Car Accident On Golden Grove Road Takes Life

A fatal car accident on the Golden Grove Road last night.

City police say the call came in just after 1am.

Two veheciles were involved in the crash near Hillcrest Road, with one man in his 30s dying as a result.

There were several passengers between the two cars, who were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

A 35-year-old man is in custody and will make a court appearance later today on charges related to the crash.

The name of the victim has not been released.

Fire Wreaks Havoc At Thistle Curling Club

No was was hurt, but the Thistle St. Andrews curling club suffering heavy fire damage after a blaze early last night.

City fire crews getting the call just around 7 about the blaze originating in the kitchen area of the building on Dufferin Avenue.

The 911 call coming in as a possible explosion as the force of the water in the building blew out part of a wall.

Firefighters had to smash in a glass door to gain entry into the building and once inside found the sprinkler system was working to douse some of the flames.

District Fire chief Gerald Green tells CHSJ News the second floor did suffer serious damage.

Investigators did check out the scene but the cause of the fire is not suspicious.

While the curling club is closed for the season, parts of the buildings including the kitchen are used for other functions including weddings.

City Transit Commission Wins Energy Efficiency Award

The city's Transit Commission pocketing an award for energy efficiency thanks to their new facility.

Assistant General Manager Brian Thorne tells CHSJ News the new transit centre is designed to generate a large amount of energy savings.

He says the design will generate savings of around 225 thousand dollars a year going forward.

Some of the building's features include motion detector lights that turn off when no one is in a room, solar walls and efficient heating.

City Seeks Support For Commuter Challenge

Saint John trying to get Quispamsis to join in on the fun as they launch the commuter challenge.

The challenge encourages people to leave their cars at home during National Environment Week from June 5th through the 11th.

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll says the town is already very conscious about the emission of green house gases.

He says the commuter challenge fits in well with the town's existing active transportation plan which encourages the public to use human modes of transport.

District 6 Looks Into Career Learning

District 6 Education Council discussing when is the right time to introduce career development learning to students.

The district currently runs a career program called "Pace" for students in grade 11, but Superintendent Andrew Hopper tells CHSJ News students have said that's too late in the game.

Hopper says grade 11 teachers also expressed concerns about the amount of time that it takes to offer that program to students.

He says the district hasn't made any final decisions at this time.

New Turbines Already On Order For Point Lepreau

Point Lepreau will be needing new turbines sooner rather than later because of the incident where two turbines fell into the Bay of Fundy in the fall of 2008.

Station Director Wade Parker says the turbines will need to be replaced after two operating cycles because they were never meant to be under water.

Parker says replacement turbines have already been ordered, but there won't be time to install the new ones during the current Point Lepreau Refurbishment, so it will have to happen in a future outage.

Sports Fields To Open This Week

The city's sports fields are set to open this Friday, May 27th. 

That's a week later than originally scheduled. 

The slew of wet weather has made it difficult for Leisure Services to prepare the fields to a playable level. 

For more information you can visit saintjohn.ca or call 652-PLAY.

River Watch Issues Final Bulletin Of The Season

Saint John appears to be getting off easy this year in terms of flooding.

With water levels now a safe, one meter below the initial flood stage in Saint John, the provincial flood forecasting center has released it's final bulletin of the season.

Officials say water levels in the lower portion of the St. John River basin should continue to go down slowly, but if conditions change River Watch will renew it's forecasts.

Information about flood clean-up can be found on the River Watch website, at http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/public_alerts/river_watch.html

Car Accident On The Golden Grove Road

A serious car accident in the vicinity of 765 Golden Grove Road last night. 

Police say the call came in at around 1am. 

The road was closed to through traffic for a few hours and police are still investigating, with more details to be released later in the day.

Curling Club Suffers Damage After Fire

The second floor of the Thistle St. Andrews Curling Club suffering heavy fire damage after a blaze earlier tonight.       Fire crews got the call just before 7 and had to break into the structure to get to the origin of the fire in a kitchen area upstairs.

District Fire Chief Gerald Green tells CHSJ News the cause is not suspicious but, fire investigators are on the scene.    The force of the water blew out a portion of the building's wall.    No one was hurt in the fire.

Part of Main Street Closed For Water Leak

If you're out an about today a traffic note to keep in mind:

The water department has Main Street North closed in the uptown between Lansdowne Avenue and Douglas Avenue due to a water leak 

No word yet on when the road will re-open.

Waterfront Essential To Future Identity of City

The waterfront will play a key role in the future of Saint John and the development of the uptown -- that from Deputy Commissioner of Planning and Development Jacqueline Hamilton. 

She tells CHSJ News it's a key focus in Plan SJ's new municipal plan. 

She says Plan SJ wants to reconnect the waterfront with the uptown with a focus on public access and mixed-use development. 

Hamilton says the waterfront is the heart of the city and a critical part of the identity and future potential of Saint John.

Dept. of Social Development Plans For Canada Post Strike

Those on social assistance who receive daily payments by mail need not worry if a strike happens at Canada Post.

The Department of Social Development says if there is an interruption in service, recipients can can visit their regional office to pick up their payment.

Those who receive monthly payments will be taken care of under alternate arrangements yet to be specified by the department.

The collective agreement covering a unit of approximately 50 000 postal workers expired on January 31, 2011.  If an agreement is not reached, the workers can strike beginning May 25th.

Long Weekend Brings With It Higher Police Presence

It's the long weekend and with that comes an increased awareness from law enforcement for impaired drivers, seatbelt use, and speeding.

Expect to see spot checks on the highways and throughout the greater Saint John and surrounding areas.

City police will be working in conjunction with the Rothesay Regional Police and the RCMP.

The checks are part of Canada Road Safety Week, which runs through the Victoria Day long weekend.

Grounded Ferry Causing Financial Strain For Lobster Fishermen

The grounding of the Grand Manan ferry on Wednesday is having major repercussions for lobster fishermen on the island of Grand Manan.

Toby McLaughlin with Foggy Cove Ventures Inc. says the temporary ferry is too small to comate large trucks carrying product and cannot take as many across as the previous ship.

He tells CHSJ News some of his orders are going to be late and that means his customers could start looking for other dealers.

He says a back-up system should have been in place years ago.

Hampton Couple Helping With Relief Efforts

14 Maritimers are in Alberta as Canadian Red Cross Volunteers, lending their hand with relief efforts caused by the recent wildfires.

Chuck Todd of Hampton, along with his wife, make up part of that team.  He says he arrived yesterday and immediately began helping out with logistics and supplies at the operations centre in Edmonton.

Todd tells CHSJ News he enjoys the challenge of working in a difficult situation.

Todd recently took part in the flood relief efforts in Charlotte County and has been a Red Cross volunteer for four years.

He says he will be helping out in the relief efforts for 2 to 3 weeks.

Dogs Ready First Game Of Memorial Cup

The Sea Dogs face off tonight in Game 1 of the Memorial Cup against another team that has had a great year...the St. Michael's Majors.
Team president Wayne Long tells CHSJ News it's exciting flying to Ontario on a charter and being picked up by an executive bus.
But he says once they get focused, it's all business.
Long says they had a practice yesterday and the opening banquet last night but, he says the guys are focused and it's all business for sure.
He adds St. Mike did have a great year but, the Sea Dogs are not taking a backseat to anyone when they had the best record in Canada.
To find the link to watch Game 1, click here

Spring Convocation At UNB Saint John Today

There will be many a teary-eyed parent in Millidgeville today.
UNB Saint John holding its 37th Spring Convocation this afternoon at the G. Forbes Elliot Athletics Centre.
Degrees will be awarded to students in the faculties of Arts, Science, Applied Science and Engineering and Business.
For more info on the convocation ceremony, call 648-5670.

Summer Ferry To Be Used for Grand Manan

Good news for those who make use of the Grand Manan Ferry. 

A spokesperson from Coastal Transport tells CHSJ News they're hoping to get the summer ferry in use beginning at 5:30pm at Black's Harbour. 

The vessel is smaller than the usual ship so expect longer wait times if you're taking the trip.

The Grand Manan 5 ran aground near the Black's Harbour dock yesterday due to a mechanical problem. 

No word yet on when repairs will be complete or how much it will cost.

Cause Of First Street Fire Not Ready For Release

The Saint John Fire Department still conducting their investigation into what caused the May 1st blaze that gutted a three-storey apartment building on First Street and left one person dead

Acting Deputy Chief Kevin Clifford tells CHSJ News the department was planning to release the cause of the fire this week but investigators are still conducting interviews.

Clifford would not say when the investigation will wrap up.

Maritimers Helping With Alberta Wildfire Relief Efforts

The Canadian Red Cross deploying 14 Maritimers, including a couple from Hampton and a woman from Fredericton, to Alberta to assist in the wildfire relief efforts.

Spokesperson Dan Bedell tells CHSJ News individuals were chosen because they all have experience with managing shelter operations and logistics.

The volunteers will be helping with relief efforts for one to two weeks.

Construction Of Harbour Front Condos Moving Along

Work on phase one of the new harbour front condos on Water Street is progressing at a steady pace.

New owners are scheduled to begin moving into the complex by late summer.


There's no word on when phase two of the project will get underway.

Students Visit Wetland

Canaport LNG and Ducks Unlimited teaming up for Project Webfoot, which teaches grade 4 students about the importance of wetlands.

Erin Heeney with Ducks Unlimited tells CHSJ News it's important to teach students the important role wetlands play in their own backyard as they can prevent flooding and host various ecosystems.

She says the city has an abundance of wetlands, salt marshes, and ecosystems which everyone should be proud of and not take for granted.

18 grade four classes getting a tour of a wetland today out by the Irving Nature Park.

Port Authority Moving On Upgrades

The Port Authority says it's moving forward with more upgrades to its facilities especially on the west side.
Chairman Stephen Campbell tells CHSJ news work is continuing on expansion of the cruise berths at Pugsley terminal on Water Street.

Campbell says the Authority is also working with the federal Department of Fisheries and local fishermen to establish a small craft harbour on the lower west side while Long Wharf is also being looked at for future upgrades.

Figures released at the Port Authority's annual general meeting this morning show 2010 was one of the most successful years financially since the port authority was established 15-years ago -- the port ended up with a net income of 3.4-million dollars last year.

Colorectal Cancer Among The Four Deadliest In This Province

Colorectal cancer is among the four deadliest cancers in the Province with lung, breast and prostate being the other three.
34 per cent of New Brunswickers between the ages of 50 and 74 report being tested in the last two years which is far below the benchmark of 80 per cent.
Dr. Eshwar Kumar of the New Brunswick Cancer Network tells CHSJ News a lack of organized screening programs contribute to the problem.
He says the screening programs are new in Canada and one will be in place in this province by 2013.
Kumar adds colorectal cancer is preventable through early detection.
He says the risk factors include a diet rich in processed red meat along with inactivity and being overweight.   For more information, click here

An Update Should Be Coming Today On The Grand Manan Ferry

The Grand Manan ferry is not running today after getting stuck on rocks near the Blacks Harbour wharf.

Coastal Transport is expected to provide an update on the situation.

The passengers and crew had to be taken to shore by life rafts after a problem with the boat.   No one was hurt.

RCMP Scaling Back Search For Boater

RCMP scaling back search efforts for a man who fell overboard when a 16-foot boat sank Monday on the St. John River near Fredericton.


27-year-old Roy Gallagher of the St. Mary's First Nation was one of five people in the boat.  Two women and a man from the Fredericton area were rescued from the river 34-year-old Carter Gallagher of Kingsley was pulled from the water but later died.
Sgt. Don Stenger of Oromocto RCMP tells CHSJ News searches of the river and nearby shoreline have found no sign of Roy Gallagher.


He adds it's been difficult for Gallager's family and friends but, there is no evidence to suggest he survived. Regular patrols will still be conducted in the area.

Chief Encouraging People To Lock It and Pocket Your Keys

It's police week in the city again, and the force is kicking off a public awareness campaign called Lock-it and Pocket. Chief Bill Reid tells CHSJ News the campaign is about educating the public to lock their cars and leave their valuables at home so there will be less likelihood of theft.

He tells us vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity and often happens because people leave their vehicles unlocked, theirs get in, find a spare key and take the vehicle.

Reid says the force is also using Police Week to promote their crime mapping technology to the public. It's an online tool that allows citizens to see where crimes have taken place in their neighbourhood, so they can be more aware of their surroundings.
For more info, click here

Repairs Today On Rothesay Avenue and Rothesay Road

Construction causing some traffic changes today. Crews will be working at the intersection of Rothesay Road and Rothesay Avenue. If you're trying to head west on Highway 1 by accesses that intersection you'll have to take a detour along Ashburn Lake Road.
The construction is only scheduled to last one day, and motorists are reminded to drive slowly.

Fire Department Conducts Search Of Harbour

Emergency Personnel spending two hours searching the Harbour after a report someone had jumped off the Reversing Falls brige about 3 o'clock yesterday.
The Fire Department rescue boat began looking along the shoreline after people said they could see someone floating down the river.
The Coast Guard providing assistance to the Saint John Fire Department.  The search turning up nothing.

District 6 In The Dark Over School Plan Too

District Six only found out at the same time as everybody else that the construction of a new elementary school in K-Park had been put on hold by the province. Superintendent Andrew Hopper tells CHSJ News major improvements at the school weren't attended to over the last few years because the understanding was there would be a new school.

The council will meet with Education Minister Jody Carr prior to a community meeting being held at the school on May 25th. Chair Roger Nesbitt also sent a letter to the Minister saying they are extremely unhappy with the decision and the lack of consultation that took place with the district on the matter.

Gas Prices Up Slightly

Gas prices are up a bit today after last Friday's dramatic drop.
Regular self-serve is selling for 123.7 a litre up 2 cents.
Diesel users will be happy, the price is down by over a penny at 125.

Moose Fence Gets Repairs

The "Moose Lady" has done it again!

Cathy McCollum tells CHSJ News a spokesperson from the Department of Transportation has let her know that temporary repairs to the moose fence in the Petersville Hill area will commence immediately and tenders will be going out for permanent repairs.

McCollum successfully lobbied the Graham government to erect moose fencing along a portion of highway 7 after her daughter was involved in a moose-vehicle collision.

The fence has been damaged for a few months according to McCollum and she says she's thankful there were no accidents because of it.

21-Gun Salute Rocks Long Wharf

The city celebrating Loyalist Day and the city's 226th birthday with a bang as Saint John's own 3rd Field Artillery Regiment performing a 21-gun salute down at Long Wharf.

Troop Commander Andrew Melvin tells CHSJ News the Royal Salute is not a common sight as it is typically reserved for the Queen's visit or Remembrance Day.

He says the unit is the only one allowed in Canada to do the 21-gun salute because Saint John is Canada's first incorporated city.

More Co-operation Needed Between Mental Health Patients And Doctors

Those with mental health issues are facing many difficulties when seeking help from health care professionals.

Health consultant Neasa Martin tells CHSJ News those needing help often feel they are not part of the treatment process.

She says if doctors help patients make informed choices rather than telling them what to do, it makes them feel empowered and they're taking an active role in their own recovery.

Martin was the keynote speaker at a MindCare seminar being held today in the city.

Grand Manan Ferry May Be Back In Service Today

All is well in Blacks Harbour after the Grand Manan 5 ran aground near the Blacks Harbour wharf this morning.
Ed Trecartin of Coastal Transport in Saint John tells CHSJ News the incident is mainly a disruption to service.
He says no one was hurt and there was no danger of the ship going down.

All passengers were taken off the ferry around 10 this morning and transferred from the vessel to life-rafts.
Divers will now do an inspection of the ferry looking for any damage.
Trecartin says the ferry is tied up at Blacks Harbour and everyone is safe.
The 11am run was cancelled and they hope to be back in operation this afternoon.
For information about the Grand Manan Ferry schedule, call 642-0520.

Grand Manan Ferry Runs Aground

The Grand Manan 5 ferry has run aground near the Blacks Harbour Wharf and all passengers are being off-loaded into life rafts and taken to shore.
The incident took place about 9am this morning and some reports have it stuck on a rock.

Wendell Sperry of the Joint Rescue Co-Ordination Centre in Halifax tells CHSJ News no one is in danger but when transporting people from one vessel to a smaller boat, it's standard procedure to use life jackets and life rafts.

During high tide, an effort will be made to get the remove the Ferry from the rocks.
The Coast Guard is sending a vessel to the area to provide any assistance that may be needed.

Police Investigate Uptown Stabbing

A busy night for city police. City police receiving a call just after 9:30pm that a man had been stabbed in the throat at 209 Charlotte Street. The suspect fleeing on foot up Charlotte towards Duke Street. Ambulance responded to the scene as the man was bleeding profusely.   The 53-year-old man is in stable condition in hospital.

Just after 10pm police responding to a second call, this time on Waterloo Street. A woman entering a variety store covered in blood saying she had been assaulted. City police telling CHSJ News a man was taken to hospital for minor injuries and they are still looking into it.

City Hosting Loyalist Day Celebrations Today

Break out your tri-corner hat! Today is a special day in the city as it is not only the 228th anniversary of the landing of the first Loyalist Fleet but the Port City's 226th birthday.

The city will be marking the occassion with a 21-gun salute via 3 Howitzer cannons. The salute will happen at Long Wharf at noon.
For more information on various events going on in the city, click here

Moose Lady Warns Of Fencing Breach

Moose-fencing advocate Cathy McCollum, who successfully lobbied the previous government to erect moose fencing along a portion of highway 7, is sounding the alarm over damage to the fence in the Petersville area.
McCollum tells CHSJ News she saw two sections of the fence low enough for moose to pass through and has contacted the department of transportation.
She says there is no excuse for it not being fixed adding she was told it was because of the frost but she doesn't think there is any frost now.
McCollum tells us she spoke to a rep from the DOT yesterday, who told her they are looking into repairing the breach and will keep her advised.
She wants to warn anyone driving in the Petersville area to be careful, especially at night.
Our newsroom placing a call to the Department of Transportation to see where things stand.

Quispam Homeowners Seek Help Over Drainage Issues

Homeowners on Merritt Hill Road in Quispamsis asking council to address water drainage issues in their area. Paul Chamberlain of 15 Merritt Hill Road says water sometimes builds up in his ditch and then spills over onto the road.

He says they are trying to reasonable but he wants to see something done about it adding it would be nice to have a property that their taxes dictate they should have.

Council deciding to let staff look into the issue to see if there is some way to divert the water. Town Engineer Gary Losier says it may be as simple as clearing the pipes of any debris.

Sea Dogs Show Off New Trophy to Fans

Sea Dogs fans packing into the seats at Harbour Station to get a glimpse of their team holding the President's Cup trophy.

The Dogs held a send-off party yesterday and fans showed up sporting all of their Sea Dogs gear to celebrate.

Some of them have already caught Memorial Cup fever.

The Dogs will take on the Owen Sound Attack, the St. Michael's Majors and the Kootney Ice in the Memorial Cup, which is being held in Mississauga.

The action starts this Friday.

Penobsquis Residents Seeking Damages Against Potash Mine Get Support

About 30 people braving the rain to support people in Penobsquis who say their quality of life has worsened because of the nearby potash mine. 

Stephanie Merril with the province's Conservation Council says drivers honked their horns when they saw the crowd assembled outside the All Seasons Inn in Sussex.  An 11 day hearing is being held at the Inn with the province's mining commissioner as 26 complainants seek damages for light pollution, dust, noise, and loss of water.

Province Marks Today As National Hypertension Day

The provincial government is recognizing today as National Hypertension Day.

Premier David Alward and Health Minister Madeline Dubé getting into the spirit of the occasion by having their blood pressure checked.

Dubé says hypertension or elevated blood pressure can be an indicator for cardiovascular disease and wants everybody to get their levels checked.

Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in the province.

Poor Weather Costing Cherry Brook Zoo Thousands In Revenue

The long spell of grey and wet weather is causing major hardships on the finances of the Cherry Brook Zoo.

Director of Zoo Development Lynda Collrin tells CHSJ News gate and gift shop revenue is down 12 thousand dollars, revenue from seminars has dropped 8 thousand dollars, and donations are slowing down because the rainy skies are keeping visitors away.

However, despite the red ink, Collrin says there will not be any cuts to staff or programs.

She says the zoo is looking into holding some extra events during the summer months in an effort to make up some financial ground.

Group Aims To Reduce Vehicle Noise Uptown

A Saint Johner who dislikes the racket in the Uptown forming a group to examine the problem.  Sam Blue of Noise-Free Saint John tells CHSJ News his group is hosting a noise tracking event on June 4th to raise awareness about motor vehicle noise.


He says it's being held in Kings Square which he describes as a popular spot for motorists who have tampered with their exhaust.

Blue is also encouraging business owners and residents to fill out a survey on how they experience noise and if it might force them to move somewhere else.   To fill out the survey, click here

Irving Oil Donates New $80,000 Bus To The Saint John Y

The Saint John Y has a beautiful new ride thanks to Irving Oil and its donation of a brand new bus.
The Y's Acting CEO Shilo Boucher says they will be able to do more and offer more services in the community because of this.

She says its a 20 passenger bus and it means they can fit more kids on the bus for the 5 schools they serve in the after-school program operating out of the Prince Edward Square location.
Boucher says they were relying on an 15-passenger van that was more than 8 years old.  The value of the new bus is estimated at nearly 80-thousand dollars.

Error Made In One Of The Charges For Driver Involved In Cylist's Death

The sentencing for Jason Donald Dickison hitting a technical snafu. 

Dickison has entered a guilty plea to a charge of driving without due care and attention in the death of an American cyclist on Route 7 near Petersville Hill back in September.

However, there was no plea to the second charge of excess hours of service because defense attorney Peter Crocco says the crown technically charged Dickison under the wrong section of the motor vehicle act.

The crown wants to amend the charge in court but the defense says any changes must be made within six months of the incident.

The issue has been adjourned until Dickison's sentencing hearing for the first charge on July 27th.

Saint John Y and Irving Oil Host Community Unveiling

We find out what the Y's new ride is today at the community unveiling at noon today.

CHSJ News learning a generous donation will be made by Irving Oil to help the Saint John Y meet its transportation challenges.

The group has been transporting children around town in an 8-year-old van.The event begins at 12pm at the Loyalist Burial Ground and includes a free BBQ.

Search To Resume For Missing Boater Near Fredericton

Tragedy in the Saint John river near Fredericton after a small boat flips leaving one person dead and another missing.
It's expected the search will resume today after the accident yesterday afternoon.
Police report four people were pulled out of the water but, one man was later pronounced dead in hospital.