Well, Well, Well (get it? water? get it?)

Oooo, THAT was a surprise!
All right. I knew what the big press conference was for. Nobody told me before going in but it was easy to figure out.
Our local Member of Parliament and Minister of State for ACOA Keith Ashfield was there as was our Member of the Legislative Assembly Jack Carr and the provincial moneyman and Minister of Business New Brunswick, MLA Greg Byrne. And a few of us Councillors standing at the back.

I don't know if I'm scooping the mainstream media or not but it became official today that "Governments of Canada and New Brunswick invest in New Maryland infrastructure upgrades".
The document provided indicates that each of the three levels of government - federal, provincial and municipal(us) - will all kick in $1,555,333 each for the planned upgrades.

Here it is in its entirety;

20 March 2009 GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND NEW BRUNSWICK INVEST IN NEW MARYLAND INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
New Maryland, New Brunswick
Residents of New Maryland will benefit from upgrades to the Village water and wastewater systems, thanks to joint federal and provincial funding of more than $3 million. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), and the Honourable Greg Byrne, Minister of Business New Brunswick.


This project is just one example of the commitment of both governments to work together to strengthen the New Brunswick economy and improve the quality of life for its residents. It will create local jobs and enhance local services at a time when the need for economic stimulus is greatest.


The governments of Canada and New Brunswick will each invest up to $1,555,333 in the project, with the Village of New Maryland contributing an equal amount.


“In these challenging economic times, the Government of Canada is working with our partners to create jobs and build stronger and brighter futures for New Brunswick communities,” said Minister Ashfield. “Our federal investment of more than $1.5 million will result in modern, greener, world-class infrastructure which is the foundation of sustainable, long-term economic growth”


“Green infrastructure projects and the funding of this project for the Village of New Maryland are very important to New Brunswick’s self-sufficiency agenda,” said Byrne. “These projects help provide safe and reliable drinking water and increase environmental protection through improved wastewater collection and treatment. Overall these investments contribute to the sustainability of our communities and provide capacity for future community growth. Byrne spoke on behalf of Environment Minister Roland Haché.


The project involves upgrades to the water system in the Springwater Place, Applewood Acres, Pineridge Estates and Forbes subdivisions and the installation of water/sanitary sewer services to ten homes in the Baker Brook Courtand the decommissioning of the aging Baker Brook Court wastewater treatment facility. These improvements will enhance water distribution, increase water storage capacity, and increase the water system’s reliability as well as improve the wastewater collection treatment for the community. Funding for the project is contingent on completion of all contractual agreements, including pending Environmental Impact Assessments with municipalities.


“The Building Canada Fund – Communities Component is an outstanding example of partnerships between the two levels of government and small municipalities, said Dunn. We would like to thank the provincial and federal governments for their support, with special thanks to our MP Keith Ashfield. The improvements and enhancements to our municipal water system are crucial and we thank the government for their funding support of this project. Working together, we are able to provide our citizens with programs and services that we could not do alone.”


This project is one of 32 projects across the province that will get underway quickly thanks to a joint federal- provincial investment of more than $38 million. Together with municipal contributions, more than $57 million will be invested in local infrastructure improvements in New Brunswick. The governments of Canada and New Brunswick are working together to provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across the country and to support stronger, safer and better communities.


FOR BROADCAST USE:


Residents of New Maryland will benefit from an improved water system, thanks to joint federal and provincial funding of more than $3 million. The announcement was made today by Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for ACOA and Greg Byrne, Minister of Business New Brunswick.


The $4.6 million project, which is also funded by the Village of New Maryland, will improve water distribution, increase water storage capacity, and enhance the system’s reliability. It is just one example of the commitment of both governments to strengthening the New Brunswick economy and improving the quality of life for its residents.


Funding for this project is contingent on completion of all contractual agreements, including pending Environmental Impact Assessments with the municipalities. - 30 –

INFORMATION:

Bruce MacFarlane, Managing Director
Communications New Brunswick
506-444-4606

Richard Roik, Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649

Jennifer Graham, Communications Officer
New Brunswick Department of Environment
506-453-3700

It was nice to see former Councillor and past Chair of the Water and Wastewater Committee Bill O'Donnell there and be recognized by the mayor in his speech. (I'm also past Chair of the Committee but I didn't get a special mention :(. I'm kidding of course.) Bill was on Council since the birth of New Maryland and Council didn't even know it was a Council.
He was Committee Chair for 14 or so years and started this whole water tower thing. Darn right he should have been recognized!
I was on the Committee as a public member when he was Chair and saw how much work he put into everything he did.
I honestly felt bad when Bill was not re-elected last time. When I was campaigning if anyone asked about the others I always gave Bill a good word. He truly is a nice guy too.

One thing that one of my fellow Councillors picked up on right away was the line "installation of water/sanitary sewer services to ten homes in the Baker Brook".

You see, we didn't recall anything about adding water to Baker Brook Court in all of the discussions we had. Maybe I'm merely forgetting that but my colleague is pretty good at remembering these things. We'll have to review our stuff.
If we DON'T have the money earmarked in our plans and someone who lives on Baker Brook Court sees this press release we could be in a bit of trouble making good on it.
That could be rather expensive and perhaps those few homes aren't in the mood to cough up for water while on their own wells.

I'm probably mistaken though and everything will be marvellous.

It was good seeing Jack, Keith and Greg again. They are nice guys.
I was somewhat sheepish and apologetic with Jack as I had totally missed the breakfast he put on a few weeks ago, after offering to help out.
Jack told me he forgives me. I'm happy about that.
I'll make it up to him somehow.

Okay, NOW I'm ready to head to Halifax soon.

Ta Ta For Now,
Tim

Yes, I'm a little busy these days.

I did say that this was likely not going to be a daily thing so I will miss some here and there.
I have about 10 minutes though and would like to mention the visit yesterday with Mr. Harper at Fredericton airport.
It turned out that I missed Mr. Dion's arrival by a few minutes at the same airport. That was too bad. I would like to have met him too.
I'm not sure if the NDP or Green leaders dropped in but I didn't hear of it so I never met them.
I did see Jack Layton and his wife Olivia once in Toronto years ago when they were both on City Council.
I never did like him too much then but he may have changed.
As for the Green Party leader there is no way we could ever see her out here in the Maritimes since she does all of her travel by train.
We don't have any trains out here anymore!
I'll make this quick. I waited with all of the others to see Mr. Harper.
We waited a long time really. If there were small kids there they would have gone crazy. As it was there were only a few.
When he did arrive Mr. Ashfield introduced him, he gave a nice pep talk for the troops and said how important it is that we get people out to vote (I know about that).
A few of the local media folks were there except for Charles it turns out was swimming in a pool of Liberal red this day.
There were a monster horde of media who came off of the jet with Mr. Harper and set up very quickly.
They had started in Prince Edward Island that morning and were skipping their way to Calgary.
In the end we waited for Mr. Harper to talk to his local boys like a coach in between periods.
Then we all got to wave goodbye and see he and his wife off.
Oh yes, I got 2 pictures of myself with him.
I held my camera up and snapped.
I wasn't the only one taking shots of me.
I found out that it was on the National last night as well as page A7 of the Globe and Mail today, PLUS here on the internet.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Conservative-leader-and-Canadas-PM-Harper-poses-for-a-photograph-with-a-supporter-on-the-tarmac-at-the-airport-in-Fredericton/photo/13102008/6/photo/photos-n-canada-conservative-leader-canada-s-pm-harper-poses-photograph-supporter.html

I guess they like me, they really like me.
I have to go but we'll see how Steve does tonight.
I can call him Steve. We put our arms around each other like old buddies after all.

Tim

What is really important? That's easy, Rock and Roll and Politics. In that order.

This one is going to be a little different. It's about politicians and rock stars.
It's nothing personal against the wonderful politicians that I have met and know but I have always had a soft spot in my heart for rock and roll.
I am also of the opinion that the two do not mix well. (I appreciate what you do for those less fortunate Bono, but leave the political dealings for someone without sunglasses on all of the time.)
Okay, I will start with the political thing.
The other day we had an all candidates debate in Fredericton. Unfortunately I missed it but it was very well covered by the media, especially blogger Charles LeBlanc who took plenty of photographs and some videos of interviews with some of the candidates.
Check this out http://charlesotherpersonality.blogspot.com/2008/10/charles-interviews-fredericton-pc.html.
Of particular interest is the video of Charles' interview with Conservative Keith Ashfield.
The other day CBC radio host Terry Seguin tried to nail Keith down as to his position on abortion.
Keith answered by not really answering. He drew considerable criticism for this. Many said that the voters have a right to know the candidates' position on this if they want to be truly represented.
There were varying opinions that day from every direction.
Following the all candidates meeting Charles hit Keith straight between the eyes with the big question.
This time Keith's reply was worthy of political admiration.
He replied that his party is clear on the topic and that the Prime Minister will not re-open legislation on the abortion debate.
Charles asked if the voters had a right to know. Mr. Ashfield replied that if elected his duty is to represent the citizens and make decisions based on their input.
His personal opinion stays personal and does not direct his actions.
Does he support gay rights? Keith replied that he does since they have been addressed by the courts and the decisions implemented.

He's good!

Speaking of good. Let's talk about Rock and Roll.
On Canada Day my family went down to Officer's Square in Fredericton to see the fireworks.
We arrived about 15 minutes before they were to start.
Over by the barracks building a stage was set up for musical acts all day.
As we were walking by toward the firework area I heard the band that was playing.
As I listened I thought "these guys are good!"
They had a hard rock, slightly "Our Lady Peace" sound which I love so much. My little drummer guy and I decided to watch the band while the rest of the crew found a spot to watch the fireworks.
I REALLY liked their music.
The lad wanted to get closer to see the drummer since he sounded so incredible.
As we tried to get closer the music ended.
I grabbed the monkey and we headed toward the back of the stage to at least see the drum kit.
I was thinking we could get the drummer's autograph or something.
When we got close the drummer turned around.
"Pat!" I said. "Hey, how's it going?" he replied.
You see, my drummer monkey has been taking lessons for a couple of years now from local drummer extraordinare Al Hovey.
Until recently the lessons were at a spot called Musiplex which houses lessons, shows and sales.
Whenever we were waiting for his lesson to start or if I was waiting for it to finish I sat around waiting.
The other drumming teacher was Pat Pelltier.
Pat would often come out and we would chat as he had a smoke or waited for his next student to arrive.
He's a very nice guy and certainly didn't act like someone on the verge of getting a big break.
So it turns out that Pat is the drummer for Age of Daze and I like them a lot.
Last night the band kicked off a nationwide tour here in their hometown of Fredericton.
They also debuted their first professional music video for "Afflicted".
Yesterday I decided that my sons and I were going to see our first rock concert together. I realize we saw Blue Man Group but that was different.
This was Rock!
What an amazing show it was! The lads and I had a great time and the music was outstanding.
I tell you to keep an eye on this band. I have high expectations and feel quite confident that they will not disappoint.
Oh, Pat did a 7 minute solo that brought down the house.
I wish Age of Daze the best of luck on their tour.
When they get back we will be seeing them again.

Image Courtesy of http://www.ageofdaze.com/

Take Care,

Tim