Cardy Slams Provincial Liberals

As the provincial liberals call for an economic summit and accuse the Conservatives of not doing enough for job creation, Provincial NDP Leader Dominic Cardy fires back saying they need to get their facts in order--because they shouldn't be talking about having a summit until they've actually engaged in a sustained development plan.

Cardy says a summit is just icing on the cake--what's more important is an actual plan to get things accomplished. He says the New Democrats are a constructive opposition who's been doing more than just talking about creating new jobs, and looking at best practices internationally. Further, Cardy says the liberals just want to perpetuate the cycle of patronage that keeps them in business.

Driver Gets Huge Fine in Rothesay

A driver has a big bill to pay after speeding through a construction zone on Highway 1 near Rothesay at 150 kilometres an hour--80 kilometres above the posted limit.

RCMP, Rothesay Regional Police and the Province's Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers snagging the leadfoot in a blitz on Highway 1 near Rothesay on Thursday.

67 speeding tickets and 15 tickets for not wearing a seatbelt were handed out over the two day blitz.

Former Councillor Felt "Handcuffed" Once Defamation Lawsuit Began

Common Councilor John Ferguson says once the city's pension board started initiated a defamation lawsuit against him, he found it extremely difficult tackle his issues with pension plan.

He said he felt handcuffed as a councillor once legal proceedings began and any questions he had about the pension plan got tied up in legal issues.

He says he was shocked that the board was suing him for defamation.

Ferguson also told the court that his criticisms towards the pension plan and early retirement packages were aimed at council and not the pension board as it is council that approves policy.

It's A Race For Mayor Here Too

Interesting races are shaping up in the outskirts this year where the Mayors of Quispamsis, Rothesay and Hampton could change and the Mayor of Sussex will definitely be a new face.

Kathyrn Hanson is challenging Bill Bishop for mayor in Rothesay and Beth Fitzpatrick is going up against incumbant Murray Driscoll in Quispamsis.

Current Sussex Mayor Ralph Carr is running as a councillor so Shelley Bradley or Marc Thorne will be the new face of Dairytown.

It's a two man race of Mayor in Hampton between Hugh Baird and Ken Chorley.
For more info, click here for Sussex. 

Click here for Hampton.

Click here for Rothesay.

Click here  for Quispamsis.

Investigators Look Into Inteplast Blaze

A fire in the ventilation system at the Inteplast Bag and Film Corporation had crews busy over the lunch hour.
 
District Fire Chief Joe Armstrong tells CHSJ News the call came in as a fire alarm activation but was upgraded to a structure fire.

The fire was attacked from the roof and knocked down.
He says investigators are on scene and it appears the fire began in a peice of machinery which caused plastic and other debris to catch on fire.

Armstrong says the building was evacuated when they arrived the company has a fire marshall on site and a good fire plan.

A Large & Diverse Group Aims To Lead Saint John

It's a diverse and full field of candidates in the Port City hoping to take part in Monday night council meetings.

Four men hope to be the Mayor including incumbant Ivan Court, Mel Norton, Matt Thompson and Joe Callaghan.

6 people are vying for the Councillors at Large positions:  Shelley Rinehart, John Campbell, Shirley McAlary, Mary Ellen Carpenter, Mike Sheppard and Jason Robertson.

Ward 3 incumbant Donnie Snook will be on the ballot after all and be campaigning against Chris Belyea, Allen Leslie, Patrick McCaffrey, Donna Reardon and a familliar name-Albert Vincent.  Graeme Stewart-Robertson has switched from the Mayor's race to Ward 3.

Ward 1 incumbants Bill Farren and Peter McGuire are re-offering and battling Blake Armstrong, Ed Hoyt, Greg Norton and Al Vienneau.

Ward 2 has Susan Fullerton, Morgan Lanigan, John MacKenzie along with incumbants Patty Higgins and Gary Sullivan.
Four new faces hope to represent Ward 4, Mark Leblanc, David Merrithew, Ray Strowbridge and Scott Wadell.

To see the list, click here

Weston Confirms Closure Of SJ Immigration Office

By June 1st, the Federal immigration office in Saint John will be closed.     Saint John and Moncton's offices are being consolidated into one office in Fredericton due to cuts coming down from Ottawa.
 
Saint John MP Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News he disagrees with Councillor at Large candidate John Campbell's assessment that this move will hinder development in Saint John.

He suggests the candidate should contact his office directly to talk about the situation because the immigration centre here did not see clients.

Weston says the June closure of the Saint John office will impact four employees.

Candidates Come For Forward As Deadline Nears

Are you in or are you out?  That's the question as the deadline passes for candidates hoping to run in the municipal election.

Here in Saint John, it's a four way race for Mayor with Ivan Court, Mel Norton, Matt Thompson and Joe Callaghan.

6 people are vying for the Councillors at Large positions:  Shelley Rinehart, John Campbell, Shirley McAlary, Mary Ellen Carpenter, Mike Sheppard and Jason Robertson.

Ward 3 incumbant Donnie Snook will be on the ballot after all and be campaigning against Christie Belyea, Allen Leslie, Patrick McCaffrey, Donna Reardon and a familliar name from years gone by, Albert Vincent. 
As he promised, Graeme Stewart-Robertson has switched from the Mayor's race to seeking a seat in Ward 3.

Ward 1 incumbants Bill Farren and Peter McGuire would like their seats back, they will be battling Blake Armstrong, Ed Hoyt, Greg Norton and Al Vienneau.

Ward 2 has Susan Fullerton, Morgan Lanigan, John MacKenzie along with incumbants Patty Higgins and Gary Sullivan.

In East Saint John, four new faces hope to represent Ward 4: Mark Leblanc, David Merrithew, Ray Strowbridge and Scott Wadell.

For more info, click here

Q-Plex To Host One Of Its Largest Events

Its a first for the Q-Plex with Valley Expo this weekend and it's being described as one of the largest events to be staged there.

Denise Miller of Master Promotions tells CHSJ News there will be nearly 100 exhibitors displaying everything from home building and renovation products, landscaping and gardening to sports and recreation including motorcycles and marine Products.

Miller also says the "y" will be on hand to keep your children busy while you have a look around.

The hours are from 10 to 6 on Saturday and 10 to 4 on Sunday.

Superintendent Not Sure If Major Budget Cuts Are Coming

The Superintendent for School District 8 is unsure how the upcoming school budget will take shape.

Michael Butler tells CHSJ News there should be some savings from the planned amalgamation of districts but the province was also planning to cut another 2 percent from the budget.

He says that has yet to be made official.

He adds there is some good news -- he expects to be receiving more resources for early literacy and inclusion.

The budget will be revealed in a few weeks.

Fire Knocked Down In East Saint John

Some equipment is being released at the scene of a noon hour fire in an East Saint John industrial park.

Crews responding to a fire in the roof at Inteplast Bags and Film Corporation on Industrial Drive.

The fire has been knocked down.

City Fire Crews Battling Blaze at Industrial Park

Crews are on the scene at a fire in the Grandview Industrial Park at Inteplast Bags and Film Corporation on Industrial Drive.

The fire is in the roof area.

City police are doing traffic control in the area.

Snook Reoffers As Filing Deadline Aproaches

The field of candidates for Saint John is becoming clear as the deadline to file is at 2 o'clock today.

So far it's a four way race for Mayor with Ivan Court, Mel Norton, Matt Thompson and Joe Callaghan.
 
6 people are vying for the Councillors at Large positions:  Shelley Rinehart, John Campbell, Shirley McAlary, Mary Ellen Carpenter and Mike Sheppard.

Ward 3 incumbant Donnie Snook will be on the ballot after all and be campaigning against Christie Belyea, Allen Leslie, Patrick McCaffrey, Donna Reardon and a familliar name from years gone by-Albert Vincent.

Ward 1 incumbants Bill Farren and Peter McGuire would like their seats back, they will be battling Blake Armstrong, Ed Hoyt, Greg Norton and Al Vienneau.

Ward 2 has Susan Fullerton, Morgan Lanigan, John MacKenzie along with incumbants Patty Higgins and Gary Sullivan.

In East Saint John, four new faces hope to represent Ward 4: Mark Leblanc, David Merrithew, Ray Strowbridge and Scott Wadell.

Defamation Trial Told Pension Deficit Is Nearly Catastrophic

Former Common Councillor John Ferguson defends his comparison of Saint John's pension woes with those of San Diego which the Pension Board claims is defamatory.

Ferguson told the defamation trial the pension plan in San Diego was not properly funded and neither was Saint John's with the city not making its contributions in 2004 and 2005.
 
In San Diego there was a lawsuit launched by some of the pension plan members which resulted in a 178 million dollar settlement.
 
As for his reference to a desperate gambler, Ferguson says he was talking about Common Council transferring the financial burden of early retirements to the city's pension plan when it was tanking.
 
Ferguson also testified about a nasty meeting of Vision 2015 that was held.

Ferguson told the court then Pension Board member and Common Councillor Glen Tait didn't call him a scumbag at that meeting......That happened later during a Council meeting, but did tell him to bite his "arse".

Ferguson found out, just before that meeting, the Pension Board was told it would have to lower its rate of return assumption which would result in a significant increase in the pension's plan's deficit.
 
Ferguson also denies grandstanding, telling the jury he was concerned about the rising deficit with the pension plan which he says is now to the point of being catastrophic.

Harbour Bridge Work Facing Delay

The final phase of the 35-million dollar upgrade of the Harbour Bridge has hit a financial pothole -- and -- that may mean a delay in the start of work.
The main contractor U-S-L Concrete went into receivership last month - but - Transportation Minister Claude Williams says his department has a performance bond in place and his people are talking with the receiver to ensure either U-S-L or another contractor finishes the work.
Williams admits those talks may delay Monday's scheduled closure of the east bound lanes and start of work - however - he maintains the work will be completed this year.
U-S-L Concrete is also working on the One Mile Interchange project and the Transportation Minister says it will be completed as scheduled later this year.

John Ferguson Defamation Trial

Saint John Street Said To Be Among Worst In Region

Rothesay Avenue has made the top ten in the Canadian Automobile Association's list of the worst roads in Atlantic Canada. 

The campaign runs until April 24th and Rothesay Avenue is currently ranked as the 7th worst road according to those drivers who have responded to the survey.

www.atlantic.caa.ca/worstroads 

Coast Guard Rescue Off Grand Manan

The Coast Guard Rescue Centre in Halifax tells CHSJ News of a rescue in the waters northeast of Grand Manan early yesterday morning. 

Two crew members were found in a life raft after their boat the "Lady Murtle" caught on fire. 

The two were then picked up by the 'Ocean Provider" and taken to Blacks Harbour where they're in good shape all things considered. 

The fishing boat that caught fire was also brought there.

Ferguson Doesn't Back Down At Defamation Trial

Former Common Councillor John Ferguson testifies at his defamation trial about the infamous conversation he had with a Pension Board member about disability after the Mayor's breakfast at the City Market.



Ferguson says he asked David Gould, the former President of the outside workers union and then Pension Board trustee about the high expense of disability. Ferguson told the jury Gould explained when workers who were on sick leave and approaching retirement, they were boarded. He asked if it was illegal and Gould told him it was but compared it to drinking and driving but people do it everyday.
Ferguson also testified Common Council didn't know what to do about the pension plan's deficit in 2005 and it was always suggested taxpayers would have to pay but he did not have confidence in senior city staff who were on the Pension Board because of the conflict of interest and their own admission of not being experts on pensions.


Ferguson revealed he got legal advice from lawyer Arthur Doyle, who specialises in securities, and also heard from the President of the Saint John Construction Association Pat Darrah.
 
 It was after what they told him that Ferguson made the statement about there being damning evidence of gross negligence which he still stands buy. He also stands by his claim the Pension Board walked away from recovering money through the misapplication of disability and Common Council simply didn't have enough information.

Nominations Fast And Furious At Elections NB

Expect a flurry of activity at the Elections NB office as the deadline for nominations approaches in the May vote.

Paul Harpelle tells CHSJ News they have over 800 nominations so far in the province and over the last few days, hundreds have been filed.

He adds back in 2008, over 300 nominations were filed in the last two days adding a lot of people wait until the last moment in order to size up the competition.

The deadline is tomorrow afternoon 2pm.

Biggar May Bring Home ECMA Hardware

A Saint John entertainer will be busy with several performances around Moncton for this weekend's East Coast Music Awards.

Mike Biggar tells CHSJ News he is nominated in the Gospel Recording of the Year category.

He says it's for his Christmas record "The Season" that came out last year.

He tells us he is unveiling his new band the Big Country Breakfast at some of the performances this weekend and performing with Matt Anderson.

Tonight at 6, Biggar takes the stage at the Music New Brunswick showcase at the Tide and Bore.  At 9 tonight, he plays the ECMA members lounge in the Delta.

Tomorrow night, Mike Biggar and the Big Country Breakfast play the Country music showcase at the Manhattan.

Dental Society Say Province Is Stalling Contract Talks

The New Brunswick Dental Society is firing back at the Social Development Minister.

Sue Stutlz recently put the blame on dentists for holding up services for the poor due to stalled contract negotiations between dentists and province -- people on social assistance get subsidized dental care but dentists says reimbursement rates need to go up due to increase costs.

Dental Society President Dr. Kent Orlando tells CHSJ News the 70 percent reimbursement rate is unsustainable and they want the rate to increase to 85 percent.

He says the group has been trying to negotiate new contract for over a year and it is up to the province to figure out what it wants to provide to its clients.  He says it's the government that is stalling the process.

He adds no dentist wants to see a patient in pain and while there is no contract at the moment, dental work is being done.  However, payments are handled between the province and the client.

Fullerton Running In Ward 2

She's not political but she's so frustrated and furious she's running in Ward 2 to make a difference.

Business owner Susan Fullerton tells CHSJ News the City must immediately cancel spending on public art.

She says the City is spending its money like drunken sailors adding if you can't afford to buy bread and milk then you can't afford to buy art.

Fullerton says common council needs to have a backbone adding she doesn't think people really understand the level of mess that Saint John is in.

Campaign Launched To Remake Playground In Rothesay

A new playground at Rothesay Elementary School won't come cheap.

The estimated cost exceeds 626 thousand dollars for what is being called a natural playground that bears a striking resemblance to a park.

Amanda Fowlie of the Playground Committee tells CHSJ News there are more benefits for the children with such a setting which allows them to better use their imaginations. She's also making the claim it will reduce or even eliminate bullying.

Fowlie says the goal is to make it a community playground but she concedes there is not a lot of funding available from School District 6 because of the tight budgets these days.
 
She has been told by Rothesay Town Council to first approach Rothesay M-L-A and cabinet minister Margaret Ann Blaney to see what she has to say.

John Ferguson Defamation Trial

Entrace And Parking At Regional Hospital To Return to Original Locations

With the completion of the new emergency department, the main entrance and the parking lot at the Regional Hospital will be returning to its old locations.

The entrance will now be located off Tucker Park Road and the parking lot will also be returning to the front of the main entrance.

The change over will be finalized on April 15th.

Drivers Who Have To Fill Up Get A Price Break

For a change, there has been a drop in gas prices after the weekly setting. 

Self serve regular in the city is now being sold for $1.38.3 a litre, a drop of just over one and a half cents but diesel has gone down by over two cents a litre to an even $1.36. 

Heating oil also declining by a couple of cents to $1.19.4 a litre and the listed price for propane is virtually unchanged at $1.04.8 a litre.

Anti-Homophobic Policies Needed In Schools

While bullying at school has been in the spotlight lately, a specific kind of bullying also needs to be dealt with according to one educator.

Shawn Corey is the co-founder of Pride in Education, which is calling for anti-homophobic policies and education programs to be adopted in New Brunswick Schools.

He says regular anti-bullying initiatives just don't cut it because suicide is the leading cause of death for sexual-minority youth and they are 7 times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual peers.

He believes the issue of anti-gay bullying needs to be addressed specifically and School District 10 is the only one in the province to formally adopt anti-homophobia policy.

Corey gave a presentation to the the District 8 Education Council -- it will be writing a letter to the Minister of Education supporting such policies if adopted.

Ferguson Finally Testifies

After over 40 days of testimony, John Ferguson finally took to the stand at his defamation trial this afternoon. His lawyer, Rod Gillis, had the former common councillor outline legal battle has effected him, before launching into the pension debacle.

Ferguson said the trial has been “difficult,” and effected his job as as St Stephen's chief administrative officer. He said the town gave him 6 weeks paid leave to attend the trial, but as it drew on it came out of his vacation time. He says with 3 young children, one of whom has Down's Syndrome, the trial has presented challenges to his family life. Later on Ferguson appealed to the jury saying he was just as overwhelmed by data as they while he was on council.

Later on, Ferguson called the information former Finance Commissioner Andrew Beckett's provided to councillors on the pension plan a basic overview that didn't much help his understanding. He said Beckett's presentation glossed over the problems, and he felt they needed more information from qualified professionals to back up their actions. He felt uncomfortable simply following recommendations from staff and waiting because he felt councillors weren't adequately protected in case things went wrong.

Mayoral Candidate Decides To Run For Council Instead

The political race for mayor and council has taken a new twist -- Graeme Stewart-Robertson has decided to pursue a spot on Common Council rather than the mayor's seat.

He tells CHSJ News he feels he can make the most impact as a city councillor by being able to make motions and make submissions.

He says the slew of candidates could lead to a very productive council.

He adds he initially ran for Mayor because no one else had thrown their hat into the ring.

Man Dies Near Passekeag Today

A 58 year old man died after a single vehicle crash this morning on the Passekeag Road.

RCMP found a vehicle on its roof in a wooded area next to the road about 9:40 this morning.

The driver, who was the only person in vehicle, died at the scene and he was wearing a seatbelt at the time.

Police Commission Willing To Help Out With Possible Communication Issue

With the police union accusing the Chief of Police of being uncooperative and non-communicative with its members, where does that leave the police commission?

Commission Chairman Chris Waldschutz tells CHSJ News he is willing to hear from all sides and moves things forward if necessary.

But he adds the issue may not be so cut and dry as every side to the story has a certain degree of spin.

Uptown Business Closing Next Month

After 28 years in operation including 20 years on King Street, an Uptown business is closing its doors for a few reasons.
 
Pictures Plus owner Diana Alexander tells CHSJ News she's is approaching retirement and she also learned of a 40 per cent increase in her rent starting April 1st.

She says it would take a year or two to sell it and moving to a new location would cost up to $30,000 to do it well so she decided it was time to retire and the store will close for good at the end of May.

Alexander adds she wasn't pleased when the City increased parking rates and fees uptown adding it sends the wrong message to consumers.

Rothesay Gets Glowing Report On Its Finances

The town of Rothesay is in solid financial shape.......That word delivered to town council by its auditors and the timing couldn't be better for Mayor Bill Bishop who's running for re-election. 

The town's debt servicing ratio is 6.6 per cent which is lower than the provincial average of 11.3 per cent and the Mayor says the town is also in good shape with it somes to its pension liability, especially as compared to other municipalities.
 
The auditors report the town's revenues are continuing to increase because of growth which they warn will have to be managed. 

Town Council has been told a fifth building being proposed for Marr Road and Hampton Road has been put on hold pending a traffic study.

City Solicitor Finishing Up Gruelling Cross Examination

City Solicitor John Nugent coming under fire at the defamation trial of former Common Councillor John Ferguson. 

His lawyer Rod Gillis suggested the changes being proposed now to the city's pension plan could have been made back in 2003 but that would have adversely affected Nugent's own pension and that of then City Manager Terry Totten.

Nugent revealing the Superintendent of Pensions still hasn't signed off on those recommended changes. He's also unsure whether the M-L-A who had agreed to sponsor a private members bill to make the changes is still prepared to do so. Nugent couldn't give Gillis an answer when asked if all the civic unions are on board.

The jury has seen video of a Common Council meeting that shows other Council members were also concerned about the early retirement buyouts and city pension plan.

Then Common Councillor Ivan Court is shown agreeing with some of the things Ferguson was saying about the cost of the early retirement packages. 

Councillor Bill Farren expresses support for Ferguson saying there was mass confusion, mixed messages, walls being put up and city staff not wanting to give information to the extent he was beginning to suspect things and those raising questions were accused of nit picking.

Mayor's Leadership Style Questioned

Mayor Ivan Court getting a bit of a critique of his leadership style as the May election approaches. Councillor Gary Sullivan motioned in common council the mayor's ability to vote be curtailed, allowing council to focus more on consensus building.

Councillor Mel Norton, who is running for mayor, suggested voters would appreciate a mayor who was listening impartially instead of always jumping into the fray.

Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase said while he's had a problem with Court's tact over the years, the mayor should be able to express his opinion on the issues.

SJ Energy Gives $50K To NBCC

Higher learning in greater Saint John receiving a nice shot in the arm from Saint John Energy.
 
The company is donating $50,000 the New Brunswick Community College over 5 years.

The money will be used to equip the multi-purpose Public Engagement Facility which will be in the new “E” Building at NBCC Saint John opening in September.
 
The building will offer students and staff hands-on workshops and professional development training and also be available to business and industry leaders.

 

Pedestrian Killed on Whitehead Island

District 1 RCMP Grand Manan are investigating a fatal pedestrian motor vehicle collision that occurred on April 10, 2012, at approximately 7:15 a.m., on White Head Island off the coast of grand Manan.

A 75-year-old man died as a result of the collision. Police are looking into what caused the crash.

New Home Construction Lagging

        New home construction remains flat in the greater Saint John area – the latest numbers from Canada Mortgage and Housing show five new units started last month down from 10-units in the same month last year.

         Overall – the federal housing agency reports new housing starts off by ten percent in the first quarter of this year compared to last year.

         Moncton remains the hotspot for new home construction with 110-new units under construction in the first quarter of this year compared to 13-last year.

John Ferguson Defamation Trial

Council Debates Options for Safe Water

Common council considering going for a public private partnership for the city's water. While the resource itself would stay in the public domain, City manager Pat Woods sugesting certain plants, distribution systems, and equipment be opened up to private hands as a way of generating revenue.



Mayor Ivan Court emphasized the city will always control its own water supply.


Patty Higgins says water provides big bucks to all levels of government and a public private partnership wouldn't be appropriate. Councillor Mel Norton disagreed, saying a P3 would bring us closer to safe, clean drinking water which is what the electorate wants.

West Side Businessman To Be Laid To Rest Friday

Funeral arrangements have been finalised for Andy Hughes, who owned and operated the Pet Corral stores on the west side and in Quispamsis. 

He died in an A-T-V crash over the Easter weekend. 

His funeral will be held 2:00 Friday afternoon at St. Mark's United Church on Dexter Drive.

Hughes is survived by his wife Carol and two daughters.

Core City Services Facing Cuts Without Changes To Pension Plan

We're looking at deep cuts to core services unless the province grants us pension reform.

That warning from City Manager Pat Woods, presenting a document to Common Council outlining what will happen if the city does have to face a $4 million dollar shortfall. 

If reform isn't approved, the city will be looking at more reductions to fire services, libraries, and roads.
 
Mayor Ivan Court emphasized that the city is actively working to finalize the needed reform, meaning most of the cuts likely won't happen.
 
Councillor Gary Sullivan referred to the review of core services as a "dark exercise"--but he and a number of councillors agreed that some of the cuts would make sense whether reform is granted or not. 

Woods is calling the review a balancing act between affordability for taxpayers and sustainabily for the beneficaries of the pension plan.

Rothesay Kids Aid Developing Nation

A group of local kids are reaching out to help kids overseas. Thirteen students from Rothesay high school will be traveling to the Dominican Republic to rebuild a school in the developing country. Heinz Schaerer is a proud papa who's helping to organize the trip.

He tells CHSJ News the school--which has 130 students--badly needs a helping hand. It's currently running out of a bus and two dilapitated buildings.

The kids at Rothesay have raised about $20,000 to fund the trip. They're holding their major fundraiser, called A Night at the Races, this coming Saturday in which attendees will bet funny money on pre-recorded horse races. There will also be a live and silent auction. 

For more information, contact RHS at  847-6244.

Saint John MP Says P3 Funding Is On Track For City

Saint John MP Rodney Weston is confident that Saint John will be able to secure funding for clean drinking water despite recent cuts in the federal budget.



Weston tells CHSJ News the committment to public-private partnership funding from the government has always been there and investing in infrastructure is a top priority because it pays off in the long run.

Weston says everything is on track with the city's P3 funding application and he is confident the city will secure the funding.

The Save The Paramount Project To Change Hands

Organizers of the Save the Paramount campaign are getting ready to pass the torch.

The board of Uptown Saint John has opted to look for another group or individual to take the project forward after being denied funding from the province and the feds.

Peter Asimakos of Uptown Saint John tells CHSJ News the money that was raised was a drop in the bucket compared to what was needed to refurbish the building--and unless the project gets more backing, the future is uncertain.

He says it could very well not happen and then it may happen and that will depend on what kind of support comes from the community.

Asimakos says the building is still structurally in great shape.
Uptown Saint John had proposed turning the building into a multi-purpose performing arts space.

Boil Water Order Rescinded

A Boil Water order for Milford Road and Francis Street has been rescinded.

Test results confirm the water at homes from 5 to 46 Milford Road and on 5, 20 and 22 Francis street is now safe to drink.

Residents who have been home for the past few days should run the water for washing and those who have been away should take a few minutes to flush out the water in your plumbing. 

Saint John Water recommends turning on each of the taps in your home for a few minutes.

Boucher Is New Y President and CEO

It's offical...Shiloh Boucher is the president and CEO of the Saint John Y.
She takes over for Pat Davis who passed away last year.
 
Boucher tells CHSJ News working with Pat taught her that little things make a difference.

She told her to take a moment to thank people and recognize them adding she also taught her how to fundraise which is crucial for the Y.

Boucher says there is no doubt having the Y in the North end will be transforming for the community adding they expect to add at least 40 to 50 jobs on top of the 120 employees they have now.

West Side Business Honours Deceased Owner

A tribute on the sign of the Pet Corral location on the Golden Mile in honour of owner Andy Hughes who died over the weekend.

Federal Labour Minister Pays A Visit

Federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt making a stop at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal -- she made a quick stop to talk about the federal government's economic action plan in the wake of the 2012 budget.

Raitt tells CHSJ News it's important to talk about efforts in building the economy in the wake of budget and job cuts.

She says speaking at a port holds significance as infrastructure money is available in the budget for ports to the tune of 27-million dollars.

She says Long-Term Disability Insurance has also received a 1.5 million dollar boost.

Construction Work on Broad Street Today

 Road work on Lower Cove Loop could slow you down today.

Crews are digging up a section of Broad Street as you make the turn from Crown Street up the hill.

Shale Gas Legal Challenge Won't Come Cheap

The Provincial Green Party is all for a court challenge to halt shale gas development being led by Hampton lawyer Dave Lutz. The problem is coming up with the 500 thousand dollars needed to mount such a legal battle.

Premier David Alward is promising regulations to safeguard the environment but that doesn't impress Green Party renewable energy advocate Rick Roth of Sussex who says all you have to do is look what has happened to the people who live in Penobsquis.

He also tells CHSJ News shale gas exploration with fracking is so new, there are no norms for safety.



Roth says the opponents of shale gas exploration are seeking for individual donations of at least 100 dollars.

Common Councillor Reveals Interest Charges On Pension Deficit

City taxpayers are being hit big time in just interest payments on the city's financially beleaguered pension plan. 

That word from Ward 2 Common Councillor Patty Higgins who tells CHSJ News Council was told the daily interest payments amounted to almost 40 thousand dollars a day when the deficit wasn't as high as it is now. 

Meantime, the defamation trial of former Common Councillor John Ferguson is heading into the home stretch. Testimony resumes tomorrow morning with City Solicitor John Nugent winding up his cross examination and then Ferguson will take the witness stand.

West Side Man Dies In A-T-V Crash

The owner of the Pet Corral stores died over the weekend in an A-T-V fatality on the west side at Riding Way and Millard Robson Lane.

Andy Hughes, who was in his forties, owned the Pet Corral for almost 18 years. 

Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised.

Real Estate Official Says Higher Land Transfer Tax Won't Hurt Sales