Cuts To Bus Service Will Hurt Low-Income People

The Human Development Council says the upcoming cuts to transit service and hours will hurt those in the low-income bracket.

Executive Director Randy Hatfield tells CHSJ News certain families, students, and the elderly take the bus because it's the only means of transportation they can afford and cuts to the service will mean longer and harder days for them.

He says our transit system is not in a good position as ridership in Canada's ten largest urban areas is up by over 5 percent in the last year while our numbers are stagnant.
 

He says new funding model that does not rely on property taxes will need to be established for cities.

Saint John recently announced a reduction in service and 12 employees will be let go in order to deal with the city's pension deficit.

Nor'easter Hits New Brunswick

It looks like mother nature is giving us the trick rather than the treat.

Saint John and the surrounding areas are under a rainfall warning -- according to Environment Canada, a low pressure system is tracking south of Nova Scotia  is bringing the slushy mess.

Meteorologist Doug Mercer tells CHSJ News the rest of the day will not be fun, saying that we should expect more rain mixed with snow and strong northeasterly winds.

Baby Barn Catches Fire

A baby barn ablaze at 54 Champlain Drive East.

The wood frame structure caught on fire shortly after midnight, and caused damage to a nearby vehicle.

No injuries, but the fire department tells CHSJ News that they are treating the cause of the fire as suspicious.

Bay of Fundy Continues Drive To Be One Of The World's 7 Natural Wonders

The crashing tides of the Bay of Fundy receiving some international recognition. The bay could be named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

Bay of Fundy Tourism executive Terri McCulloch states that the bay is running against major tourist sites like the Grand Canyon, Dead Sea, and the Galapagos Islands. An important goal of the campaign has been to get some visibility for the Bay of Fundy.

Politicians and celebrities, including comedian Rick Mercer, are getting behind the bid. Mercer recently featured the bay in a segment of his TV show.

Over 440 sites entered the contest: the Bay of Fundy has made it into the final 28. It is the only remaining Canadian entrant.

The winners will be announced November 11.

To vote for the Bay of Fundy, click here.

Community Paper Celebrates 3 Years

The free paper "Around the Block" is a familiar sight to readers in Saint John's priority neighborhoods. The publication is celebrating its third anniversary this week.

Coordinator Juanita Black tells CHSJ News that the paper has taken important lessons from communities throughout the Port City, such as learning from one another.

According to Black, the paper has come a long way since it started in 2008.

The goal of "Around the Block" is to give a sense of pride to priority neighborhoods.