City Company Produces Film On Homeless Youth

A working group includings representatives from youth-serving organizations and area churches is working to create emergency housing facility to strengthen existing housing and support services for homeless youth.

A film was put together to show the need in our community for Saint John Youth House.

To see it, click here

Passamaquoddy First Nation Against Lepreau License Renewal

The Passamaquoddy First Nation speaking out at the final Point Lepreau licensing hearing.

Chief Hugh Akagi says the consultation process between the First Nations, NB Power, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has been a difficult.

He says not enough effort was made in order to keep people informed on the intervenor process and how they can take part in the hearings.

The Passamaquoddy Nation is against the renewal of Point Lepreau's license.  They believe the plant poses too much of a risk to people and the environment.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission will make a decision in about six weeks.

Parents In Saint John Want French Immersion To Start Earlier

The earlier french immersion begins the better........That message delivered to a four person task force by parents in Saint John who would like it to start in Grade one instead of grade 3.

The recommendation doesn't come as any great surprise to former McKenna cabinet minister Jim Lockyer who is co-chairing the task force.

The parents also say the goal should be to emerge bilingual instead of just 70 per cent proficient in french.

They believe more resources and support are needed along with more french courses in high school.

The task force will be at Hampton Middle School for its final public meeting on December 15th.

A report will be presented to the Alward Government in the new year.

Liberal M-L-A Says Province Won't Go It Alone

The province will not set up its own blood services in light of the local opposition to transferring blood production from Millidgeville to Dartmouth .........That prediction from the Liberal M-L-A in Charlotte County Rick Doucette who says the Conservatives are not adventurous enough to take that bold step.

He also says now they're in government, the Conservative M-L-A's haven't had much to say on this issue. Doucette calls their silence deafening.

Doucette makes mention of Environment Minister Margaret Ann Blaney who took then Health Minister Mike Murphy to task at the time, accusing him of agreeing to the transfer. 

Premier David Alward says a decision is close on whether the province will set up its own blood services.

Critic Of Shale Gas Speaks At Hampton High

A vocal critic of shale gas extraction describes it as intense industrial activity on a very large scale.

Cornell University Professor Dr. Anthony Ingraffea appearing at Hampton High last night to talk about the myths and realities of shale gas exploration and development. 

He tells CHSJ News those people who are worried about their wells being contaminated should be. Dr. Ingraffea says it will happen.......the only questions are how many will be affected and who will pay. He says it would be foolhardy for anyone to believe nothing wrong will happen.
 

Dr. Ingraffea specialises in hydraulic fracture simulation and pipeline safety. He spent over 25 years taking part in research and development for the oil and gas industry.

Acadien Bus Service Halted

There will be no intercity bus service until further notice with Acadien bus lines locking out its drivers in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island this morning.

The bus terminal on Chesley Drive is in the dark.

Company vice-president Marc-Andre Varin says parcel delivery will be stopping as well if no buses are running.

 Acadien has routes within New Brunswick and two daily runs to and from P-E-I.
     

Glen Carr of the Amalgamated Transit Union says the bus drivers, mechanics and customer service reps voted 88 per cent against the company's last offer earlier this week and were prepared to stage strike action.

Mayor Says Loss Of Lab Will Hurt Safety and Economy

Mayor Ivan Court crashing the media conference with Dr. Sher -- he has been very outspoken about the loss of the blood production lab and remains unconvinced that patients will not be at risk.

He tells CHSJ News the closure of the lab will also mean the loss of skilled workers and will be a blow to the local economy.

Court was not invited to the media event with Dr. Sher and says he would have been willing to meet with CBS if a meeting was arranged.

CEO of Canadian Blood Service Visits Saint John

The CEO of Canadian Blood Services Dr. Graham Sher says he wants to make sure that misconceptions about CBS's decison to move a blood production lab from here to Dartmouth are put to rest.

Dr. Sher says he made the trip out to the Millidgeville clinic because he wanted to drive home the fact that he's committed to safety.

He says statements by certain community leaders and doctors about patients being in danger are wrong because a blood supply will be kept in the city.  In fact, he says we will now have access to two sources of blood: one in the city and one in Dartmouth.

He adds the province should also remain part of a national blood system and not go it alone.

Arts Group To Fold After Funding Cuts

After a series of deep cuts from the Province, Performing Arts New Brunswick is closing it's doors by the end of the year.

In an email, Executive Director Nancy Schell says she wishes to thank everyone for their support over the years.

Operational funding for Performing Arts NB came from the Department of Wellness, Culture and Sport.

Preliminary Work Begins On New Cruise Terminal

Work has begun on the second cruise terminal building down on Water Street.

The 15.6 million dollar project includes berth enhancements at the new terminal and the Long Wharf location.

The new terminal is 25-thousand square feet over two levels.

The preliminary work will be completed by Christmas.

Province Gives Proposed Youth Shelter $50K

It will cost somewhere between $500,000 and a million dollars to establish a facility for homeless or at-risk youth.
The Provincial government announcing a $50,000 contribution to the project.
Saint John Youth House project coordinator Colin McDonald says they want to do it right by creating a safe and comfortable place for youth to be.

He says it could be 2am or 2pm and youth can walk in the door and as long as a bed is available they can stay.   He adds they can stay for 90 days and if they are working towards success they can stay up to six months but ideally they want to move them on to the next phase of program.

The board is still in the site selection process and they are looking at two possible locations which they hope to announce in January.

Point Lepreau Station Manager Says Earthquake Risks are Negligible

The station manager of Point Lepreau says there is virtually no risk of an earthquake hitting the station.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is currently holding hearings at the Delta over whether to renew Point Lepreau's license to generate power.

Station Manager Wade Parker says a lot of critics are afraid of seismic activity causing an incident similar to the Fukushima disaster but he says their data indicates the station is not located in a high-seismic hazard region.

He adds the plant is designed to withstand an earthquake is one does occur.




Natural Resources Canada also presenting data indicating most earthquakes in Eastern Canada cannot be felt and they occur in seismically active zone.

Studies done by the staff of the safety commission are recommending that the license be renewed.

Gas Prices Are Up But Not By Much

There has been a slight increase in gas prices following the weekly setting. 

The maximum price for self serve regular rising by just over a cent a litre while diesel has increased again by less than half a cent. 

Home heating oil is listed at $1.19.2 a litre which is a decline of half a cent and propane is a bit costlier at $1.17 a litre.

City Looking For Ideas On Future Recreation Needs

Common Council is expected to receive a plan in the new year about what the future face of recreation will look like in the city. An open house and workshop were held at the Lily Lake Pavilion to get ideas. 

The Recreation Manager for Leisure Services Kevin Watson tells CHSJ News the city has a surplus in some areas with ball fields and tennis courts as examples.
 
Watson also telling us when it comes to ice rinks, the standard for a city the size of Saint John would be 3 whereas, right now, 5 are being operated in addition to Harbour Station.

One trend he is seeing is more women playing hockey and the demand for ice time in prime time is 100 per cent booked. Another trend is people taking part in individual activities rather than structured programmes.

Board Of Trade Hands Out Business Achievement Awards

The Saint John Board of Trade handing out the 2011 Annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards.

Go-Go Gymnastics picked up the award for Emerging Enterprise, Punch Productions nabbed the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award, and Bayview Trucks and Equipment Ltd. took home some hardware for Business Excellence.

Keith Brideau is the VP of Historica which renovates old heritage buildings for development.  He received the Young Entrepreneur Award and he tells CHSJ News he's proud to offer a unique service to the city.
 

Rounding out the winners was Hestia House for the Big Heart Award and Enterprise Saint John scored the Chair's Award.

The Legislature Supports Movember

More than 281-thousand dollars has been raised in New Brunswick by the Movember event in support of prostate health and awareness.  Members of the New Brunswick legislature posed for a picture today with many sporting moustaches of their own.
  

Tax Assessment Dollars From The Province Should Go To Saving Transit Service

The president of the union for city transit workers believes the influx of an additional 5 million dollars from the provincial tax assessment should be used to save transit service.

Ten employees will be laid off, five workers will see their hours reduced, and 20-thousand hours of service will be cut on Boxing Day due to tightening budgets.

Tom McGraw tells CHSJ News the union is trying to get the message out to Common Council and transit needs only 900-thousand dollars to maintain the current level of service.

He says 21 million dollars in gas tax funding could also be used to boost transit but it been earmarked for water projects.

The Commute Will Be Easier Tonight

The trek across the Harbour Bridge will be even easier this afternoon.
The eastbound Chesley Drive on-ramp is open to traffic once again.

Work continues on the area of the former toll plaza and is scheduled to be completed in the next few weeks.

Earlier this month,  the west bound lanes of the Harbour Bridge re-opened after being closed since the spring for a major overhaul.

At the time, Transportation Minister Claude Williams told CHSJ News the bridge project is on budget and he remains confident the east bound lanes will be completed during the construction season next year.

Overnight Parking Restrictions Begin Tomorrow

Here's a reminder that winter is coming  -- overnight parking restrictions will be in effect tomorrow and ending March 31st.

For most of the City, there is absolutely no on-street parking between midnight and 7 a.m.

City spokesperson Leah Fitzgerald tells CHSJ News there are exceptions, like in the lower west side, north end, and the Mount Pleasent area.
 
The South Central Peninsula works on a year-round alternate side parking arrangement outside of a snow ban.

The Saint John Parking Commission is also offering a new online parking space matching service.

The site will match residents with property owners with available off-street parking spots.  It will launch in the coming days.

For more information on parking restrictions, click here.

For information on the matching service, click here.

Anti-Nuclear Groups Gear Up For Lepreau Hearing

NB Power wants the operating licence for the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant to be extended by five years. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission will be in town for two days of hearings into the application  beginning tomorrow morning at the Delta

Larry Lack of the Lepreau Decommissioning Coalition says the relationship between the regulator and the nuclear industry is too cosy and they're turning a blind eye to any concerns.

The Conservation Council is also warning the next significant earthquake in the province is expected to be in the area of Passamaquoddy Bay. The anti-nuclear groups are calling for a rigorous environmental assessment along with a Royal Commission into the future of the nuclear industry.

Michel Duguay has a Ph.D in nuclear physics and used to be an advocate of nuclear power but now says a much better bet would be to invest taxpayer dollars in wind energy because that's where alot of private investment is headed.

He maintains wind power from the Gulf of St. Lawrence has the same potential to generate as much energy as Saudi Arabia does with oil.

Dr. Gordon Edwards is President of the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility and warns an industrial accident at Lepreau would devastate the provincial economy. He also brands the refurbishment of Point Lepreau with the delays and cost overruns "incompetent.

A public forum on nuclear power is being held tonight at the Fort Howe Hotel starting at 7:30.

More Layoffs In City

The Saint John economy will be taking another hit over the next several months with 78 layoffs at Irving Oil.

The company says the workers are losing their jobs because the finance and I-T departments are being consolidated into one division. 

Irving Oil President Mike Ashar recently told CHSJ News the refining business was going through a down cycle.

These job losses follow the recent announcement at Moosehead about 27 administrative jobs being eliminated.

West Side Fire May Have Been Deliberately Set

The cause of a fire at a building owned by Saint John Non-Profit Housing on the lower west side is believed to be suspicious. 

Fire Crews were called to 182 Rodney Street West shortly after 7 last night.

District Chief Peter Saab says there was heavy fire coming from the rear of the building which then spread to the roof. 

Firefighters spent three hours at the scene to make sure all the hot spots on the roof were extinguished.

10 people have been forced out of their apartments because of the damage.

Sea Dogs Take Part In Raise The Roof

The Sea Dogs will be donning red toques to help out homeless youth here and across the country.

80 per cent of the of the proceeds will go to Saint John Youth House, a planned housing facility for homeless and at-risk youth and the rest will help support initiatives across the country.

Colin McDonald, Project Coordinator for Saint John Youth House says the campaign brings added financial resources to address an important issue in this community and raises awareness about youth homelessness in Saint John.

Members of the Sea Dogs will be presented with the toques at Harbour Station tomorrow afternoon at 3pm.

Students Protest Lack of Quiet Study Spaces at UNB Saint John

UNB Saint John students are making some noise about too much noise

3rd year student Samantha Tinker is petitioning the university to decrease the amount of noise at the new commons building or to provide more quiet study spaces.

Tinker tells CHSJ News finding a place to study shouldn't be a hassle as she is paying thousands of dollars to get a quality education.

Grad student Jonathan Simmons signed the petition because the new commons building has become too much of a social hub and a lack of quiet spaces can really hurt grades.

Tinker says the school has increased the hours of the commons building to provide more study time but that is not what she is after.

She expects to have a few hundred signatures by the end of the day and suggests that the Ward Chipman Library be re-opened as a study area.

Watermain Break On City Road

City crews are working to fix a watermain break on City road near Stanley Street.
A crew was called in about 11:30 this morning to respond to the watermain break and the section of pipe has been isolated.

It should take most of the day to fix.
Saint John Water responds to approximately 70 breaks in the drinking water distribution system every winter.

Salvation Army Trumpeter On King Street

Walkers on King Street today treated to some Christmas classics while the Salvation Army fundraises for the annual red kettle campaign.

Pregnancy Committee Using Video & Social Media To Reach Teens

You can't return a baby and babies are a lifelong contract--that's the message in a new campaign put on by the Greater Saint John Teen Pregnancy Committee.
It features a Facebook page and locally produced videos featuring local teens.
Chair Penny Higdon tells CHSJ News Saint John has the highest teen pregnancy rate in the province and it's almost double the national rate.

She thinks involving teens in the process might be a better strategy than always having adults talk about it.
19-year-old Sarah Woodword is featured in one of the videos and become involved through the Teen Resource Centre.

She found it emotionally and physically difficult to be around crying babies adding something you can't soothe a baby even if it's your own.
Higdon says the Committee's vision is a future where pregnancies are planned and desired and happen at a time when it will not limit future opportunities.

To see the video, click here

New Plan On Recreation In The City For The Next Generation

If you have an interest in recreation and parks, you can have your say in developing a strategic plan for the future at the Lily Lake Pavilion tomorrow.

Over 200 community and recreation groups have been invited to take part.

City planner Sara Herring tells CHSJ News the city has too many recreation facilities for the size of the population and with budget constraints, it's becoming harder to maintain all of them so there will have to be some streamlining.

She says recreation needs in the future will change as well because of an aging population.
 
There is an open house and workshop being held from 4:30 until 8:00 tomorrow.

Retirement Age Needs To Be Increased To Fight Pension Deficits

President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business Catherine Swift says more steps need to be taken by our city and others who are struggling with huge pension deficits.

She tells CHSJ News retirement ages need to be increased in the public sector because people are living longer and pensions were not built to be paid out 30 years after retirement.

She says another big step is to move away from defined benefit plans and switch to combination plans that do not punish the retiree excessively.

Our Listeners Do Not Want More VLT's

Our Facebook friends taking issue with the Atlantic Lottery Corporation's plan to add another 75 video lottery machines in province.

Tarah says this is why Facebook needs a dislike button adding it's everyone's choice to gamble but, the need for one at every street corner is ridiculous.

Aimee says if taxes are constantly going up then why do we always seem to be getting less services for what we pay. She can't believe they would add more addicting machines just to line their own corporate pockets.  She says this is what the Occupy movement is all about--corporate greed.

Francina says it's a terrible thing to feel that the Government is so attached to a five letter word called "greed".

Join the conversation on our Facebook page, click here

Bus Strike Looms Larger

Acadien Bus Lines in this province and Prince Edward Island could be hit by a strike Friday morning at 6:30.
   
Local 1229 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, representing bus drivers, mechanics and customer service reps, is reporting members have voted 88 per cent to reject the company's latest contract offer. 

The union withdrew a strike notice last week so that Acadian Lines could present a new proposal but the president of local 1229 Glen Carr says it's obvious the company's latest offer was put together quickly.
   

More Video Lottery Terminals For Province

More video lottery terminals could be set up in the province because of falling revenues from the V-L-T's which fell to 91 million dollars in 2010-2011 from 100 million a year earlier. 

The Atlantic Lottery Corporation wants to install up to 75 more V-L-T's in the province.
    
Bids have been opened for the operation of three new gaming sites. Two of them in Saint John and the other one would be in Fredericton. 

City Loses Garbage Truck In Blaze

A garbage compactor going up in smoke early this morning at the City's repair and maintenance building on Rothesay Avenue known as the City Barns. 

There was heavy smoke emanating from the cab portion of the garbage truck when fire crews arrived. 

The sprinkler system was activated and the building, itself, sustained what is termed signifcant smoke and water damage. 

The garbage truck is a complete loss.

Snook Upset Over Lack Of Details On New Government System

A lot of talk and emotion in council chambers as council got briefed on what goes into a standing committee style of government.

Council is contemplating on making the switch, which would have various councillors sitting on 5 major committees that deal with major issues like transportation and city growth.

Councillor Donnie Snook was upset because he wanted more information before moving forward.

He say he wants to know how transparent and accessible the new form of government would be for citizens.

He adds it's ironic that the new system is being touted as more transparent for everyone yet he is lacking key details about the process.

Council voted in favour of asking representatives from the city of Fredericton to make a presentation to the city as it currently uses a standing committee system.

Councillor and Mayor Get Into Spat

Some verbal sparring taking place between Councilor Bill Farren and Mayor Ivan Court.

Court took umbrage over Farren's comment that if the Mayor gets to appoint which councillor heads each of the standing committees, it would be "kingdom building."

Court told Farren that if he can't respect the chair of the meeting, then he could leave the chambers.

Farren countered that the Mayor should show respect as well and they can talk about that issue right now.

Court told Farren they should go outside but both ended up staying put.

Partnership Puts University Students And Young Learners Together

Hazen White-St. Francis and UNB Saint John forming a promise partnership that will see the older students mentoring the young.
Principal Jennifer Carhart tells CHSJ News the funding is provided by the province and it will allow the UNB Saint John students spending one hour a week with the younger kids.

She says they also acquired funding to hire two teachers to work with the students as they transition to high school to make sure they graduate.

Emera Brunswick Pipeline will cover the cost of tuition, room and board for the Hazen White-St. Francis students to attend university.

Duplexes Needed In The City

The city's Commissioner of Planning and Development Ken Forrest says we need more duplexes and semi-detached homes in order to grow.

He says since the city has the highest average housing prices in the province, those kinds of homes will be in demand. 
He adds that kind of housing stock is practically non-existent in the city and we will need it to address affordability issues. 

In contrast, he says over 30 percent of the housing starts in Moncton are duplexes.

Standoff in St. Stephen Last Night

 Last night, St. Stephen RCMP responding to a Mayfield home on a report of a man uttering threats.

One person was able to leave the home safely, but a man locked himself inside with a weapon.

The RCMP’s Emergency Response Team responded and after nearly four hours they were able to arrest a man without incident.

A 30-year-old man faces charges but no one was hurt in the incident.

Woman Hit By Steamroller

A woman in her 30s suffering serious injuries to her lower body after being hit by a steam roller.

She was working as a flag person at the time of the incident near the corner of Lewisville and Shediac roads in Moncton.

WorkSafe NB is looking into what happened.
 

Dinner Aims To Attract Women To Skilled Trades

Young women in grades 9 through 12 are invited to attend a dinner promoting careers where women are often under-represented such as the skilled trades.

It's happening on Thursday night at the New Brunswick Community College campus on Grandview Ave.  

It's hoped the event will foster a positive environment in which young women can meet with tradeswomen in the community.
The students will have a chance to learn about each mentor's career journey and experiences.

If you want to attend or know someone who does: 

call Mélanie Gallagher at 506-453-8126.

Use Patience When Driving This Winter

"Be Patient" that's the advice of the RCMP when it comes to driving this time of year.
Constable Jay Doiron of the Codiac RCMP tells CHSJ News the best things drivers can do is slow down in winter conditions.

He says they encourage motorists to drive for the conditions which might be slower than the posted speed limit.

Doiron says drivers can face a fines of $172.50 and a charge of undue care and attention if their actions cause an accident that could have been avoided if they were driving slower.

Cirque Du Soleil Returns Next Year

If you want to hear a squeal Christmas morning, tickets to Cirque Du Soleil could do the trick.

The latest show called Dralion is coming to Harbour Station next May in 8 performances.

More than 8 million people worldwide have seen the show since it premiered in 1999.
Dralion is the fusion of ancient Chinese circus traditions and the avant-garde style of Cirque du Soleil with the dragon, representing the East, and the lion, representing the West.

The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, gymnasts, musicians, singers and comedic characters.    Tickets go on sale this Saturday.

For more info:   click here here

Anti-Shale Gas Petition To Be Presented In Legislature

The Conservation Council is calling it one of the largest petition campaigns it has been involved with in its 42 years of existence.

A petition, started last spring, has gathered 15 thousand names calling on the Provincial Government to abandon plans for shale gas exploration and development. 

The Conservation Council's Stephanie Merrill tells CHSJ News the Alward Government seems intent on pressing ahead because of what it sees as the economic windfall for a province in dire financial straits. 

The opponents claim any economic benefits could be offset by problems with drinking water, damage to roads or to peoples' health.
 
The petition, itself, will be presented in the Legislature, ironically, by a Conservative M-L-A, Kirk MacDonald of York North.

Fists Fly At Hampton Arena

 Punches being thrown Sunday at the Hampton Arena after two spectators got into it.

RCMP arriving on the scene about 1:30 in the afternoon to find two men hitting each other.
One man is from Hampton and the other from St. George and he left with a broken nose.

The Mounties tell us charges are possible.

Bullying Appears To Be Down In School District 8

The number of reported cases of bullying is down in School District 8.

Learning specialist Jill Jollineau says the district has begun hammering home the message in kindergartern about what constitutes acceptable behaviour with the belief, the earlier you do this, the better

She feels they're making inroads in tackling the problem although it's alot tougher to guage the psychological impact when the bullying does not involve physical injuries.

Jollineau tells CHSJ News there should be no confusion about the policy and consequences which are, in her view, clear.

City Police have said they would like to see more consistency in how that policy is interpreted and acted upon by the various schools around the district.

City to Get Millions of Dollars From Gas Tax Fund

Common Council meets tonight and will be hearing from Cherry Brook Zoo which will be looking for some funding from the city next year, the River Road Community Alliance on efforts to make that part of the city safer and the Saint John Community Arts Board which will be reporting on the state of the arts in the city. 

Common Council has also heard from Local Government Minister Bruce Fitch that the city will receive 21 million dollars from the Gas Tax fund to help pay for 28 million dollars worth of projects which include the installation of new water transmission lines under the Reversing Falls Bridge.

Cyber Monday Shoppers Should Be Wary Of Fraud

Many in greater Saint John will be shopping in their p.j.'s today hoping to take advantage of Cyber Monday deals.
The online shopping phenomenon is growing in popularity with 52 per cent of Canadians more aware of it this year than last.
Nicky Mezo of PayPal tells CHSJ News in addition to using different passwords for banking, shopping and email, Cyber Monday shoppers should update their security as well.

She says your should make sure your computer is updated with the latest anti-virus software and your internet browser is also up to date.

Mezo says shoppers should be aware of online scams and keep an eye out for phishing emails which are often fraudulent and often come with the words "urgent" and "act now" in the subject line.

For more info:  click here

Canadian Services CEO Says NB Won't Be Able To Sell Blood

The CEO of Canadian Blood Services wants to dispel further misinformation about its decision to move a blood production lab to Darthmouth.

Dr. Graham Sher tells CHSJ News the idea that the province can establish its own blood system and sell products to the U.S. is incorrect because there is simply no market for it in the U.S.
 
Sher says according to a third party study, it would cost New Brunswick up to 40 million dollars to run its own system.

Stonehammer Geopark Gets International Recognition

Stonehammer Geopark is hammering home New Brunswick's status as a national tourism destination. The park showcasing the fossils and unique geology of the region spans more than 2,500 square kilometres. On Thursday, it received the national tourism association's Deloitte Award for Innovator of the Year.

Chair Bill Merrifield says that the park's unique appeal lies in its diversity. Every site offers something new from a geological perspective, he says--and you can see it all in a day.

The award is given out to tourism or business organizations that develop the most innovative product. The 2,500 square kilometer park includes more than 60 major geological sites across Southern New Brunswick, ranging from Lepreau Falls, Norton, the Irving Nature Park, and the Fundy Trail.

Red Cross Disaster Response Team Seeking Volunteers

The Canadian Red Cross wants you to join its disaster response team for the greater Saint John area.

The organization trains members of the public to emergency situations. Volunteers are on call for a few days each month to assist people who need help. That could mean arranging emergency shelter, clothing, food or other support for folks affected by disasters.

An information session will be held Monday evening from 6:30 to 7:30 at the Red Cross office at 70 Landsdowne Avenue.

According to Red Cross disaster associate Mark Belliveau, it'll be a great opportunity to learn more abut what the service does locally, and how you can  volunteer.