Illegal Hang-Outs Need To Be Stamped Out

With the South End shaken by a daylight murder on Pitt Street, common Councillors from the South End offering their thoughts on how to keep the neighborhood safe.

Councillor Donnie Snook tells CHSJ News while he can't comment specifically on police business, the force must keep an eye on hot spots where criminals gather. Councillor Donna Reardon agrees she'd like to see police get serious about keeping the South End free of shady hang-outs, especially the ones already well-known to people living in certain areas.

50 year old Matthew Thomas Foley was charged with second degree murder just two days after the shooting near Pitt and Leinster on Saturday.

Saint John Is Ready To Rock!

In less than 3 weeks the Saint John Waterfront will host "Sculpture Saint John", an event that has 6 international artists sculpting 10-tons of provincial granite into works of art.

Artists have 6-weeks to create the works of art that become permanent structures in different parts of the province. Chair of Sculpture Saint John Diana Alexander tells CHSJ news normally this sculptures go for $150-200,000, but communities only pay $10,000.

Alexander adds the symposium will also be a learning experience for educating local artists. The pieces are going to Brundage Point in Grand-Bay Westfield, the Art & Culture Park in Quispamsis, the post office in Saint George, Hans W. Klohn building at UNBSJ, Rothesay Commons, and Saint John has yet to pick a location.

For more information on Sculpture Saint John, click here.

Man Charged In Pitt Street Death

Matthew Thomas Foley is charged with second degree murder in the death of a 31-year-old man.

50-year-old Foley is the President of the Bacchus Motorcycle Club in Saint John.
The victim was found dead near the corner of Pitt and Leinster just before 8pm Saturday night.
Police told CHSJ news earlier the victim and suspect knew each other.

The preliminary hearing is set for August 15th at 1:30pm.

Police Make Arrest In Pitt Street Murder

City police making an arrest in a weekend murder on Pitt street. 

In a release, the Major Crime tells CHSJ News a 50-year-old man will be in court later today on a charge of second degree murder.

A 31 year old man was found dead in the area of Pitt and Leinster street just before 8pm Saturday night.

City police confirm the victim and the suspect knew each other and a handgun was used in the crime.

Norton Promotes Renaissance Saint John

Renaissance is about rebirth, and that's the rebuilding of Saint John, so says Mayor Mel Norton.

Norton tells CHSJ news Port City needs to be focused around people. He says Plan SJ's focus is on building complete neighbors so you can bike or walk to all the services that you need.

Norton adds he'd like to see Saint John as a place for commerce, and the city's #1 priority is clean water.

Norton speaking at a Rotary lunch in the North End. 

Animal Cruelty In Musquash

St. George RCMP are looking into a case of animal cruelty in Musquash.

The Mounties got a call Saturday that a pitbull cross was left trapped in a steel cage at a gravel pit without food, water or shelter.

Police believe the dog would not have survived long due to the 30 degree heat because the cage was wired shut.
RCMP believe the dog was dumped in the pit sometime on Friday night.

The Provincial SPCA provided assistance and the dog is now in the care of the Saint John Animal Rescue League.

If you can provide the RCMP with any information on this, contact the St. George RCMP 506 755-1130 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

Garnett Settlement Man Dies After ATV Crash

In a deadly weekend around the province, we hear today a 57 year old man from Garnett Settlement died after an ATV crash.

RCMP were called to the scene yesterday but could only find a damaged ATV and later found out the driver was taken home and he died a short time later.
People who saw what happened have told police the victim lost control of the ATV and it flipped over.

Ideas To Fix Mispec Beach

The city has no money to fix up Mispec Beach, but it needs to be maintained or lost says Common Councillor Susan Fullerton.

She tells CHSJ news it'd be nice if businesses around the area could sponsor and adopt a portion of the park, such as up keep of the washrooms or doing grounds work.

Fullerton adds that people have suggested selling the gravel from the park and use it to level the parking lot. Her motion is scheduled for the horseshoe tonight.

HMCS Kingston In Port

From the Canadian Navy, HMCS Kingston in the Harbour this morning.

The vessel is due to leave town today since arriving on Friday for a rest and replenishment visit to the City.

Man In Court Over Indecent Act At The Nature Park

A 21 year old man will be in court this morning for performing an indecent act in a public place.

City police getting the call Sunday morning to respond to the Irving Nature park off Sand Cove road on the west side.

If you know anything, police or Crime Stoppers want to hear from you.


You can call City police at 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
 

Police Looking Into Daylight Murder

City Police holding a man in custody but no charges yet after a daylight shooting on the weekend.
 
A 31-year-old man was shot before 8 o'clock Saturday night on Pitt Street.
 
Sgt. Jay Henderson tells CHSJ news a handgun was used and several rounds of ammunition were fired off.

He tells us it does not appear to be a random act of violence as it appears the shooter and the victim knew one another.

The deceased man, who's name is not being released, was found on the road near the corner of Leinster and Pitt Street.

Weekend Crash Kills Two

A weekend crash killing two in Estey's Bridge.

Just after 11 on Saturday night, a car with four people inside travelling on Route 620 left the road crashing into a ditch.
 
 A 22 year old Fredericton woman died at the scene and a 23 year old man also from Fredericton later died in hospital.

The two other people in the car were also taken to hospital.

Missing Woman Found In Quispamsis

A woman missing from the Kingsway Care Centre in Quispamsis has been found safe inside the facility.

The woman who suffers from dementia was reported missing about 4pm Sunday.

Rothesay Regional Police tell CHSJ News she was hiding inside a closet.

SJ Ties Record High Saturday

It felt like a hot one in Saint John on Saturday for a reason!

The city tied it's hottest temp record at 30.2 degrees this weekend.

Environment Canada tells CHSJ news Port city hasn't been that hot since 1982.

Councillors Propose Early Budget Talks

Earlier budget deliberations are on the mind of two Common Councillors.

Councillor Donnie Snook plans to propose to council scheduled 2012 budget meetings to ensure it's done on time.
He says in his 4 years on council it's always been late.

Councillor at Large Shirley MacAlary suggesting budget deliberations to start earlier, saying that since council is new having an earlier start would save stress and panic.

City Council is set to gather around the horseshoe at 7 tonight.

To have a look at tonight's agenda, click here

Revamp Trade & Convention Center

The Trade and Convention Center needs to be revamped if Saint John wants to move into the future...that from Hospitality Saint John president Mike Belliveau. 

Belliveau tells CHSJ News the 1980s design of the center means SJ is missing out on city-wide conference business with just one this year.

Belliveau says the reno would cost 12 million dollars and they hope to get 4 million apiece from the three levels of government.

Missing Woman From Kingsway Care Centre

Rothesay Regional Police need your help in locating a missing woman.

Betty Urqhart has been missing since 4:00pm from Kingsway Care Center in Quispamsis. She's in her late 60's, early 70's, is 5"3, 200 lbs and suffers from dementia. She was last seen wearing a lime green top with dark grey capri pants. 

She has gone missing before. Anyone with information is asked to contact Rothesay Police at 847-6300.

Market Produces Home Grown Produce

Just a few blocks from a crime scene,  a boisterous crowd is wandering the Queen Square Market like last night's drama never even took place.

The second market of the year filling the park with food vendors, crafters and more.

Robert Balemans who has a permanent home in the City Market says they are finding new customers here who are surprised they grow their own produce.

Pottery maker Karen Knight says it's a community event that doesn't happen very often.

Harbour Bridge Construction Starts Tomorrow

After months of delays construction will start on Harbour Bridge tomorrow.

Work will be done on single lanes at a time. Traffic signals will change at Somerset and Paradise Row, and between Somerset Street and Highway 1. Ramps will be implemented to help with the flow of traffic on and off Highway 1.

Roadwork will also start tomorrow and last until Tuesday on the section of Union Street from Chipman Hill to Saint Patrick Street. The crosswalk on the Viaduct (North) side of this intersection will also be removed.

Delays are expected, police are asking drivers use caution and remind that fewer cars mean less congestion. Police suggest using Saint John Transit, sign up for Community Carpool, walk or bike and avoid traveling during peak hours.

Police Confirm Death of 31-Year-Old Man Last Night

The Major Crime Unit confirming the death of a 31-year-old man after a shooting last night near 58 Pitt Street just before 8:00pm.

City police say the man was found on the road near the corner of Leinster and Pitt Street. Police tell CHSJ news a handgun was used and several rounds of ammunition were fired off.

Through their investigation police say it was not a random act and the victim and suspect knew to each other.

Sgt. Jay Henderson tells CHSJ news one person has been arrested and is being interview by police.

An autopsy is being conducted and the deceased man's name is not being released.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Saint John Police Force 648-3333 or Crime stoppers 1-800-222-8477.

Traffic Note: Tomorrow & Tuesday

 Heads up on your drive to work tomorrow.

Roadwork starting tomorrow and lasting until Tuesday on the section of Union Street from Chipman Hill to Saint Patrick Street.  Delays are expected, police are asking drivers use caution and obey signs in that area. The crosswalk on the Viaduct (North) side of this intersection will also be removed.

Warnings On Heat-Related Illnesses

On a hot day like today, not only is the temperature up but so is the UV index, and risks of getting heat-related illnesses.

Provincial deputy chief medical officer of health Dr. Denis Allard warning New Brunswicker's to take care by drinking plenty of water, avoiding sun exposure and limiting outdoor activities when the UV index is high. Symptoms of heat-related illness are fatigue, headaches, nausea and muscle cramps, and if those symptoms worsen, you should seek medical help.

Allard adds what may start as a mild form of heat might turn into heat stroke, which could be life-threatening.

Neighbours Speak About Pitt Street Shooting

Major Crime Unit called onto Pitt Street in Uptown Saint John last night after a shooting around 8 o'clock.

Police blocked off the areas around King Street East, Leinster, Crown and Pitt Street. There were about five police cars on scene.
Bill Lapp lives in the area and spoke with CHSJ news last night.

He says someone was on the street shot multiple times and he made it around the corner which is where he is lying right now.

Shelly McCready who lives in the neighbourhood says she heard gun shots and sirens.
She tells us the police are often in the area so it's not unusual to see their lights.

Police have yet to release any details but Pitt Street between King Street East and Leinster Street are still blocked off with yellow caution tape and two police cruisers on either end.

VIDEO: Pitt Street Crime Scene

Crowds are still gathering at either end of the police barricades on Pitt, Leinster and Crown Street. Residents of the area tell CHSJ News that area of Pitt is known as a a hotbed for motorcycle gang activity. 

BREAKING NEWS: Shots Fired on Pitt Street

Just before 8pm Saturday, City Police responding to reports of 6-7 shots fired on Pitt Street near the intersection on King Street East. 

City Police aren't yet releasing any details; however, according to unconfirmed reports, the window of a home was shot out by someone in a car and there are bullet shells and what appears to be a body on the ground outside. Residents say the block is known as a hotbed of motorcycle gang activity.

Pitt Street has been barricaded to traffic from King Street East to Leinster Street, and from Leinster to Crown. 

Navy Ship Open To Public

If you ever wanted to check out a navy ship, today's your chance.

Two navy ships, the HMCS Goose Bay and the HMCS Kingston are at Long Wharf for the weekend. Lieutenant Marc Brown tells CHSJ News that you can check out the ships today from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

HMCS Goose Bay is commanded by Lieutenant-Commander Robichaud who is a native of Saint John.

Compost Boats Take Over Lily Lake

Don't be surprised when Lily Lake looks a little "plasticy" tomorrow.

It's the third annual Recycle Boat Challenge, where tons of recyclable or compost constructed boats will take to the seas for a race at Lily Lake in Rockwood.


Along with race time boats are also judge on creativity and recyclability. Janine Van Winssen from Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission tells CHSJ news the teams last year used old popcorn and bottles. Some themes were a pirate raft and Gilligan's Island.
 The teams take off tomorrow at 11:00 am on North Beach across from the Interpretive Centre.

More information can be found here.

Man Swims Across Northumberland Strait

One Nova Scotia man is making the most of swimming in the summer heat!



45-year old Chris Dawson swam 13 km through the Northumberland Strait in just over 6 hours to raise money for a good cause.


Dawson raised about $8,400 for the HomeBridge Youth Society, which provides residential care for high-risk youth.

Car Lands On Roof

Fire crews responding to a car accident early this morning.


Around 2:30am a car left the road near Highway 7 and landed on it's roof. The man driving had to be taken to Saint John Regional Hospital after he was released from his car with the jaws of life.
Crews were on scene for about an hour.

Thick Smoke A Challenge In North End Fire

It's a mix that firefighters, police and residents dread...a house fire on a Sunny friday in the North end.

City fire crews responding to 121 Victoria Street just before 1pm to smoke coming from the first floor of a two-story stone building.
Fire Chief Kevin Clifford tells CHSJ News the building has oil tanks in the basement and the thick black smoke rolling out is an indicator there is going to be ignition soon.

He says black, turbulent smoke is under pressure and under heat and it's a sign to them that its about to ignite.

Steve Doussaud and his family are thankful they were not home at the time.

He says it's probalbly deemed a little suspcious just with the rash of fires on Victoria street this summer.

No one was hurt and fire investigators are looking into the cause.

Kids Make Videos To Celebrate Heritage

History is alive and well among our youth--that from Heritage Minister Cynthia Wallace Casey, promoting a competition called Young Citizens in which school-age kids make 3 minute videos promoting our history. 12 New Brunswick students are competing.

Casey tells CHSJ News the kids chose a fascinating array of subjects from local landmarks to epic battles.

To watch the videos and vote for your favourite online click here

VIDEO: Fire At 121 Victoria

 

Breaking News: Crews Venting Fire On Victoria

A large crowd watching firefighters work a fire in a two story brick home on Victoria Street in the north end.

Firefighters are using a chainsaw and an ax on the roof to vent the fire.  A large number of fire vehicles and personnel are on the scene.

Thick grey smoke is billowing from the side of the structure.
People have been living in the building.

Breaking News: Crews Still Fighting Blaze On Victoria

The order has been given for crews to evacuate the fire at 121 Victoria Street. According to early reports the blaze has spread through several floors of the building.

Power Restored in Belleisle Creek

The lights are back on for NB Power customers in the Belleisle Creek and Sussex area.

The power outage lasted for several hours this morning. 

Provincial Organ Donation Is Restored

The provincial organ donation program is once again back in service.

Health Minister Madeleine Dubé says after a conference call with Health Canada they are now again compliant with the national regulations but will have to improve their documentation practices.

Dube adds they are relieved they did not have to refuse a donation in the week that the system was suspended.

Last week, Health Canada inspectors found problems with the way the program collects and manages its documentation including one case in which a piece of information was not obtained about a donor who had a tattoo.

Breaking News: Fire On Victoria Street

The Saint John Fire department responding to reports of a fire on Victoria Street North. 

According to early reports there was smoke issuing from the back of the building and a fire has been found on the basement of 221 Victoria at the corner of Albert and Elgin.

  A vacant, three-storey building at 55-57 Victoria Street burned in a major fire on May 18th.

Hot Summer Temps But No Record Yet

With the gorgeous weather we've been having lately you might be wondering if we've broken any records in New Brunswick...but that isn't the case yet.

Meteorologist Claude Cote tells CHSJ news we'd have to get up to 32 or 33 degrees to break the record for hottest day.

The previous record for July 13, 2012 is 29.7 degrees.

Different Kind Of Home Being Built on Peninsula

Lower heating costs, recycled materials, and sustainability: those are just some benefits of a house Jay and Jen Hannigan are building on the Kingston Peninula. 

Jen Hannigan tells CHSJ News the home is insulated by the earth itself and using mainly recycled materials.

There have been some difficulties because the building doesn't meet code but the Hannigans say they're willing to put in the time and money to get it changed. She says it's an educational exercise and once it's finished they'll welcome members of the community who want to take a look. 

A similar type of home to what they are building can be seen here

Beach Clean Up For Island Gem In The Passamaquody

An island gem in the Passamaquoddy Bay getting a bit of TLC from the Nature Conservancy of Canada....Pendleton Island is a habitat for birds and eagles as well as unique plant-life. 

Shawna Wallace tells CHSJ News one the beaches on the island is covered in styrofoam and debris, and a crew of volunteers will be heading over to the island by boat to clean it up.
 

The conservancy is bringing over volunteers by boat. All spaces are currently filled but for a link to more info on their next excursion click here.

Power Outage in Belleisle Creek

An unplanned power outage in the Belleisle Creek area....according to NB Power, almost 200 customers are effected.

The power company tells CHSJ News crews haven't yet reported back on a cause of the outage. No word yet on when power will be restored.

4300 Donors Needed

Canadian Blood Services needs 4,300 more donors to book an appointment and donate blood between Monday and August 6th.

You are urged to help top-up the blood supply at local blood donor clinics before heading on vacation.

Director of Donor and Clinic Services Peter MacDonald says they need over 300 appointments in New Brunswick to keep up with hospital demand.

He adds if you made an appointment, please honour it.   Right now only 60 per cent of blood donors actually show up for their appointments.

To book an appointment click here or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).

Two Crack-Ups & The Prowlers Are Back

City fire crews responding to two separate vehicle collisions early last night.

A crack-up on Loch Lomond road sent two to hospital to be checked out shortly after 6.

About 20 minutes later, crews responding to another collision at Golden Grove road and Land road.
This one also involving two vehicles but the people were treated at the scene.

The car prowlers are at it again.    City police report some car breaks on the East side this morning in the Loch Lomond road area.

You are encouraged to lock your vehicles and remove the valuables or keep them out of sight.

Warning: Lepreau Could Be Another Fukushima

Lepreau could be another Fukushima....that from Sharon Murphy of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. Murphy says there's a pattern of ignoring the safety issues because there's so much money to be made...but the risks are impossible to ignore. 

She tells CHSJ News Lepreau has many of the same red flags that led to that disaster, and it's especially concerning that the plant has been proven unable to hold up under any sort of seismic event.

Murphy says the Conservation Council is simply using science its attempt to prevent the re-opening of the plant this fall.

Breaking News - Man In Hospital With Electrical Burns

(Courtesy Google Street View)

A man has been rushed to hospital with burns after coming in contact with a live electrical line on Highmeadow Drive this afternoon - emergency and Saint John Energy crews rushed to the scene shortly after 3.
There are reports the man was working in some kind of hole or man hole when he came in contact with the line.
Worksafe N-B and police are now trying to determine what exactly happened.

Loud Boats Hit With Fines

Roaring around on the water is a major no-no....and you could be hit with a hefty fine if your boat has a loud muffler.

Hampton RCMP warning they have received complaints about boats with loud mufflers. The District recently issued a $500 ticket to one boat operator.

You could be fined between 250 and 500 dollars depending on the violation.

Tourism Strategy Unveiled During Trolley Tour

Tourism experts, politicians and others getting a chance to see Saint John through the eyes of a tourist. Enterprise Saint John launching its new plan for growth on a special trolley ride to Lily Lake. Enterprise Saint John's Janet Scott tells CHSJ News growing the tourism industry is about changing attitudes, not big bucks. A grassroots approach, says Scott, is the surest means to achieving success.

Scott says major priorities include extending the tourism season, improving communication about events, and revamping the Trade and Convention Center.

RCMP Recover Body From The Gorge

A body has been pulled from a swimming hole in Musquash known as "the gorge".

RCMP responding yesterday to a report of a man who jumped from a road bridge and didn't resurface.

Sgt. Bob MacKnight tells CHSJ News the body of a 22-year-old man from Nigeria was found this morning by the RCMP Underwater Recovery Teams from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

The man was a student at UNB Saint John and his name is not being released until his family has been notified.

Two Ships To Visit Saint John

Saint John is the site of a Port visit by two Canadian ships beginning tomorrow.

HMCS Brunswicker is hosting the HMCS Goose Bay and the HMCS Kingston until Sunday at Long Wharf.

Lieutenant Marc Brown tells CHSJ News they will be to rest and reconnect with Saint John.

The ships have already made stops in Norfolk, Baltimore and Boston before coming to Saint John.

Brown adds the ships will be open to visitors on Saturday from 1-4pm.

Bridge Work Begins On Monday

Starting Monday work will begin again on the Harbour Bridge and it will be done on single lanes.

Changes to the lights at Somerset street and Paradise Row and at Highway 1 and Paradise Row will be put in place to improve the flow of traffic on and off the highway.

Motorists are encouraged to take steps to ease congestion such a carpooling, walking or biking on Harbour Passage and avoiding travelling during peak hours.    

For info from the City of Saint John, click here 

Traffic updates are available on the Provincial government's website by clicking here

Gas Will Cost You More Today

You may wish you filled up yesterday...gas is up by a nickel at the weekly setting.
The price of regular gas is set for 125.4 and diesel is up two cents to 129.4

Around town, regular is going for 122.8 a litre and diesel is selling at 126.8 a litre.

According to a tipster, Sussex is the place to hit the pumps with gas at just over 118.

Organ Donation Suspended

It might be harder to give the gift of life, the province is temporarily suspending its Organ Donation Program for up to two weeks after a Health Canada inspection found parts of the program didn't line up with national guidelines.

Health Canada found several problems with the program's paper work, including one case in which a piece of information wasn't received about a donor who had a tattoo.

The department expects the Health Canada standard requirements will be in place by fall.