Blaney Says New Wetlands Policy Will Be Out By Year's End

Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney says a new wetlands policy will be out by the end of the year.
She says they had their last consultation with the 50 stakeholders looking for a long-term plan for wetlands and she's waiting on a report from them.

She tells CHSJ News she will meet with all of the key players when it comes to wetland development once the report is finished.
The province scrapped their wetland policy earlier this year, which boosted wetland designation from four to 18 percent, after landowners and developers claimed the plan was too restrictive and confusing.

Kayaker Tossed Into The River

A close call for a kayaker who was reported to be in distress last night shortly after 8 in the river around the Reversing Falls bridge.

District Fire Chief Gerry Morris says she was ejected from her kayak but had a wet suit on along with a life jacket and made it safely to shore.

She turned out to be okay and the Coast Guard later recovered her kayak down by Ocean Steel.

A Busy Night And Early Morning For City Police

City Police on the lookout for two suspects after a holdup early this morning shortly after 2:00 at Needs Variety on Wellesley Avenue.They say a weapon was used.

Last night shortly before 8:30, a man, whose face was concealed, was arrested after a security guard at Sobeys in the north end was slugged with a pipe. Whether the motive here was an assault or attempted robbery isn't certain.

Responding to neighbourhood concerns in South Bay, a man was arrested in the parking lot of the Martinon Community Centre and he's looking at charges of possessing a drug for the purpose of trafficking along with possession of a prohibited weapon.

Gas Prices Increase Significantly

You're paying alot more for gas after the weekly setting.

Self serve regular has risen to $1.27.1 in the city, an increase of 4 cents a litre.

Diesel is almost 4 and a half cents more a litre at $1.30.8 around town.

No change with propane which is listed at $1.14.1 a litre but there has also been a major increase in heating oil which rose by over 4 cents a litre to $1.13.8.

Delays Expected Along Highway One

Attention all drivers..........Highway 1 will be closed intermittently where the Chesley Drive off ramp crosses over from the Harbour Bridge.

The highway will be closed off and on for approximately 15 minutes at a time for some demolition work in the area.


The closures will begin at 7 tonight and will continue throughout Friday.

Cirque Du Soleil Returns To Saint John

Cirque Du Soleil performers are ready to skip, flip, and fly around Harbour Station this week as they perform in the touring show Quidam.  

The cast is putting on eight performances between now and Sunday.

Spokesperson Georgia Stephenson tells CHSJ News there's something in it for everyone, including thrill circus acts, a beautiful storyline and powerful music.

She says its the story of a young girl who feels disconnected from her mother and father, which is very relevant in today's world of texting and social media.

Stephenson says the 52 person cast has been to 14 cities so far on their North American Tour.  

Tickets are still available online by following this link, or by contacting the Harbour Station Box office at 657-1234.

City Police Still Mum On Oland's Cause Of Death

City police releasing a statement regarding the Oland homicide investigation that says very little.
It says the police will not be commenting on any media reports only those they have authorized.
The release also says any information as to the manner of death or motive, suspects or persons of interest must remain with the investigation team.


The City police also point out their first obligation is to the family of Richard Oland and to the integrity of the investigation.
A memorial is set up outside of Oland's office on Canterbury street.   

Less Council Seats Would Make New Faces Hard To Come By

New blood will be hard to come by at the horseshoe if the city decides to eliminate four council positions- that from Councillor Mel Norton.

He tells CHSJ News he knows from first-hand experience how hard it can be to get into city politics and it would be a rookie to join the ranks if less seats were available.

He says based on feedback he's been getting from Facebook and Twitter, people are not in favour of the reduction as it would stretch the remaining councillors too thin.  He says he is also having second thoughts on supporting such a move.

Changes To Schedule For Union Street Construction

The City making a change to the schedule for the Union Street construction.
This work was set to begin in mid-August and run until late September.
The next phase includes extensive work on the Brunswick Square parking garage along with Wellington Row and Germain Street.

The work includes new sanitary and storm sewers, watermains, underground electrical, sidewalks and curbing along with road reconstruction and paving.
The Union street entrance to the Chipman Hill parking garage will be closed from July 27th to August 12th.   Drivers can use the Chipman hill entrance to the garage.

For more info call 658-4455 or click here

Free Uptown Shuttle Now Available

If you need to get around the uptown core, you can take a free ride on the 40 foot limo.

A free daily shuttle will take passengers from King Square down to Water Street via Prince William. 

The shuttle will run every 15 minutes, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.


Chair of the Parking Commission Chris Titus tells CHSJ News it's their way of dealing with the parking shortage due to construction and to make the outlying parking spaces more accessible.


The Parking Commission is paying for service, which is about 50 thousand dollars.

It will run until October 7th.

For more information, call 506 658 2970.

Green Party Urges Shale Gas Opponents To Hold Their Ground

Despite the announcement of new regulations by the Alward Government aimed at protecting homeowners, the provincial Green Party remains opposed to shale gas development.

Party President Janice Harvey tells CHSJ News the method of extraction is extreme. She likens it to exploding a bomb far beneath the ground in order to extract the natural gas.

According to the Greens, studies show the methane released through fracking makes this a greater contributor to greenhouse gas emissions than conventional coal and a net contributor to climate change. Harvey also warns toxic waste water is also produced.

Early Morning Fire In The K-V

The origin of a fire this morning in the K-V is suspicious. It was reported around 1:00 in an unoccupied home at 434 Hampton Road with extensive damage being caused. No one was injured but the cause is under investigation.

Doucet Questions Why Province Waited

Liberal MLA Rick Doucet says everyone is happy the seniors of Grand Manan will get a new, safe home, but it should have happened sooner.



Doucet tells CHSJ News there's been a justified sense of outrage over the situation for the last little while.
 
He says this proposal has been in a report on the Minister's desk for the last ten months, so he wonders what the province's priorities are.
 
Doucet says the cost of the project has gone up four million dollars since it was first proposed, and it's the seniors that have to pay for that increase because the province waited.

Police Will Not Confirm Axe Used In Oland's Death

City police will not confirm a media report on Richard Oland's cause of death.
The Toronto Star is quoting an unnamed source as saying the 69-year-old was bludgeoned to death with an axe.

Police are refusing to comment on that report and have not released Oland's cause of death.
Our newsroom placing a call to the police chief to confirm the report and we have yet to hear back.

Province Will Replace Grand Manan Nursing Home

Good news for the patients at the Grand Manan nursing home -- especially those recently taken to other facilities due to a mold problem.
Social Development Minister Sue Stultz announcing the government will be replacing the facility after meeting with residents, staff and administration.

She tells CHSJ News the mold and move issue wasn't the straw that broke the camel's back but did make it a bit more paramount to get a plan into action.

She adds the displaced residents will be moved back in about two weeks once the mold has been taken care of.

As for the new facility, she says department staff will meet with nursing home representatives next week but no timeline has been announced for the new building.

Rainbow Park Splash Pad Officially Opens

Kids are enjoying the splishing and splashing at Rainbow Park -- Councillor Donnie Snook hosting the grand opening of the Splash Pad at the park with a community BBQ.

Snook tells CHSJ News the park has become a real hub for the community and even people from as far as Grand Bay have come to get wet.

Additional upgrades are being also in the works including new basketball and playground equipment.

The pad will be converted to a skating rink in the winter months. 

Project Aims To Conserve Heritage and Greenspace

You can help conserve the province's natural heritage and greenspace thanks to a new program by Nature NB.

Executive Director Vanessa Roy-McDougall tells CHSJ News they're looking for people to monitor, explore, and collect bio-diversity information on the province's many protected natural or birding areas.
She says with industry and development we are starting to lose these kinds of places and it's important for climate change and wildlife to keep them.

To register for the project, click here

Hundreds Attend Oland Funeral

Family, friends, politicians and dignitaries filing into a packed Rothesay Church to remember Richard Oland. 

Pat Darrah, who worked with Oland for six years on bringing the Canada Games to Saint John in 1985, sobbed as he began the eulogy. 

Darrah says he and Oland had many wonderful times together.  He says Oland was a dear friend who loved to drive fast, go sailing, and spend time with his family.

Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop also in attendance, and says people are still shocked at what happened.  Bishop says Oland was a do-er, who was looked on very highly by the citizens of Rothesay and Saint John.
 
Oland's death is being investigated as a murder and police announcing yesterday Oland and the killer knew each other.

Agency Promotes Saint John With New Pictures

If you were on the boardwalk last week, your face may help promote the Port city.
Saint John Destination Marketing doing a photo shoot in the City Market, King Square and the boardwalk.
Manager of Marketing and Communications Jillian MacKinnon tells CHSJ News the pictures will be used in an advertising campaign both here and in Nova Scotia.

She says they were nervous about the weather because the fog was rolling in an out on Wednesday they were able to get some great shots.
MacKinnon says the pictures will also be on the Destination Marketing website next week.

Business Confidence Slipping Among Provincial Owners

Two major concerns for small businesspeople in the province, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, are rising energy costs and upward pressure on wages. C-F-I-B policy analyst Richard Dunn tells CHSJ News the minimum wage in the province has gone up by 25 per cent in two years and that has had an adverse effect on hiring.

He says student employment is being impacted too with CFIB members in accomodations and food service scaling back hiring this year.



Small businesspeople in the province, 85 per cent of whom describe the state of business as being good or satisfactory, expect the yearly increase in wages to be around 1.8 per cent.

Rothesay And Quispamsis At A Loss About What To Do About All The Deer

Rothesay and Quispamsis will hold a joint meeting in the fall to explain to the public what the options are for dealing with the Valley's swelling deer population.

Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News both towns are being inundated by the animals and complaints are coming in weekly, if not daily, about the swelling deer population.

Bishop says both towns have been in touch with the provincial biologist at the Department of Natural Resources but there are no simple answers to the problem and he concedes short of lining the deer up and shooting them, there doesn't seem to be an answer.

Drivers In The Valley Warned About Breakins

A warning for drivers in the Kennebecasis Valley from Rothesay Regional Police.........Lock your doors and take any valuables out of your vehicles.

Police tell CHSJ News there have been something like half a dozen cars broken into over the last couple of nights in the areas of the Queensbury sub-division and Cedar Ridge Boulevard. Police say items such as the G-P-S are being taken and they think young people wandering about might be responsible.

Meantime, one person was taken to hospital with undetermined injuries after being struck by a car in the city and the fire department crews were summoned to 79 Fleming Court where they discovered furniture at the back of the building on fire.

Apartment Proposal Rejected

Potential water issues kept Rothesay Town Council from saying yes to the development of office space and two apartment buildings at 45 Marr Road.

Councillor Norma Mullet says there's water in the area, and it has to go somewhere. Sheila MacDougall of nearby Old Mill Lane tells CHSJ News flooding definitely would have been an issue had the project gone forward.

Concerns were also voiced about increased noise and lower property values.

MacDougall says Rothesay may have a need for more apartment buildings but a lot of people don't want the development in their backyard.

Richard Oland's Death A Homicide

The suspicious death of Richard Oland last Thursday is now a homicide investigation -- that from Police Chief Bill Reid.

He says the evidence and information from the autopsy indicate foul play.

Police not releasing the cause of death or if they are close to making any arrests.

However, Reid suggests that Oland and the perpetrator did know each other and neither the public or the Oland family are in any danger.

The body of the 69 year old Oland was found last Thursday morning in his Canterbury Street office.

Oland Death A Homicide

Saint John police now confirm the death of businessman Richard Oland is a homicide investigation.
Police also say Oland and his assailant probably knew each other.

Suspicious Fires Being Investigated In Sussex Area

Several suspicious fires taking place Sunday at a property in Penobsquis.

When the RCMP arrived shortly after 2:30 in the afternoon, they found a building and three tractor trailers were ablaze but no one was around and there are no reports of anyone being injured.

The Mounties in Sussex are appealing for anyone with information about how these fires were set or who may have seen anything suspicious taking place in the area is being asked to contact the Sussex detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

City Wants To Recognise Property Owners Who Fix Up Their Buildings

The city wants to give an extra incentive when it comes to getting property owners to fix up their vacant or derelict buildings.

The city is planning to create an Annual Rehabilitation/Renovation Award and Councillor Peter McGuire tells CHSJ News it would be great to recognize those who better our neighbourhoods.

McGuire says fixing up a building can have a profound effect on a neighbourhood, like the recent revamp which took place on Adelaide Street.

There are about about 120 vacant buildings in the city and Common Council recently was given the ability to raze abandoned buildings if they remain empty for too long.

No Threat To Residents From Railway Fire

It was a scary situation for a while at a blaze off the Gault Road near Bay Street after thousands of railway ties were set on fire sending flames high into the air. 24 thousand railway ties were being stored on the site. Acting Fire Chief Mark Gillan tells CHSJ News the railway ties had been soaked in cresote which was a major concern when burning.
 

The provincial environment department was also notified over concern about what might be in the runoff. Foam was spread over the railway ties to help bring the blaze under control.

Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney says her staff has been at the site of the blaze since last night.

She says wind conditions were favourable in keeping the fumes away from nearby residents.

City Police are investigating as well as the fire department because it's believed arson was likely the cause. Police telling us an earlier fire which destroyed a two storey garage at 117 Glen Road was deliberately set and they have a possible suspect

Medical Society Urging Primary Healthcare Reform

A new survey on the experiences of people in the province with health care comes as no surprise to the New Brunswick Medical Society.

People by and large are satisfied with the care they get from their family doctors but when they have an urgent problem, only 30 per cent say they can get an appointment on the same day or even the next.

 Medical Society President Dr. Allison Kennedy tells CHSJ News there should be a change in the way primary care is delivered with a more collaborative approach in patient care involving several health care professionals and we need to recruit more doctors.

The survey also finds 29 per cent of people in the province suffering from 3 or more chronic conditions never talk to anyone in health care about what they can do to make their lives better.

Dr. Kennedy maintains medical school grads like the idea of a more collaborative approach to treating patients so changing the system might get us more family doctors.

Workers In Daycare And Senior Care Say They Need More Money

The people who look after your children in daycare are still waiting to find out if they'll be paid more than just the minimum wage.

Vallie Stearns, who chairs the provincial Coalition for Pay Equity, tells CHSJ News this is the time when the rubber hits the road for the Alward Government in its desire to significantly increase the number of daycare spaces over the next four years. She argues more money will have to be paid to those workers in daycare.

Home support workers, who look after seniors in their homes, are also waiting to see if they'll be paid more. Stearns warns if you don't have enough home care workers with an aging population, the alternatives are to build more nursing homes or house the seniors in hospital beds which is far more expensive proposition and less efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

New Home Construction Remains Sluggish

Housing starts in the greater Saint John area remain behind last year's levels.


The latest survey from Canada Mortgage and Housing shows new home construction off by 40-percent in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year -- the survey is also showing new construction lagging in Fredericton and Moncton as well.

Meantime -- the Canadian Real Estate Association is forecasting zero growth in existing home sales across the province this year.

Two Serious Fires In City Likely Arson

A couple of major fires in the city last night were deliberately set. Acting District Chief Mark Wilson says the first one broke out at 117 Glen Road in a two storey, three bay garage which was totally destroyed.

There was heat damage to the outside of the adjacent home. City Police tell us they have a possible suspect.

Then after 11:00, there was another fire set to a large pile of 20 thousand railway ties off the Gault Road in the vicinity of Bay Street. Fire Chief Mark Gillan says ten thousand of those railway ties were likely set alight.

There was concern about the air being contaminated from toxic smoke but Gillan says the direction of the wind this morning has helped. There are an estimated 25 homes are in the vicinity but a far distance away from where the fire is.

Fire crews were worried about the fire spreading to nearby woods and the provincvial environment department has been called because of concerns over the runoff from the creosote on the railway ties.

Valcourt Sees Change In How Parliament Works These Days For The Better

He's back........Bernard Valcourt is enjoying another go at federal politics 18 years after the first one.

The Madawaska-Restigouche MP elected to the Harper government after the Conservative's majority win in May.

Valcourt says this time round he sees public service employees taking more pride in their work.

He adds caucus members have more input now in the government's policy initiatives and MP's are more responsible with the public purse.

Politics is the family business, Valcourt's sister Martine Coulombe was elected last fall in the provincial vote as part of the Alward Government's majority.

City Police Expected To Release More Information on "Suspicious Death"

Police Chief Bill Reid may have more to say today about the suspicious death of prominent local business man Richard Oland.

The body of the 69 year old was found Thursday morning in his Canterbury Street office.

Sgt. Glen Hayward with the city police says a news conference is tentatively scheduled depending on what information came forward over the weekend and what can be publically released.

Visitation for Oland continues today at Brenan's Funeral home from 2 until 4 and from 6 until 8, with the funeral being held tomorrow at noon at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Rothesay.

In a news release sent yesterday, Oland's brother, Derek, who was in a remote part of Labrador last week and difficult to reach, says his family is saddened by the sudden death.

New Brunswick Youth Orchestra Gets International Recognition

The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra putting the province on the map with a win at an international music festival in Vienna, Austria.

Sixty-eight aspiring musicians spent the last two weeks overseas and brought home their division title with a score of "outstanding."

Viola player Thomas Littlewood tells CHSJ News they were the only Canadian orchestra competing at the festival and the members were over the moon when they learned about their win.

Littlewood says the orchestra began preparing for the festival last October, rehearsing almost daily on their own and coming together one weekend a month to practice together.
 
He adds winning a prize of this magnitude brings international recognition to both the country and the province.

Traffic Disruption Along Kennebecasis Drive

A traffic change to keep in mind for the rest of the summer. From now until September Kennebecasis Drive will be closed between Beach Crescent and Tucker Beach Road.

Crews will be replacing culverts and reconstructing parts of the roadway.

Drivers are advised to use Millidge Avenue to get to the western end of Kennebecasis Drive and Sandy Point Road to get to the eastern end.

Traffic Note

You might want to avoid Hilyard Drive if you're out and about today.

The road will be closed between Chesley Drive and Simonds Street until 7 o'clock tonight while construction is done on the Chesley Drive off-ramp.

Drivers will not be able to turn right on Hilyard Street if they're headed east on Chesley Drive.

The Place 400 parking lot will be accessible via Simonds Street.

Norton Weighs In On Council Cuts

Councillor Mel Norton could be changing his vote when it comes to cutting 4 seats from the council horseshoe.
Norton tells CHSJ News while he likes the idea of saving hundreds of thousands of dollars by having a smaller council, the feedback from his constituents has him reconsidering.
 
He says people have expressed concerns about accessibility and councillors being stretched too thin.
 
He says there will be rigorous debate in council chambers before any changes are made, especially after other councillors have also heard public feedback.

Blood Clinic Offers Strawberry Shortcake For Donations

The blood donor clinic on University Avenue offering you a sweet treat if you're willing to roll up your sleeve and give blood.

Sharon Bala with Canadian Blood Services tells CHSJ News the clinic will be giving out strawberry shortcake to donors this week.

Bala says there is often a dip in the amount of blood donors during the summer months because people go on vacation or get busy with outdoor activities.

Bala says the clinic is hoping to see just over 100 people come out throughout the week, and will be open on Monday and Thursday from 11am until 8pm, and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 11am until 2:30pm.

Bus Tracking Good For Comex

New GPS technology that tracks the exact whereabouts of buses won't just benefit city commuters, but people from outlying areas as well.

The technology is now installed on all city buses and can be accessed on the Internet or on smart phones.

Hampton Mayor Ken Chorley says the Comex bus service is already going at full tilt and the new technology can only help.

He says people like the Comex bus service because it takes away the stress of driving and gets them to town on time.

Rain Leaves East Side Flooded

Rothesay Avenue and McAllister Drive are open again, but police advise you to drive with caution.

Yesterday morning's heavy rainfall causing significant flooding in the city's East Side, stranding several cars and closing area streets.

On Loch Lomond Road and Russell Street manhole covers were lifted completely off from the pressure of the water.

Police say one area that remains particularly water-clogged is where Rothesay Avenue turns into Rothesay Road.

Police Catch Naked Man Out For Late Night Stroll

French Village residents getting a shock when a naked man came around knocking on doors last night. Rothesay police getting the call at 11pm and arrived to find the naked man waving a butcher knife. Police say he forced his way into a home and grabbed the knife before the owner could force him out. The man was arrested and no one was hurt in the incident.

And city fire responding to a blaze at 28 Albert Street in the early morning hours. The vacant building was also involved in a fire a few months earlier. Crews arrived to find flames coming from a 1st floor window, and made quick work of knocking them down.

Rain And Flood Update

A number of roads are still closed due to flooding, even though the heavy rain warning has now ended. 

Rothesay Avenue and McAllister drive are still closed. 

Police reporting the stretch of Rothesay Avenue in front of Crosby's Molasses as one of the worst areas. 

The intersection of Brook Side, between the McDonald's and Parkway mall, is reported to have two feet of water. 

Police say they have already towed 4 cars from the area, and drivers are advised to avoid it if at all possible.

Rain Wreaks Havoc On City

The police getting lots of calls about the rain and flooding, so make sure to drive slowly if you're out and about today.

Traffic is being diverted on Rothesay Avenue because of the amount of water, and on the Loch Lomond Road near the Loch Lomond Villa a number of manhole covers have been lifted completely off from the pressure of the water.

City crews are aware and you're advised to be extremely careful if in the area. The highway near the Foster Thurston has also been reported as a particularly bad area.

A heavy rainfall warning is in effect for the region, with local amounts expected to reach 50 millimetres in one hour.

Motorcycle Event Benefits Food Banks

Area food banks are happy to see a crowd of motorcyclists gathered in St. Andrew's for the 2011 edition of Atlanticade. 

Donna Linton says food banks in Charlotte county will be benefiting from the event's generosity for the second year in a row. 

She says the food banks are in constant need of thousands of pounds of food every month, and they're very fortunate the event has come to town.

Linton says this year three events will benefit three local food banks, and they're hoping to raise 3000 dollars.

River Study Delivers Mixed Messages

The release of the newest survey of the Saint John River comes with some good and bad news. 

Researcher Karen Kidd says the report, which looks at how the river has changed over the last four decades, shows some parts of the river that have definitely improved over time.  She says that's likely because we've done a better job managing our waste water.

Kid says problem spots remain below Edmunston, and between Grand Falls and Mactaquac where oxygen levels are lower and fish have a harder time thriving in their environments.

She says the hope now is that stakeholders will step forward to discuss how things can be improved.

North End Drug Bust

Police arresting and releasing a 45 year old man in a drug bust in the city's North End on Thursday.

The man was charged with drug trafficking as well as weapons charges and will appear before the judge at a later date.

Police found 2 firearms, marijuana, 4 grams of crack cocaine, and pills in a home on Main Street North.

Rothesay Police Enforce New Rules

Rothesay police cracking down on impaired drivers now that there's a tougher punishment for driving under the influence. 

Police handing out three 7-day suspensions at a road block on the Hampton Road last night.  

The suspensions are part of new rules that kicked in June 24th, where drivers caught with a roadside breathalyzer reading above 0.05 get a week long time-out from driving. 

The punishment used to only be a one-day suspension.

Visitation and Funeral Times Announced For Oland

Funeral Services announced for the prominent businessman Richard Oland. 

Services will be held this Tuesday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Rothesay at noon. 

Visitation goes tomorrow and Monday from 2-4pm and from 6-8pm at Brenan's Funeral Home.

Oland Family And Premier Speak On Oland's Death

The family of Richard Oland releasing a statement on the death the 69 year old business leader.

The letter thanks friends and community members for the outpouring of support in a difficult time.  It goes on to say that they family is very proud of his many personal and business achievements as well as his contributions to the Saint John area and he will be remembered fondly.

Below is the full statement from the family of Richard Oland:

“We thank our many friends and others in the community who have reached out to us.  We appreciate the many offers of assistance and your condolences.  This is a very difficult time for our family and we hope everyone understands our need for privacy.  We are very proud of Richard’s many personal and business achievements and contributions to Saint John and the region.  We will remember him fondly and truly appreciate the outpouring of support and heartfelt remembrances we have already received.”

The Family of Richard Oland