Non-Census, you say?

The current debate around the federal government’s plan to scrap the long form census and replace it with a new voluntary questionnaire known as the National Household Survey is raising the ire of folks who depend on census information to develop policies and programs, funding allocations, and use the data as a learning tool.

Municipal services, social services, and researchers rely on census data. When a case for funding needs to be made, the proof is in the data. Without access to demographic information, there’ll never be an argument for needed funds by community service agencies.

With this in mind, I am posting a link to an online petition. I am not usually in favour of online petitions, but this time it’s worth the effort.

 Keep the Canadian Census Long Form

 Cartoon from "Punch", nineteenth century.

 

Tug-of-War

I'm not sure what was the purpose of the exercise these tug boats were undertaking today ... if you look closely you can see a cable between the two boats,  they seemed to trying to pull each other across an imaginary line.

They were in the harbour for the better part of the morning and early afternoon.  Oh well.

Buskers Uptown

I had an opportunity to see some of the buskers in town this afternoon. I couldn't resist posting this image of a very stout chef.  The boardwalk at Market Square was a beehive of activity -  nice to see so many folks out enjoying activities.

Another new government website

Yesterday fellow blogger Urban Plans for Saint John and Beyond posted about the new City of SJ website.

I had an opportunity to browse the new site today and it’s looking good.   I knew the site was coming and was anticipating its launch. However, I was surprised today to discover the new site for the Province on NB.  It’s a nice change from the utilitarian yet serviceable former site.

I can appreciate it’s a big job to coordinate government websites, and I think the developers are on the right track.

Now when will the SJ Police Force launch a website? I think it's long overdue.

Deconstruction of Superstore

Changes are more evident every day at the Lancaster Mall Superstore; soon to be No Frills.

For the past several weeks the staff has been emptying the shelves of "frilly" items, products that are more than basics.  These items have been reduced by 50% and make for some great bargains.  Today I noticed the bakery was covered in a huge tarp. There are still bakery items available, but there isn't a place to get a birthday cake personalized.  I am not 100% sure I'll be happy with the new store, but I'll give it a chance.

There has been a bit of media attention lately about the struggles the COOP  on Fairville Blvd. has been having for the past while.  Maybe SJ Transit should consider pulling in to make a stop a the COOP before heading over to the Sobeys Plaza across the street. Might make a difference to some folks.

There is no doubt, however, the arrival of Cosco has changed the landscape of grocery shopping.

Asian Kitchen Rocks

Had another amazing meal at the Asian Kitchen (391 Lancaster Ave., in the strip mall across from T4G) this weekend.

I must reiterate, go there if you want a variety of the best Asian food in Saint John. You will be very happy.

Yup - it's Saint John in July

Definitely a weekend for ducks.  The unseasonable, yet welcomed weather that we were just getting used to last week disappeared on Friday.  And the weekend  was not outdoor activity friendly. That didn't stop this little one and his dad(?) from enjoying McLaren's Beach this afternoon.  It was a good day for duck-watching.

Well Done! Felicitaciones

Fast, Faster, Fastest

I attended Dave Goss's excellent Walk'n'Talk tonight. "Fast, Faster, Fastest" took place in CedarHill Cemetery on Lancaster Avenue.  Among the highlights, the newly unveiled monument marking the grave of Charles Gorman, the graves of the Paris Crew  (I didn't realize they were West Siders), the guy (can't remember his name) who, around 1850,  was responsible for having water piped in from Spruce Lake, and other remarkable people who were involved in amazing ways with Lancaster's  / Saint John's development.

Dave Goss, along with Harold Wright who was in attendance tonight, are great resources in helping the community keep in touch with our history.














Last summer I took this photo of William Boggs' grave stone.  I thought it was interesting because he was 104 when he died in 1838; he was born in 1734!  David Goss mentioned Boggs tonight because Boggs was the oldest Loyalist buried in the cemetery, and he died on Loyalist Day.

Happy Canada Day

At Saint's Rest Beach tonight I caught couple of interesting sights.  Earlier there was a great rainbow over the bay. Later on, as dusk was approaching I had a Harry Potter moment.  A young family flying some very cool kites.  I tried to get a decent shot but the light was fading, The exposure on the dragon isn't great, but try to imagine the image this crated, the kite was huge.