Fundraising For Japan

As the world watches in horror at the devastation in Japan, Maritimers are giving to the relief effort.
Of the 80,000 donations made by last night, 3000 were from this region.

Spokesperson Dan Bedell tells CHSJ News they have let Japanese red cross what they have to offer if they are called in to help and have also started a fundraising campaign.
He says you can go into any Red Cross office in Atlantic Canada to give just specify it's for the Japan earthquake/tsunami relief effort.  If you want to donate online, click here

Woman Dies Near Airport

A 50-year-old Saint John area woman died last night after a two vehicle crash on the airport arterial.
The driver of the other vehicle was treated in hospital and released.
City police say charges are possible as their major crime and traffic reconstruction units continue to investigate.
The crash happened about 8:30 last night and closed Highway 111 near the airport for three hours.

Liberal MLA Criticizes Job Losses

The Opposition Critic for Training and Labour Chris Collins says the province is losing jobs at an alarming rate.  New figures from Statistics Canada shows New Brunswick losing 12-thousand full time jobs since August of last year.   Collins tells CHSJ News he wants to see Premier David Alward set a job creation target.

He says this government has been caught napping with these numbers and he adds they do not have a job number target or a method for achieving that target.

He says the only thing the Alward government has done was create Invest NB. But Collins says that will only add another layer of red tape to job creation.

City Crews Clean Up Streets

City crews are out in force today cleaning up the streets in preparation for tonight's heavy rain.

City spokesperson Leah Fitzgerald says snow is being removed from curb lines in the North and South end.   Catch basins on the East and West sides will also be cleared out.

The city wants to remind you that you can help by checking and clearing catch basins near your home or business.

Crews will be monitoring rain levels overnight.

Port and Tourism Minister Attending Trade Show

The province and the Saint John Port Authority are teaming up next week to promote New Brunswick as a major cruise ship destination.

They will be attending Cruise Shipping Miami, the world's largest annual cruise trade show.

Tourism Minister Trevor Holder tells CHSJ News the province can be a huge draw for eco-tourists thanks to the Bay of Fundy and other natural phenomenon.

The Port of Saint John has welcomed 1.5 million guests since the cruise ships stared coming to Saint John in 1989.

Meanwhile, Chair of the Saint John Port Authority Stephen Campbell is thrilled to be teaming up with the province on attracting more cruise business to the port.

He says having the support of the province and the Tourism Minister in tow will enhance discussions with cruise line CEO's.

Snow Days Not A Concern In Saint John

School District 8 Superintendent Susan Tipper vows the entire curriculum will be covered in spite of the number of days school has been cancelled because of the stormy weather. That has been a concern raised but Tipper says there haven't been as many days in Saint John where school has been cancelled compared to other areas of the province.

Another concern coming to light from city police is the appearance of the drug "ectasy" in the area. Tipper says the discovery of drugs on school property means an immediate call to police and then home to the student's parents or guardians.

Tipper has told CHSJ News she fully supports sending students to jail if they are caught with drugs on school property.

Arrest In North End Murder

It didn't take long for an arrest to be made in the stabbing death of a 29 year old man in the north end early this morning.

Police say a 17 year old youth went to the RCMP in Hampton early this morning almost a couple of hours after the murder took place.

Police were called to Barker Street shortly after 12:40 this morning after receiving a 9-1-1 call. Police tell CHSJ News the victim was stabbed on the street itself and people who live in close by say they heard what appeared as an altercation beforehand.

Even though someone is in custody, Police are asking anyone who might know something about the circumstances to contact them at either 648-3333 or 648-3211 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-tips.

Deer Island Diver Drowns

The RCMP are reporting the drowning of a 56-year-old Deer Island man yesterday afternoon in the St. George area.

The RCMP and NB Ambulance receibved a call about a diver in distress at Greens Point Road beach in Letete.

Police say fellow divers, after losing sight of a member of their group, went back down into the water and were able to locate their missing colleague and tried to resuscitate him but couldn't do so.

Even though drowning is the apparent cause, the exact cause of death is being investigated with an autopsy to be performed. Worksafe NB tells CHSJ News it's also investigating the circumstances.

Murder In North End

The Major Crime Unit launching a murder investigation.

A man, believed to be in his thirties, was stabbed to death on a north end street.

 City Police tell CHSJ News the stabbing occurred between 12:30 and 1:00 this morning.

No one has been arrested yet. Police say they do have some leads.

Environmentalists Want Shale Gas Moratorium

With both Quebec and New York State declaring a 2 year moratorium on shale gas exploration and development, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick wants Premier David Alward to do the same.

Spokesperson Stephanie Merrill tells CHSJ News the fact that two other jurisdictions are putting on the breaks to evaluate environmental and safety concerns says a lot with studies done in other jurisdictions show that shale gas exploration can have negative effects such as groundwater contamination and toxic emissions.

She says the Conservation Council has been calling for a moratorium since last November. The province is in the first year of a 3 year-exploration for oil and natural gas. 
 
Testing suggests there is trillions of cubic metres of shale gas in the province but Merrill warns while the provincial government is under pressure to find ways to pay off huge debt, we could end up paying a bigger price down the road due by damaging the environment.

Education Council Honours Teacher Who Saved Student

The District 8 Education Council giving special recognition to Saint John High Vice-Principal Micheal Chaisson for helping to save a 16 year old student at the school from drownming almost two weeks ago.

Jordan Murty was discovered not moving at the bottom of the pool.

Chaisson tels CHSJ News it was like time stood still as he applied what he learned from training in C-P-R.

Two other teachers later took over with the chest compressions and clearing Jordan's air way until he came round.

Police Investigating Several Scams

City police are currently investigating a number of scams going around in the city.

One such scam involves being contacted by someone posing as a lawyer or police officer. 

They claim that a relative of the intended victim needs money immediately to help pay for a motor vehicle accident or bail.  The scammer requests the money to be sent immediately through Western Union and for the situation to be kept on the down low for fear of embarrassment.

You should notify police if you think you have been contacted by a scammer or have been defrauded.

Most Travelers Believe In "Jetiquette"

Someone you know is jetting off for the March break and a new survey by Travelocity made some interesting discoveries about travelling etiquette or "jetiquette".Brian Simpson tells CHSJ News finding out 34 per cent of us would give up or window or aisle seat to allow others to sit together says a lot.

Simpson says it was surprising to find out most people are ok with the person sitting next to them taking off their shoes as long as they don't smell.

Digital Fistfights To Be Held This Weekend

Calling all gamers -- there is a video game tournament coming up in Saint John this weekend.  Fight For Infinity is a day-long event featuring the games "Super Street Fighter 4"  and "Marvel Vs. Capcom 3."

One of the organizers, Adrian Silva, tells CHSJ News this event is the first major gaming tournament in the city and another is already being planned in September.

Registration for the tournament starts at 10am Saturday at the Chinese Commerce Centre on Cobourg Street.

The first game gets underway at 1pm.

Gas Prices In City Up Again

No surprise with the price of gas after the weekly setting.........It continues to increase.

Self serve regular is now up to $1.19.6 which is more than 2 and a half cents higher.

Diesel rose by 2 and a half cents and is being sold around town for an even $1.31 a litre.

Heating oil rose even more, by almost 3 cents a litre, and is listed at $118.1.

The price of self serve remains below the Canadian average.

Feds And Province Say No Delays With Removing Tolls

The provincial government says as far as it's concerned, there are no delays when it comes to removing the tolls on Harbour Bridge at the end of the month.

There have been reports that the Federal government would not be able to take the necessary legal steps to forgive the bridge's 22 million dollar loan by March 31st, which would keep the tolls alive until at least June.

Saint John MP Rodney Weston says that is simply not true. He says the debt will be forgiven once ownership has been transferred to the province and the tolls have been lifted.

Saint John Portland M-L-A Trevor Holder says he has been told by the Premier's office that negotiations are continuing.

City Judge Gets Support on No Tolerance For Drugs On School Property

Saint John Provincial Court Judge Bill McCarroll has the backing of School District 8 Superintendent Susan Tipper for his intention to send students to jail if they are found using or even possessing drugs on school property.

Tipper tells CHSJ News the school district also take a dim view of such criminal behaviour with the imposition of an immediate suspension, a meeting with the student's parents or guardians and the implementation of an intervention plan.

The judge sentenced a 19 year old student at Harbourview High to 15 days in jail for having marijuana on school property.

NB Power Gives Update on Point Lepreau

NB Power releasing their latest update in the Point Lepreau refurbishment.

Technicians completing the polishing and inspection of 760 calandria tube sheet bores -- the next step is cleaning and taking the final measurements of each one which is slated to be competed by the end of the month. 

Training on the installation of the tubes is also complete.

The tubes are scheduled to be installed in August with Lepreau set to go back online by the fall of next year.

City Police Looking For Missing Teen

City police are looking for a missing teen.
14-year-old Amber Mitchell was reported missing yesterday.

She is 5 foot 9 and about 130 pounds.

If you have seen her, please call Saint John Police at 648-3333.

Province's Flood Assessments Done By Summer

Of the 900 claims made to the provinces' Disaster Financial Assistance Plan in the wake of the Charlotte County floods, about half of them have been processed.

Public Safety Minister Robert Trevors tells CHSJ News the rest of the assessements should be wrapping up by the summer.

As for infrastructure repairs, he says assessments will be done this spring and the repairs will probably be completed by the fall.

The province estimates that the total bill for disaster relief and repairs will be about 30 million dollars.

Work On Metal Shredder To Begin Soon

American Iron and Metal are waiting on a permit to operate from the Environment department and to finalize a lease agreement with the Port before construction can begin on their metal shredder.
The proposed 30 million dollar facility is due to be built on the west side at Pier 10.
Camilla Wierpszo of American Iron and Metal tells CHSJ News construction was supposed to start last month.  She says their plans are the same and they plan to start construction soon.
The facility will recycle old metal from cars and will create 23 jobs.  Residents that live nearby expressed concerns in the fall about noise from the facility but President Herb Black said he was comfortable with the noise levels and expects they will be too.

Pothole Repairs Coming Sooner Than Later

Good news for commuters tired of dodging potholes -- road repairs are coming sooner rather than later. 

General Manager of Debly Andrew Giberson tells CHSJ News their asphalt plant is opening tomorrow.

He says the plant usually opens in May but the demand for asphalt has been incredibly high, especially with the giant crater on the Mackay Highway that needs immediate attention.

He adds orders are alredy coming in from numerous municipalites abd private businesses.

Inmate Found Dead Will Not Be Indentified

The identity of a Pocologan man found dead in a provincial jail cell will not be released at his family's request.

The inmate was discovered early Tuesday morning at the facility on the Old Black River road.    The 37-year-old had on-going health issues.

An autopsy is being performed but, Government spokesperson Meaghan Cumby tells CHSJ News the department of public safety never releases the results.

Union Urging People To Buy Moosehead Despite Lockout

The lockout continues between Moosehead and some of its workers over a pension dispute with no end in sight.

The company has always covered the cost of post-retirement benefits but due to the escalating costs of many prescriptions drugs, they want the workers to cover some of the cost.

Vice-President of Public Affairs Joel Levesque tells CHSJ News things have been fairly quiet and it's business as usual at the brewery.

Members of the Union are assuring the public they want people to keep buying Moosehead products and in no way do they support a boycott of any kind.

The workers continue to walk the line everyday outside the west side brewery since the lockout began on February 20th.

Inmate Found Dead This Morning

Saint John police are investigating after an inmate was found dead at the regional correctional facility this morning.

City police tell CHSJ News the 37-year-old man from Pocologan died unexpectedly.


The cause of death is unknown but, an autopsy will be performed.

Red Cross Flood Relief Wraps Up

The Canadian Red Cross's flood relief program for the Charlotte County area has officially come to a close.

Director of Disaster Relief Bill Lawlor says over half a million dollars was raised and has been handed out to flood victims, mostly to offset utility, heating, and fuel expenses.

He tells CHSJ News the goal of their assistance was to provide items or services that other relief programs wouldn't cover.


He says 261 households got assistance from the flood relief program.

Charlotte County and the surrounding areas were covered in 180 millimetres of rain back in December.

Housing Starts Are Down

February housing starts in Saint John are down 69 per cent over last year according to new data from the Canada Mortage and Housing Corporation.
CMHC's Claude Gautreau tells CHSJ News says he cautions people when looking at numbers at the start of the year not to read too much into it.

He says the percentages do no paint a pretty picture however the first three months of the year are the weakest in housing construction and when you factor in winter it mitigates the fact that they are not seeing positive growth.

It's a similar story in Fredericton where starts are down 54 per cent and in Moncton they are down 84 per cent of the 2010 numbers.

Help Small Business By Paying Cash

Small businesses need your help in saving money.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says everytime you pay with your credit card, as much as 3 percent of the total goes to the credit card company.

CFIB's Dan Kelly tells CHSJ News it's been having a real effect on the bottom line for small businesses.

Kelly says you can help by paying cash or debit.  Debit card fees for businesses are only a few cents for every transaction.

CRTC Sees Nothing Wrong With "Bully Beatdown"

A Fredericton anti-bullying activist is surprised and disappointed about the decision from the Canadian Radio Television Telecommunications Commission on the fate of the M-T-V show "Bully Beatdown".

Not only will the show remain on the air, there are no restrictions on when it can be shown. The show features a bully tangling with a martial arts fighter for money with the premise being the bully gets a taste of his or her own medicine.

Rob Frenette filed the complaint saying it sends the wrong message that more violence is the way to take care of bullies.

Frenette is considering an appeal. He accuses the C-R-T-C of just giving lip service to his concerns. He also tells CHSJ News Premier David Alward supports his efforts to get the show taken off the air.

Program Marks International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day and the Urban Core Support Network is shining the light on a program that helps women in priority neighbourhoods.


The Power Up program is a 10 week course for women that teaches communication, team building, and conflict resolutions skills.

Coordinator Brenda Murphy tells CHSJ News the women who go through the program usually move on to bigger and brighter things.

She says many women return to the program to act as mentors to other participants.

The next Power Up course begins in April. For more information, call Brenda Murphy at 642-9033.

City Man Gets Help From Immigration Lawyer

A New York state man that has been calling Saint John home for six years in back in the Port City.
Jeff Curley was told he could not re-enter Canada last week and crossing the border last week to have some paper work corrected.


Immigration Lawyer Lee Cohen is representing Curley and tells CHSJ News he is in the middle of two application processes...one for permanent residency and the other for a work permit.
He says some of the information between the two processes got confused and he believes if the Immigration authorities had been a bit more dilligent they would have been able to find the information.
He says the Canadian border still gets it's pound of flesh since Curley can't work until he completes all his paperwork and complete medical
Cohen believes the media coverage on Curley's sudden deportation last week is part of the reason he was able to meet with Canadian border officials on Friday leading to his being allowed back into the country that night.

Nursing Homes Closed Due to Norwalk Virus

The Church of Saint John and St Stephen Nursing Home is closed because of an outbreak of the Norwalk virus.

They are only accepting emergency visitation only. For family members and friends who need more information, call the Resident Info Hotline at 643-6113.

Update On Power Outages

NB Power making major progress on a series of power outages.

About 400 people in Fredericton are without power.  That is down from 2500 a few hours ago.

There are still some outages in Woodstock, Bouctouche, and even a few in Rothesay.

NB Power says the outages were due to trees being knocked into power lines from freezing rain.

NB Power Working To Get The Lights Back On For Nearly 3000 Customers

About 2500 people in Bouctouche and over 400 people in Fredericton are without power. NB Power says the outages are due to rain and freezing rain knocking trees into the lines.  There are also outages in St. Stephen and Woodstock. No word yet on when power will be restored.

Annual Wastewater Report Shows Harbour Clean-Up To Be Primary Focus

The construction of 3 lift stations and several improvements to existing facilities the highlight of the 2010 Wastewater report from Saint John Water.

Three lift stations were built last year: one in Monte Cristo Park and two along Red Head Road.

Graham Huddleston with Saint John Water says wastewater treatment in Saint John poses some unique challenges --  a high number of pumping stations and treatment facilities are needed to carry wastewater through the many hills in the city.

Additional highlights include upgrades to existing facilities and the additional certification of several employees.

Inquest To Begin Later This Month On Death At Potash Mine

A coroner's inquest into the death of Vincent Mitton is coming up later this month in Saint John.The 56-year-old died in November of 2009 after being injured at his job at the Potash mine.

Coroner Gregory Forestell and a jury will hear evidence from witnesses to determine the facts surrounding the death and the jury can make recommendations aimed at preventing future deaths under similar circumstances.

The four-day inquest begins on March 22nd at the Sydney Street courthouse.

Revitalization Plan of Crescent Valley Might Be Coming Soon

The revitalization plan for Crescent Valley was the brainchild of the former Liberal government under then Premier Shawn Graham.  Now it will be up to the Alward Government to see it through.

Social Development Minister Sue Stultz promised to be back in the city soon because of Crescent Valley when she attended a Saint John meeting on poverty last month.

Don Darling of Prestige Homes is optimistic about future housing projects in the area.  He says how successful the effort will be depends on whether there's enough capacity to carry through with the vision.    

Province Warns of Flooding Risk

River Watch and the Provincial EMO issuing a localized flood bulletin today.Because of the rain and mild temperatures over the last couple of days in the central, southern and southeastern regions of the provice the melting may lead to localized flooding where normal drainage systems are blocked by snow and ice.
Anyone living or working in areas prone to flooding should be aware and take the proper precautions to safeguard their homes and belongings.

Power Out Early This Morning

Saint John Energy customers in the uptown area suffered a loss of power for approximately one hour this morning.

The transmission line serving two central substations failed at about 2:30. Power was restored through switching to an alternate source at about 3:25.

The cause of the disruption is not known at this time.

Common Councillor Taking Swipe At Saint John Energy

Councillor Gary Sullivan is expressing his disappointment with Saint John Energy.

The energy utility saying no to council's request to providing a discount or donate power to the city's food banks. Sullivan claims Saint John Energy could afford to help out as the utility turned a 2.3 million dollar profit in 2009.

Sullivan says providing a discount wouldn't start a slippery slope of groups asking for similar breaks.

Saint John Energy says they already offer non-profit groups their lowest rates and additional subsidies would not be fair to other customers.

City's Bottom Line Boosted By Increased Property Taxes At Former Transit Garage

Despite criticism about the cost of the new transit building on the east side, the city's bottom line is benefitting from the additional tax revenue being derived from its old location on Fairville Boulevard.

Saint John Transit Assistant General Manager Brian Thorne says alot more property taxes are being paid than when it was a bus garage. Thorne says Saint John Ttransit paid something like 65 thousand dollars while the property bill on that new development now is several hundred thousand dollars.

Saint John Transit is still looking for some relief from its own property tax bill which is in the area of 380 thousand dollars.

New Technology At Peel Plaza Parking Garage Will Save Drivers Gas And Frustration

Those drivers who will be parking their vehicles at the new parking garage at Peel Plaza won't have to go round and round in circles looking for an available space, wasting gas in the process

Common Councillor Chris Titus, who chairs the Parking Commission, says there will be a digital screen showing where the next parking space is.

Even though it costs more initially to put in place energy saving measures, Titus says the extra money is paid back with lower energy bills in a relatively short period of time.

Heavy Rain Coming To Saint John

Put away the snow shovels and break out the umbrellas.

A rainfall warning being issued for Saint John and the surrounding areas by Environment Canada.

Ming Fzeto is with the Atlantic Storm Prediction Centre and he tells CHSJ News as much as 60 to 70 millimetres of rain could fall tonight and tomorrow.

The rain will end Monday night or Tuesday morning.

He says the rest of the week should contain sunny skies.

Car Rolls Over At City Limit

The Musquash Fire Department responding to a car accident on Highway One westbound at the Saint John city limit early this morning.

A car had landed on the roadway on its roof around 2:30 this morning. Firefighters providing medical care to the man until an ambulance arrived.

All westbound traffic was stopped for about a half hour.

Couple Loses Home To House Fire In Miramichi

A couple in the Miramichi area are homeless after a fire late Friday.

Fire destroying their 150-year-old house at 267 West Collette Road -- they were not home at the time of the blaze and firefighters were able to save the couple's dog.

No official word on the cause but fire officials believe it began near their wood stove.

Police Investigate Two Stabbings

City police dealing with a pair of stabbings overnight.

The first occurring around 2 this morning -- a 40 year old man was stabbed on City Road.  A 33 year old man has been arrested and will be front of the judge on Monday to face a charge of aggravated assault.  The victim is in hospital but will be okay.

The second stabbing happening around 3:45 this morning on Metcalf Street.  A 46 year old man sent to hospital but he will recover.  A 17 year old man and an 18 year old man face charges of aggravated assault and will be in court Monday morning.

The city's Major Crime Unit is looking into the causes of both incidents.

Mail Returns To Martinon

The mail is moving again in Martinon.Canada Post says extreme snowfall is part of the reason residents in that community and Grand-Bay Westfield did not get their mail for the last week.Atlantic Canada Communications Manager Denise Cora tells CHSJ News the build up of snow prevented the contractors from being able to remove the snow and provide access to the mail boxes.

Cora adds they are working with their contractor to ensure mail delivery won't be affected by snow build up in the future.

The Mail Is Moving Again In Martinon

The weather gets the blame for a lot these days and now mail delivery is no exception.
Canada Post says extreme snowfall is part of the reason residents in Martinon and Westfield did not get their mail for the last week.
Atlantic Canada Communications Manager Denise Cora tells CHSJ News the build up of snow prevented the contractors from being able to remove the snow and provide access to the mail boxes.

She says customers served by 5 community boxes were impacted by the snow buildup but the mail was delivered to those mailboxes this morning.
Cora adds they are working with their contractor to ensure mail delivery won't be affected by snow build up in the future.

Fire Destroys Little Lepreau Home This Morning

Fire destroying a home on the Lomax Road in Little Lepreau this morning.
Ambulance NB paramedics were first to arrive just before 8:30am and were able to inform firefighters that everyone was out of the home which was filled with heavy smoke.
Once on the scene, firefighters entered the building to fight the fire which appears to have originated in the basement of the older two story house.


The Black's Harbour Fire Department responded to assist members of the Musquash Fire Department battling the blaze in the -20 degree temperatures.
Four people living in the house were alerted to the fire by smoke alarms and not injured. The cause of the fire was accidental.

Police Search For Another Uptown Taxi Robber

Another day another taxi driver robbery in the Uptown.
City police tell CHSJ News their Major Crime unit is investigating a robbery with a weapon on Sewell street just after 1am this morning.
A 70-year-old taxi driver had some money taken from him and he was injured but did not require treatment.

Police are looking for a man who is about 6 feet tall between the ages of 24 and 30 wearing dark clothes and a hoody.
If you have any information call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or the Major Crime Unit at 648-3333. 

Federal Government Urged To Retain Incentives To Make Buildings More Energy Efficient

The federal government is expected to cut spending when its budget is unveiled March 22nd but David Plante who represents manufacturers and exporters in the province tells CHSJ News incentives to make buildings more energy efficient should be left untouched and , if anything, enhanced.

Plante says energy can gobble up from 10 to 30 per cent of their operating budgets so investment tax credits for retrofitting buildings would be most welcome. He points out manufacturers reduced their energy consumption by 8 per cent from 1995 to 2007.

Despite financial challenges, BOT President remains upbeat

Despite calls for cuts and taxes increases in the upcoming provincial budget, the President of the Saint John Board of Trade is upbeat.
Imelda Gilman tells CHSJ News says this province was built on pioneering, new immigrants and is full of natural resources.

She says we are one of the oldest provinces that helped form this country and we have many creative minds that we need to keeping here.
Gilman says the province is leading in many areas including the energy sector and in health by developing a knowledge sector with Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick.

Another City Cabbie Is Held Up

Another cab driver has been robbed.

This latest holdup happening around 1:00 this morning in the area of Sewell Street and Cobourg in the uptown.

The driver sustained minor injuries while the robber ran off on foot.