million dollars for school improvement projects.
District 6 will receive $1.8 million for 8 projects including a roof replacement at Quispamsis Elementary and flooring and masonry work at K.V. High.

The biggest price tag is $770 thousand dollars for work on the ventilation system, washroom upgrade and more at Sussex Regional High school.

In the Saint John area, District 8 gets over $1.9 million for 9 projects at 12 schools.  The largest being $455,000 for work on the exterior walls at Bayside Middle, Bayview and St. John the Baptist and King Edward schools.

Over 1.2 million dollars is set aside for improvements in District 10.
The projects include a roof replacement at Back Bay elementary and Campobello Island consolidated school and a heating system upgrade for St. Stephen elementary.
It also includes $190, 000 for weatherizing and other work at St. George and Vincent Massey elementary schools and St. Stephen middle and high schools.

Business Confidence Falls In Province

Small businesspeople in the province aren't feeling good these days. 19 per cent of small and mid sized businesses plan to cut fulltime staffing over the next three to four months.

The Director of Provincial Affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business Andrea Bourgeois tells CHSJ News the pessimism is based on more than just perceptions. She describes the economy as soft with employers not expecting to see alot of business growth due to weak consumer demand.

Bourgeois does concede all the attention that has been paid to the provincial government's financial woes hasn't helped boost confidence.

In its pre-budget survey, most of the more than 300 respondents would like to see the province control its spending and move towards balanced budgets.

Police Chief Welcomes New Program To Rid Neighbourhoods Of Troublemakers

The SCAN programme, a provincial initiative, designed to make neighbourhoods safer has been well received by both Common Council and Police Chief Bill Reid. The new legislation allows people who cause trouble or break the law to be evicted.

Reid says this has nothing to do with his department although officers will help out if a situation is deemed to be potentially dangerous but the big benefit is information about those who are causing the trouble.

The chief concedes this new unit can act alot faster than police can because the legal restraints are not as strict.

A Snow Ban Is On For The South/Central Peninsula Tonight

The dig out carries on after 25 centimetres of snow fell with more snow in store for us this weekend.
The City issuing a temporary overnight snow ban for the South/Central peninsula from 11pm tonight to 7am tomorrow morning.  Parking on the street is not allowed anywhere in the south central peninsula and vehicles remaining on the street will be towed. Communications Manager Nancy Moar tells CHSJ news the notifications are done as required by the Saint John traffic by-law.
She says the by-law states they have to set up a line so people can call 658-4040 to see if a ban has been declared.   She adds they also get the word out through news releases to local media and through advertising.

You can move your vehicle to one of five snow ban lots located on King Street East, Peters Street, Carmarthen Street at the Vineyard Church, Mecklenburg Street at Wentworth Street and at the corner of Princess and Charlotte Streets.
Vehicles can be moved there at 6pm tonight but, must be out 7am tomorrow morning.
The last time a ban was issued on January 23rd, more than 50 vehicles were towed.
For more info, click here

Cleanup Underway After Another Major Snowstorm

Morning commuters are being advised by police to drive with extreme caution as you make your way into work in the aftermath of the latest weather maker to batter Saint John.

The plows have been working non-stop but road conditions are still described as very slippery.

Some places in the region got as much as 45 centimeters of snow while Saint John recorded about 25 centimeters with more falling in the Valley.

Meantime, the long range forecast from Environment Canada is calling for periods of snow on Sunday and again next Tuesday.

First Candidate Announces For Vacant Seat At Quispamsis Council

Former telecommunications manager Barry Farnsworth throwing his hat into the ring for the vacant seat on Quispamsis Council.

The seat was formerly held by Gerry Maher who resigned on December 21st.

Farnsworth tells CHSJ News he wants to give back to his community and would like to see a more regional approach to recreation in the valley.

Gas Prices Continuing To Rise

Gas prices are on the rise after the weekly setting........The maximum price for self serve regular rose by a cent a litre to $1.12.5 and the max for diesel is up by just under two cents to$1.25.1.

The prices charged at the pump are usually a few cents cheaper than the maximums.

Heating oil also rose by almost two cents a litre and is listed at $1.07.6.