City Taking Early Precautions For Hurricane Irene

With Hurricane Irene expected to track through the Maritimes late this weekend and into Monday, the city is already doing some preparations just in case the weather escalates.

Spokesperson Leah Fitzgerald tells CHSJ News city works crews are making sure storm drains are clear while Saint John Water will have crews on stand-by this over the weekend.

She says the city is always vigilant during hurricane season and they always keep an eye on the storm tracks.

The city is advising you to clear your own catch basins or ditches and to have emergency supplies on hand that can last for at least 72 hours.

American Iron and Metal President Says Shredder Will Get Power

With City Council planning to revisit the controversy of possibly allowing power lines on the property of West Side homes in order to power a metal shredder, it's all a surprise for American Iron and Metal President Herb Black.

He tells CHSJ News as far as he knows, the deal is done and power will be getting to his shredder.

He says he has not received any updates since council, NB Power, and reps from his company announced that a compromise has been reached.

Union Members At City Airport Like Concessions In New Contract

Some workers at the Saint John Airport are back on the job today after reaching an agreement last night.
The previous contract for 25 members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada expired in December 2008.
Atlantic Region Executive Vice-President Jeannie Baldwin tells CHSJ News the new contract includes progress on re-classification.

She says it's the equivalent of a 3.16 per cent increase on average per year.
The deal was reached last night and has been ratified by the union membership.

Major Crime Investigate North End Break

The Major Crime Unit is investigating a break-in at the Easyhome store at Lansdowne Plaza.
Not many details being released, only that the smash and grab happened early Monday morning.
Police are seeking the public's help -- if you have any information, call Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 TIPS.

Book Of Condolence Available For Signing

The book of condolences for Jack Layton at Saint John MP Rodney Weston's office already being filled with signatures.

Weston tells CHSJ News it shows that Saint Johner's appreciate the hard work Layton put in for our country.
He says it gives those here a chance to mourn the loss and it will show Layton's family the support in Saint John for them.

The book will be available to sign until 5pm and again tomorrow from nine until noon.

Lt.-Gov. Graydon Nicholas, Energy Minister Craig Leonard and leader of New Brunswick's New Democratic Party Dominic Carty will be representing our province at Layton's state funeral in Toronto.

KV Fire Sends Out Rescue Boat For Youth Stuck On A Jet Ski

The KV Fire sending out their rescue boat onto the Kennebecasis River after three people on a jet-ski got in some trouble near the Minister's Face rocks.


Chief Bill Ireland tells CHSJ News the jet-ski with three people on board including an 18-year-old man operating the vessel. The fire department getting the call after jet-ski began experiencing mechanical trouble.

Greater Saint John Can Pay Tribute To Jack Layton

Thousands are paying tribute to Jack Layton filing past his flag-draped casket in the House of Commons.
Vic Krasowski, News Director at our sister station in Thunder Bay says the memorials for Layton even extend to his official residence at Stornaway.

He says a small memorial was set up outside the gate including a can of Orange crush symbolizing the NDP's monumental success in Quebec during May's federal election.

Saint Johners can remember Layton at a candlelight vigil tonight at 8pm at the Lily Lake Pavillion and two books of condolences are being set up at the offices of MP's Rodney Weston and Rob Moore today from 9am to 5p and tomorrow from 9am to Noon.

Picketers Slow Access To Airport Open House

They didn't dampen the excitement or impact the turnout but they sure did annoy drivers trying to attend the Saint John aiport open house.
Striking members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada causing traffic delays by setting up picket lines at the entrance.


Some motorists expressing concerns for the picketers safety and that the backlog of traffic on Loch Lommond Road might lead to an accident.

Airport Open House A Big Success

A community open-house at the Saint John Airport taking off to great success. Stacey Richards with the Atlantic Flight Centre tells CHSJ News they'd definitely consider holding a similar event in the future.

She says everyone was really thrilled with the chance to walk airside.  Pilot Rod Erdos with Vintage Wings of Canada showed off a fighter airplane from the second world war called the P-51 Mustang. He says the kids coming by were nothing by enthusiastic. He says it makes him a bit nervous when they get their fingers into things but, it's nice that kids still get excited over planes.


A Mark 4 Harvard was also on display, which Erdos says is the plane many veterans would have gotten their Wings in.

Few Details Coming Out Of Shredder Meeting

The meeting that was expected to reveal how the city and NB Power were going to power a metal shredder while at the same time keep west side residents happy didn't provide any details on that solution.

Instead, the meeting consisted of presentation by groups for and against the expansion, which included NB Power, the Port, and the Save the West Side Coastline Group, who want underground power lines.

Mayor Ivan Court would only provide a few details.

He says they could put a temporary line for two years that would run along Fundy Drive.
Court adds council is taking everything said at the meeting into consideration and will make a decision at Monday night's council meeting.

The only figure the mayor would throw out is that it would cost 1.8 million dollars to bury 400 metres of power lines.

Gas Is A Bit Cheaper This Morning

If you are filling up and heading out of town this morning, it will cost a little less.

The price of regular gas is down slightly at the weekly setting to 127.3 while diesel is also cheaper at 129.4.

At some pumps in the City, you can fill up on regular for 124.6 a litre and with diesel for 126.7 a litre.

Local Events Planned To Pay Tribute To Jack Layton

Those of you in the community who want to pay tribute to fallen NDP Leader Jack Layton can do so tomorrow night.

The local NDP Federal Riding Association is holding a candlelight vigil for Layton tomorrow at the Lily Lake Pavilion at 8pm.

Everyone is invited.

Also, if you didn't get the chance to sign the book of condolences in Fredericton for Jack Layton, you now have another chance to do so.

Books of condolences will be made available at the offices of both Saint John MP Rodney Weston and Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore.  They will be open to the public tomorrow from 9am to 5pm and Friday from 9am until noon.

Both books will be forwarded to Jack Layton's family.

Montreal Man Facing Charges For Selling Counterfeit Items In Sussex

The RCMP attending the Sussex Flea Market searching for a man selling counterfeit items.

The Mounties arresting a 57-year-old man from Montreal in connection with the sale of several hundred t-shirts, hoodies and purses.
The approximate retail value is estmated at $15,000.

The man was released and is expected to face charges under the Copyright Act.
For more information about copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting, click here

Still No Picketers, Despite Strike

All flights are on schedule at the airport despite 25 employees who remain on strike.  

The workers are part of the Public Service Alliance of Canada.

Colleen Kemp-Mitchell with the airport tells CHSJ News both parties remained at the negotiation table until at least 7:30 last night and talks resumed first thing this morning. 

She says all activities, including this afternoon's open house, are running as planned.  

She says there are still no picketers so no one is crossing the picket line.

Conservation Council Appalled By Minister's Comment

The Conservation Council saying its absolutely absurd to say the council would condone vandalism to seismic testing equipment.  

Director David Coon responding to Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney, who says the Conservation Council played a role in Southwestern Resources Canada's decision to suspend seismic testing and is inflaming peoples' emotions on shale gas.  

Coon tells CHSJ News the council supports non-violent opposition to concerns that communities have.

Coon says he's appalled the Minister thinks the council would endorse property damage or illegal activity and Blaney should publicly apologize for her comment.  

He says seismic testing was delayed because thousands of citizens raised their voices in a democratic fashion.

Child And Youth Advocate Wants Input From Saint John Autism Community

The acting child and youth advocate encouraging families with concerns about the services available to autistic children in Saint John to contact him.

Christian Whalen extending the invite at the Art for Autism showcase at the Community Autism Centre which showcases the artistic ability of youth diagnosed with autism.

Over 800 famillies use the non-profit centre that helps people and their famillies living with autism spectrum disorder.  For more info or to reach Whalen, click here

Details On Metal Shredder Released Tonight

Common Council hosting a meeting tonight to provide the public with details about the proposed metal shredder operation for the city's west side.  

The American Iron and Metal project was held up after residents objected to the use of above ground transmission lines to power the shredder.   

At a meeting four weeks ago Mayor Ivan Court announcing council had found an option but could not release details until the costs were worked out.  

Representatives from the parties involved will be at the Carleton Community Centre tonight to provide information and to answer questions.  

The meeting starts at 7 o'clock.

PotashCorp Gives $50K To Hospital Foundation

PotashCorp NB handing a cheque to the Regional Hospital Foundation to the tune of 50 thousand dollars. The Foundation now has 70 per cent of the money needed to purchase equipment for a new stem-cell lab at the Regional. PotashCorp GM Stewart Brown tells CHSJ News raising that much money in such a short period of time is a huge accomplishment.

He says reaching this point required an agressive fundraising campaign that began earlier this year. Brown says the company decided to donate because a new stem-cell lab is something that will benefit everyone in the region. He says says you'd be hard pressed to find someone who hasn't been impacted by cancer.

Blaney Blames Shale Gas Testing Delay On Conservation Council

Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney says the Conservation Council of New Brunswick is fanning the flames of controversy and is responsible for the delay in shale gas testing.

Southwestern Resources Canada recently suspended seismic testing for shale gas until next year amid safety concerns and vandalism to equipment.

She tells CHSJ News the council has been showing a film across the province that is not doing anyone any favours.


Blaney says the Conservation Council has been taking the Gaslands movie around the province and she thinks a factual debate on shale gas is needed.
She believes they implicitly condone the recent vandalism to seismic testing equipment.

Police Arrest Four After East Side Break And Enter

City police arresting 4 men ranging in age from 18 to 27 after a break and enter on the East side.


Neighbours alerting police about 3am this morning after they heard noises coming from a house on Bonita Avenue.

All four men will be in court this morning.