More Liquor Stores Could Be Coming

Five to fifteen new liquor stores could be coming to the province by fall.
Marcelle Saulnier from NB Liquor tells CHSJ news they're looking for more points of sales.

The final locations will most likely be in rural areas and a few in urban places.


Saulnier adds that would increase the total amount of stores in the province by 20%. According to Saulnier there'sd not enough stores in the province to meet demand.

40 New Jobs & Modernized Electricity

A multi-year agreement has been made with NB Power and Siemens Canada to bring Smart Grid technology into the province's electrical system.

It will also create a new research and development centre based in Fredericton. NB Power says by modernizing the electrical system it will offer stable rates. Premier David Alward says the agreement will also create 40 new jobs and help the economy.

The Smart Grid will allow you to control and manage your energy usage.

It's scheduled to start sometime next year.

"Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar!": SHJS Hosts Grand Reunion

As the school cheer says, "everyone for High School stand up and holler!"

Saint John High School is holding its Grand Reunion August 3-5 at various locations throughout the city. Organizer Bruce Grant says it's going to be a special one because the school is commemorating 80 years of education.

Events include a boat cruise, BBQ and dinners. The oldest alumni attending is from the class of 1937 and lose to 300 people are registered. For a full schedule and how to register yourself for a fee of $80 click here

Boozing and Vandalism Discouraged In Bus Shelter

The bus shelter at the edge of the Loyalist Burial Ground isn't going  anywhere...despite being a hangout for drunks and pot smokers. Common council hopes the criminal element won't be as inclined to gather there now that the bench in the bus shelter has been removed--but Councillor Susan Fullerton says regardless, there's no need to jump the gun and remove it.

She says alcoholic and homeless people can congregate anywhere, and it's the police's job to prevent it from becoming a problem.

The bus shelter was a gift from the Irvings and is built to heritage specifications.

Suspicious Fires In Oromocto

A round of suspicious fires in Oromocto have the RCMP asking for your help.

Early last Friday firefighters responded to a shed and utility trailer on fire on Mockler Street. When firefighters arrived on scene, the neighbor who had made the 911 call had their deck on fire.

Both structures sustained significant damage. Police believe the fires were deliberate.

Anyone with information is asked to contact RCMP at 506-357-4300 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

3 Week Construction On Thorne Avenue

You might need to change your morning drive to work.

Starting tomorrow and lasting for 3 weeks Thorne Avenue between Egbert And Russell Street will be upgraded as part of the Harbour Clean Up Project.

Drivers are advised to plan a different route and drive safe in construction zones.

Car Set Ablaze On West Side

Charges of arson and mischief to property are likely after a car fire on the west side along Tower Street. 

A woman in her twenties is expected to be appearing in court today.

Rothesay Regional Police have a 20 year old man locked up after what is described as a low speed pursuit which began on French Village Road and came to an end at Keller's Hill Road. 

The man is likely facing charges of stealing a car, impaired driving and failing to stop for police.

N-B Day Merit Awards Missing This Year

The New Brunswick Day holiday weekend is just around the corner - but - there will be something missing from this year's celebrations.

The Alward government has confirmed to CHSJ News the annual N-B Day Merit Awards won't be handed out this year to residents of various municipalities - the awards recognize achievements and contributions by local residents.

A spokesperson tells us the awards are "on hold" this year as the government works through a reorganization of departments and agencies.

The awards are certificates with the provincial logo signed by the Premier and either the mayor of the municipality or the local M-L-A.

The "official" New Brunswick Day celebration is still a go - this year it's being hosted by the village of Saint Andre in the northwestern part of the province.

For more information on this year's official celebration click here.

City Will Still Stop And Smell The Roses

Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart isn't against stopping to smell the flowers--this after she got a little heat from local florists for suggesting the city make memorial donations instead. 

Rinehart says she's definitely not anti-flowers--rather, she just doesn't want to see city staff waste time on unnecessary frills when a donation can be done instantly.
 
Rinehart points out not only are donations more lasting than flowers, but they can also be managed in an instant.

CFB Gagetown Receives National Project

A national project and investment will be coming to CFB Gagetown.

Defense Minister Peter MacKay announcing today the Canadian Forces Weather and Oceanographic Service (CFWOS) Transformation project. The project will stretch across the country but will center around CFB Gagetown, CFB Halifax and CFB Esquimalt.

The Joint Meteorological Centre will centralize weather briefing and forecasting functions, allowing personnel to develop new and improved weather specific products for the Department of National Defense and the Canadian Forces.

The transformation will expand the former Army Meteorological Centre at CFB Gagetown, and renovations the existing Meteorological and Oceanographic Centres at CFB Esquimalt and CFB Halifax.

The construction work in Gagetown will be done by Saint John construction company Maxim 2000. It's scheduled to be done by June 2014.

Lobster Strong As Ever In The Province

Everyone from retailers, harvesters to scientists and members of government are at the Science Workshop on Sustainable Growth of Atlantic Lobster in Moncton.

Chair of the Science Community Mike Chadwick tells CHSJ news the workshop offers members of the lobster industry to learn about enhancing lobster populations and the sustainability of seafood. Chadwick says we have a strong population of lobster in the province, and we're a major player in the industry.

He says lobster generates about a billion dollars into the economy. He also adds lobster landings are as high today as they were thirty years ago.

The Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Foundation funds private lobster studies around the Maritimes. The Science Workshop runs until tomorrow.

10th Anniversary Of Pride Plans

As other Pride Weeks kick off around the Maritimes, Saint John Pride Week is preparing some big stuff for their 10th anniversary.

President Brian Boyd tells CHSJ news along with bringing back favorites like the Drags VS Lesbian baseball game and the Pride Parade, they're expanding the event by making it more family oriented.

Boyd also adds their going to have a new coffee house for teenagers to display singing and artwork. Their grand marshal for the parade will also be unique, Boyd says their theme is anti-bullying, so anyone who's ever felt bullied will have the chance to be the grand marshal.

Saint John Pride Week kicks off August 19th.

For more information or to volunteer, click here.

Activists Protest Threats To Our Oceans

St Andrews activists getting together to protest cuts to ocean scientists under The Harper government's bill C-38. Caroline Davies of the group SOS tells CHSJ News without long term research, we can't know the best ways to protect our oceans.

She says we all want out children and grandchildren to be able to enjoy the ocean the way we do today.

Save Our Ocean will be rallying at 5:30 tomorrow at Indian Point to form a human SOS, for "Support Ocean Science". The rally and photo are intended to raise concern about the federal cuts that will, among other cuts across the country, close the St Andrews Biological Station Library, eliminate the Contaminants and Toxicology program, and severely cut the Habitat program.

Norton Suggests Online Crime Reporting

You could soon have the option to use a website rather than the phone to report minor crimes...common councillor Greg Norton says he'd like to see Saint John look into an online crime reporting service, where citizens could lodge complaints about issues like graffiti, car thefts and mischief in an uploaded format.

Norton says letting people report less serious crimes on the web would free up the police lines and keep more cops on the street.

Norton says a number of other municipalities are using such systems with great success--and the best part is, it's easy to administer and tweak as necessary. 

Meantime, Stats Canada is reporting the crime rate for 2011 in Saint John fell by 14 per cent.

Police Commission Invited To Comparison Shop

The New Brunswick Police Association is scoffing at the suggestion the RCMP would have kept the Bacchus Motorcycle gang from setting up in Saint John.

Association President Dean Secord says Bacchus is actually headquartered in Albert County with a branch in St. George which are both within the RCMP's jurisdiction.

Secord is also not bothered by any talk of the RCMP taking over policing in the city saying he's heard it all before and welcomes the Police Commission shopping around.


Secord claims, in Moncton, the RCMP costs more money with fewer officers than when that city had a municipal police department.

VIDEO: Albert Street Blaze

Low Flying Aircraft Creates A Buzz

A few raised eyebrows especially on the west side this morning as what sounded like a low flying aircraft zoomed overhead.

Some people thinking it was some kind of military aircraft or a plane in distress because of the unusual whining sound of the engines as it crossed over west around 7.

CHSJ News checked with the Saint John airport - a spokesperson tells us there were two commercial flights departing for Halifax and Montreal between 6:30 and 7 - a check of the logs also shows there were a couple of private flights departing during that period as well.

The airport official says they are not aware of any flights reported in distress - and - suggest it was probably a pilot trying to avoid some active weather -- the west side was drenched by a heavy downpour of rain shortly after they mystery plane flew over the area.

Morning Commute On Harbour Bridge Ground To A Halt

There was a real mess this morning along the Harbour Bridge at the height of the morning rush hour just after 7:30.

There was a mishap involving a transport truck on the Harbour Bridge when it jackknifed and wound up on the top of the median. This caused traffic to back up both ways because a light standard also came down which stopped traffic going in the opposite direction.

Traffic could not move either eastbound or westbound.

The fire department has responded because of a fuel leak from the truck.

The transport was towed away after 10:00 this morning and the Department of Transport had to remove the light pole.

A Dire Evaluation Of City Pension Plan

With the average Canadian saving just $55,000 in RRSPs, Common Council has an interest in keeping the city's pension plan sustainable....That, from the chair of the Task Force on Protecting Pensions Susan Rowland. 

She laid out the benefits of a shared risk model while explaining to Councillor David Merrithew the precarious position of the city's pension plan means solving the deficit won't be easy. Rowland describes the city's pension plan as being one of the worst funded in the province.
 
Councillor Bill Farren says he doesn't know if they'll achieve the results either, but perhaps a shared risk model will take the pressure of younger workers and give more stability to older ones.

BREAKING NEWS: Firefighter Injured At 64 Albert Street

A firefighter is being treated at hospital for heat and smoke exposure after responding to a house fire around 6:24pm at 64 Albert Street.

Fire Chief Kevin Clifford tells CHSJ news the blue building suffered a lot of smoke and fire damage, and 4-5 people are being displaced.


Neighbor Dale Dunphy heard two windows smash, saw the smoke, then called 911. He also released two dogs that were tied up on the lawn.

There were about six fire trucks on the scene along with a large crowd of spectators. No word yet on what caused the fire.

Point Lepreau Given Go Ahead To Restart

The Point Lepreau Generating Station has been given the go ahead to restart.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission announcing its decision today authorizing New Brunswick Power Nuclear to begin activities to restart the station.

Right now the station won't produce electricity, but will restart the reactor in order to perform several safety tests before power can be increased.


The CNSC renewed the facility’s licence for a five-year period in February 2012.

Amphibians Everywhere In Saint Andrews

Green frogs, garter snakes and American toads are just a few amphibians you can find at the new display at the Fundy Discovery Aquarium

Jenny Simard from the Aquarium tells us they have one that's not found locally - the red-eared slider. It's a common pet, but often the little turtle is released into the wild when owners tire of it.


Simard adds the six new decorated tanks will help people discover what creatures lives in the area and to go home with a new respect for water life.
The exhibit in St Andrews is open daily until 5 o'clock.

More information can be found here.

Interns Ready To Sculpt!

As Sculpture Saint John comes closer to our Waterfront, local interns are getting their art tools ready.



Alison Gayton from the Port City is one of those interns set for the 6 week sculpture symposium. As a teacher and a potter instructor, she tells CHSJ news she can't wait to contribute to something that will change the face of Saint John.

Gayton has her own sculpture exhibit with 2 other artists in the library gallery of the Saint John Art Centre called "Thirty Fingers".
 Sculpture Saint John will kick off on August 2nd.
 
You can find more information on Sculpture Saint John by clicking here.
 
Find more information on Alison Gayton here.

Florist Angered By Deputy Mayor's Proposal

Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart has stirred up a hornets nest with her suggestion the city make a charitable donation instead of sending flowers for someone who's passed away.

Dorothy Lowe has been a a florist in Saint John for over 15 years. She tells CHSJ news if the proposal goes through it will hurt flower shops in the Port City.

She says when you're in a situation when a love one has passed away, giving flowers makes you feel you can do something for them and give one last gift.

Lowe stresses that florists depends on funeral business. She adds that she's not against donations, in fact their flower shop donates about $5,000 a year in product to charity fundraiser's and to people suffering from cancer.

Lowe says by supporting your local flower shop, you indirectly help charities and add to the economy. Common Council meets tonight to discuss the Rinehart's proposal.

Police Association Speaks Out On Oland Murder

The New Brunswick Police Association is trying to set the record straight on the Richard Oland murder investigation.



City Police officers are not happy at what they see as misinformation and unwarranted attacks for the delay in laying charges in that investigation which happened more than a year ago.
 
That's why the provincial police association has decided to speak out calling any suggestion of the RCMP taking over as ludicrous since the delay is, in fact, caused by the backlog of evidence that has to be analysed at the RCMP lab in Halifax where you have to wait your turn.
 
Police Association President Dean Secord warns the delays will only get worse when that lab is closed and the evidence will then have to be sent to Ottawa to be analysed.
 
Secord also points out Police Chief Bill Reid has said charges will be laid against a known suspect in the Oland case.

Family Of Murdered Girl Speaks Out

In February 2012, the murder of 22 year old Serena Perry--who was, at that time, a patient in the psychiatric ward of the Regional Hospital--shocked Saint John. Six months later, Perry's mother Rose tells CHSJ News she doesn't understand why police haven't made an arrest yet.

She says the police told her Serena had been strangled-- but the suspect was later released. Older sister Melissa Perry tells CHSJ News the image of her sister's battered body laying in a casket is one she'll never forget.

City police have said they're close to an arrest, but the Perry family says that can't come soon enough. Without closure, they say, moving on with their lives is impossible.

Friend Barry McGrath and others are organizing a benefit auction on August 26 to help cover the funeral costs. It starts at 2pm at the Grove Lounge. For more information, contact McGrath at 639-7079 or Cathy Legere at 606-1441.

City Says Irving Oil Is Paying Its Fair Share

City Finance Commissioner Greg Yeomans has been trying to clear up some misconceptions......One, that the city is broke and the other is that Irving Oil isn't paying its fair share for the water it uses.

Yeomans says Irving pays bylaw rates for 80 per cent of its water and negotiations are still going on about the rest.

Irving Oil has argued over the years it doesn't need its water to be treated. 

Splash Pad Proposed For West Side

A change is being proposed for the Market Place West Master Plan with a splash pad to be built in the 8 acres of parkland between the lower west side and the port in lieu of an outdoor rink. 

Because of funding constraints, the splash pad will not be constructed this year.

Common Council will be told the maintenance costs will be anywhere from 15 to 20 thousand dollars a year but the overall cost of the project will not significantly change.

City Councillors To Be Told About New Pension Model

Common Council will be getting a presentation tonight on the new shared risk proposal for fixing the city's financially beleaguered pension plan. 

The changes will be phased in gradually over 40 years on a go forward basis with past pension amounts not changing.

Councillors will be told when the investment markets are bad, benefits will not rise but will be made up when the markets improve. 

Employee contributions may have to go up from 1.2 to 2.8 per cent with the retirement age gradually increasing if life expectancy rises and, for taxpayers, cutbacks in city service would be avoided.

Bus Shelter Called A Threat To Public Safety

A retired city police officer is complaining about the bus shelter on Sydney Street by the Golden Ball building becoming a threat to public safety. 

Robert Buck says the shelter is being used by drunks who have claimed it as theirs to the detriment of bus passengers. 

In a letter to Common Council, Buck says Saint John Transit General Manager Frank McCarey is willing to replace the shelter with a newer one which would make it more difficult for the drunks to lie down in. 

A presentation has been made to the Heritage Board and the wooden bench inside the bus shelter has been removed,

"No Flowers" Policy At City Hall?

Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart suggesting the city adopt a "no flowers" policy when it comes to honouring the memory of people who pass.

 Rinehart says common council is expected to pay its respects to a lot of former staff and others, and charitable donations are a better use of funds. 

She points out while flowers are beautiful, they're temporary, and  donations to worthy causes in the community live on for much longer. The matter will be discussed at Monday's council meeting.

Seawolves Gearing Up For Another Season

It's time to start thinking about dusting off the pom-poms and gearing up for a new football season at UNBSJ. Seawolves coach Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News the team has been growing and expanding as a force in Atlantic Canadian varsity football.

Ogden says the Seawolves aren't just a football team, but a reason for students to be proud of their school. The first game is on September 8th and you can get up to date information at seawolves football.ca.

To Burn Or Not To Burn

To burn or not to burn... it depends on your city, the weather, the size of the fire and other variables.

When it comes to Saint John,  Mark Wilson of the Fire Department tells CHSJ news open burning isn't allowed in city limits. What is allowed to burn is approved fire appliances, and products that have a safety standard sticker on them along with spark resisters.

Wilson recommends people to be careful when burning, adding you should burn 'clean' wood, have water nearby, and watch your distance to other combustibles.

For more information on burning, click here.

Cross Canada Biking For Cancer

One woman in the province is gearing up for a nation wide cycle event to raise funds to childhood cancer.

Shelley Wood is half way to her goal of raising $2,500 dollars for the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. She tells CHSJ news the ride goes for over 2 weeks, starting on September 5th in Vancouver and ending 17 days later in Halifax. They ride in relay style, where one team will go 160 km a day, then another will go over 200km, leap frogging each other.

Wood's compares the ride to 8 spin classes, or biking for 6 hours a day. 

To find more information on the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride or to sponsor Shelley, click here.

National Cookie Recall

A recall has been issued for Crispy Just Baked Punjabi Cookies because they contain milk that's not declared on the label.

All codes of the cookies sold in 800 gram packages bearing UPC 6 27265 00152 0, where milk is not declared in the list of ingredients, are affected by the alert.

The product has been distributed nationally.

There have been no reported illnesses linked to the cookies, which could cause a serious or life-threatening reaction in people with milk allergies.

Hydro Pole Broke In Half, Man OK

One man is doing much better than a hydro pole.

Fire crews responded to a car accident at 10:30 last night on 806 Latimore Lake Road that left one man injury-free but broke a hydro pole in half.

Fire department was also busy with a brush fire in the Sandy Point Road Area.

A Must-Attend For Women Entrepreneurs

Maybe the kids have left the nest and you're looking for some extra income...of you're simply inspired to make some extra cash from a hobby you enjoy. A new program aimed at women entrepreneurs can make the dream a reality. 

Melanie Vatour is the Chair of the Enterorisng Women program. She says women in the course willlearn accounting, basic marketing, advertising skills and more--including how to get their hands on capital to get off the ground.

Vatour says the sucess stories include women who have started a hostel, a hair braising business, sewing, selling acessories and more. The deadline to sign up is August 10, and the program is free to women who are unemployed and under-employed.

For more information, click here

Boosting Tourism On The Boat

The Princess of Acadia ferry now has a provincial tourist information kiosk onboard.

It may seem obvious but Tourism minister Trevor Holder today announcing funding that includes hiring a summer student who will be on the ship available to answer questions about our province from the passengers on the ferry. 

Holder says the Princess of Acadia is a vital link and a key part of the tourism picture here like the beaches and the rivers.

Nova Scotia already has provincial tourism info onboard the ferry and has for many years. 

Annual Inflation Rate On The Rise

The annual inflation rate is on the rise after a major plunge in May that had taken the index to the lowest level in almost two years. It rose by three-tenths of a percentage point to 1.5 per cent last month.

Inflation in the Port City sits at 1.4 per cent for June from 1.7 per cent the month before.The provincial rate for June is the same at 1.4 per cent down from 1.8 per cent in May.

Respol Won't Rule Out Sale Of Canaport

Respol is not ruling out the possibility of selling off its liquified natural gas assets which include the Canaport LNG terminal in Saint John.
 
Company spokesperson Kristian Rix tells CHSJ News that the company is performing a review of all of its assets.

The Spanish company owns 75 per cent of the Red head LNG facility while Irving Oil owns the remaining 25 per cent.

An Irving spokesperson tells CHSJ News they are not in a position to comment.

East Side Exercise Today

Do not be alarmed! It's only a test.

The City fire department conducting an exercise in East Saint John this morning.


It's happening at Praxair on Grandview Avenue and residents are advised that there will be a lot of vehicles and gear in the area but it shouldn't impact traffic.
 The exercise should take three hours and it begins at 9am.

Bacchus Moves Out

Just days after a deadly shooting, members of the Bacchus Motorcycle club vacating their clubhouse on Pitt Street.

City police say the club voluntarily agreed to move after police found building code violations

A search of the causeway on Wednesday night produced a handgun that may be linked to the murder.

50 year old Matthew Thomas Foley is facing second-degree murder charges in the shooting death of 31-year-old Michael Schimpf last Saturday. 

A City police cruiser remains at the crime scene this morning.

Keep The Creepy Crawlies At Bay

It's the season for creeping, crawling and flying beasties.....especially ticks.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Soctt Giffin offering some tips on keeping ticks away, including wearing white so they're easier to spot and checking over your kids after they play in the woods.

Giffin tells CHSJ News while there hasn't been more reported cases of Lyme Disease, more ticks are being found to carry it.

A DEET-based bug spray will also keep the little bloodsuckers at bay.

Canaport L-N-G Sale Looming

This morning a question mark hangs over the future of the Canaport L-N-G terminal with word majority shareholder Repsol wants to sell its stake in the facility.
A Reuters report says the financially troubled Spanish based company is also selling liquefied natural gas assets in Peru and Trinidad and Tobago in a bid to boost finances and credit ratings.
Irving Oil owns a 25-percent stake in the terminal and so far has not responded to CHSJ News requests for a comment.
The pending sale could also mean problems for Emera which owns the 500-million dollar Brunswick Pipeline running between the terminal and Maine since Repsol is its only customer.

Expect Delays On City Streets

You might have noticed your commute is a lot slower these days....especially in the Crown Street area, which is currently being dug up to install new pipes as part of Harbour Cleanup. 

According to Kevin Rice of the Transportation Department, there's a short construction season and they're fitting in as much work to roads as possible.

Rice suggests you factor in extra time for delays in your commute---and consider biking or walking to work instead of taking the car.

No Love At Provincial Level For T&C Updgrade

It may be a priority for Hospitality Saint John - but - a 12-million dollar upgrade of the Trade and Convention Centre isn't on the radar of the provincial government.
The tourism group and some councillors are hoping to get the provincial and federal governments to share the cost with the city -- but -- Tourism Minister Trevor Holder says his government is committed to clean drinking water - the new "Y" - and - completion of the Fundy Trail.
Holder says finances are tight and it's important to deliver on those three election commitments.
Convention business has all but dried up with the Trade and Convention Centre only hosting one this year so far -- meantime -- the recently completed Convention Centre in downtown Fredericton is also running behind predicted convention numbers.

Another Fix for Mispec?

Mispec Beach has taken a hit from storms and vandals, and common council is looking at  ways to fix it up. 

 Canaport LNG has already pledged to do basic maintenance starting immediately, but according to Councillor Susan Fullerton there could be another solution: the gravel under the parking lot, which she suggests could be excavated and sold with the added benefit of leveling out the lot.

Michael Hugenholtz of the Public Spaces department says he's not sure if that's the case but they will be looking into it.

Shelter For Abused Women Needs Help

In tough economic times, the most vulnerable people are the ones that suffer. Hestia House, which gives support to women escaping abuse, saying while the public has been very helpful raising money is an ongoing issue. 

Kelly Ferris explains with so many organization vying for funding, it's not always guaranteed that the shelter gets what it needs.

Hestia House is an older building from the 1800s and needs maintenance. Ferris says they welcome donations of clothing, toiletries and toys as well as money.

Work Has Resumed On Harbour Bridge

A lot of people have been wondering what is happening with the planned work on the eastbound lanes of the Harbour Bridge that was supposed to resume this past Monday -- it is underway.
Despite some media reports to the contrary -- work did resume Monday under the bridge where about a dozen workers have been setting up equipment and cleaning up from last year's work around Harbour Passage and on Port Authority property over west.
The Transportation Department says as construction ramps up there will be single lane closures - and - traffic lights are being installed at the ramps to improve traffic flow on and off Highway One.
Work is also resuming on the One Mile House Interchange project and that will mean some traffic disruptions along Rothesay Avenue and Highway One in that area - both are slated for completion by fall of next year.

City Gets Cheque For Road Work

Saint John Harbour MLA Carl Killen handing over a large cheque more than $755,000 for work on provincial highways.
The area has seen improvements including asphalt resurfacing of several City streets including Chesley Drive, City Road and Market Place West.

The cheque was handed to the mayor in front of the Market Place gazebo this morning where the City completed water and sewer infrastructure underneath the road.

Mel Norton calls Market Place a vital vehicle and pedestrian link for the people who live nearby and for motorists using the Digby ferry.