Hurricane Danielle's effects

This morning seemed to offer ideal conditions for doing what these three were doing at Bay Shore (standing on a board with a paddle), what's this activity called?

The tide was at the low point and although the surf wasn't what the folks at Lawrencetown Beach outside Halifax were enjoying, it looked like a fun time.  It's not so often that Bay Shore offers a warm breeze, and slightly warmer than usual water temperature. 

Saint John's oldest wooden building

I noticed today that work has been happening on the Sewell House, on the corner of Duke and Ludlow.   It looks like some restoration is taking place.

I recall hearing may years ago that this house is the oldest wooden structure in Saint John.  Apparently it was built by Jonathan Sewell Jr., who was at one time the Attorney General of Massachusetts; he came to Saint John 1786. 

I have seen this house over the years fall into disrepair, and recently it was rocking vinyl siding - not a good thing for a building of historical significance.  So, if indeed it's being restored, it will be good news.
(Sept. 11, a lower west side friend tells me the siding was the original wood, I guess the condition of it looked like vinyl)

Lancaster Avenue Townhouses / Condos

This morning's rain didn't seem to bother the crew at the townhouses on Lancaster Ave.
The project has been in the news again, for the eyesore and danger it became while left unfinished  The developer has said he plans to complete the units within a few months and hope to sell each for $250,000.
Councillor McGuire has been vocal about the project - as have the neighbours. It's been about four years since the shovel went in the ground.

Bay Shore Parasurfing

Although it was generally a fine day today - the fog did roll in around Bay Shore for a few hours while the tide was out this afternoon.  These para-surfers didn't seem to mind.   Other than the fog, I'd say conditions were perfect with lots of southerly breeze.

I'll admit I got pretty nervous watching them disappear into the fog and not reappear for several seconds.  They were really moving fast - looks like lots of fun.

It's NB Day

It was a great weekend to get out and enjoy the weather and all things New Brunswick, and Westside things, of course.

There was some serious overtime happening at the Superstore today.  The Superstore sign has been removed and painters were giving the outside of the store a fresh coat of paint.  There were several workers visible installing equipment and doing "stuff" - preparing for the transformation to the  "No Frills" store .  Late last week the photo centre was gone, and by now the deli may be out. The bakery was removed early last week. Looks like the change over is happening fast.

I must say I do like the bike racks that have been recently placed around the Lancaster Mall - a nice example of form meeting function.

I dropped by the NB Day activities at Wolastoq Park this afternoon. A good crowd was gathered, and there was lots of food and music everyone.

NB Day Events

I noticed that there will be several events happening on NB Day, Monday Aug. 2.
The West Side PACT and RBC Westwind Place are sponsoring a free BBQ and Flea Market from 11am-2pm. The Flea Market will be located in Queen Square on the West Side. 

Also - a free BBQ and family games will be held 1-5pm, with live music,  at Wolastoq Park, Simms Corner.

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.