Paul Adams, a teacher at Fundy Middle and High School in St. George, is using the game GeoGuessr in his classroom to teach geography. And he's already seen progress.

Last June, Lynx Air flew out of the Fredericton International Airport for the first time, promising seasonal low-cost flights four times a week to Toronto and Calgary. Now Lynx says it will stop everything on Monday.

A Saint John police officer who was stabbed while responding to a disturbance at the Canadian Tire on the city's west side Wednesday night has been released from the hospital.

A year after blaming artificially low power rates for N.B. Power’s dire finances, the utility’s CEO says she was relieved when the Higgs government pre-empted a major hike designed to tackle its massive debt.

Subscribe now

A homeless man who choked a woman, assaulted her with weapons and burned her skin with cigarettes was sentenced Friday to time already served for those crimes, given his remorse and clean prior record.

David LeBlanc, 36, of no fixed address, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by video from a provincial jail Friday for a sentencing hearing on numerous charges.

He pleaded guilty last year to Aug. 10 counts of assault, assault by choking, assault with weapons (a wooden pallet and a glass bottle), assault causing her bodily harm and threats to cause death and/or bodily harm.

The crimes all related to the same woman.

Read more

Connor Fox celebrates the release of his debut album Music Room with a show at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre on February 29.  Matt Carter  Fredericton guitarist Connor Fox released his…

The post Connor Fox album release show appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

Woodstock issues public service announcement following online backlash surrounding potential closure of long-running AYR Motor Centre service

Woodstock Council will address a sharp controversy at its regular council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 27.

On Thursday, Feb. 22, the town issued a public service announcement stating that plans surrounding skate-sharpening services at the AYR Motor Centre would be on the agenda at next Tuesday’s meeting.

The social media uproar began earlier in the week after the arena-using public heard that facility officials decided the room long used by J.A.D.E.’s Edges, operated by Barry Scott for skate-sharpening, would become office space.

Online chatter spread quickly, noting the business, known to many users as Barry’s room, would close on March 15.

Town officials responded to the online concerns, calling the situation a “misunderstanding.”

“We have been made aware of some misunderstandings being circulated on social media around operational planning at the AYR Motor Centre, which potentially impact services to the public,” the town explained in its public service announcement. “In order to adequately balance and manage the services offered out of such a dynamic facility, there are many factors behind the scenes which affect our decisions.”

The town said increased youth activity participation at the rink and field house created a strain on available space in the facility.

The statement explained that staff updated the council about the spacing issues at the AYR Motor Centre this week, after which it added it to the March 27  agenda.

“Council had asked for the background and necessary information in regards to the service levels offered by the skate shop, the potential changes in the location within the AYR Motor Centre, and/or changes to any services.,” the town explained in the announcement. “A final decision will be made after that.”

The town statement added it is investigating possibly relocating the service to an alternate location within the arena.

The post Council hopes to take edge off skate-sharpening controversy first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The severe staffing shortage that prompted Vitalité Health Network to pay a private agency about $158 million to hire out-of-province nurses in 2022 is just as bad now as it was then, according to the CEO.

New Brunswick is seeing a sharp rise in auto thefts, a trend across Canada. But unlike Ontario and Quebec, where most vehicles are stolen for export overseas, most New Brunswick cars are taken to commit other crimes — and eventually found.

Louis Gagnon, 56, was killed in a work accident in 2020 at an N.B. Power plant.

As a teenager, 93-year-old Jean Shannon knit items to be sent to the frontlines of the war. Eighty years later, the New Brunswick Military History Museum is honouring the work of knitters like Shannon and working to carry on the tradition. WATCH | N/A

Mayor assures concerned residents that amended municipal plan and zoning changes will not clear the way for mining companies

With two mining companies actively exploring potential open pit manganese mines within the newly expanded Woodstock boundaries, Mayor Trina Jones explained the town’s role in future decisions remains limited and undefined.

Jones and council members addressed residents’ concerns during the Feb. 13 council meeting.

With a handful of concerned residents in the gallery, Jones led the council in a “clarification” discussion surrounding the town’s role in mining approval.

As far as the ongoing exploration operations, Jones explained, the town holds no involvement.

She explained the Department of Natural Resources issues exploration permits for one year at a time.

Beyond exploration, Jones added, the process to approve a mine would be lengthy, involve environmental impact assessments and require public and council input. She said that such a step remains years away.

“We’re still not clear about our role at the EIA,” she said. “We may have a seat at the table.”

While Jones recognized the frustration of residents living in the areas targeted by two mining companies surrounding the need for more information, she said the town cannot provide mining details.

“It’s not the council’s role to be a conduit for information,” she said.

Jones said the two mining companies are responsible for informing the public about how their explorations and potential mines would affect property owners in the area.

“The right people to answer those questions are the companies,” she said.

Canadian Manganese Company Inc. has staked a claim for a vast portion of land encompassing the Hartford and Plymouth Road area towards the Canadian-U.S. border in Bedell. Next door, in the Jacksonville and Wakefield area, Manganese X Energy Corp holds the mining claim.

Ward 3 Coun. Julie Calhoun-Williams, who represents the Jacksonville and Wakefield areas, said she fielded several questions regarding the mines from constituents.

“I encourage them to direct questions to the company,” she said.

Jones agreed, saying engaging the community is in the company’s best interest.

Under the proposed Municipal Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments, any existing quarries and open pit mines would be grandfathered under their current zoning. Any new mines or quarries would face stringent regulations, go through the planning advisory committee and require a public hearing process.

Ward 4 Coun. Christa McCartney pointed out all potential mines face “a lot of oversight.”

She explained the “extensive process” includes a review of a mine’s impact on the environment, water tables and neighbouring properties.

McCartney added that even exploration permits require mining companies to submit detailed plans each year regarding the number, size, and locations of core holes.

Jones explained that, as it stands, the council has a say in zoning decisions regarding potential mines but acknowledged the province could change the process.

She noted that before amalgamation extended Woodstock boundaries to include the two potential manganese mines, municipalities, including Woodstock, played no role in mining decisions.

Jones said the council will continue to stay abreast of the situation and ensure zoning decisions go through the required public process,

In the end, she noted, councils may have a role in the process, but municipalities do not approve or reject mines.

The post Woodstock Council’s role in mining approvals is limited and unclear first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Western Valley communities included in a three-day operation that stretched along Highway 2 from Quebec to Nova Scotia borders

A three-day traffic enforcement operation between Feb. 15 and 17, which included Western Valley communities, saw police hand out hundreds of tickets for driving infractions.

In a media release, the New Brunswick RCMP’s Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit explained members of the RCMP and the Highway Safety Enforcement — a branch of the Department of Justice and Public Safety — conducted a traffic enforcement operation on the Trans-Canada Highway 2 from Saint-Jacques to Aulac as well as in the Western Valley communities.

The TTEU said that the operation saw eight vehicles towed and 370 tickets issued under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act, including 258 tickets for speeding, 20 for expired registration and five for vehicles not insured.

“This is our second operation this month, and we want to remind people to check the expiry date of their vehicle registration,” said Sgt. Ghislain David with the Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit. “During this operation, four vehicles were towed and impounded for seven days for speeding in excess of 50 km/hr but less than 80 km/hr over the speed limit. In addition, one person was charged with driving with a suspended license, and another for having a short-term licence suspension in relation to alcohol.”

The release explained that the New Brunswick RCMP’s TTEU conducts regular, targeted traffic enforcement on roadways throughout the province to improve road safety, educate motorists about traffic laws, and reduce serious injury and fatal collisions.

The TTEU said its top priority remains ensuring public safety by limiting the number of dangerous drivers on the roads.

The unit said that the public can assist in keeping dangerous drivers off the road by reporting them to the police.

“If you see a dangerous or a suspected impaired driver, call 911,” the release stated. “Your description of the driver, vehicle, licence plate number and direction of travel can assist police in making New Brunswick roads safer.”

The post RCMP issue 370 tickets in a provincewide traffic enforcement operation first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A Green Party MLA says New Brunswick should have more control over immigration numbers in response to the federal government’s new cap on international study permits.

A 35-year-old man is scheduled to appear in court this afternoon to face multiple charges in connection with the stabbing of a Saint John police officer Wednesday night, say police.

Subscribe now

The public purse in the province is going to be almost $100,000 lighter in the coming week as a judge imposed financial penalties on Horizon Health Network on Thursday for asbestos-management infractions.

Regional Health Authority B, better known in the province as the Horizon Health Network, was back before the Fredericton provincial court Thursday for a sentencing decision on two WorkSafeNB charges.

Horizon previously admitted to failing to adopt the code of practice entitled A Code of Practice for Working with Materials Containing Asbestos in New Brunswick and failing to acquaint employees with any hazard with regard to the handling of asbestos, both between Nov. 7, 2017 and Oct. 6, 2022.

Read more

The federal government won’t turn over military land at the edge of downtown Moncton the city and province had sought for housing.

A judge ruled Thursday that Horizon Health Network will pay $80,000 to the New Brunswick Construction Safety Association after an investigation revealed potential exposure of some Fredericton hospital employees to asbestos over nearly five years.

The New Brunswick government is defending the use of travel nurses in the face of criticism over the high costs to taxpayers.

Province still has to decide how to divvy up international students between its schools.

In celebration of Black History Month, Bliss Carman Middle School hopes to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Black history and culture among students.

Police say the officer sustained non-life threatening injuries when they responded to a disturbance Wednesday evening.

Maritime Snowmobile Championship Racing returns to Woodstock, drawing more than 1,000 spectators to the racetrack

After over 40 years of absence, Woodstock welcomed Maritime Snowmobile Champion Racing back last weekend at the Connell Park Raceway.

The roars of the racer’s engines were only softened by the crowd’s deafening cheers.

The races featured a variety of classes, such as Masters F500, Mod Champ, and Champion. Some classes were drastically different from others.

One example is Outlaw class, where racers drove almost wholly custom snowmobiles resembling dune buggies.

The event handed out over $36,000 in prize money over the weekend, beginning Friday evening, Feb. 16, through full days of racing on Saturday and Sunday.

Another unique event was Snocross, a cross between Motorcross and snowmobiling that provided an unequalled thrill to riders and the audience.

The event’s return drew large crowds, with the parking lot of not just the race track being filled but all of Woodstock High School and the AYR Motor Centre.

Crowds watched from the grandstand and the hill behind the AYR Motor Centre.

Prize money wasn’t limited to the racers. Heavily advertised during the races, the 50/50 draw delivered a grand prize of $25,927 to winner Greg Cluff.

Many influential figures in New Brunswick came to the event opening ceremony on Saturday, including Premier Blain Higgs, Education Minister and Woodstock MLA Bill Hogan, Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Margret Johnson, Transportation and Infrastructure Richard Ames and Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones.

A number of people who had participated in the original Maritime Snowmobile Championship Racing were also in attendance.

The closing ceremony saw organizers handing numerous prizes to the top riders of the three-day event, including the prestigious Red Buckingham Award for good sportsmanship earned by Dave Blair. The award was named in memory of Buckingham, a snowmobiling pioneer and a driving force behind the original Maritime Snowmobile Champion Racing in the ’70s and early ’80s.

More than 150 volunteers contributed to the races, not counting those who participated in the breakfasts sponsored by the Masonic Lodge at the Y’s Men Club, a Saturday night dance hosted by the Woodstock Trailmakers and other events throughout Woodstock.

Co-announcer and organizer Bob Fowlie explained the event was only possible with the help of the event’s sponsors, chief among them E. Cumings Contracting.

The post Sleds hit the fast track in triumphant return first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Town, Planet Youth, local police provide day of family-oriented excitement at AYR Motor Centre

For Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones, the excitement exhibited by the more than 2,000 residents who enjoyed a full day of activities at the AYR Motor Centre on Family Day, Monday, Feb. 19, epitomizes the reason for the winter holiday.

“This is what the weekend is all about,” she said as she stood amidst the laughter and excitement ringing through the AYR Motor Centre Field House, Gallery Room, arena and pool. “It’s Family Day.”

Town recreation staff, volunteers and partners such as Planet Youth, the RCMP and the Woodstock Police Force delivered a comprehensive slate of activities throughout the afternoon and evening.

Planet Youth, a drug and alcohol addiction prevention organization aimed at youth, hosted a family-focused carnival in the field house to serve as the launch of its Woodstock-area program.

Meanwhile, town crews oversaw free skating in the arena and swimming in the pool.

The mayor and town staff used the day to present eight worthy individuals with citizen appreciation awards, recognizing their many volunteer hours of dedication and commitment to their community.

The AYR Motor Centre stands were packed as the Woodstock Police Force faced off against the RCMP in the inaugural Battle of the Badges on Monday evening. The Woodstock Police Force reported the charity game raised more than $4,000 and food donations for the Valley Food Bank and breakfast programs at Townsview, Meduxnekeag Consolidated and Woodstock High schools.

Throughout the afternoon on Family Day, the Field House and Gallery Room served as an action centre for families as children of all ages played games, participated in contests and learned a little about the goals of Planet Youth.

“It’s been a great launch for the Woodstock area,” said Emily Shapiro, who co-leads the project in the Woodstock area with Population Health team member and nurse Alyson Ross.

Shapiro, Ross and scores of volunteers in orange shirts guided the families through four sections: an information area, a primary family area, and two play sections.

Shapiro said the central focus of the Planet Youth launch in Woodstock was “action and engagement.”

She said the day met and surpassed their hopes.

“This is the spirit we want to keep going,” Shapiro said.

She explained that Planet Youth is the provincial government’s five-year pilot project designed based on a highly successful addiction-prevention program from Iceland.

Shapiro explained that Woodstock is one of four pilot sites in the province, joining the Acadian Peninsula, Kent County, and Saint John.

She explained each site decided on its own style of launch, with some using a more serious approach with guest speakers and experts. She said the Woodstock team opted for a family-friendly approach.

“The root of prevention is family,” Shapiro said.

She said battling drug and alcohol addictions requires attention on a variety of levels, from prevention to housing to treatment.

Shapiro said Planet Youth’s focus is strictly prevention as they try to steer Woodstock-area youth away from bad choices, including drugs and alcohol.

“We’re trying to reduce youth consumption,” she said.

Shapiro said Planet Youth will work closely with Woodstock’s two k-to-8 schools and Woodstock High School with students directly involved, including a youth coalition formed at the high school.

“Youth will be involved,” she said. “We need their feedback.”

Volunteers and staff quickly prepared the Gallery Room for the citizen appreciation awards ceremony after the Planet Youth carnival.

With a crowd of friends and family on hand, eight recipients accepted their awards from Mayor Jones.

The mayor broke with the tradition of handing out the awards at Mayor’s Levee on Jan. 1, opting to make it part of Family Day activities.

This year’s presentations began with Craig Campbell and Jocelyn Keirstead accepting awards for their many hours of volunteer time with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. For several years, they helped low-income residents and families file taxes and ensure access to available programs.

Jordan Currie accepted an award recognizing his efforts as a coach and volunteer with the Woodstock Minor Hockey and his many other activities in support of his community.

Karen (Kippy) Taylor earned recognition for her community leadership on many levels, including as president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carleton York and her book showcasing the history of the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club and her efforts to restore the area’s May Day Basket tradition.

Norm Purvis accepted his award for his long-time volunteer leadership with the Valley Yacht Club, the Woodstock Trailmakers Snowmobile Club, and other community organizations.

Jennifer Campbell received her award in recognition of her leadership and dedication to improving the Trans Canada Trail as founder and president of the Woodstock Trans Canada Trail Association.

Aria Williams and Edie Webster-Snoad, who as Little Miss Woodstock and Junior Miss Woodstock, respectively, earned recognition and an award for their countless hours attending and promoting events and celebrations throughout the community.

One common phrase Jones repeated after describing the recipients’ volunteer efforts was “and in their spare time.”

She noted the ability to find extra time to work on behalf of others and their community proved a common denominator among all recipients.

The post Woodstock celebrates family on Family Day first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A requirement unveiled by the New Brunswick government that households will have to show at least $3,000 in "working" income to receive a new $300 affordability benefit will disqualify tens of thousands of seniors and others from accessing the money.

New Brunswick finance officials faced questions from MLAs over a string of surpluses significantly higher than first forecast in recent years.

Residents urged to check schedules as Upper St. John River municipalities plan multiple events

As April and the total solar eclipse it brings with it approaches, all eyes are turning towards New Brunswick.

 The eclipse promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with another not happening in eastern Canada for 56 years.

Hotels, like Woodstock’s Best Western to the Florenceville Inn, are sold out and, in some cases, are overbooked with those travelling to watch the meteorological event.

The need for rooms has grown to such an extent that some local homes have even begun renting out rooms in advance.

The District of Carleton North offers significant eclipse-related events, including Canadian astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield serving as the keynote speaker, with James Mullinger as the opening act, at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre.

Tickets cost $75 for general admission and $246 for a VIP ticket.

The event is expected to begin at approximately 5 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. on April 8, with a meet and greet running from 9 to 10 p.m. for those who bought a VIP ticket.

“Before the event, we will be having a live stream of the Ballon solar eclipse project,” says Sharon Johnson, Tourism, heritage, and culture manager.

The balloon eclipse project is a plan where a weather balloon will be raised over the clouds and will transmit video of the eclipse back to the ground.

It will also be broadcast in Hartland, Woodstock, Perth-Andover and Plaster Rock.

This will ensure that even if it is a cloudy day, people can witness the eclipse in all its natural beauty.

Meanwhile, Woodstock offers its own plans for the celestial milestone.

In Woodstock, students will be given early dismissal and will be invited to a number of events going on around the town.

In the week leading up to the eclipse, students can also look forward to a travelling planetarium from Science East coming to Woodstock High School.

Amenities such as free food, live music, and more are expected.

Grants for the events at Woodstock High School, as well as a few other schools in the area of totality, are being given by Memorial University, explained Lisa Porter, teacher and staff coordinator from Woodstock High School.

In addition to the school activities, there are expected to be multiple eclipse sites around Woodstock, with guides present to explain the phenomena as they occur.

The post River Valley gears up for solar eclipse first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The following notice appeared in the Feb. 2024 printed issue of the River Valley Sun:

The post COURT NOTICE: Attention Chelsa Bryson first appeared on River Valley Sun.

New Brunswick's COVID-19 hazard index is the highest in the country and more than double the national average, according to researchers analyzing COVID data from across Canada.

Another street on Saint John's central peninsula is in line for a dedicated bike lane as the city pursues more ways for people to get around. 

Harvest’s first artist announcement of 2024 sets a high bar for this year’s lineup.  Matt Carter  Go big or go home. That seems to be the unspoken motto of Fredericton’s…

The post Harvest announces Victor Wooten, Jim Cuddy, Feist and Broken Social Scene appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

Five local athletes ready to bring home the hardware from 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games

Five Western Valley athletes head to Calgary for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games at the end of the month. The event runs from Feb. 27 to March 2 and will see over 4,000 athletes from across Canada come together to compete.

Marco Gauvin, Frank Long, and Joshua Cousins will compete in Floor Hockey, while Calvin Grant and Patti Connors will participate in Snowshoe Racing for Team New Brunswick.

Western Valley Special Olympics Regional Coordinator Debbi Graham said the team is ready. She’s also heading to Calgary as part of the mission staff with Team New Brunswick. Graham says her position is a full-time job where she gets paid in hugs and high-fives.

“We’ve been practicing with our snowshoers once a week since last fall, but have ramped it up to twice a week. Our last practice is the 25th, and we leave on the 26th,” explained Graham.

For some athletes, the games are more than just a chance to compete; this will be a life-changing experience.

“This is Calvin’s first time he’s been to nationals. It’s also the first time he’s travelled outside of New Brunswick and the first time he’ll be on a plane and the first time he’ll see a big city,” added Graham. “He’s really excited, but he really doesn’t know what he’s excited for, because he’s never experienced this, so it’s going to be special to experience this with him.”

Graham says this is ‘old hat’ for Patti Connors.

“I was looking at some of her older stuff today. Her speaking notes from when she came back from Dubai (Special Olympics World Games in 2019) she had 134 medals in her display case, so she’s now closing in on 150 medals,” explained Graham.

Connors, a Woodstock native, is Canada’s most decorated Special Olympian.

“These are professional athletes,” said Graham. “Some people have the impression that we’re just like a rec program, but we’re not. You’ll see Patti in her backyard training with her snowshoes doing laps with her dog. She works hard to keep fit. She keeps a diary of everything she eats and her activity each day. Each of our athletes train just like professional athletes. They work hard to get to go to these games.”

This is also Graham’s first national games experience. She’s hoping to witness the athletes have the time of their lives.

“The very first time I went to the provincials, I went as a bowling coach. At the end of the games, when the handed out the medals, one of the other coaches said to me, ‘do you have Kleenex in your pockets?’ When they started handing out the medals, the athletes were proud beyond anything I had ever witnessed. They were crying happy tears, their families were crying tears of joy. You see, in some cases, these are people that doctors said would never walk, or do this or that, and here they are, competing as an athlete and getting medals around their necks. It’s a powerful thing to witness. I know to have Kleenex handy now,” said Graham.

Graham said the Western Valley athletes recently received their team kits, with new uniforms, baggage, backpacks, and other travel items emblazoned with the Team NB logo. Team members are having a hard time waiting to wear the NB colours, but they know they need to keep them for the big reveal before they fly.

“They’re so excited,” said Graham. “They’ll get to experience the games, meet new friends, and have the time of their lives.”

The post Western Valley Special Olympians heading to Calgary first appeared on River Valley Sun.

About a dozen unhoused people camping on Waterloo Street, including Robin Monks, whose tent was set on fire Sunday night, are hoping for safer temporary shelter when a pilot program launches in a few days. But not everyone is happy about the news.

Moncton councillors gave the go-ahead Tuesday for various housing proposals, including an 18-storey tower downtown and a separate development off McLaughlin Drive that neighbours opposed.

Saint John police have released a video showing someone getting out of a car and quickly starting a fire at a homeless encampment on Sunday night.

Port Saint John sent American Iron & Metal a bill for more than $177,000 for costs to date related to the fire at the company's harbourside scrapyard last fall.

Subscribe now

As a Fredericton police officer awaits sentencing for domestic violence, the Fredericton Independent has learned two other members of the force are facing Police Act complaints as well.

But unlike the officer who admitted to criminal offences, those two other officers remain on the job.

Read more

Second annual women-only snowmobile rally scheduled for March 16

When Zarla Gorton, a prominent member of her local snowmobile club, the Northern Lights Trail Blazers, noticed the lack of women in snowmobiling, she knew she had to do something.

That’s why, in 2023, she and others from her club put on New Brunswick’s first ladies-only snowmobile rally.

The first rally also acted as a food drive for the Valley Food Bank, leading it to be called The Grocery Run, with all 50 participants donating either money or non-perishable food as an entry fee.

The Run raised 163 pounds of food and over $1,200.

This year, however, with 36 women already registered, Gorton hopes to surpass last year’s total participants and the amount donated.

This year’s proceeds will go to Hartland Helpers, a local charity that feeds over 50 families in Hartland.

Participants will go on an 85-kilometre ride starting in Waterville, with Hartland serving as a short stop before looping back to the beginning, with other 85-kilometre loops being considered in case of bad weather. Throughout the loop, participants will occasionally stop and have a quick snack alongside other participants.

Drivers will stop at various other snowmobile clubs, with the Hartland stop staffed by Hartland Helpers to show thanks for the donations. The Grocery Run will be held on March 16, and people are encouraged to register on their Facebook page.

The post Grocery Run to feed families, encourage women sledders first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A backlog of family court cases involving child protection has finally been eliminated and the New Brunswick government is no longer missing legislated deadlines to get such matters before judges, a committee of MLAs was told Tuesday.

A 43-year-old man from Miramichi is dead after a single-vehicle crash in Oak Point, about 22 kilometres northeast of the city. 

Effective immediately, Woodstock residents in Ward 4 serviced by the Eastwood Water Tower, can use water without issue

The post BREAKING NEWS: Woodstock Boil Water Order lifted first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Mail and copper wire theft top discussion

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, three members of the Western Valley RCMP met with the District of Carleton North Council to discuss ongoing concerns regarding theft and crime rates in the region.

Leading the presentation was Sgt. Dan Sharpe. He immediately addressed concerns regarding the rise in mail and copper wire theft.

“It’s not a new crime,” said Sharpe. “It’s been rampant throughout the district for the last few years.”

He noted that mail and wire theft rates tend to go through “ups and downs,” with months without any incidents followed by months where it happens frequently.

Sgt. Sharpe said that in 2022, the RCMP investigated five cases of wire theft in the region, adding that that number jumped to 16 cases in 2023. So far, in 2024, there have been three investigations for the Western Valley detachment. He said rates are significantly higher for rural detachment areas such as Keswick, as the criminals know the risk of being caught is lower.

“It’s an enticing crime for them to commit due to the delayed response,” said Sharpe after explaining how criminals steal the wire. While the wire cutting does trigger an alarm for the company, Sharpe noted by the time the RCMP are notified and dispatched, the criminals are “long gone.”

Sharpe told councillors the RCMP is keeping an eye on those known to steal copper wire but said dozens are involved, so it’s challenging. He encouraged the council and community members to look for signs of someone being involved in wire-cutting, such as seeing a vehicle in the early morning with the rear end weighed down, carrying hedge trimming equipment, or if someone appears to have soot on them. Residents are urged to contact the RCMP immediately if anything suspicious is observed.

Sgt. Sharpe explained that the criminals are either unaware or do not care about the significant impact of copper wire theft on the community, disrupting essential communication services to hospitals, doctors’ offices, and businesses. He said the province is working on updating laws which will make it far more difficult for criminals to sell their stolen copper, which will hopefully discourage the theft.

In discussing Canada Post mail theft, Sharpe noted that this crime is also “rampant.” He assured the council that Canada Post is paying attention to where theft is occurring, and in areas that are seeing increased amounts, they are changing out the post office boxes to tamper-resistant ones.

“They’re not foolproof; they can still get into them, but it takes quite a bit longer,” said Sharpe, who noted that the increased time it takes to break into the boxes is a deterrent.

Sgt. Sharpe told councillors that criminals typically target government cheques since the mailing dates are common knowledge. He noted that the ability to create bank accounts and deposit cheques online now adds to the difficulty of catching the perpetrators.

“They create fake online bank accounts with fake information, deposit the cheque, withdraw the cash, and then close out the account. It’s very difficult to track the money,” said Sharpe.

While the RCMP is working with Canada Post to target known criminals, Sharpe noted that many people are involved, increasing the difficulty in tackling the problem. He pointed out that both crimes, mail theft and copper wire theft, are connected to the rising problem of drug use. Like wire theft, rates of mail theft are on the rise. Sharpe shared that in 2022, they completed nine investigations. In 2023, they completed 14; in 2024, there were “five or six.”

The conversation became somewhat charged after Mayor Andrew Harvey asked Sharpe if he could provide detachment availability and patrolling details with the council.

Sgt. Sharpe told the mayor he could not share that information as it puts their detachment at risk. He did assure Mayor Harvey that they are available 24/7 and that if they know an area is being targeted, they respond accordingly.

Councillor Angel Connor told Sharpe that she lives in a very rural area, and they only see RCMP presence if it is called in. Sgt. Sharpe advised that if residents feel the need for a patrol, they can call and ask for a proactive patrol of their area. He said if there is a specific concern, to give as much information as possible, such as the colour or make/model of a vehicle.

“We are intel-driven; we can only respond to what we know about,” he told her.

Mayor Harvey expressed his concern that having the RCMP based out of Woodstock makes it difficult for the District of Carleton North to receive adequate surveillance since they are the farthest away from the detachment, which is located in Woodstock.

“I don’t want my guys out driving around; I want them doing something. If you’re having a problem, call,” he told the mayor.

“Your calls are probably reducing because people are becoming complacent and jaded because at three or four in the morning, I don’t know if you’re on patrol at night,” Councillor Scott Oakes told Sharpe.

Sharpe acknowledged the frustration.

“We hear this complaint a lot,” he said, assuring Oakes and other council members.

“We have the resources. I have the members to deal with these calls, so just pick up the phone and call. If you’re calling and you’re not seeing a police car out in your yard, then call me directly. I have the resources to make sure those calls are going to be answered.”

RCMP Cpl. James Gallant, who was at the meeting with Sharpe, told the council that the RCMP also undergoes regular curfew checks with those who have been released and have ankle monitors.

“So I know we are out in the communities, checking, but we can’t be out in one specific community 24/7 like everyone would love. We just can’t do that,” said Gallant.

“You can be,” said Mayor Harvey, visibly frustrated. “We pay enough for policing that you can be doing this; you’re just not. If you’re just relying on intel and responding to that intel, then there’s no visibility in these communities. Why can’t you be doing patrols and still respond to intel?”

Sharpe told Harvey the RCMP does undertake regular patrols. However, being intel-driven, the areas they are told to go to are based on the intel they receive.

“We have the resources, just tell us where you want us.”

The meeting closed with Mayor Harvey thanking the officers for attending.

“We appreciate the work you do and the challenges that you have,” he said.

The post RCMP brief District of Carleton North council on local crime first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Fire broke out Sunday night at tent site on Exmouth Street. Platoon Chief Josh Hennessey says 12 firefighters arrived to find a tent in flames. No injuries were reported.

Subscribe now

A judge said a sex-offender registration order would have a disproportionate effect on a Waasis man who admitted to sexual assault, ruling such a measure wasn’t necessary in his case.

Stephen Molloy, 32, of Waasis Farm Road, pleaded guilty last year to summary counts of sexual assault and mischief causing damage.

Court heard last year that Molloy and a woman were engaging in what was initially a consensual encounter, but he then penetrated the victim’s vagina with his fingers and performed oral sex on her without her consent June 1, 2022. 

When she got upset, the offender damaged her cellphone.

Read more

Don McAlpine was an outdoorsy, inquiring kid — the sort of born explorer who 'sprang from the womb with a bug net in one hand and a collecting jar in the other.'  

More than 50,000 New Brunswick households will be waiting until April or later to receive a $300 "affordability" payment promised in January, according to New Brunswick government estimates.

A Moncton man is attempting to break a Guinness world record for running a full marathon while juggling three balls. Joggler Jean-Marc Doiron can be the new record holder if he finishes the 42.2-km run in under two hours, 50 minutes and 12 seconds.

A local group is hoping to start a co-operative so that it can purchase part of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan junior hockey team. It was announced last month the northern New Brunswick team is up for sale.

Subscribe now

One defendant in a capital-region drug-trafficking case elected Friday to be tried in provincial court and pleaded not guilty, but his jointly charged co-accused isn’t ready to make his choices yet.

Christopher Scott Phillips, 42, of Crouse Road in Zealand, and Maurice Chester Paul, 43, of Fredericton, appeared separately by telephone in Fredericton provincial court from custodial facilities Tuesday, scheduled to elect mode of trial and to enter pleas.

They’re accused jointly of possessing hydromorphone, cocaine, fentanyl, meth and Xanax for the purpose of trafficking; possessing a stolen 2021 Dodge Ram belonging to Kenneth Van Aarle; possessing break-in instruments; possessing of cash deemed to be the proceeds of crime; possessing of 22-calibre ammunition while prohibited by court orders; and breaching probation orders, all on Dec. 16.

Read more

Subscribe now

A Fredericton man discovered to have an elevated blood-alcohol level shortly after driving was fined and barred from driving after a judge dismissed his constitutional challenge Friday.

Jean Claude Nzisabira, 30, of Fieldstone Court, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Friday for a decision in his criminal case.

He faced alternate counts of having an elevated blood-alcohol level within two hours of driving, and operating a motor vehicle while his ability to do so was impaired by alcohol, alleged to have occurred May 30, 2022.

Previously, defence lawyer Ron Morris filed a Charter challenge in his client’s case, taking issue with new provisions in the Criminal Code of Canada that were introduced in 2018.

Read more