That’s right, the CBC has learned that the government of Canada plans to build an arctic base! The plan is to convert an abandoned lead-and-zinc min, located on the northern tip of Baffin Island (view map), into a deepwater docking facility. The government also plans to build a northern army training centre. The army training centre is expected to be located in Resolute, Nunavut (view map), one of Canada’s most northern communities, sitting on the shores of the disputed Northwest Passage. The international strait remains free to all navigation, although Canada claims ownership over the much-coveted waterway and shipping route.

This is great news for Canada, and it comes at a time when we really need to start asserting our sovereignty in the north. We only have to think of Russia planting flag and claiming resources in our waters as a reason why! We should be in control of the ships traveling through our waters, and in control of how the region is managed. I want my government to be making the calls when deciding to let large tankers pass or not. I want my government to be declaring protected wildlife areas. The only way to do this is to spend the money, build the ships, and send the people. Now is the time to act, and this is a step in the right direction!

I like to think that I know a fair amount when it comes to history. However, every now and then I realize just how little I actually know. Take for instance New Brunswick Day. It sounds like a fairly obvious holiday, a day to celebrate living in the best province in Canada - New Brunswick! I assumed that there was some historical significance - maybe it was the date of an early colony in the area, or maybe it was when we became a separate colony from Nova Scotia? It wasn’t until I started looking that I realized I was sadly mistaken. It was simply a way to give people in the province a holiday in August.  Just look at the writeup on the government website:

In June 1976, the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick adopted the New Brunswick Day Act, making the first Monday in August the provincial holiday. In 1989, the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Heritage was made responsible for organizing New Brunswick Day. At that time, New Brunswick Day had little purpose, other than allowing New Brunswickers to benefit from an extra holiday.

During that year, it was proposed that a merit award be made on New Brunswick Day to recognize exceptional New Brunswickers. However, sufficient funding could not be secured. As a result, in 1989 and 1990, the program consisted of a news release, schedule of events, and a list of festivals and events being held on the New Brunswick Day weekend.

In September 1990, a funding proposal was submitted which recommended developing a common theme, promotional material, a New Brunswick Day Merit Award, publicity campaign, and a schedule of events. In order to obtain additional resources and funds, an interdepartmental New Brunswick Day Committee was formed, and an improved program was prepared to celebrate this holiday.

So there you have it, another random piece of provincial history solved!

This week, one thousand people arrived in St. Andrews to protest nearby LNG development. There are three LNG terminals proposed for the Passamoquoddy Bay area. Two American natural gas companies have applied to the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Committee for the right to pass through New Brunswick waters to terminals on the northeast coast of Maine. If the application, which is still under review, is approved, there could be a steady stream of freighters in the area. Luckly, the federal and provincial governments have joined with residents and voiced opposition to the passage of the tankers, which are approximately 12 storeys high and four football fields long.

Margot Sackett, with the group Save Passamoquoddy Bay Canada, said there are numerous reasons why the projects should not be approved. “Passamoquoddy Bay is an extraordinary resource, marine and cultural resource,” she told CBC News. “The entrance is in Canadian waters, the tankers would have to go through those and through the very dangerous Head Harbour Passage … it’s a very unsuitable place to place LNG terminals.” For residents, the prospect of constant tanker traffic is a big concern. “It’s hard for me to think that my life wouldn’t be impacted by a freighter the size of four football fields coming down that view line,” said local resident Gwenda Gauley.

Residents on the American side of the bay also joined Tuesday’s protest. “This is a bay effort, it isn’t an individual effort. Maine and certainly the U.S. have got to understand that it’s not just little bitty bitty town after bitty town. It is in fact the whole bay,” said Suzanne Crawford, who lives across the bay from St. Andrews. The decision on the LNG projects could take a long time. Protesters said they would continue their efforts until they can be sure tankers won’t be allowed in the bay.

So why the big fuss? Well simply because the terminals are being proposed in the wrong location. It simply doesn’t make any sense that LNG tankers would have to cross Canadian waters to reach the terminals in Maine. Not to mention the fact that the area is a tourist town where people can go to relax! I’m glad the federal and provincial governments are behind the citizens; but, I hope they can keep up the pressure to ensure that the area remains as it is - a great place to visit and enjoy nature.

For more information on helping protect the bay, visit the Save Passamoquoddy Bay website.

As I had previous posted this week, http://www.ShareYourRide.ca, allows a way for people to connect to arrange car pooling! After some searching, I found the rest of the videos, check them out!

Part 1: What’s it all about?

Ride along with Tim as he begins his daily commute to work in his mostly empty car. He’s knocked over by the costs to run his car and the impact on the environment. Tim becomes intrigued about the idea of cutting his commuting costs in half or more.

Part 2: Think it’s a hassle?

Tim has doubts about ridesharing because he as special circumstances. He worries that no one would actually want to rideshare with him. Tim lists excuse after excuse why he thinks he can’t rideshare but quickly discovers that each one can be overcome.

Part 3: It’s easier than you think!

Tim starts to like the idea of ridesharing. He discovers that the new website provided by the Saint John Parking Commission can easily match him up with other people looking to rideshare. He also learns of other easy ways to find rideshare matches.

Part 4: A winning situation!

Ridesharing really agrees with Tim. We meet Tim’s new rideshare partners who have a lot in common with him. Tim is relaxed and happy now that he’s saving money and helping the environment.

Today’s newspaper story explains the latest twist in the Saint John Motocross issue. Common Council has now passed a motion to start the closure process for the Saint John Motocross track.

Mike McGovern, spokesman for area residents opposed to the West Side track, located near the Monte Cristo Park subdivision, was initially worried that council voted on the motion without waiting for a report from city staff. “We understand it is likely there’s only one opportunity to do this and it needs to be done right,” he explained. “We can’t afford to lose this on a technicality.” But his concern was tempered after hearing council’s debate Monday night. “The motion made it seem like they they’d be out there this morning enforcing (the zoning bylaw), whether they had all the facts or not.”

City manger Terry Totten recommended against council moving ahead and was visibly annoyed when the motion passed. Totten will submit a report to council on the issue at the next meeting and McGovern doubts any significant action will be taken before then. “Obviously things are going to go on behind the scenes at city hall,” he said. “But two weeks is a short period of time in a zoning enforcement issue. “Council will still have the benefit of a staff report before any public action is taken.”

The group, which has raised noise and safety concerns about the track and contend it’s violating the city’s zoning bylaw because it’s zoned rural and is being used for a commercial operation, remains optimistic, said McGovern. “The political will is there and for us; that’s a big part of the battle.” For more information on the issues with the track and the zoning bylaw violations, see my previous post - Saint John Motocross - Presentation Materials.

I hope that once the report is ready, council will then be ready to enforce the bylaw and finally close the Motocross track! Also, check out this CBC article for more information!

I just had to share this story from the Telegraph Journal. On Tuesday morning, two men, armed with a machete, entered the Esso on Rothesay Avenue demanding cash.

The suspect holding the machete can be seen wearing a black hoodie covering most of his face, with what appears to be a jeweled cross on the back. The man is described as approximately five feet, seven inches tall with a stocky build. The second suspect is described as approximately five feet, seven inches to five feet, eight inches, weighing approximately 175 to 185 lbs.

The odd part of the story was when I learned that this isn’t the first time thieves have been wielding a machete! Sgt. Pat Bonner said the thief’s choice of weapon might just be out of convenience. “I really don’t know (why machetes are being used), they’re not exactly hard to find, it might just be the first thing a person sees or thinks to grab,” he said.

After taking the money, the two suspects fled on foot. Police are asking anyone with more information on the robbery to call police at 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips.