A Change Of Plan For Canadian Blood Services

Canadian Blood Services describe it it as an enhanced role for the province in the national blood system as it announces the establishment of its second contact centre at its building on University Avenue which will, by July of 2014, have 50 people, including 5 registered nurses taking calls about blood from across the country 7 days a week.

The blood agency had been talking about putting the building up for sale.

Chief Operating Officer Ian Mumford also says the blood itself will be kept there right across from the Regional Hospital. He believes that short proximity will allay the fears of the medical community about running short. In any event, Mumford says performance will be tracked with benchmarks and the results of how it's working will be transparent.

Happy Canada Day, Saint John!

Most of us are counting down the hours to the long weekend--and uptown Saint John is playing host to some major celebrations this year. 

The Market Square Boardwalk is in the middle of 145 hours of performances to celebrate Canada's 145th anniversary. Stephany Peterson of the Hardman Group tells CHSJ News a slew of bands will be playing including headliners Hawksley Workman, Mother Mother, and country and folk acts.

The Canada Day fireworks start July 1 on the boardwalk at 10:15pm. 

For a full schedule click here

Morrisdale Crash Update

No one was seriously hurt after a head-on crash on Route 102 in Morrisdale. Constable. Jason Myatt tells CHSJ news a woman was treated for minor injuries at the hospital and later released.

The crash happening around 5pm yesterday. Traffic was backed up in both directions for a significant amount of time.

Strikers Issue Warning to "Scabs"

"We'll remember your names"--that warning from school board worker president Brien Watson to workers that cross the picket line at Maritime Broadcasting. The school board workers president says he hopes the "scabs" realize they'll have a hard time getting union jobs down the line now that they've crossed the picket line at MBS.

 With Saint John MBS workers on their 5th day of strike action, a number of members of school board local 380 came down to the corner of Union and Sidney Streets to lend their support.

Watson says all 30,000 CUPE workers stand behind the striking employees--- and this will only escalate from here.

Two Vehicle Crash in Morrisdale

Traffic is moving again on Route 102 in Morrisdale after a head-on collision earlier this afternoon.

The jaws of the life were needed to remove two people from their vehicles.

No word yet on any injuries.
 

Funding Cuts Could Hurt Business

A place to live and work on the edge--that's how Enterprise Saint John wants people to see the Port City. But with core funding being cut by ACOA, General manager Steve Carson says they're looking at new ways to continue their mandate of retaining and attracting business investments to Saint John.

He says they'll make up the lost funding with a combination of other resources.

Carson says they're losing $240,000 as of May of next year, which is 15% of their total budget.

Meantime, it's expected the new Wal Mart in Lancaster Mall will be opening up its doors by late fall or early in 2013.

Crash Shuts Down Highway

All of Route 102 in Morrisdale is shut down due to a head on crash on the highway.

A caller to our CHSJ Newsroom tells us two cars were involved.

Fire, police and ambulance on the scene. Folks heading in either direction are advised to plan their routes accordingly.

City Crews Help With Moncton Spill

The Saint John Fire Department is helping out after a spill at the University of Moncton.

Two people were exposed in a chemical bunker behind the science building at the school.
 
They have not been sent to hospital and the chemical involved has not been determined.
 
CHSJ News learning there are road closures in the area because of the incident.

The crews from Saint John were requested by the Province's Deputy Fire Marshall.

Three vehicles have been sent to Moncton with 13 personnel including the Regional Hazmat Unit.

Fun Fitness Opportunity For Teen Girls

Teen girls getting a crash course in fitness and friendship at a new free program out oft he Carleton Community Center. Fit and Fun for Girls combines creative exercise opportunities like roller derby with educational talks about a variety of topics.

Organizer and social worker Laura Gatien tells CHSJ news the program is free with something for every young woman--including a chance to make new friends in a healthy and supportive environment.

Only 6 out of 15 places are filled. For more information call 647-4307. The program runs on Wednesdays from 10 until 12am.

Princess Of Acadia Due To Resume Schedule

The Princess of Acadia Ferry is expected to be back in service tomorrow with its regular operating schedule.

The vessel was out of service while repairs were being done at drydock in Halifax.

For more info, call Bay Ferries at 1-877-762-SAIL (7245) or here in Saint John 649-7777 or click here

City Dealing with Increasing Numbers Of Dangerous Buildings

The city has to cope with more and more dangerous buildings these days with 130 active cases.

That word given to Common Council by Building Inspector Amy Poffenroth who says getting landlords to maintain minimum standards in their buildings is even busier but the courts are co-operating by imposing higher fines for not complying.


She says last year a precendent setting fine of 11 thousand dollars was levied on one recalcitrant building owner.

Poffenroth says her department concentrates on the most dangerous buildings that pose a risk to public safety. One of those dangerous buildings on Victoria Street that was torched recently is being torn down.

Common Council Warned About Climate Change

The heavy rain this week forcing the evacuation of 12 people from a Saint John apartment building and contributing to a mudslide near Hartland.

Chief City Planner Ken Forrest warning the new members of Common Council these types of weather events will be happening more often because of climate change.

Part of the heavy rainfall this week was caused by Tropical Storm Debbie which deluged parts of Florida with 600 millimeters of rain.

Forrest says drainage of storm water in parts of Saint John leaves much to be desired at the best of times.

Rain Forces Evacuation Of Apartment Building

All the rain we've been getting has forced 12 people, including 7 children, to leave their aging apartment building on Bryden Street. 

The rain caused problems with the building's electrical system and the fire department came to the decision the building isn't safe until repairs can be done.
 
The Red Cross has arranged for emergency lodging and meals for those affected. It will likely be a couple of days before they can get back into their apartments.

A Big Financial Boost For Babies At The Regional Hospital

The 4th annual Golf Fore Kids Sake Tournament at Riverside was spared the rain and raised 107 thousand dollars. 

Randy Jones of the Winnipeg Jets and his family foundation raising the money for the Regional Hospital Foundation and its "Babes in Utero" project to upgrade the software and equipment needed for high risk obstetric fetal monitoring.

Tim Cameron of the Regional Hospital Foundation received the first ever Tim Cameron Big Heart award and gets to take $10,000 of the proceeds from the tourney and put it to a department or cause in the hospital of his choice.
 
Several hockey jerseys up for auction and none sold for less than $500. The Matt Stairs Team Canada baseball jersey went in auction for $2200 and that turned out to be the biggest ticket item.

Gas Prices Plummet

A continuing decline in gas prices after the weekly setting. In the city, self serve regular is selling for $1.17.1 a litre, a drop of over 3 and a half cents while diesel is also cheaper by just over two cents at $1.21.4 a litre.

Trudeau Spells Out When He Will Decide On Leadership Run

Justin Trudeau says he's going to decide by the end of the summer or early fall whether or not to run for the federal Liberal Party leadership. Trudeau was in town last night raising money for the Grace Foundation to help seniors. 

Trudeau predicts the Harper Conservatives will be vulnerable by the time the next federal election rolls around because they've become so arrogant after winning their long cherished majority in Parliament.

Trudeau says the NDP is trying to squeeze the Liberals out but a merger would be a bad idea, pointing out a two party system doesn't seem to be working all that well in the U.S. but concedes the Liberals will have to come up with bold new ideas for the country in order to reconnect with voters.

 

Unity Park Hosts Music Performances

From Jinx the Cat to Living Water...music fans in Grand Bay-Westfield can enjoy a free concert series at Unity Park.
 
Recreation Director Gary Clark tells CHSJ News a volunteer committee selects the performers and it continues until the end of summer rain or shine every Wednesday night.

He says it's very well attended every Wednesday even when the weather is poor they still come out.

It all begins tonight at 8pm in Unity Park in Grand Bay-Westfield with a performance by the Simonds Lions Caledonian Pipe Band.

Free Whale Watching Trips Help Save Seas

The Fundy Baykeeper monitors pollution and debris from the Bay of Fundy.

And he's getting a helping hand from a whale watching business. The whale watching cruiser Quoddy Link Marine is offering a "Sponsor A Patrol Campaign".  Baykeeper Matt Abbott tells CHSJ Quoddy will be handing out deals for whale watching to people who donate to help preserve the post.

"We were looking for ways to get our patrol work supported and through our relationship with Quoddy Link they offered to provide some incentive."

The Fundy Baykeeper has been protecting the Bay of Fundy from environmental threats since 2003.
For more information,   click here.

MBS Strikers Rally

Maritime Broadcasting radio employees holding a rally in Kings Square. Seven members from three MBS local stations are continuing their strike after the companies latest offering of $12.98 for maximum wage. Karen Wirsig of the Canadian Media Guild tells CHSJ news the picketers want between $12 to $17.21 an hour.
 

"We would be eager to get back to the table if Robert Pace (President of MBS) is prepared to negotiate a fair deal, we don't want this to drag out."

Wirsig says one MBS advertiser has pulled it's ads on their stations in support of the picketers. Meanwhile MBS has been using replacement workers to cover strikers jobs.

Rothesay Field House Open House Tonight

You can attend an open house tonight on the proposed new field house complex and renovations to the Rothesay Arena.
Charles Jensen is the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Rothesay.

He says they are not in the final stages yet but they have consulted many user groups in the Kennebecasis Valley and the open house is being held to gather feedback.

The open house runs from 7-9pm tonight at the Bill McGuire Centre where you can see diagrams of the proposed new field house complex and renovations to the Rothesay Arena.

Pension Reform Criticised as Tepid

Too timid........That criticism being levelled at the attempts on reforming pension plans by the provincial government and the city with the made in Europe, shared risk model by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. 

The Federation's Atlantic Director Kevin Lacey tells CHSJ News Premier David Alward didn't want to get into a big fight with the unions.
 
Lacey concedes the reforms will lessen the unfunded liabilities but, as he sees it, will not eliminate the pension deficits altogether. The Federation is suggesting moving from a defined benefits to a defined contributions plan for new government employees would have been better for taxpayers.
 
Lacey says it is inherently unfair for taxpayers, who don't have pensions, being called on to bail out government workers who will wind up having more money to live on when they retire than those who are paying up with their tax dollars and getting fewer government services in return.

Body Of Missing Man Found

The body of a missing 60 year old man was found in woods less than a kilometre from his home.

Jeffrey Ingalls was last seen on Friday and reported missing late Monday and a ground search began early Tuesday morning.
 
Search volunteers found his body just after 3:30 p.m not far from his home on Route 760.

Foul play is not suspected but an autopsy is being conducted to find out how he died.

New Police Headquarters And Parking Garage Within Budget

The Police Commission will be announcing at its next meeting when the Police Department will be moving into its new headquarters at Peel Plaza but it's expected to be sometime between mid and late July. 

Project Manager Bill Edwards has also told Common Council there have been 160 proposed changes to the police headquarters building which would add almost another million dollars to the final cost but that's still within what was budgeted for. 

The new parking garage is scheduled to be finished sometime between mid to late October and within the budget set by the Parking Commission.

The Mounties Look Into Boat & ATV Theft

Sussex RCMP are trying to find out who broke into a garage at a cottage in Kars stealing an ATV.

It happened about 11 last (Monday) night when the Mounties heard about a young man possibly a teen leaving the cottage on the Brown's Cove Road on the stolen ATV.   Police found the vehicle nearby.

Meanwhile, the Mounties in Hampton are looking for the person who stole a boat from a pond at a home on the Upper Quaco Road.   An ATV was used to drag the boat to a road where a vehicle was waiting.

If you can help with any information on either crime you call the RCMP or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS or click here

Harbour Bridge Contractor Chosen

A contractor is chosen to finish work on the Saint John Harbour Bridge and One Mile House Interchange by an Ontario company. Horseshoe Hill Construction Inc. will start work this week on the unfinished projects after the original contractor Concreate U-S-L went bankrupt in April -- leaving about a third of the job left.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams tells CHSJ news local companies will take part in finishing both projects, but that will be announced by Horseshoe Hill in the future. The Minister adds the new contractor won't cost New Brunswickers an extra penny because of a bonding contract with the original contractor.

The bridge is expected to be completed by fall next year. The price of constructing the Harbour Bridge and One Mile House Interchange cost about $110 million.

Funny Signs Get Second Looks

Potential home buyers definitely tend to have a checklist of the features they want....but how about "No Dandelions"? Or "Fog Resistant"? Local realtor Jake Palmer is making such claims for some homes in Saint John. 

The funny signs have  been getting a lot of attention, especially a property on Douglas Avenue marketed as "Not Haunted."

Palmer tells CHSJ News the signs aren't 100% gimmick--and that each of the listings do have something unique to offer potential buyers, but have gone stale in a saturated market.

Palmer says they switch the signs on a regular basis and there's always debate about which one is the funniest.

Rain Contributes To Crash Near Norton

Wet and rainy weather was a contributing factor to a crash near Norton this (Tuesday) morning.

Corporal Pat Cole of the Hampton RCMP tells CHSJ news a 29 year old man was driving near Norton around 9:30am when he hydroplaned and ended up in the ditch. The man was removed from the car uninjured.

Only one car was involved in the crash.

Big Cat To Be Replaced At Zoo

The Cherry Brook Zoo saying goodbye to Pam, a Siberian Tiger living at the Cherry Brook Zoo for the past 17 years. Pam had to be put down at 23---an old age in tiger years--due to kidney failure and a number of other health problems.

Now, the zoo is looking at a replacement cage mate for its other tiger, Nila. Lynda Collrin of the Cherry Brook Zoo tells CHSJ News while the cost of the animals is minimal though breeding programs, upkeep is an entirely different story. She says pet-owners can appreciate how expensive it can be to keep even a small animal--and healthcare, food and transportation for big cats means big money.

Whatever happens Collrin says the care of the animals comes first--and to help, people should support the zoo.

Photo: A leopard at the Cherry Brook Zoo.

Randy Jones Golf Tournament To Raise Money For Babies

The 4th annual Golf Fore Kids Sake Tournament is a go tomorrow rain or shine. 

Randy Jones of the Winnipeg Jets and his family foundation are raising money for the Regional Hospital Foundation and its "Babes in Utero" project to upgrade the software and equipment needed for high risk obstetric fetal monitoring. 

Jones tells CHSJ News he didn't expect the Los Angeles Kings to win the Stanley Cup but he wasn't surprised because of the parity between teams in the NHL now.

The Jets missed out making the playoffs on the last weekend of the season. Jones says they'll have to play better on the road next season in order to get over the hump.

Retired Major Leaguer Matt Stairs, who was recently inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, will be one of the golfers taking part at Riverside along with the chance to win a million dollars with a hole in one on the 18th.

"Get Me The Money"

You have to be a bloodhound in search of federal and provincial money for the city. 

That's what Common  Councillor Bill Farren has told the city's Inter-Governmental Affairs Co-ordinator Phil Ouellette. 

Ouellette has told Council federal and provincial money has, by and large, dried up until 2014 but Farren believes there's money to be had and argues the city can't wait that long. 

He points to the upgrade of the Trade and Convention Centre as an example.

City Retirees Said To Be Nervous

With all the uncertainty over what's going to happen with the city's pension plan has many of the city retirees a bit nervous. We get that word from Councillor Shirley McAlary who's telling them not to panic.
 
City Finance Commissioner Greg Yeomans is telling the retirees their benefits will not be clawed back with any reductions being made on a go forward basis. 

The city will start meeting with the provincial task force on pension reform July 9th and recommendations from that are expected by the end of August.

Paddlers Will Celebrate Canoe Week At Lily Lake

It's National Canoe Week and members of the Fundy Paddlers Club are celebrating with a competition at Lily Lake.
 
Participant Karen Vanderwolf tells CHSJ News the celebration begins on Saturday with a 2-kilometre race around the perimeter of Lily Lake.

She says the second part involves detailed manoeuvring of the canoes between buoys.

Vanderwolf says 4 person teams will compete in the 20 foot boat and the 6 person teams in 26 foot boat. 

It's not too late for volunteers and participants to get involved.

For more info call Evan at 672-8964 or click here

Police Search For Missing Man

The police are looking for your help in the search for a missing Charlotte County man.
60 year old Jeffery Albert Ingalls was last seen June 22 at his home on Route 760 in Oak Bay.

Ingalls is 5 foot 11 with grey hair and moustache. He's known to wear glasses, a grey leather hat and work pants, and a green khaki jacket.

If you have any information on where Ingalls can be found, contact the District 1 RCMP at 506-466-7030, or Crime Stoppers at http://www.crimenb.ca/ or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Eco-Challenge Repairs Creek's Stinky Reputation

Running, cycling, canoeing and tree-planting athletes completed a gruelling 6-hour course at the second annual Marsh Creek Eco Challenge. The Challenge, organized by ACAP, is meant to raise awareness of the Marsh Creek Watershed.

ACAP Executive Director Tim Vickers tells CHSJ News while Marsh Creek doesn't enjoy the best reputation, parts of the watershed are actually a beautiful habitat for wildlife. He says it's an underutilized resource that deserves positive publicity.

Vickers says they'd like to see trails running from the Harbour Passage to some of the scenic vistas along the Creek, and maybe even out to Rothesay.

A Spate Of Vehicles Broken Into

Don't leave your vehicle unlocked......That message from Rothesay Regional Police who report 15 to 20 vehicles were broken into in the Rothesay area in just one day. Police believe there could even be more than that. 

City Will Begin Work Soon With Provincial Task Force On Pension Reform

Mayor Mel Norton is confident as the work with the provincial task force on reforming the city's pension plan gets underway July 9th with the hope being to have something in place by the end of August. 

The city's Finance Commissioner, Greg Yeomans says, if successful, the city won't have to pay as much into the pension plan yearly but the contribution will still be substantial at 17 million dollars. 

He also believes the overall pension deficit will go down which is now at over 190 million dollars.
 
Yeomans warns if nothing changes that yearly payment from city taxpayers will be over 26 million dollars.

Long Time Volunteer Wins Top Award

President and CEO of Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation wins highest honor from Canadian Red Cross. Tim Cameron was inducted in the Order of Red Cross at it's annual general meeting this past weekend in Halifax. Cameron was a long-time Red Cross staff member and has stayed active as a volunteer for years. 

Canadian Red Cross President Ted Tanaka says Cameron is recognized for his longstanding commitment, tireless dedication and outstanding commitment to excellence.

Antique Cars, Country Music And More

Less than 1 week until your Canada Day weekend--and the Market Square Boardwalk leading up with music, antique car, and multicultural celebrations. 145 hours of music being planned for Canada's 145th anniversary.

Stephanie Peterson of the Hardman group tells CHSJ News the celebrations will have something for everyone.

Tonight--Tuesday--about 50 vintage cars will be on display on the Boardwalk starting at 6pm.

For the full schedule of what's going on at Market Square in the days before Canada Day, click here

More Smart Phone Users, More Business

We're texting less and searching products more when it comes to our mobile phones. According to a new study almost 50% of Canadian smart phone users are interested in loyalty programs, gift cards and coupons from their cell. Big Fish Media spokesperson Sarah MacQueen tells CHSJ news Canadians are relying on their phones for comparing prices, searching coupons and reading reviews.

"There's huge opportunities here for businesses. Canadians are very open to connecting with companies and brands on their mobile phones."

Businesses can reach mobile marketing audiences by apps and ads on mobile websites. Big Fish Media is an internet and mobile marketing agency in Saint John.

Rothesay Byelection Results In

Progressive Conservative Ted Flemming is the new MLA for Rothesay. Flemming says it's important for the electorate to remember the win was a team effort achieved with the support of loyal conservatives.

Liberal candidate John Wilcox says the close numbers send a message to the Conservatives and Premier. Wilcox says all three parties were quite close and that shows some people, at least, aren't content with the status quo.

NDP candidate Dominic Cardy tells CHSJ news his goal as NDP leader is to prepare his party to take government.

Flemming won with 1,568, Liberal Wilcox came second by 260 votes, NDP Cardy followed behind by just over 200 votes. 

Rothesay Byelection

Shotguns And Rifles Stolen

Nine rifles and two shotguns getting stolen out of a home and garage in Upper Loch Lomond. RCMP say a military-style rifle that can be altered into a fully automatic assault rifle is among the missing weapons.

The theft was noticed by a man who looks after the property along Highway 820 when the owners are away.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police or Crime Stoppers. District 3 RCMP can be reached at 506-832-5566 or Crime Stoppers NB, who can be found online at www.crimenb.ca or by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Millrats Reach Fundraising Goal To Help Player's Family

The Saint John Millrats raising over 15,000 dollars to help one of their players bring his wife and child here from Africa.
Modibo Diarra went to Mali in April after a coup in the country trapped his wife Mariam and daughter Cindy.
Millrats General Manager Ian McCarthy tells CHSJ News the paperwork has been filed to bring them all here.

He says they hired Lee Cohen, an immigration lawyer in Halifax, and they are waiting for the visas to come from the Federal government.

The Millrats also announcing today a new location in Brunswick Square to buy tickets and merchandise next to the Tim Horton's on Level 2.

Judge Determines Pension Board Did Not Act Outrageously

The legal costs to be awarded from the defamation lawsuit against former Common Councillor John Ferguson by the Pension Board will not be as high as previous estimates. 

Mr. Justice William Grant has determined the Pension Board did not act in a vexatious, frivolous, repugnant or outrageous way by bringing the lawsuit and, it appears to him, Ferguson saw the trial as a public inquiry into the Pension Board. 

Ferguson's lawyer Rod Gillis had previous estimated his legal costs at 2 and a half million dollars to be on the low side but the final figure will be a fraction of that.

The judge also ruled the Pension Board did not silence Ferguson.......It was the lack of support from his fellow Councillors that did that. 

The jury had recommended contemptuous damages of 100 dollars.

There will be a new hearing on July 11th.

MBS Employees Hit The Bricks

7 employees of Maritime Broadcasting says they are looking for a fair deal and that's why they are picketing today.

A union spokesperson says $10.58 an hour to start is not a living wage.

After 10 months of negotiating, they have not been able to get their first collective agreement.   

CHSJ News has learned management is doing one show at their three local stations, a replacement worker is training to possibly take over another and one is being operated remotely from Halifax.    No new talks are planned between the union and management.

Traffic Disrupted For Next Couple Of Days

Both westbound lanes at Hilyard Street will be closed to traffic until Wednesday afternoon, June 27th.

Drivers heading from the west side should use the Harbour bridge or Douglas Avenue. If you do go west on Hilyard Street, you'll be detoured along Simonds Street to Main Street North.

This work is part of the Harbour Clean-up project and includes the construction of a new lift station on Chesley Drive and sewer installation on Chesley Drive and Hilyard Street.

Don't Throw Out School Supplies

Schools out for the summer but don't throw away those school supplies because your local food bank could use them. Saint John High Teacher Barry Ogden tells CHSJ news pens, pencils and paper are needed.
 

"There's a supply and a demand, so if people have them at home or their work place, perhaps they can just take them to their food banks."

Ogden adds unused office supplies can also be donated to any of the 12 regional food banks.

Rothesay Votes Today

It may feel like a bit of a deja-vu, just a few weeks after the municipal election but there is another vote in the region today.     It's by-election day in Rothesay.

5 people are running to replace former provincial MLA Margaret Ann Blaney who resigned her post in May.

The candidates are Dominic Cardy of the NDP, Sharon Murphy of the Greens, Independent candidate Marjorie MacMurray, Liberal John Wilcox and Conservative Ted Flemming.

The polls are open from 10am to 8pm today.

Live coverage begins here after the polls close tonight.

Potential Of Partridge Island Downplayed

The estimate of 100 to 150 thousand people a year visiting Partridge Island if it's developed is low balling the potential which the General Manager of Saint John Waterfront Development Kent McIntyre calls huge considering from where all the immigrants came from before going elsewhere.

McIntyre believes the descendents, who have dispersed throughout Atlantic Canada and all down the U.S. Eastern Seaborad, would be interested in seeing where their ancestors landed. 

Besides Ireland, McIntyre says the immigrants passed through Partridge Island from Belgium, Germany, France and England.

Finance Commissioner Refutes Claim City Is Broke

Common Councillor Susan Fullerton has said the city is flat broke but that's a misperception according to Finance Commissioner Greg Yeomans. 

He says the city has more than enough assets to meet all of its financial obligations and it's debt ratio is well below what the provincial government considers precarious.
 
Nevertheless, Fullerton says the city should be looking for small efficiencies wherever they can be found because they all add up.

Yeomans does concede Saint John, like every other city, has an infrastructure deficit on such things as streets, water and sewage but points out has to maintain twice as much road as anyone else. He also complains the city is not getting as high a share of the tax pie as it should.
 
Common Council has been told by Yeomans had Saint John hosted the Memorial Cup at Harbour Station, the city would have had to pay as much as half a million dollars on chillers so ice could be made in May.

Common Council Warned About Plan SJ

A warning for the new Common Council from Chief City Planner Ken Forrest........Your feet will be held to the fire to stay the course with the new direction in development. 

Forrest tells CHSJ News there will be proposals put forward to bend the rules and Councillors will have to make some tough decisions.
 
He says the rural development that took place in the city in the 1990's in an effort to compete with what was happening in the Valley did not turn out to be good for Saint John because it's more expensive to service those areas where there are fewer people. He calls it "scatteration". 

Forrest says there was a forecast, way back when, that the population o the city would grow to a quarter of a million.