Chase Says Clean Water Top Priority Despite Drama With MP

Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase says the bottom line is to get money for clean drinking water for the city -- despite being upset at the fact that he was not asked to be part of group looking into the matter.

The group was created by Saint John MP Rodney Weston and consists of members of council as well as 2 local MLA's.

Chase says since he was part of a city committee with the same goals, he should have been asked to join.  But he's willing to step aside fro the greater good.

However, Chase is concerned with the fact that the group is being spearheaded by an MP and not someone from city hall.

Chase ran against Weston in the federal election but the MP says the exclusion was not politically motivated.

Penobsquis Residents Disillusioned With Government

Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup will be going on the web tomorrow afternoon to talk about shale gas exploration and take your questions.

One of the residents in Penobsquis looking to be compensated for water loss and property damage from mining is Heather McCabe who tells CHSJ News this whole ordeal has soured her on government.

 She says while running in the last provincial election, Northrup promised to do all he could to help them out ever since being appointed to the provincial cabinet, he doesn't return their calls and they feel the government has abandoned them.

Francophone Parents in K-V Talk Turkey With Education Minister

Parents in the Kennebecasis Valley who would like to see a french school built might be a bit more optimistic after a meeting with Provincial Education Minister Jody Carr.

One of the people at the meeting was Ernest Thibodeau who's the President of the School District 1 Education Council. He tells CHSJ News there are 600 students in the Valley who could be attending a francophone school.

Thibodeau says the parents believe any new school should be large enough to accomodate from 300 to 350 students and he's talking about it being built sooner rather than later.

 Carr told the parents he could make any sort of commitment before the Legislature resumes sitting but he vowed to work with them to see it get done.

Driver Collides With Moose

The Simonds Fire Department responding to a collision on Route 111 in Rowley last night around 8:00. 

When crews arrived they found a single vehicle had struck a moose. 

The driver was taken to hospital by ambulance to be checked out. 

 The highway was closed for a short time while things were cleaned up.

Councillor Farren Wants City To Pay For Upgrades

Councillor Bill Farren playing the role of the lone wolf when it comes to paying for upgrades to the Trade and Convention Centre.

He wanted the city to pay for the 10 million dollar upgrades in order to encourage economic development but council voting down the idea.

Farren says we're losing business to other cities and you have to spend money to make money
 
Council has only committed to a third of the upgrades and wants funding from the other levels of government.

Apartment Building Fire In Millidgeville

A three storey apartment building at 9 Polaris Court off University Avenue had to be evacuated last night between 9:30 and 10 after a fire broke out. 

Acting District Chief Kevin Clynick says it started in a ground floor apartment where heavy fire, smoke and heat were coming from and was put out quickly.
 
21 people were living in the building which has 12 apartments.  Everyone got out safely and some of the residents received help in finding a place to stay by the Red Cross.

                                                 (Photo Courtesy of Joe Comeau)

University Student In City Being Treated For T-B

Public Health officials are investigating after a student at U-N-B Saint John has been diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Something like 300 students and five professors who had contact will be tested over the next few days. The student who's afflicted is being treated by an infectious disease specialist and reportedly is doing well.

Saint John usually has one or two reported cases of T-B each year. Only those people who have close contact with someone who is afflicted are considered to be in any danger of becoming ill from T-B which spreads through the air.

In A Seller's Market, Get A Realtor

The Province's Real Estate Association reports housing sales came back to life last month.
The average residential price for a home is now higher in the Saint John area, which includes the K-V, than either Moncton or Fredericton.
Saint John Real Estate Board President Jason Stephen tells CHSJ News he thinks it's more important now for people to have realtors sitting at their kitchen table.

He says they can help you price your house competitively and stage it because it's a difficult market right now for seller's.

The average price of a house in the Saint John area is now up to almost 170 thousand dollars.
In Fredericton, it's about 153 thousand and over 163 thousand in Moncton. 
 For more information, click here

Jewels Of The Seas In Port

The Jewel Of The Seas cruise ship in Port today.

Wetland In Quispamsis Is Restored

Canaport LNG spending over $500,000 to complete a restoration project returning Matthew's Cove to a functioning natural wetland.

It's located near the Gondola Point arterial where as a decommissioned sewage lagoon it was a contaminated environment and a threat to wildlife.

Canaport LNG’s Environmental Manager Fraser Forsythe tells CHSJ News he is very proud of the work they've done with the Town of Quispamsis and their contractors in the restoration.

He says they have taken an unusable piece of land and returned it to what nature intended it to be - a functioning wetland habitat that is home to many different wildlife species.

September Housing Sales Rebound A Bit

September saw a blip upward in housing sales across the province. 

The average residential price for a home in Saint John is just shy of 170 thousand dollars. 

The New Brunswick Real Estate Association includes the Kennebecasis Valley as part Saint John which increases the average price.

By comparision, the average price of a home in Fredericton is 153 thousand and over 163 thousand in Moncton. 

The Real Estate Association estimates it would take ten months to sell all of the homes now on the market as compared to over 11 months as of the end of August. 

The average price for a home nationally is now over 352 thousand dollars.

Mercer Gives The Bay A Push Tonight

Canadian political satirist Rick Mercer is giving the Bay of Fundy's drive to be one of the new 7 wonders of nature a boost on his show tonight.

The Bay is one of 28 finalists in the global contest that wraps up on November 11th.

In tonight's episode of the Rick Mercer Report, he goes whale watching in the Bay of Fundy with Opera singer Measha Brueggergosman and goes on a jet boat ride with Premier David Alward.

To vote for the Bay of Fundy in the New 7 Wonders of Nature contest, click here

For more on tonight's show, click here

Sussex Hearing On Compensation To Resume Before Mining Commissioner

26 residents of Penobsquis who are seeking compensation at a hearing before the Mining Commission will be back at it tomorrow morning with the resumption of proceedings.

Heather McCabe is one of the residents and she tells CHSJ News she lost her water but that's not all. 

The walls have cracks. The ceilings are sagging. She can't use two rooms of her home because of mould and is now sleeping in the dining room. 

The residents blame Potash Corp for their problems. McCabe doesn't expect the hearing to end for another year and the residents have to make do with no legal representation because of the expense.

Bike Lane To Come Down

The bike lane along Main Street will be taken down tomorrow for the winter. 

The city plans to have it back up again next spring for the 2012 construction season. 

Crews tomorrow will be removing the bike lane pylons, road markings and traffic lights along Main Street. 

The concrete barriers at the intersection of Portland and Main Streets will not be removed which means you can't make a left turn from Main Street onto Portland Street.

Saint John Welcomes Three Cruise Ships To Port

On a soggy day in the Port City, three vessels carrying more than 8000 passengers are spending the day in Saint John.  Triple ship tuesday coincides with the last day of the 2011 cruise ship season in the Port City.

Three Ships In Port Today

On the last day of the 2011 Cruise ship season, three different vessels are spending the day in the Port City.

Councillor Mott In Hospital

East side residents will be down one representative for the next while -- Councillor Joe Mott is in hospital with an undisclosed illness.

Mott was absent from last night's council session and there is no word yet on his return.

Council holding a prayer for him before the beginning of last night's meeting.

Deputy Mayor Wants Confidential Report Released

Over 500-thousand dollars in additional spending for Peel Plaza getting the green light from Common Council.

Some of the unexpected costs included the discovery of contaminated soil and additional service costs.

Project Manager Bill Edwards says it looks like the project will be on budget but Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase has his doubts.

He wants a confidential report that describes the full cost of the project and its implications to be released to the public.

He says we are already seeing the the implications of Peel Plaza on the city budget with the planned cut of up to 14 transit workers.

The request will be looked at to see if the report can be released without breaking confidentiality rules.

Meantime, Common Council has also rejected the suggestion of paying 10 million dollars to upgrade the Trade and Convention Centre which is now competing against newer facilities in the region. The city was looking for help from the province and federal government.

2011 Season Ends With Triple Ship Day

The 2011 cruise ship season is wrapping up in style today with three different vessels in Port.

The Jewel of the Seas arrives first followed by the MSC Poesia and then the Carribean Princess.  Over 200 travel agents will be visiting onboard the MSC Poesia.

Saint John Port Authority CEO Jim Quinn tells CHSJ News this season has been challenging with 5 ships cancelling calls due to bad weather.
He says that may mean our passenger numbers will come in somewhere between 185 and 190,000.

Quinn adds the 2012 season has 76 ships due to call including 9 visits from a new line to Saint John-- Disney Cruises.

Today's schedule:

Jewels of the Seas 7am
MSC Poesia  12pm
Carribean Princess 8am

Fire Set At Regional Jail

An inmate set a fire in one of the cells in the segregation unit last night at the regional jail on the Old Black River Road. 

Acting District Chief Kevin Clynick says it spread to a mattress and was put out by jail staff before reigniting which then activated the automatic sprinkler system. 

There were no injuries.
 
City Police are investigating and the inmate is expected to be charged.

Enterprise Saint John Gets Federal Money

The Federal government is breaking out the cheque book in order to help attract, retain, and expand foreign investment in the province.

Enterprise Saint John is one of several groups getting funding -- it will be using the money for a life sciences and health study to attract investment to the city.

An amount has yet to be announced.

Enterprise Fredericton, Kent, and Greater Moncton will also be receiving federal dollars, as well as the city of Miramichi.

Dance And Sing To Save This Uptown Icon

Next month, singing and dancing, can help save a staple of Uptown Saint John.

"A Night For The Paramount" is a fundraising concert coming up on November 18th featuring John Morrison, Dann Downes and the Migrant Workers and The Earthbound Trio.

All proceeds from the event at the Chinese Cultural Centre will be used to saved the old theatre on King Square from the wrecker's ball.
It's meant to show the need for a multi-purpose arts and culture venue in the city.
 For ticket info, click here

Province Looks At Using Natural Gas At Coleson Cove

The Conservation Council is casting a skeptical eye on word the provincial government is looking at converting Coleson Cove so it will be able to burn natural gas.

David Thompson of the Conservation Council tells CHSJ News he finds it odd since the plant hasn't been used that much even with Point Lepreau being out of service.

Thompson warns if your burn natural gas without using a gas turbine, too much of it is wasted.
 
The Alward Government finds itself in the middle of controversy over its desire to extract natural gas from the ground through fracking which creates fissures in the shale after water, chemicals and sand are pumped underground.

Changes Coming To The Harbour Bridge

It can only makes things better if your daily commute takes you across the Harbour Bridge.

The Provincial Department of Transportation anouncing a new design for the Harbour Bridge traffic flow will see two lanes of traffic in each direction.

Others measures include speed monitoring signs to tell you how fast you are going,  a raised curb between the two lanes heading west to east and concrete barrier.

The tender for the work has been announced and will close on the 31st and Minister Williams expects it will be completed this year.

For more info on the changes, click here

Campbell Eyes A Run At The Horseshoe

City Hall management needs to be overhauled...........That's John Campbell's big priority as he announces he'll be running in the May municipal election to be councillor at large. Campbell claims there's a lot of fat to be cut despite claims to the contrary.

He says front line workers coming to him with ideas and he thinks one would be to restructure management.

Ironically, Campbell has a letter before Common Council on the city's financially beleaguered pension plan. He's recommending there be a transition from a defined benefits plan to defined contributions where the benefits will depend on how the stock market performs.

He says these plans are being used by a variety of companies around the world to make it viable and financially secure.

Campbell says major projects like Peel Plaza and the transit garage on the east side have to be called into question if they adversely affect day to day services.

Peel Plaza Construction Costing City More

There have been 122 changes required in the construction of infrastructure upgrades with the Peel Plaza development and they are going to wind up costing the city more money. 

The final cost of construction is now estimated to be close to 5.4 million dollars, almost 200 thousand more than what was approved.

An unexpected expense was 345 thousand dollars to get rid of contaminated soil along Carleton Street. 

When the utility work and management construction costs are tabulated, the final cost is believed to be over 6.1 million dollars. Common Council is getting an update tonight.

Anti-Shale Gas Group Calls For Public Inquiry

The risks from shale gas exploration are not manageable and health should not be traded for profit.......That was the message delivered to a public meeting at a church in the north end on Sandy Point Road by an anti-shale gas group.  

Chris Rendell of Hampton Water First tells CHSJ News there should be a public inquiry held where both sides can be heard before anything moves ahead because he's skeptical of anything the Alward Government is saying about this issue. 

He accuses the government of being biased in favour of shale gas exploration moving ahead even though there have been problems in every other place where shale gas development is happening.
 
Rendell claims New Brunswick doesn't have enough people to carry out inspections and in Quebec where every shale gas well was inspected, 75 per cent of them had leaks.

New Concept May Help Stem The Tide Of The Grey Tsunami

Edler mediation may be a tool that can help stem the tide of the coming grey tsunami as the number of seniors in Canada explodes.
A pilot project in Eastern Ontario is using elder mediation to find the best way of using funding to keep seniors in their homes.
Elizabeth Sterritt of Family Mediation Canada tells CHSJ News says these programs are phenomenal because they create a circle of care.

She tells us there are 6000 centenarians in Canada today and that number will triple over the next twenty years.
She says we have to figure out how are going to deal with all these ageing folks who may be our neighbours.

Sterritt says in one case, the fix was taking care of a couples lawn mowing and snow removal needs that allowed one woman the time to better care for her husband in their home.

No Time To Waste For Local Companies With Shipbuilding Opportunities

There may be some lead time with that 25 billion dollar shipbuilding contract awarded to Irving to construct combat naval vessels in Halifax but if Saint John companies want to get a piece of the action, they better get cracking........There's no time to waste. 

So advises Pat Darrah of the Saint John Construction Association.

Darrah says these will be sophisticated ships........It's not like building a row boat.

He adds the jobs, themselves, won't start appearing for about a year and that's why he remains concerned there are no major projects on the horizon locally this winter and next spring.

West Side Crash Sends One Person To Hospital

There was a two vehicle crash yesterday afternoon at one of the busiest intersections in the city at one of the busiest times of the week.

The collision happened at Fairville Boulevard and Catherwood on the west side. 

The fire department is saying the driver's door on one of the vehicles had to be removed in order to get the person out.

East Side Assault

Paramedics and Police responding to an assault on Edith Avenue in East Saint John.

A 55-year-old man is being treated for a head injury after being hit in the head with a bat.

One person may face charges.

Fuel The Care Offers Help To SJ Toddler

One Saint John family is singing the praises of Irving's Fuel the Care program.
The program provides gas cards to famillies travellies out of province for medical treatment.   Amanda Bennett and her family did at least 7 round trips after her son Chace was diagnosed with neuro-blastoma.
She tells CHSJ News Chace had surgery on June 30th to remove a mass from his chest.

At his last check-up in September, Chace's doctors said he's doing so well his visits to the IWK can be cut back from every three months to every six months.

Bennett says Fuel the Care provided great financial relief for her and her family and she recommends it all the time.
For more information on the Fuel the Care program, click here

Quispam Barn Goes Up In Fire

A barn in Quispam is a loss after a fire on the Chamberlain road.   The fire began about 3 in the afternoon and with the helps of neighbours, the owners were able to get all the animals out safely.    One man was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation and released.   There were no other injuries.

Gas Main Installation Near City Market

On your way to church today you may notice a whole lot of activity near the Market, that's because a gas main is being installed.
CHSJ News has been told the work will continue all day today forcing the closure of one lane of Charlotte Street.

That will re-open in time for the morning commute tomorrow but work may continue in the area until Tuesday.

He Says We're All Thinking About The Loonie

Interest rates and the strength of the loonie is on the mind of the everyday Canadian -- that from Scotiabank Chief Economist Warren Jestin.

He tells CHSJ News interest rates should stay pretty low and the our dollar should reach parity again.

Jestin says we've been all over the map lately and he thinks the market can settle down we'll reach parity and even exceed it.

He says it's because our banking system is solid and we have a commodity/export situation that is the envy of other countries.

Fire At Irving Oil Refinery

A whole lot of excitement at the Irving Oil refinery after a fire in a spent acid tank.
Acting District Fire Chief Kevin Clynick tells CHSJ News the call came in around 5 this afternoon.

He says the call had flames showing and on arrival they had a significant fire.

He says the Irving safety response team acted quickly and already had water on the blaze when their crews arrived.   He says their ladder truck began adding water and the fire was quickly extinguished.

District Fire Chief Clynick describes the fire as kind of a fluke because it took place in an area that is normally not used but is in use this time of year during the facility's annual shutdown.

Small Fire At Refinery

Fire crews are on the scene of a small fire at the Irving oil refinery. There are no injuries and it is contained.
City police are providing traffic control at the scene.

Fracking Meeting Coming Up Tomorrow

Local representatives of anti-shale gas groups will be answering your "fracking" questions tomorrow.
Carl Wolpin of Hampton Water First tells CHSJ News this presentation has been seen by MLA's, cabinet ministers along with the town of Hampton and its council.

He says it's about an hour and six or seven people will be on hand to answer questions.    Wolpin says they are not experts but they have immersed themselves in the issue for the last six months.

The presentation is coming up tomorrow at 1:30 on the Sandy Point road.   

Here are directions to the site at 545 Sandy Point Road:


From Crown St, head north; continue onto Mt Pleasant Ave and then Hawthorne Ave, and turn right onto Sandy Point Rd. Destination will be on the right.
A Shale Gas sign will mark the entrance.

KV Fields Officially Opens

Local politicians, athletes and others at the official opening of the new sports field at KVHS last night.

The Liberals Sound Off On New Energy Blueprint

Liberal Energy Critic Brian Kenny is sounding off on the new energy blueprint released by the Alward Government.

He tells CHSJ News there was no mention of the Point Lepreau cost overruns or the Mactaquac retrofit.

He says those two projects could cut into the projected 8 to 10 million dollar savings when NB Power gets put back together into one company.

Kenny adds when the Premer was in Ottawa this week there was no mention of him talking to the Prime Minister about the cost overuns relating to Point Lepreau.

He says although it's a 10 year plan, the provincial Tories has flip-flopped on their policies before.

Weapons Seized At Inn

City police seizing two rifles, a loaded handgun, and a large amount of cash after executing two search warrants, one at ATCAN Self Storage on Thorne Avenue and the other at a hotel room at the Colonial Inn.

30 year old John Phillip Trecartin making a court appearance this morning to answer to possession of a restricted weapon with ammunition and probation violation.

He has been remanded to the Saint John Regional Correctional Center until Tuesday for a bail hearing.

A 21 year old woman was arrested and released.  She will be in court at a later date.

Province To Hold Live Webcast On Shale Gas

The province is taking to the world wide web to answer questions about shale gas exploration and development.

Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup will be holding a live webcast next Thursday where he will answer your questions.

You can submit questions via email and you have until 5pm Tuesday.

You can submit your questions to naturalgas@gnb.ca

Shale Gas Implications Are Far Reaching Says Opponent

If you think shale gas exploration won't happen in your backyard, then Carl Wolpin with Hampton Water First wants you to think again.

He tells CHSJ News about one third of the southeast part of the province is licensed to companies for shale gas exploration, which could mean 15 to 50 thousand gas wells in the province.

He says the shale gas industry can definitely have negative effects on the Saint John and Quispamsis watershed.

Wolpin and other anti-shale gas groups will be holding an information session on fracking this Sunday at 1:30pm at 525 Sandy Point Road.  Admission is free.

Nominees Released For BOT Awards

It's that time again -- next week marks the 27th Annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards from the Saint John Board of Trade.

Some of the nominees include Go-Go Gymnastics and The Urban Shoe Myth for the Emerging Enterprise Award.

Meanwhile, culinary staples like Thandi Restaurant and the Saint John Ale House are on the ballot for the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award.

The awards will be handed out November 30th.

Jobs With Shipbuilding Contract Won't Be Immediate

Don't expect anyone to be hired in the near future for any of the jobs that will be needed by the multi-billion dollar naval shipbuilding contract awarded to Irving in Halifax.

Pat Darrah of the Saint John Construction Association tells CHSJ News the jobs themselves are a year away but there's alot of potential if businesses here can get ready in time. He says they'll just have to put their shoulder to the wheel.

Darrah is concerned the next year will be lean and mean with no major projects.

Darrah says there's plenty of time for those who want to be hired to get properly qualified including community college students.

Saint John Will Benefit From Halifax Shipbuilding Deal

Saint John Board of Trade Chairman John Warrington says Saint John has a lot to gain from the multi-billion dollar shipbuilding contract recently awarded to Halifax.

He tells CHSJ News a lot of trade companies and service providers will be needed to build the ships and Saint John has many companies that are up for the task, such as fabricators and service providers.

He says Irving Shipbuilding is a sister company of J.D. Irving  which has deep roots here in the city.

Saint John Dries Out After Heavy Rainfall

We got alot of rain which began Wednesday night. As of 9 last night, we had been drenched with 64 millimeters. More than 57 millimeters of that fell during the day. 

A vehicle hydroplaned yesterday afternoon while going eastbound along Highway 1 just before the Fox Farm Road and slammed into a utility pole. One man was taken to hospital.

There were a couple of traffic disruptions on the east side because of water building up but that was nothing compared to what happened in Moncton where flooding occurred downtown.

Port of Saint John In Talks Again With AV Group

The Port of Saint John and the AV Group have renewed discussions focused on examining options for moving a significant part of AV Nackawic's production to markets in India and the Far East through the Port of Saint John.

The two groups had been engaged in discussions up until this past spring. But the port made some critical comments of the groups logistic strategy which strained the talks. 

The Port has since apologized and talks have resume.

Shippagan Man Faces Sexual Assault Charges

A 27 year old man from Shippagan making an appearance in court today for sex-related charges.

Jean-Claude Savoie is facing a variety of assault charges, including sexual assault with a weapon, as well as uttering threats and pointing a firearm.

The incident is alleged to have occurred sometime between 2003 and 2006 against a woman.

A plea has yet to be entered and Savoie has been remanded to Dorchester Penitentiary until a bail hearing on November 1st.

Art Sale Will Establish Bursaries For Students

The Peter Buckland Gallery will be hosting a viewing and sale of the art collection of the late Barbara Ring -- the money will be used to establish memorial bursaries for visual arts graduates from Saint John High School and Harbourview High School.

Stephen Ring is Barbara's son and he tells CHSJ News artists going on to post-secondary education can always use a leg-up financially and it's great way to honour the memory of his parents.
 
The bursaries will be available in 2012.

The event takes place tonight at the Peter Buckland Gallery from 5pm until 8pm.

For more information, click here.

Saint John Board Of Trade Happy With "Business Friendly" Placement

The Saint John Board of Trade is pleased with the city's ranking of 50 on a recent study about the 100 most business friendly cities in Canada.

BOT President Imelda Gilman tells CHSJ News while it's great that we made the list, there is still work to be done before we can shoot up the ranks, such as having a competitive tax environment, less red tape, and a solid regulatory framework.

She says another key factor in developing a business-friendly environment is to the ability to attract a skilled workforce.