Federal And Provincial Money Flowing For City Water

The federal and provincial governments are coming to city hall Monday afternoon with 16-million dollars to help with the first phase of upgrading the municipal water system. Saint John Conservative M-P Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News safe drinking water is a top priority.The total upgrade of the city system including a new water treatment plant will be in the 150 to 200-million dollar range -- Weston says now it's time to begin working on funding for phase 2 of the project.The formal announcement is being made at 1:30 in the Ludlow Room at City Hall.

Tourism Numbers Holding Despite Wet Summer

The wet summer so far -- and -- tighter security at the U-S border are creating some bumps in provincial tourism numbers. But Tourism Minister Stuart Jamieson tells CHSJ News overall numbers aren't bad with numbers up at some historical attractions and the Fundy Trail while some outside attractions have suffered thank to the cool wet weather. Jamieson says the passport requirement at the U-S border has kept more Americans away -- but -- more Canadians especially from Ontario and Quebec are staying in Canada and visiting our province. In addition -- the Acadien Congress on the North Shore is helping to boost numbers in that area.

Graham Dismisses Whispers Liberals In Trouble

Premier Graham is turning aside whispers and "tweets" being attributed to the Opposition Tories -- one recent "tweet" on Twitter indicated New Brunswick Liberals were defecting from the party over Graham government policies. But the Premier tells CHSJ News he's being noticing a lot of momentum around the province this summer with large turnouts for party events.Graham says the Conservatives have consistently been critical of government policies without offering any alternatives for debate.

Regional Health Authority B Looking For Input

Stakeholders at Regional Health Authority B want to know where you think the organization should be heading in the future.The health authority is putting out the call to all community members, staff and physcians to participate in surveys, interviews and focus groups about it's strategic direction.The results of the information gathered is expected to be released by the late fall, outlining the future of the organization.

Anyone interested in participating in the RHA B strategic planning process can visit the RHA B website at www.rhab-rrsb.ca

Rothesay Closing Loop Holes In Bylaw

The town of Rothesay is make some changes to its unsightly premises by-law. Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ news the town is already strict on how property appearances but says the changes will make it a little more difficult for people to skirt around the by-law.
Steve Nason has been appointed as the town's new By-law compliance officer and Development officer, Gay Drescher, will be his alternate.

Fix My Street May Be Coming To A Neighborhood Near You

Potholes, missing stop signs and other roadway nuisances may become a little easier to keep track of. Fix My Street.com is a non-profit organization which encourages citizens to report problems which exist by posting pictures or information on the website. A proposal suggesting that the city use this service will be suggested at tomorrow's Common Council meeting. Councillor Snook tells CHSJ News the service could provide a more effective way to keep council in touch with street problems.

Currently, Ottawa and Charlottetown utilize this service.

No More Mail Reminders

The Oppositon Public Safety critic says New Brunswickers are paying double for registering their vehicles because often times they forget to renew it since the province stopped sending out reminders.Carl Urquhart tells CHSJ News, people will pay their bills if they come, but since they are creatures of habit will forget if not reminded.He says when the province decided to stop sending out reminders back in April it was to save money.
Urquhart says seniors are the ones most likely to forget their registration has expired, and if they are on a fixed budget cannot afford to pay a $180 dollar fine, and then the cost of registering their vehicle.

Armed Stand Off

A man in his 40's held police off for hours last night in an Armed Stand Off in the South End. The 12 hour Stand Off on Broad Street outside the mans apartment ended peacefully at 5:30. The man is in custody and will be in court later this week facing charges. The man did not have a hostage.

Critical Fall on Carleton

One man is in hospital after falling out of a window late last night. A 35 year old man fell from a second story window on Carleton Street, emergency crews responded to the call and the man was taken to hospital where he remains in critical condition. No name has been released.

North End Works Kicks Off

Festivities -- Photo by Melissa O'Rourke


Kick off festivities for a new business building project in the North End started with a bang this afternoon. North End Works is a new initiative that aims to discover the skills and talents of local residents and turn those skills into thriving businesses. Wendy McDermott with Vibrant Communities tells CHSJ News they're hoping events like today's will have many residents filling out forms.

North End Works is hoping to have business idea's in discussion in next three months.

Medical Isotopes Price Increase

The Department of Health is confirming the price of medical isotopes is rising.Minister of Health Mary Schryer tells CHSJ News, the Regional Health Authority's are mandated to deal with the supply, and she says they are doing a good job handling the cost increase.
Schryer says the higher rate went into effect on August the 1st.
The price increase comes as Ontario's Chalk River reactor has gone offline, causing health authorities to try and secure isotopes.

Canada Games Stadium Cash Closer

It appears the federal and provincial governments are moving closer to some kind of funding announcement for the six million dollar upgrade of the Canada Games Stadium. Premier Graham tells CHSJ News it's definitely on the to do list and his government is whittling away the long list of priorities.Meantime -- Saint John M-P Rodney Weston is sounding optimistic about an announcement. Weston says it's something that he's been working on for some time along with provincial Tourism Minister Stuart Jamieson and he's feeling good about it.Supporters of the project are hoping to have the upgrade completed in time for hosting the Acadien Games next summer -- meantime -- we are being told the official word could be coming early next week.

Blood Donation Milestone

A Rothesay man is in select company after making his 600th blood donation.Don Shaw donates plasma weekly, and is only the 75th Canadian to reach 600, and the only person in New Brunswick.Spokesperson for Canadian Blood Services, Amanda Cullen tells CHSJ News, it would be great to have more people donate as frequently as Shaw.She says summer months often show a decline in donations.
Cullen says two other New Brunswickers are in the "500 Club" and were on hand to congratulate Shaw on his achievement.She says anyone interested in giving the life saving gift should call 1-888-TODONATE.

Federal Funds Helping Restore Historical Site in Kingston

The federal government is investing money into New Brunswick's oldest surviving church.Fundy Royal M-P Rob Moore announced the feds are investing $30 thousand dollars into the Trinity Church and Rectory National Historic Site in Kingston.The money will go towards renovating and preserving the church, and will pay for a maintenance plan for two church buildings, as well as four exterior storm windows.Moore says the money is out of the National Historic Sites of Canada Cost Sharing Program, and will create jobs, as well as allow conservation professionals maintain and preserve an important historic site.

Rash of Robberies Traced Back to Drugs

The sudden rash of robberies in the city over the past several weeks has a lot of people asking why?Information officer with the Saint John Police Force Sgt. Pat Bonner tells CHSJ News, in practically every single incident drugs were a factor. Sgt. Bonner says, like most robberies, the sudden rash in the city is led by people trying to get fast cash to buy drugs.

The Antlerless Deer Draw Results Are In

Nearly 5000 lucky hunters can find out if they are able to hunt antlerless deer this season.The results of the draw are in, and anyone with a deer license can head to the Department of Natural Resources website to check if they won.A list of two digit numbers, which are the last two digits on a deer license will indicate if you've won a permit.This year, over 12 thousand New Brunswickers put their names into the draw.

Fundy Fog Festival Hits the Boardwalk Stage

The Saint John's sixth annual Fundy Fog Festival hits the stage tonight. Soul Ride out of Halifax will open for Cape Breton's Slowcoaster at eight o'clock-- and-- Saint John's very own Big Medicine will hit the stage tomorrow night followed by a motocross performance and then Soul Ride. Heather Peterson with the Hardman Group tells CHSJ news the Fundy Fog Festival is sure to bring in the fog.

The motocross performance is expected to steal the spot light this year. Peterson says she wanted to add a little flavour to this year's event with bikes flying through the air, over the stage, and performing amazing stunts. To get a sneak pre-view check out their practice session Saturday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm.

Province Announces Money for Athletes

The provincial government is giving more than 98 thousand dollars to 83 athletes in the province to compete at the provincial and national levels. The funding will help top amateur athletes make the senior or junior national team and will come from the New Brunswick Athlete Assistance Program.

Athletes must be competing in a recognized sport in a major event such as the Olympics, Paralympics or Canada Games. The grants range from $500 to $3,000.

Paul Zed Shocked By Irving Oil Donation to Romero House

Chair of the Finance Committee Paul Zed tells CHSJ News, himself and staff at Romero House were stunned when Irving Oil employees presented a cheque for over $30 thousand dollars.Zed says this amount doubles the target amount the soup kitchen was aiming to raise.

He says this contribution puts Romero House at $60 thousand dollars, doubling their goal set 3 weeks ago.
Zed says this will be the base of the stability fund that Romero House will be able to tuck away for a rainy day.He says he's impressed with Irving Oil matching the $15 thousand dollars raised by employees.

Rothesay Water System Gets Government Boost

[Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop----Photo by Gary MacDonald]


The town of Rothesay is getting some multi-million dollar help from the federal and provincial governments to upgrade and expand its municipal water system. Both levels of government are contributing a total of 5.4-million dollars to the project -- and -- Mayor Bill Bishop says the line will be extended to K-Park and adjacent to the McKay highway:
Bishop says the expansion should help to spur more development in the area -- work is expected to begin almost immediately.