Premier Denounces Vandalism

Emotions over shale gas exploration are running high these days. Some of the seismic equipment used to determine whether there's enough natural gas underground was vandalised late last month at Cumberland Bay.

Premier David Alward, who's in favour of shale gas development, is concerned about what he has heard.

Alward says such vandalism is not acceptable and is not a reflection of who we are as a people.

The Premier supports shale gas development and maintains regulations can be put in place to safeguard the integrity of drinking water which is the main concern of those who are opposed.     

Highway Of Heroes

The waters are being tested to see what you think about having a Highway of Heroes in the province to commemorate fallen soldiers.

The President of the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Unit Trapper Cane tells CHSJ News the original Highway of Heroes is in Ontario but B.C. recently dedicated a freeway as well.

He says both Highways 1 and 2 in the province would be fitting for such a commemoration.

Cane says New Brunswick is a natural fit for a Highway of Heroes because of the soldiers at C-F-B Gagetown.
 
He adds no one wants to commemorate a sad event, but people do want to recognize the sacrifice made by soldiers.

Older Students Have Easier Time Finding Work

A new Labour Force survey showing younger students had a harder time finding summer jobs this summer than older students.

The unemployment rate among students aged 15 to 16 in July was 32.7 per cent. For 17 to 19 year-olds, it was fifteen percentage points lower at 17.6.

The older age group also faired better this summer than they did in 2009 during the labour market downturn. The unemployment rate that July was more than 2 per cent higher.

Cabinet Minister Expects Movement Soon In Revitalisation Of Crescent Valley

Conservative MLA and Cabinet Minister Trevor Holder indicating the province could be moving forward with Crescent Valley revitalization this fall.

He tells us while there isn't a definitive announcement today, things are moving along so stay tuned.

Holder says the grass roots efforts need to continue in Crescent Valley such as the Storytent project helping kids discover a love of reading and the Alward government is on board with seeing the community prosper over time.

Water Main Break Causing Detour

There has been a water main break on Fairville Boulevard on the west side that has closed part of the street and is causing traffic problems.

If you are headed west, there is a detour at O'Brien Street.

If you are headed eastbound there is another detour at Keirstead Hill.

Police tell us you can still access Sobeys but only if you are coming from west to east.

Single-Car Roll Over Leaves Man Seriously Injured

One man is in hospital with serious injuries after a single car roll over on Highway 1 in the Penobsquis area. 

Sussex RCMP getting the call at 5 in the morning on Saturday. 

Police say the 19-year-old driver lost control of the vehicle and was thrown from the car. 

He was not wearing his seat belt and was taken to the Regional Hospital with serious injuries. 

The eastbound lane of the highway was closed for three hours because of the crash. 

RCMP say alcohol may have played a role.

Dennis Oland Retains Criminal Lawyer

It has been one month since the body of prominent businessman Richard Oland was found dead in his Canterbury Street office.

No one has been charged yet.

It has come to light well known Fredericton defense lawyer Gary Miller has been retained by Oland's son Dennis.

When asked by CHSJ News whether he expects something to happen soon, Miller replied "Gosh no but I'm not the coppers".

City Police have not released the cause of death although it has been reported Oland was bludgeoned with an axe.

Police are only saying Oland likely knew his killer.

There have been three searches conducted thus far in the investigation at the Rothesay home of Oland's son, Dennis, the Royal Kennebecasis Yacht Club and woods beside the Bill McGuire Centre in Renforth.

Price Of Food On The Rise

It's estimated food prices have risen anywhere from 10 to 15 per cent in the last year which is making day to day life even tougher for the 20 per cent of Saint Johnners already struggling to make ends meet at or below the poverty line.

The Executive-Director of the Saint John Human Development Council, Randy Hatfield warns the gap between rich and poor in our area is widening. 

He says all you have to do is look at median incomes in Quispamsis and Rothesay compared to median incomes in Saint John.

Hatfield also warns affordable housing will continue to be a problem for many in the city whose rents are not subsidised.

Measuring Up Milk Prices

It's not worth crying over spilt milk-- or an increase in its price.

With 4 cents recently being added to the cost of each litre of milk you buy in the province, CHSJ News looking into what moo-juice costs in other provinces.

Next door in Nova Scotia, Liz Crouse with the Natural Products Marketing Council tells us the minimum price processors can pay to producers for four litres of milk is $5.19.

In Ontario retail milk prices are not regulated, and change depending on where you are in the province.

Dairy Farmers of Ontario tells us the average price for 4 litres of milk ranges from $4.50 to $4.90.

At a grocery store in Saint John right now, 4 litres of milk is being sold for $5.83.

Pride Week Sends Message- It's In To Be Out

Saint John Pride week is in full swing celebrating this year's theme: it's in to be out.

Troy Morehouse with Port City Rainbow Pride tells CHSJ News the week is about celebrating the acceptance gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgendered have received. 

He says marriage equality in Canada has been here for quite a while now compared to a lot of other countries that are still fighting for it.

Morehouse says there will be a Queens & Lesbians Softball game today at Chown Field off of Crown Street starting at 1 o'clock. 

The official flag raising ceremony goes tomorrow morning in front of city hall. For more information go to ww.portcityrainbowpride.com

Council Thanks Business For Park Property

Common council with nothing but good things to say about a partnership with Emera New Brunswick that will see a 27 acre park in Milford.

The waterfront property overlooking the Reversing Rapids on the Saint John river was purchased by the city to accommodate a drill under the river, but has been rezoned and given to the city.

Mayor Ivan Court thanking Emera for their partnership saying it's a great gift and a great legacy for the company.

Councillor Bill Farren says it's an absolutely beautiful piece of land and Saint Johners will be able to enjoy it as well.

Millidgeville Fire Sends Boy and Two Firefighters To Hospital

Fire officials citing fire safety education as the reason no one died in a Millidgeville house fire in the early morning hours.

District Fire Chief Gerry Morris says crews arrived on scene at 66 Westminster Court at 2:30 in the morning to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the 1st floor of a single family home.

Morris says crews quickly began a search for the homeowners two sons, determining one was not home at the time and finding the other in his second floor bedroom. 

He says the bedroom door was shut which prevented heavy smoke and heat from entering the room. 

The boy was transported to hospital and fire crews believe he will be okay.

He says a security system alerted the fire department soon after the home's fire alarms went off.

Two firefighters were also transported to hospital after the fire, one of whom has since been released.

CUPE Claims Feds Can Act To Keep Blood Lab In City

The Prime Minister Harper or his health minister can intervene to overturn the decision by Canadian Blood Services to transfer the blood processing lab from Saint John to Dartmouth in 2013 because of health and safety concerns. 

So claims Mike Davidson of the Canadian Union of Public Employees who's less than impressed with the provincial government's desire to seek input from you on what should be done with blood services in the future saying we've already had enough consultation.

Saint John M-P Rodney Weston isn't sure the union is on solid ground with that argument but he maintains the province, because it contributes 25 million dollars a year to Canadian Blood Services, has a strong hand to play. He also is accusing the blood agency of being arrogant and insulting to New Brunswickers.

Weston has been told by the health minister, in response to a question he posed in Parliament, that the federal government will not interfere in the day to day operations of Canadian Blood Services.

Groups Host Clean Up For Passamaquoddy Bay Islands

Cooke Aquaculture is providing three boats for a clean-up tomorrow on the beaches of the Passamaquoddy Bay Islands.

Annie Morrison of the Nature Conservancy of Canada says they will be collecting marine trash from Simpson Island, Barnes Island and Mowatt Island which are all off of Deer Island. She tells CHSJ News that ranges from ropes and nets to shoes.
She says the purpose of the cleanup is to keep the beaches clean for the birds who call the islands home.
Morrison adds they hope to have up to 30 volunteers for the clean-up.

Holder Thinks The 2011 Tourism Season Is Strong

Despite a lack of American license plates in Greater Saint John, the Tourism minister thinks the summer vacation season is going well.
Trevor Holder says there have been some weather challenges.

He says the province's 2011 tourism campaign is getting positive feedback and he adds they have no control over the weather.

Holder adds the two smart cars promoting provincial tourism are being very well received and he says the future of world-wide travel is tied to the cruise ship industry.

Military Exercise Underway In Gagetown And Grand Bay-Westfield

Over 300 soldiers are taking part in a training exercise between Grand Bay-Westfield and Gagetown until Monday.

The exercise creates a challenging training experience to promote the mental agility of students by using a combination of urban environment and conventional war-fighting scenarios.
Soldiers will be carrying weapons with blank ammunition and some mild pyrotechnics will be used.

West Side Getting New Parkland

It's official...there will be soon be a new park in Miford.

The deal finalized at this week's Common Council meeting with Emera and the City completing the rezoning and transfer of 27 acres of waterfront property.

Susan Harris of Emera tells CHSJ News the land was purchased back when work began on the natural gas pipeline and at the time it was suggested the land could be used as a park but, they didn't know then how they might need it. Members of the community want to add walking trails and places for sitting.

The land is located along the St. John River toward Reversing Rapids.

Dogs Find Smokes And Drugs Outside Prison Walls

A canine unit finding a large haul of tobacco, hashish and more outside the walls of the Dorchester Penitentiary.

It found 16 bales of tobacco, 223 grams of hashish, a cell phone and a charger with an institutional value of more than $40, 000.
The seizure took place on Tuesday.

More Criticism Over Tory Plan To Delay Minimum Wage Hike

The labour critic for the Liberals Chris Collins is supporting the call by the co-chair of the province’s poverty reduction panel, Leo-Paul Pinet for a public debate on the Alward Government’s recent decision to delay a 50 cent increase in the minimum wage and the possible introduction of a two tiered minimum wage. Collins dismisses talk that 50 cents an hour is no big deal and the delay is only for six months.

He says this doesn't help the single mother working at Tim Horton's or the young couple making minimum wage trying to pay a mortgage and feed their children.
According to Collins, if you're working fulltime, an extra fifty cents an hour would mean an additional 80 dollars a month.

Province Gives Storytent Project Over $12,000

The Storytent project in Crescent Valley getting a $12,000 boost to help kids disover a love for reading.
Wellness, Culture and Sport Minister Trevor Holder making the announcement saying literacy is important because it will open doors for kids.


Literacy Co-Ordinator Cheryl Brown says they begin by collectiong a wide selection of books and pack them in their wagon with tents and ground sheets.   She says if it's raining they prepare for it and the kids often help them set up and then they get ready for reading.

Brown adds the program has been going on for 9 years in Crescent Valley and is offered in 8 different locations within the community.

No Construction Starts Despite Approvals For Proposed Marine Terminal

The proposal has now cleared both federal and provincial environmental approvals -- but -- Irving Oil says it doesn't have any plans to move forward with its Eider Rock marine terminal at this time.


The terminal - road - and - associated pipeline were originally part of the proposed second refinery that was shelved two years ago.

Provincial approval was given earlier this year while federal approval came last month.

Irving Oil says the projects have a long term value for the existing refinery -- but -- nothing is scheduled related to the approvals.

Feedback Sought On Election Of Regional Health Boards

If you have any thoughts on how we should handle the election of members of the Regional Health Authority boards -- there is an opportunity to have your say.


Public consultations by a Legislature committee will begin here in the city on the 19th of this month.

The committee is seeking input on regional health authority boundaries - electoral boundaries - and election rules for board members.

Those issues need to be addressed prior to election of board members beginning with the municipal elections next spring.
 
For more information click here.

French Statues Removed For Repairs

The huge wooden statues of Samuel de Champlain and Lady La Tour that were in Loyalist Plaza have been taken away to be repaired.

One of the statues weighed a thousand pounds and both were lifted by crane and then taken to Samuel de Champlain where artist Albert Deveau will take a look and carry out the repairs.

The city's Cultural Affairs officer Bernie Cormier tells CHSJ News some of the wood has rotted but he's confident they can be fixed up to live another day. He says being outside in all sorts of stormy weather conditions has taken its toll.
The plan is for them to be placed along harbour Passage by Fort La Tour once construction on the Harbour Bridge is completed.

New Acting Fire Chief In City

There is another change in the senior ranks of the Saint John Fire Department.

Acting Fire Chief Mark Gillen is leaving for a job with Defense Research and Development.

He's being replaced temporarily by acting Deputy Chief Kevin Clifford.

A head hunting firm is now conducting a nationwide search for a permanent fire chief and it's expected a new one will be appointed in the next two months or so.

Gas Prices Stabilize

It had been expected gas prices would go down after the weekly setting but such is not the case.

There has been no change at all.

Self serve regular is being sold this morning around town for 127.3 a litre. Diesel is at 130.1. Propane is listed at 112.8 and heating oil, also the same, at 113.7 a litre.

New Tim Hortons Will Be Built Near Causeway

The rumour mill is true for a change....... Tim Hortons will be opening up a new location on Bayside Drive near the Causeway.

One of our listeners is raising concerns over the potential traffic issues this could cause especially during the morning commute.

There have been traffic jams caused by the drive thru at Russell Street and Thorne Avenue along with the one on Waterloo Street.

The city tells CHSJ News the plans for the new location meet all the necessary requirements for planning. The driveway will be over 80 metres from the intersection of Bayside Drive and the Causeway so planners believe there will be enough room for cars to line up on the property without causing congestion.

Close Call Along Highway One

You don't see this too often..........One of our road warriors describes it as a close call as he reports a pickup truck was hauling a trailer last night eastbound along Highway 1 just before  the Fox Farm Road when it struck a bump.

The trailer somehow got away from the pickup and tumbled over an embankment. This happened around 8:30 and it was towed out about three hours later.

 No one was injured.

If You Live West, Keep Conserving Water

Westsiders are being asked to cool it on water usage until sometime next week.

A fire on the weekend damaged equipment that pumps water from the Musquash watershed to the Spruce Lake watershed.


Repairs are underway but, until the work is finished next week, the restrictions will be in place.

You are being asked to continue conserving water by not watering lawns and gardens,  taking shorter showers and not filling the bathtub.

For more info, click here

Chipman Hill Entrance To Parking Garage Reopens

The Chipman Hill entrance to the Brunswick Square parking garage will be open today as construction work in that area is wrapping up.

The Union Street entrance to the parking garage will be closed beginning on the 15th of the month.

Province Seeks Opinons On Blood Options

The province wants your two cents on what blood option the provinces should go with.
A KPMG report prepared for the government analyzed three options looking at feasibility, accessibility and safety.

Those options are remain in partnership with Canadian Blood Services, form a New Brunswick blood agency or partner with another established blood agency.
You are encouraged to read the report on the Department of Health's website and submit your opinion.
To see the report, click here

Drunk Drivers Nabbed On Long Weekend

RCMP keeping busy over the long weekend with a slew of impaired drivers.

Police reporting a total of 22 people who were caught behind the wheel while intoxicated, and issued seven one-week suspensions to drivers with a blood alcohol level between 0.05 and 0.08.

In comparison, RCMP charged 20 people with drunk driving during the same weekend last year.

Pension Payment Due

The city will have to shell out 9 million dollars in payments towards the 2010 pension plan, whether the province makes pension reforms in the fall or not. 

That from Finance Commissioner Greg Yeomans, who says changes to the plan would not relieve the city of their 2010 payments. 

Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase says he doesn't want to move forward until the province's assessment of the city's pension plan is made public.

Councillor Chris Titus says he doesn't want to make the payment either, but it's required, and if the city doesn't pay it the province could take other action.

Small Business Confidence Remains Soft In Province

The provincial economy remains flat and that's reflected in the latest survey from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business on how confident small business people in New Brunswick are these days.

Small business confidence remains below the national average and the C-F-I-B's Acting Director of Provincial Affairs Erin McGrath-Gaudet tells CHSJ News don't hold your breath waiting for an upswing anytime soon.

37 per cent of small businesses in the survey characterise the state of business as being good........50 per cent call it satisfactory and 13 per cent say it's bad.

It looks like employment plans for the next few months will be soft as well with 10 per cent planning to hire more people but 15 per cent say they will be downsizing.

Common Council Divided Over Move Of Frenchy's

Not everyone is in favour of Frenchy's relocating at 303 Westmorland Road from its current location off Rothesay Road.

Common Councillor Peter McGuire won't be voting in favour when it comes up for a final vote. He says a line has to be drawn in the sand because Westmorland Road has been saturated.

Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase, who grew up in that part of the city, says the area is used to having large numbers of people and that's why he's in favour.

Councillor Joe Mott lives on the east side and is worried increased traffic will result in more accidents happening.

Liberals Blast Alward Government Over Shale Gas

The opposition Liberals are accusing the provincial government of being hypocritical in how its handling the controversy over shale gas development after not one Conservative M-L-A showed up at the protest Monday which included a march to the legislature by those opposed.

Natural Resources critic Denis Landry tells CHSJ News those people who are worried about the possible contamination of their drinking water have a legitimate point of view.

Landry argues not enough is known to says for certain that drinking water will remain safe.

Another Liberal M-L-A Bill Fraser of Bay du Vin says the opponents of shale gas exploration have enough merit in their arguments to warrant a moratorium.

Arrests Made After Attempted Holdup

There was an attempted robbery early this morning around the Garden Street Irving shortly before 4:00.

City Police arrested one man and a teenager not long afterwards.

They're not saying what sort of injuries may have been suffered by the victim.

Proposed Mobile Home Park Bites The Dust

After listening to more than three hours of opposition, Common Council is rejecting a mobile home park at 50 Heather Way on the east side.

Residents raising concerns over lack of space, snow removal and decreased property values. Margaret Dubee spoke on behalf of the neighbourhood and says heading into the meeting, she wasn't sure Council would take their side.

The developer, Bob Darling, arguing the project was an efficient use of land that provided an affordable housing option for people living in Saint John, but Council voted down the mobile home park by a slim margin of 5-4.

Councillors did give preliminary approval to Frenchy's setting up shop at 303 Westmorland Road. The store is currently operating off Rothesay Road but wants a more visible location. Chief City Planner Ken Forrest says the municipal plan discourages business development on Westmorland because it is a residential neighbourhood.

Word Delayed On Providing Power For Expansion Of Metal Shredder

Common Council still isn't ready to give details on how the city plans to power a metal shredder expansion on the city’s lower west side at the port.

Information was expected to be released this week concerning a new option after nearby residents objected to the use of above ground power lines.

Mayor Ivan Court says Council is still in negotiations with the province and NB Power.

After a closed-door emergency meeting last week Court saying he couldn't comment on whether the option involved an alternate route or underground transmission lines until the costs were worked out.

More Thunderstorms Strike Saint John

Our stormy summer continues with more rain, thunder and lightning in Greater Saint John yesterday morning and afternoon.

Meterologist Linda Libby tells CHSJ News it's a little unusual to see storms beginning on the coast.

Libby adds it's a bit unusual to see storms on the coast pushing northward even though a warm stretch in the summer tends to lead to more thunderstorms with the right mixture of humidity and temperature.

Conserve Water On The West Side

West side residents are being asked to use less water after a fire in Musquash on Monday.
Equipment that pumps water from the Musquash watershed to the Spruce Lake watershed was damaged and is not working.

While the damage is being checked out, residents are asked to conserve water.
The City offers tips on how to save water including only running full loads of laundry and dishes, not watering lawns and and gardens and not washing cars and driveways. An update will be released tomorrow afternoon and the City points out the water is safe to drink.
For more info, click here

A Severe Thunderstorm May Bring Hail and High Winds Today

We may see a wild thunderstorm this afternoon complete with hail and strong winds.

Environment Canada issueing a severe thunderstorm watch for Saint John, Sussex, the KV, St. Stephen, Grand Manan, Fredericton, Moncton and more.
The warning says severe thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and bring with them the potential for large hail and damaging winds.

Signs To Be Erected Honouring The Seadogs

The city wants to make sure everybody visiting knows Saint John's team is number one. 

Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News the city is having signs made to go up on the highway with a special message "Welcome to Saint John, Home of the Saint John Seadogs, Memorial Cup champions".

The Mayor says the signs have been in the works ever since the Sea Dogs brought home the Memorial Cup, and he hopes they'll be up in September for when the new season starts.

Premier Voicing Support For Shale Gas Development

Despite a protest on New Brunswick Day at the Legislature against shale gas development that attracted as many as 15 hundred marchers, Premier David Alward is sticking by his guns.

The Premier is still voicing his support for shale gas exploration while maintaining property owners will not see their well water contaminated because the regulations will be stringent enough.

The protesters were calling for a ban on fracking which pumps water and chemicals into the ground in order to get the natural gas.

Alward says he recently saw a shale gas development in the area of Fort Nelson, B-C and it's going well with a small footprint.

Transformer Goes Up In Smoke

A transformer belonging to NB Power exploded yesterday afternoon in South Musquash.

District Chief Peter Saab says the fire department was alerted by a passing A-T-V'er who says alot of smoke coming from the building.

The transformer is a total loss but damage to the building it was housed in turned out to be minimal. There was no loss in electrical service. 

Premier Says Keeping Blood Services Lab In City "A Priority"

Keeping the Canadian Blood Services processing lab in the city is a priority for the provincial government. So says Premier David Alward, who celebrated New Brunswick Day, in Quispamsis.

Alward tells CHSJ News he has spoken to Prime Minister Harper three times about this this issue and he wants to know if the federal government has to sign off on decisions made by Canadian Blood Services.

The Premier will not say if going it alone or partnering with Quebec is now off the table considering the estimated cost in the tens of millions of dollars.

Amanda Cullen of Canadian Blood Services earlier told us that because of the Krever Inquiry, they are immune from what she calls any political interference. To see a video of New Brunswick Day at the Q-plex and the K-V players performing, go to country 94.ca, click news and then video.

Demands On Blood Supply In Province To Grow

In the wake the KPMG report that showed it would cost millions for the province to develop it's own blood service, the New Brunswick Medical Society says other issues still need to be addressed.

Spokesperson Dr. Allison Kennedy tells CHSJ News whatever option the province ultimately decides to go with, a blood monitoring system in co-operation with the medical community needs to be implemented.

He says times are changing as the province is developing new trauma and cardiac programs so new demands will be placed on the blood supply.

Common Council Member Calls For Salary Cut

Now that Common Council has said 'no' to trimming the number of seats around the horse-shoe from 10 to 6, Councillor Chris Titus coming up with a new proposal to save money. 

Titus suggests reducing Councillors' salaries by 40 per cent beginning in 2012. 

He says it would achieve the same level of savings without hurting representation. Titus' original proposal to cut four council seats would have saved the city an estimated 500 thousand dollars over 4 years.

More Details Expected Tonight On Expansion Of Metal Shredder

We should get some more information tonight detailing how council plans to power a metal shredder proposed for the west side.

The American Iron and Metal project found itself on shaky ground after citizens objected to power lines going up along the Fundy Coast Line.

Council, the port and NB Power announcing last Monday, after a closed door meeting, they had an option to please everyone involved but were waiting to release the details until after the costs of the plan were worked out.

Noise Levels Around King Square Said To Be Too High

A Saint John man monitoring noise levels around King Square says he's finding ambient noise that is too loud, too often.

Sam Blue with Noise Free Saint John tells CHSJ News he recently recorded twenty vehicles emitting sounds higher than 80 decibels in a two hour period and if you were at a worksite, that kind of sound level would require ear protection.

 He says noise levels around King Square do tend to vary depending on the weather. There's more noise on sunny days because people are out joyriding and it's better driving for motorcycles.

Blue says when you hear loud motorcycles or cars, it's likely coming from an illegal exhaust. He says you should try and get a licence plate number and contact the police, because the law needs to be enforced.

Roll-Over Near Hampton

A car accident in the early morning hours causing only minor injuries but leaving a totalled Ford Explorer.

RCMP responding to the single-car accident just before three in the morning on Sunday.

Police say the truck was travelling west on Highway 1 when the driver lost control and the vehicle rolled over just outside of Hampton.

There were three other people in the truck at the time, but no one was seriously injured.