Vote For The Worst Road In Saint John

The CAA wants you to speak up if you think Saint John has some of the worst roads in the Maritimes.
The company recently launching their "Worst Roads Campaign", where you get to cast your vote on the worst roads in Atlantic Canada for a chance to win weekly prizes.

CAA spokesperson Gary Howard tells CHSJ News the feedback generated by the campaign can serve as a catalyst for road repair, as was the case in Ontario after the results were sent to mayors, MLA's and MP's.

For the roads indentified as the worst roads they have a been fixed in a very good bay and Howard expects the same kind of results in Atlantic Canada.
He says the main objective of the campaign is to get roads fixed and make them safe for drivers.     For information on how to submit your vote, click here

Film Documents Need For Catatstrophic Drug Coverage

A short film documenting the experience of two people who rely on catastrophic drugs is getting a positive reception.


The idea came about after the Canadian Cancer Society and 20 other groups saw a need to draw attention to the plight of New Brunswickers suffering with cancer and other serious medical problems who rely on these medications.


Senior Manager for Public Isssues Ellen Snider tells CHSJ News the film shows two personal stories that you have to see to believe.

She says it's the first time people are reacting emotionally to this issue and they people are vulnerable and the government should take care of it.
To see the film "Catastrophic Drug Coverage in New Brunswick: Personal Perspectives" click here

West Side Liquor Store Closing On Sunday

NB Liquor announcing its store at Westwind Place along Fairville Blvd will be closing its doors permanently at 5:00 this Sunday afternoon.

It will be replaced by a new store at the Fairville Boulevard Plaza close to the new Sobeys.

Province Issues Warning Relating To Raw Walnuts

Don't eat raw, shelled walnuts that come from bulk bins and or packages. That warning issued by the province's Chief Medical Health Officer who says any such products should be tossed out because they might contain an E. Coli bacteria.


So far, there have been two confirmed cases of this particular E. Coli bacteria in the province and they are being looked into to determine if they are connected to raw, shelled walnuts.

House Fire On East Side Causes Extensive Damage

City Fire crews called to a house fire on the east side late yesterday afternoon. District Chief Joe Armstrong says the call came in from 18 Belgrave Street with heavy fire coming from the second floor.

There was some fire damage caused to the vinyl siding of a neighbouring home.

A mother and her three children managed to get out safely and the cause is believed to be accidental.

In Chipman, there was no one home when a mid-afternoon fire at 338 Red Bank Drive gutted a house being rented by a couple and three children ranging in age from two to 10.

More Adult Learners Enrolling at University

The downturn in the economy has lead to an increase in the enrolment of mature students -- that from UNB Saint John Recruitment Coordinator Courtney Rock.

She tells CHSJ News people are returning to school for two main reasons........ to find a new career or just because they want to enhance their knowledge.

She believes the number of mature students will increase as the baby boomer generation retires and wish to do something with their time.

Adult student Shari Patstone will be graduating this year after 10 years of part time learning.She tells CHSJ News what started out as a curiosity turned into a great experience.

Patstone says the best part of adult learning is that you can have a flexible schedule so that you don't have to give up your career or family life.

 She will be graduating from UNB Saint John this year a Bachelor degree in Education.

Bridge Toll Plaza Should Be Removed By June

The province isn't wasting any time in making changes to the area around the Harbour Bridge toll plaza.


Transportation Minister Claude Williams tells CHSJ News planning is underway for the removal of the plaza and redesign of the traffic lanes in that area.

The Minister says tenders will be called shortly for the demolition of the toll plaza and that work should be completed by June.

Meantime -- Williams says a speed limit of 50-kmh will be strictly enforced by police in the area of the toll plaza.

Tolls were removed late Friday afternoon after legislation was passed giving the province ownership of the bridge.

Police Asking For Help In Locating Missing

City police is asking for your help in finding a missing person from the New Direction Special Care home on the city's west side.

Missing is 58 year old Lional Daigle.  He's described as 5'3", 137 pounds with a slim build, brown eyes, and salt and pepper hair.

He was last seen wearing a three-quarter length grey hooded winter jacket with blue jeans and sneakers.

Police say Daigle requires regular medication for reported mental health issues. 
If you have any information, contact city police at 648-3333.

A Perfect Storm For Housing Insurance Is Possible

"It's not a crisis yet" but the Province's consumer advocate for insurance says increasing weather issues may lead to a perfect storm for the rising cost of house insurance.
Ronald Godin tells CHSJ News premiums have being going up combining with the substantial flooding in recent years.

He says if this keeps up and the experts say it could get worse we are all going to have to pay for it and it will have an impact on availability and affordability.
Godin says the cost of auto insurance has improved tremendously since he opened the office back in 2005.

Coucil Gives City Approval To Pay Off Projects

Common Council giving the city approval to begin paying off some of the major infrastructure projects from 2010.  The projects range from road work and sewer improvements to work on the new police headquarters going up at Peel Plaza.

City Manager Patrick Woods tells CHSJ News the payment periods will vary depending on the project, such as 5 years for a major vehicle or 15 years for a road.

The city will be paying off $41 million dollars worth of projects.

Warning For Taxpayers About Point Lepreau

A warning from the Conservation Council of New Brunswick about how much Point Lepreau will wind up costing provincial taxpayers.

 The Conservation Council's Raphael Shay tells CHSJ News there's the 400 million dollar yearly payment to Atomic Energy of Canada but that's not all. The additional expenditures are being deferred and when the time comes to pay up, Shay is predicting power rates will have to go up.

A select committee on Point Lepreau has been formed by the Premier to review the financial side of things.

Premier Rejects Opposition Charges On Lepreau

The Opposition Liberals have been hammering away at Premier David Alward about the cost overruns at Point Lepreau and how his government should be doing more to persuade the Conservatives in Ottawa to pick up that tab, including possible court action.

The Premier is rejecting the suggestion the province is being too passive, saying an evaluation of the cost overruns is now being prepared which is something, he claims, was not done before but should have.

Lost Hikers Found

It didn't take long for City Police and the fire department to find two teen girls who got lost in Rockwood Park.

The search started around 7 last night after the the girls went on a hike in the afternoon entering the park from Sandy Point Road.

Police found them on a path shortly before 8:30 and tell us they were none the worse for wear.

Road Repairs In City Put Under Magnifying Glass

The mayor wants the city to look into the quality of asphalt it is using for road construction.

Ivan Court says the city use to do road repairs every 8 to 10 years but now it seems like the roads are being fixed every 1 to 2 years. He wants to know if everything is being done correctly so the taxpayer is getting good bang for his and her buck.

He admits there are many factors at play, including the weather but he wants to make sure the city is doing the best it can to create high quality roads.

City Warns Of Traffic Delays

If you're going to make City Road or Station Street part of your daily commute, you can expect some traffic delays for the next few months.

Work begins today on a lift station at Harbour Station, which is part of the Harbour Clean Up project.
The city is advising drivers attending events at Habour Station or the Uptown to allow for extra travel time.

Work will take place throughout the summer and fall.

We're told as well, the city will be starting the spring cleanup today with sidewalk and street sweeping and more asphalt paving.

More Beds Have To Open Up At Regional

If the new plans to increase the amount of operating room times at the Regional Hospital for doctors are to succeed, something will have to be done on making sure more beds are available for the patients who will undergo the surgeries.

Chief of Staff Dr. Brian Wheelock concedes that is going to be one tough nut to crack because there is no point in performing surgeries if there is no place to house the patients afterwards.

An ongoing problem at the Regional Hospital has been too many beds are being taken up by people who should be in nursing homes but there isn't the space available for them.

Chase Attacks Harper Government Record In City

The Liberal candidate in Saint John, Stephen Chase has opened his campaign office on Union Street and launched an attack on the record of the Harper Government in the city.

He tells CHSJ News while the federal government is contributing to Harbour Cleanup, there has been no commitment to help provide safe, clean drinking water. Chase maintains it was former Liberal M-P Paul Zed who did most of the leg work in securing the money for Harbour Cleanup while the Harper Government delivered the cheque.

He also complains the Harper government has not been forthcoming with funding for the port's deteroriating wharves on the lower west side, the airport or upgrading the Trade and Convention Centre whereas ports, airports and convention centres in other cities have received lots of federal money.

Adult Learners Being Celebrated

The Saint John Learning Exchange celebrating Adult Learner's Week with a potluck and other events to thank the learners for having courage to improve their future.

35-year-old learner Ann Adams-Clements tells CHSJ News she was struggling with big words and filling out documents in her previous jobs.

She says in her program she is working on essential skills like reading, math and spelling to improve on the things employers would want.
Adams-Clements says the learners run a community kitchen every week out of the Stone Church uptown. To learn more about the Saint John Learning Exchange click here

Fire At Rockwood Park

 City fire crews battling a fire at Rockwood Park around 10:30pm last night.

A storage barn on fire at the campground area -- crews quickly knocked down the flames and no one was hurt.

No word yet on a cause.

Energy-Saving Scam Making The Rounds Again

A telephone scam involving NB power is making the rounds again.

The power company has been getting reports from customers of someone calling on behalf of the company.  The scammer tries to sell the customer a device that will save them money on their power bill.

NB Power says they are not selling any such devices and advise you to call police or RCMP if you have been solicited.

The scam first reared its head back in 2010.

Power Restored

The lights are back on for almost all of the province.

NB Power reports only a handful of customers are without electricity in the province. 

Many communities in the province such as Fredericton and St. Stephen were in the dark for almost 2 days after Friday's snowfall.

The outages were mostly caused by branches and trees hitting power lines.

More Education Options Needed In City

Educator Barry Ogden says post-secondary education options in Saint John need to expand as youth are leaving the city to pursue it elsewhere.

He tells CHSJ News more degrees need to be offered.

He says by creating more education options here in the city, it will attract jobs and boost the economy.

Power Still Out For Many NB Power Customers

The heavy and wet snow is slowing down NB Power's efforts to restore power across the province.  Almost 7-thousand customers in the dark thanks to the rain and snow yesterday.

Over 4-thousand customers are without power in Fredericton and over two hundred are without juice in St. Stephen.  In Rothesay, almost a hundred homes are waiting for the lights to come back on.

No word yet on when power will be restored.

For updates on the outages, go to NB Power's website.

Refunds Available For Bridge Pass Accounts

If you are one of those with the electronic bridge pass and still have money in your account -- Transportation Minister Claude Williams says you will be able to get a refund.


Basically you will have to write or email the Transportation Department with your name - address - and - serial number of your electronic bridge pass -- the department will verify the information and mail you a cheque for your balance - click here for more information.

Nearly 7000 Without Power

The storm causing widespread power outages across the province with nearly 7000 people in the dark.
Those outages impacting over 3300 NB Power customers in St. Stephen and over 2000 in Fredericton.
Crews are working to restore power.

Weston Happy The Deal Came Together

Conservative incumbent Rodney Weston says as of today the residents of Saint John are being treated fairly with respect to highway infrastructure.
Weston says he is pleased that Ottawa and Fredericton were able to remove the tolls and complete their part of the agreement signed in November.
Weston did fire a shot at the Opposition saying it is disappointing that the Province has a Liberal Party more concerned with holding up this deal than treating Saint John like the rest of the Province.

Bridge Tolls Now History

New Brunswick's only toll bridge is now just a memory.
The toll plaza booths are empty and the lights are green after the Legislature gave final approval and Royal Assent to a Bill abolishing the Harbour Bridge Authority and the tolls earlier this afternoon.
Provincial Department of Transportation crews quickly moved in setting up barriers to block off all but the two outside lanes east and west to keep traffic flowing at an orderly but safe pace.
The toll plaza booths were shut down just before four this afternoon.

RCMP Warn Drivers To Be Careful On Highway 7

Driving on April Fool's Day is not funny at all.
A series of collisions prompting the RCMP to issue a warning about poor road conditions on Highway 7 between Saint John and Fredericton.
The mounties tell CHSJ News motorists should be extra careful on that stretch and if possible, stay off the road.
In Saint John, City police responding to a few accidents around the city and we are told the roads are slippery in the metro area and in the region.

Authority Chair Calls It The End Of An Era

It's the end of an era with the tolls set to come off the Harbour Bridge this afternoon.
The Chair of the Harbour Bridge Authority says he feels bad for the employees.
Bob McDevitt tells CHSJ News it's a sad day for them.
He says many of the employees spent many years working for the Authority and they have been putting up with the hovering question mark about their future since the last federal election.

McDevitt says there are no police cars monitoring the toll plaza today it's up to the province to handle that now.

Bridge Tolls Coming Off This Afternoon

New Brunswick's only toll bridge will soon become history -- the Legislature has given approval to a Bill dissolving the Harbour Bridge Authority and giving ownership to the province.


Transportation Minister Claude Williams says the tolls will be removed as of 4 this afternoon.

It's part of a federal-provincial agreement announced in late November by Prime Minister Harper during a stop in the city.

The tolls were supposed to be removed by yesterday -- but -- approval of the Bill bogged down in debate over details -- the Opposition Liberals announced this morning they would support the necessary Legislation.

Breaking News - Bridge Bill Gets Final Approval

The Legislature has just given unanimous consent to the Bill to dissolve the Harbour Bridge Authority thereby abolishing the tolls.


The Lieutenant Governor is on his way to the Legislature to give Royal Assent to the Bill -- that means the tolls should be off later this afternoon or this evening at the latest.

Royal Commission Into Nuclear Power Gets Support

The Conservation Council of New Brunswick is joining the call for a Royal Commission into the future of nuclear power in the wake of what is happening in Japan.

The Conservation Council's Raphael Shay tells CHSJ News the nuclear disaster in Japan occurred after the reactors were actually shut down and was caused by a lack of coolant which can happen at any reactor under certain circumstances. He maintains the best you can do is mitigate the risk but not eliminate it entirely.

Premier David Alward downplayed safety concerns when he was asked about bringing Lepreau back on line in the fall of 2012 earlier this week in the city after talking to the board of Trade and Rotary Club.

Salty Jam 2011 Features Rosanne Cash

Rosanne Cash and the legendary Downchild Blues Band are just some of feature acts at this year's Salty Jam music festival.
Planning Committee Chair Renea Sleep says the festival is now 6 years old and still gaining momentum.

She says they added a third night last year and compared to two years ago they are growing which is what any festival wants to do.
Again this year the event is working the The Give, the fundraising event for the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation.    The Give will receive 10 per cent of Salty Jam's proceeds.
Tickets are already on sale for the event running July 7 to the 9th.   For more information on the line-up for Salty Jam 2011, click here

Salty Jam Lends A Hand To The Give

Victoria Clarke of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation says last year volunteers for The Give filled the bar area helping out in the Salty Jam tents.

She says they had a great volunteer experience and they were able to keep the tips and the proceeds from all returnables which came out to $3000 for last year's campaign.

The Give is trying to raise $680,000 for a provincial stem cell therapy program at the Regional hospital.
For more info on the The Give..click here

Dogs Seized After Attack

City Police were called after two dogs attacked another one along Guilford Street on the lower west side.

No one was hurt in the attack but the injured dog had to be taken to a vet for treatment and will survive.

The two attack dogs were seized and now await their fate at the Animal Rescue League.

Their owner could be facing charges.

Longshoremen Happy With Metal Shredder

Longshoremen in Saint John coming out in support of the medal shredder that will be constructed at the port on the lower west side.

 Local 273 of the International Longshoremen's Association was asked to take concessions in order for American Iron and Medal to set up its medal shredder on the lower west side.

Pat Riley of the local tells CHSJ News they normally say no but decided to accept contract concessions because American Iron and Medal will be here for the long term having signed a 40 year lease agreement with an option for another 20 years.

Riley believes the medal shredder won't add any more noise than there is now. That has been a concern of residents living nearby.

Breaking News - Bridge Tolls Could Be Off Later Today

The Liberal Opposition is offering to support a Bill clearing the way for the removal of the Harbour Bridge tolls.


Opposition leader Victor Boudreau made the offer this morning as the Legislature continued to review details of the Bill.

That means the Legislation to dissolve the Bridge Authority can receive third and final reading along with Royal Assent today -- that's expected by early this afternoon and that means the tolls are expected to be removed by later this afternoon or this evening.

Get The Shovels And Snowblowers Out

The drive home this afternoon may not be pleasant according to the latest weather forecast. Environment Canada has issued a heavy snowfall warning for Saint John with 15 centimeters expected and higher amounts inland.

George Parkes of Environment Canada tells CHSJ News the bulk of the snow will be falling late this afternoon through the early evening with mixed precipitation near midnight. He also warns winds will be gale force.

Flurries are expected through the day tomorrow with another couple of centimeters possible.

Lease Agreement Signed For Metal Shredder

Another step forward for a major 30 million dollar expansion at the port with the establishment of a medal shredder on the lower west side.

A 40-year lease agreement has been signed by the Saint John Port Authority and American Iron and Metal based in Montreal.

The medal shredding operation will create of 23 jobs. The official launch will happen in the fall.

Counterfeit Ring Dismantled

Funny money is making the rounds from the Dairytown to the Port City.

Sussex, Rothesay and Saint John police combining forces to bring down a counterfeit ring in the region.
The phoney bills being circulated in Sussex, Hampton, Rothesay, Quispamsis and Saint John.

Investigators identifying the suspects based on video images from some of the businesses where it was used.

Police arresting one woman, two men and a girl under the age of 18.

The four released and will be in court to face charges at a later date.

New KV Chamber President Says He's A Big Thinker

The new President of the K-V Chamber of Commerce is Camille Bordage of the Grape d'Vine who describes himself as a big thinker.   He aims to elevate the image of the chamber and adds some sparkle to it.  He says uniting the business community in the Valley is what's important.  The Chamber is giving the Q-Plex ten thousand dollars over the next five years. It was told by Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll the project may not be on time but it is on budget.

Bridge Authority GM Denies Province Made Them An Offer To Remove Tolls Without Liability

The Harbour Bridge Authority is not taking the blame for the tolls not coming off the Bridge tonight.
General Manager Ken Anthony tells CHSJ News there was never an offer from the Province to remove the tolls without liability.
He says if that was the case they would have taken it.
According to the Bridge authority's legal counsel the board and staff would have had liability issues in unilaterally removing the tolls today because they do not have authority to do that and as far as they can tell nothing changed from the Province on that today. He tells us from what he is hearing it will be the first of the week before the tolls come off.  Anthony adds motorists wondering if they should add money to their B-Pass can do so or pay cash.  He say extra police will be on hand near the toll plaza not because of concerns of drivers not paying but about speeding.

Weston Says Delay On Tolls Won't Affect Agreement

Incumbent Conservative M-P Rodney Weston says it's unfortunate there's been a setback in having the tolls removed from the Harbour Bridge -- but -- he tells CHSJ News it won't have any impact on the agreement between the province and federal government.


Weston says the March 31st deadline wasn't set by Ottawa - it was set by Premier Alward -- he says all the federal government needs is for the province to complete the legal aspects of the transfer.

Tolls Won't Be Removed From Harbour Bridge - Breaking News

The tolls won't be coming off the Harbour Bridge this evening as promised -- Transportation Minister Claude Williams just made the announcement in the Legislature.


Williams is blaming the Opposition Liberals for delaying passage of the Bill to abolish the Harbour Bridge Authority thereby clearing the way to eliminate the tolls.

The Minister says the Harbour Bridge Authority has declined to remove the tolls this evening because the Bill hasn't been passed and received Royal Assent.

Opposition Leader Victor Boudreau maintains the government now has control of the assets of the bridge giving it authority to remove the tolls.

Plan Unveiled On Regional Hospital Operating Rooms

The Horizon Health Network has released plans to resolve the problem with operating room times at the Regional Hospital.

Right now 6 operating rooms are running at 68 per cent capacity. The goal is to have those six operating at full capacity by September of 2011 which would require the hiring of another anesthetist.

The long term goal is to have 7 operating rooms running at full capacity by February of next year which requires 3 additional anesthetists in total.

Chief of Staff, Dr. Brian Wheelock says the other problem that has to be overcome, and will be a tough nut to crack, is the availability of acute care beds at the Regional Hospital. A large percentage of those beds are now being taken up by people who should be in nursing homes if space were available.

The Donald Is Coming To The Port City

It's official...the Donald is coming to the Port City this fall.
And that's not all...Donald Trump will be joined on stage by Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani
and former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams.
Brad Leblanc of Momentum group says this event will provide huge economic spinoffs for Saint John's hotels, restaurants, bars and attractions.

He says before today rumours had filled one hotel and he expects the others be booked.  He add these events provide a great economic impact to our region with millions and millions of dollars.

Online ticket sales start April 6th and box office ticket sales the following day.
Prices range from $169 for bowl seats and $269 for floor and premium bowl seats.
The event called "Spark:  Crash, Learn and Conquer" is coming up on Thursday, October 6th at Harbour Station.

Peninsula Princess Set To Return

Good news for Kingston Peninsula residents -- the Peninsula Princess is set to return to service April 10th.


Transportation Minister Claude Williams says the return date is based in part on government restraint measures.

The 24-car ferry plies the Kennebecasis River between Millidgeville and Summerville until late fall.

New Deal Ratified At Moosehead

Moosehead and its unionized employees officially have a new contract agreement that will expire in 2018 after they voted in favour of ratification.

The agreement includes wage increases from 6.5 to 7.5 per cent over the life of the contract.

The brewery says the agreement includes provisions that will help solve the company’s long term costs for future retiree health care benefits without adding a retiree cost-sharing component which was the major issue that led to the lockout.

There will be a restructuring in the delivery of but no changes to the retiree healthcare benefits package for those employees who will retire during the new contract period. All remaining unionized employees eligible for retiree healthcare benefits will receive enhancements to their retirement savings plan designed to pay for their retirement healthcare benefits.

A Mixed Bag With Gas Prices

There has been another change in gas prices after the weekly setting........Self serve regular has risen by 2 cents a litre to $1.25.4 around town while diesel has gone down to $1.33.9, a decrease of almost 2 cents.

 Home heating oil is also a bit less expensive being listed at $1.18.2 a litre.

Will The Tolls Be Gone Tomorrow?

Today is the big day -- at least that's what was promised late last fall when Prime Minister Harper was in the city to announce a deal to remove the Harbour Bridge tolls by midnight.

But -- in the Legislature -- debate has bogged down on the bill to dissolve the Harbour Bridge Authority and clear the way to remove the tolls -- a move Opposition Leader Victor Boudreau says is possible even if the bill is delayed because it states the province took control of the bridge when it received first reading last week.

Transportation Minister Claude Williams denies that's the case -- he says the Bridge Authority is in control until the bill receives third and final reading -- and -- royal assent.

Final approval of the bill could come at some point later this afternoon. Royal assent isn't expected before tomorrow meaning it may be some time tomorrow before the bridge toll plaza is closed.