Photo By Carol Randall
Word from the Wards Steve Hicks City Councillor Ward 5
Eric Megarity Deputy Mayor Ward 4
To say the summer of 2014 has been difficult and a lesson in patience for motorists would be a tremendous understatement. Every other street seemed to be under construction and of course there's the bridge and a little visit from Arthur for good measure. Well despite the moans and groans around the city, the residents of Marysville are breathing a sigh of relief. After decades of lobbying by community members and elected officials, the route 8 by-pass is set to open. The constant truck traffic and the deafening sounds of Jake brakes will be a distant memory.
The York Arena will provide the much needed ice capacity for all our user groups. Two years ago the York Arena was given a two year trial to determine if users would use the extra capacity after the 2 rink Grant Harvey came on line. With 5 rinks at 92% capacity during primetime hours and the York at 83%, the decision was made to keep operating the York arena and complete the necessary capital repairs. The repairs and renovations will begin this fall and continue over the winter and spring. The Arena will be closed this year and will reopen in the fall of 2015 for the ice season.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Marysville for their efforts and patience to see this project come to fruition. I would also like to acknowledge all levels of government who worked cooperatively to make this project reach its final stage.
The City has installed a new set of traffic lights at the entrance to Leo Hayes High School on Cliffe Street. This will help provide traffic flow control to protect our students, staff and parents entering and exiting the school. Work has now commenced on the conversion of the old Craig Electric property on Union Street to a Brewery. It will be the new home of the Picaroons and its fine beers. The building will include among other things, public washrooms and a community room.
DISABILITY TAX CREDIT An Income Tax Credit That Could Very Well Save You Thousands!
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he Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit that is aimed at reducing your income tax payable. For the current tax year, the savings could be as high as $1800. Other possible benefits of qualifying for the DTC are an additional supplement for disabled persons under 18 years of age and a possible monthly increase in the Child Tax Benefit amount. If you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit and have income from employment you may also be eligible for the working income tax benefit disability supplement. If you have not taken advantage of this credit, do not despair, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) generally allows you to adjust your prior returns up to ten years. In order to qualify, you or your dependant must have a severe and prolonged physical or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, for a continuous period of at least one year. Some examples of qualifying conditions that causes markedly restriction are blindness, hearing loss, bowel and bladder conditions, and difficulties with feeding, dressing, or mental functions necessary for everyday life. Some examples of mental impairment might be ADHD, learning disability, and dementia. For the mobility impaired, if you cannot walk a city block, without stopping to rest because of pain, shortness of breath, balance or coordination problems you might also qualify. Life-sustaining therapy that supports a vital function and is needed at least 3 times per week for an average of 14 hours minimum is another qualifying item. Even if you are not markedly restricted in one of these areas, you may qualify if you are significantly restricted in two of these areas.
All or part of the disability amount is generally transferable to a parent, spouse, common-law partner or another supporting person. An application may also be made on behalf of a deceased person. CRA does not publish a specific list of disabilities that may qualify. It is more the effect of the disability on your everyday activities that determines eligibility. The approval process is relatively easy. In order to qualify, Form T2200 must be completed by the disabled individual (or legal representative), and a medical professional and then submitted to Canada Revenue Agency for approval. A qualified medical practitioner should be someone who is familiar with your case such as your Medical doctor, Optometrist, Occupational therapist, Audiologist, Physiotherapist, Psychologist or Speech-language pathologist. You do not have to submit the form with your income tax return. In fact you might wish to obtain the approval before you submit your tax return in order to avoid delays in processing. CRA generally processes the applications is 120 days. The process may take longer if CRA needs to contact your medical professional for additional information. This information is provided as a guideline only. We recommend that you discuss your situation with your Medical Professional, an experienced Tax Consultant or with Canada Revenue Agency. Excellent information is also available on-line.
Karen Hayes and Kim Flanagan are Senior Tax Preparers with Tax Pros Inc, Brookside Mall, Fredericton, NB.
Is chiropractic care only for back pain? Find out what Fredericton’s newest Chiropractors have to say!
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hen people discover that we are chiropractors, the common response goes something like this:
“My friend went to a chiropractor when she hurt her back and it really helped.” We express how great that is! We also explain that chiropractic is also for people that don’t have back pain, neck pain or headaches. Then comes the next question: “Ok, why should I see a Chiropractor?” Well, how important is your brain and your spinal cord to your overall health? The answers range from “very important” to “vital!” Your brain and spinal cord make up your central nervous system. This delicate system talks to every cell, tissue and organ in your body and is protected by your skull and spine.
Daily stressors (physical, chemical and emotional) can overload the nervous system causing your spine to lock up. This affects the communication between your brain and body. You should see a chiropractor so they can assess your spine for areas that aren’t moving properly. Since your nervous system controls everything, if a chiropractor is able to keep your spine moving optimally, your body is better able to: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Move towards a more natural, healthy state. Boost its immune function. Reduce inflammation, increase healing and repair. Move within a pain free range of motion.
So, seeing a chiropractor will enable your body to work better. It’s that simple! If you are not under chiropractic care, find a chiropractor to take care of you and your family.
Get Your Lawn Ready for Winter M
ark Cullen, Home Hardware's Gardening Expert, offers his tips on what you can do this season to prepare your lawn for the winter:
Winter is just around the corner, so they say. Have you got your seat belts fastened? Reading material organised? Comfy clothes? Who knows, this ride could be a long and cold one. It is my goal to make sure that you are ready for whatever may come our way over the winter. More precisely, I want you to prepare your lawn from the ravages of our fourth season. The most important application of fertilizer is in the fall, particularly late in the fall. While your lawn naturally builds up sugars at its root zone this time of year, it is important to assist in the process by applying a low-nitrogen, high-potash fertilizer. You will not get the visible results that you do come spring when you apply a high nitrogen/slow release product. There is good reason for this. A stronger lawn come fall is better prepared for the winter ahead. The result is a hardier lawn that will bounce back come spring. You can also expect less snow mould, a faster green-up, and fewer weeds as your lawn is better able to compete with them. Rake the leaves off your lawn and on to your garden beds. While on the surface of the soil, your leaves will provide valuable protection for perennial plants. Next spring, earth worms will come to the surface of the soil, gobble them up, and pull them down into the top soil, converting them into nitrogen-rich earthworm ‘castings’. As a result, everything that grows will benefit. - Mark Cullen, Home Hardware’s Gardening Expert
Northsiders Making A Difference
Written by Trina MacDonald
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f anyone can say they learned early what being an entrepreneur is all about Gordon Burtt certainly can. For the first six years of his life he and his family resided at 178 O’Dell Avenue at his grandfather’s home, moving only around the corner when his father purchased his own family home on Charlotte Street. The Burtt family operated local grocery stores, Gordon’s grandfather operated his store on Queen Street and his father James Burtt operated his own store known as Star Grocery on Charlotte. He learned early what it meant to work hard in a family run business, delivering groceries, cleaning, working behind the counter and taking care of their customers. So it is not surprising it was second nature for Gordon to get into business for himself when the time came to spread his own wings.
Gordon Burtt Mr. Burtt’s interest in the Northside was sparked by the huge tracks of land available for development in the mid 50’s and the limited commercial offerings at the time in Nashwaaksis. “It was a great neighbourhood, people stopped to talk to one another, they looked out after each other. There were lots of young families moving into the area, businesses were just starting up. There were great development opportunities.” Mr. Burtt’s first venture began in 1955 in the area of property development in the Village of Nashwaaksis. This was very progressive because there was very little mass residential development being done. He started by building a duplex at 155 Wallace Avenue. In 1956, Gordon saw there was a demand for more residential with the opening of Base Gagetown, this spurred him to build a four family house on Johnson Avenue. He enjoyed the challenge and effort involved in property development, which would lead him to take on larger projects. Gordon then built at 15 family apartment building at 91 Main Street. In time, Mr. Burtt sold the residential properties and focused on other business ventures but these properties have stood the test of time and are still in use today. Mr. Burtt did not limit himself to property development, 1961 on St. Patrick’s Day he opened the Main Street Bowl A Drome. Gordon recalls the bowling business was a new opportunity in the 1960’s, there were no major recreational facilities on the Northside, there was a growing interest in the game of bowling, pin setters were developed that modernized the game of candlepin bowling and the Brunswick Bowling Corporation were developing sites all over the country including the Maritimes. In the early years of the business, Gordon recalls with a smile, people waiting outside for him to open so they could get a few strings in before starting their day. The Bowl A Drome has evolved over time and is a recreational focal point on the Northside which has served the recreational needs of Fredericton for 54 years. Continued on pg 15
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Elect Stephen Horsman as Your MLA for Fredericton North 506.455.3600 | stephen.horsman@nbliberal.ca www.nbliberal.ca/support/stephen-horsman www.facebook.com/StephanHorsmanFrederictonNorth
Word from the Wards Dan Keenan City Councillor Ward 1
Bruce Gandy City Councillor Ward 2
Thanks to BFN for providing an opportunity to update the community on happenings in the wards. Certainly Arthur made the most news in Ward 1 and throughout the city over the last several weeks. Cleanup still continues from this major storm. Thanks to the residents for their patience and understanding, and for helping out their neighbors. The major project in Ward 1 is the replacement of water and sanitary mains on Burpee Street. As part of the project the curbs and sidewalks will also be reconstructed. We held a public information meeting for residents in the area and around 40 people attended. You’ve likely noticed the extension of paved trail from Royal Road to Manresa Drive. At this point that is as far as Community Services intends to pave. The remainder of the trail through Ward 1 is intended to remain as is. Use of the trails is incredible and easily is one of the most loved aspects of our city. A digital speed indicator unit is being installed in the McAdam Avenue School zone to help reduce speed and improve safety.
Did you Know that Ward 2 • is the largest populated of the twelve wards in the city with over 7600 residents and continues to grow as development continues in the Brookside Drive area • has a variety of housing options that would appeal to most requirements – single family, multi unit, townhouse, condominium, mini home park and affordable housing units • has two distinct business districts, Brookside Mall and Main Street that offers a variety of Northside shopping and eatery options • is home to the Seniors Workshop and Fredericton’s first outdoor artificial ice surface and skateboard park at the Mitch Clark Park • is home to the Royal Road Fire station that provides rapid response to medical, rescue and fire emergencies I am extremely pleased with the proposed Main Street Urban Design Plan and how that will transform Main Street. It is vital that our businesses are able to be sustainable and that can only happen if we all make an effort to shop at our Northside businesses. I encourage you to not only shop local, shop Northside!
Gordon Burtt continued from pg 12
Norge Laundry and Cleaning Village was Gordon’s second commercial venture on Main Street opening December 1962. This was a new concept on what a laundry mat could be including coin operated dry cleaning. Gordon remembers that they quickly realized that this would not work as dry cleaning needed a press and spotting equipment to finish the job properly. Making the adjustments needed, he transformed the business into Norge Cleaners a modern full service dry cleaning facility which operated until April 2005 when it was sold.
This free classroom program teaches humane education, canine respect, pet care and control, respect for the environment from pre K to grade 8. It has educated 4 million students in its 40 year history. Mr. Burtt is also a trustee with the Carleton County Historical Society for the property known as the Honourable Hugh John Flemming and Aida Flemming Memorial Wilderness Park. Gordon is passionate about respect for all living creatures which is evident in this work.
Gordon’s impacts have also been far reaching outside of the business world. He is on the board of a number of organizations including the Endowment Fund for the United Way, Kindness Club Foundation which funds the work of the Kindness Club and Kindness Program, the Beatrice Watson Atchison Foundation which supports various animal welfare organizations and provides a classroom program in greater Toronto and Ottawa with 10 licenced teachers.
Mr. Burtt has been the recipient of public recognition in both business and for his volunteer work including a Distinguished Citizen Award in 2009. Gordon is an amazing Northsider, he is a humble man whose work and volunteerism could fill a book and has made lasting impacts in our community, our Province and our country.
Nashwaaksis Y’s Men Club
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he Nashwaaksis Y Service Club is a community service club of men and women partnered with the Fredericton Y, with the goal of helping support local youth and seniors activities. The Club got its start in 1961 as the Nashwaaksis Y's Men’s Club by fulfilling a need for youth recreation in the former Village of Nashwaaksis. In the fall of 1968, the Club was instrumental in the construction of the former Nashwaaksis Arena. To recognize the Club’s contribution, the Village gave the Club space in the Nashwaaksis Arena for use as a meeting hall and community room. The Village also agreed that the arena canteen would be operated by Club members and volunteers as a revenue stream. This gave the Club a way to continue fundraising to support activities in the community and operated out of the Nashwaaksis Arena for 39 years.
In 2007, the City of Fredericton recognized the important role that the Club fulfills in our community by allowing it to use the new Willie O'Ree Place as the club headquarters and to continue to operate the arena canteen. In addition to the canteen, the Club also offers monthly community breakfasts every fourth Saturday from September to April in support of various local community youth and seniors activities. The Club’s other fundraisers include the arena advertising at Willie O'Ree Place and selling Christmas trees at the Main Street Home Hardware.
Over the years, the Club's supported the building of many of the recreational facilities in and around Nashwaaksis. The Club continues to support and sponsor a variety of youth sports programs, school music programs, and others such as the Brendan Oreto Foundation, Fredericton Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Safe Grad; Mitch Clarke Sports for Kids Foundation and the list goes on and on. Club members work hard at times but always have lots of fun doing it! Anyone who may be interested in becoming a member of the Nashwaaksis Y Service Club or in assisting the club through volunteering, please stop by the Willie O’Ree canteen or contact President Tim LeBlanc at (506) 450-1677. Written by Tim LeBlanc
Healthy Living: New Insights on Cholesterol
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or many years dietary guidelines focused on reducing cholesterol as a way to decrease the risk of strokes and heart attacks. But lately there’s been a renewed focus on reducing the intake of refined sugars that is very prevalent in the North American diet. This coupled with an increase in white meat, fish, olive oil, nuts, vegetables, and fruit in ones diet can significantly improve patient’s cholesterol profile. Last year a New England Journal of Medicine study found that following a mediterranean diet resulted in a significant reduction of cardiovascular events in high risk patients. The diet consisted of increasing the consumption of olive oil, legumes, tree nuts, fresh fruits, fish, vegetables while reducing soda drinks, processed bakery sweets, red and processed meats. There was such a significant reduction that the study was actually stopped early because of the impressive results. Although it has been long viewed that the mediterranean diet led to decreased cardiovascular risk, this was the first large scale study that clearly showed this assumption was accurate.
Another thing this study hinted at was how refined sugars, prominent in many processed foods, are suspected in increasing heart attacks and strokes. The way our body manages sugar and cholesterol is complex, but generally speaking there’s good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL). Having high LDL can lead to inflammation and narrowing of the arteries, significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. We know that refined sugars are metabolized by our bodies into small LDL particles. Many of the processed foods in our diet have high amounts of sugar, corn syrup, and other sugar-forms. For example, many flavoured vanilla yogurts cups have 16 to 24 grams of sugar each. Corn syrup is more and more prevalent in processed foods. By reducing or eliminating refined sugar and corn syrup it is believed that the small LDL particles will be avoided, resulting in a healthier constitution. The take home message is that a diet where one increases nuts, fresh fruit, vegetables,etc, while decreasing refined sugars can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. Alistair Bursey BSc.(Hons), BSc.Pharm Pharmacist | Owner Jean Coutu Briggs Drugs Fredericton, NB Estruch, R, et al, (2013) ‘Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet’ NEJM
Alexandra (Alex) MacPherson Alex MacPherson is an engaging and talented young lady. This grade 12 student at Leo Hayes High School grew up in Marysville most of her life. She attended Alexander Gibson Memorial then Nashwaaksis Middle School to continue in the French immersion program. Three years ago Alex’s family moved to the Brookside West area, keeping their roots on the Northside. Since her grade 9 year, she has been a part of the annual production that is put on at the Playhouse. Alex recalled what a great experience it was being in a big production. Her roles have been in the ensemble previously but this year she is considering going for a lead role. Alex has had a lot of experience performing for an audience, she was a member of the show choir in middle school and currently she sings and plays guitar every Sunday for the congregation at the Marysville Baptist Church. What she enjoys the most about performing is meeting other people that have the same interests as herself. In grade 10 Alex joined Junior Achievement, she wanted to learn if entrepreneurship would be something she would be interested in. This year rather than create their own product her company partnered with local businesses and created a coupon book. They then sold the book driving traffic to the businesses. For Alex, JA was a good learning experience, she notes that it has taken her out of her comfort zone and challenged her especially her work going door to door selling. She notes now she is comfortable and confident talking to people and selling a product. For the past 3 years she has worked at the Green Hill Lake Camp during the summer. She has been a leader in training taking on various roles including working in the camper’s cabins, on camp life or in the kitchen. What Alex enjoys the most about working at the camp is “connecting with so many people that feel the same way about things as you do”. She is confident grade 12 will be a fun year but she notes that with high school coming to an end she will need to begin to think about what she wants to do in the future. Alex notes that she does really well in school and is a good student so that will help when she makes her decision about a career path. She knows she enjoys the Arts but will look at all her options. One thing is certain, Alex is a role model for others and will be a future leader to be proud of.
Craig Wall When you first meet Craig Wall you quickly understand why this recent graduate of Leo Hayes is thought of as a future leader. Craig lives with his parents and brother in the house his grandfather built on Summer Street and has grown up in Nashwaaksis. He recalls his experiences with Junior Achievement as one of the highlights from High School allowing him to grow as a person. First participating as a team member then in his grade 12 year taking on the role of his company’s President leading others, 90 % of which were first year achievers. Under Craig’s leadership, the product developed was a water bottle filled with nutritious snacks that you can take on the go and then the water bottle could be used when the snacks are done. His company was named Snack Yo and his team sold this product door to door. Craig’s company was so successful it was name JA Company of the Year. Heading to UNB in the fall, Craig will be taking a BSC in Environment and Natural Resources. Craig says we have such an amazing planet and he wants to help protect the environment for our future. He believes going to UNB will ensure he gets the training and tools he needs to find a place in this field. He worked with the English Language Program at UNB this summer helping young people from all over the world learn English. As a student assistant he was an ambassador for our community organizing activities and ensuring a positive experience for these students, some who were in Canada for the first time. Volunteering and outreach is a big part of Craig’s life. Craig is very involved with his church, the McLeod Hill Assembly of Christians. Recently, participating in an outreach program in the Hawkins Street area for youth and adults. He has also volunteered at Pine Grove Nursing Home. This is a focused and determined young man who knows where he wants to go in life, certainly a future leader.
If you know a Northside Future Leader, contact Trina MacDonald at Business Fredericton North, 459-8689 or trina@businessfrednorth.com
Word from the Wards Marilyn Kerton City Councilllor Ward 6
Mike O’Brien City Councillor Ward 3
As our evenings start to get a little cooler I think about our past year and all the accomplishments we weathered together. Tropical Storm Arthur took us by surprise as we have had storm warnings over the years but mercifully they were never as bad as predicted. Arthur arrived with vengeance, almost the entire city lost power and people with power opened their doors and homes to those who lost it. We saw the best of people in our City – free BBQ’s, meals, giveaways, showers, extension cords were run everywhere, water was distributed, charging stations set up and people opened their doors and homes to each other. We worked together to clear driveways and streets and to check in on each other, especially our seniors. An amazing thing happened, we put our electronics away and talked to each other, put our differences aside and took up the challenge that Arthur gave us, and we became stronger for it. It’s not the infrastructure, malls, stores and bridges that make our city a great place to live, work, raise our children in and retire, but it’s the people in our community that makes Fredericton the place I’m proud to represent and call my home.
The temporary traffic light at Maple/Wallace will be removed once the bridge repairs are complete. Curbing is being replaced on Linden Crescent and Melvin Street. Paving repairs will occur this fall on Two Nations Crossing (between St. Mary’s Street and Highland Avenue). The upgrades to St. Mary’s Street are now complete (no closure in 2015). There is one more phase and closure remaining for Brookside Drive (in either 2015 or 2016). The Waterfront Point 16 executive suites (under construction at St Mary’s Street and Bowlen Street) are now renting. The website is www.waterfrontpoint.ca. Congratulations to Chief Candace Paul on her sixth consecutive election as Chief of St. Mary’s First Nation. The Chief and Council have an exciting vision for their community, and a vibrant and prosperous St. Mary’s is also essential for Fredericton’s future.