Emera is expected to file the estimated $1.5 billion Maritime Link project with the province's Utility and Review Board today, setting off a 6 month process to determine whether we ratepayers should foot the bill. Emera prez Chris Huskilson last week revealed the project will see power bills go up 1% a year for five years, about $1.50 a month, before he claims rates will then either stabilize or even decline. If you believe that, I've got a bridge across Halifax Harbour I'll sell you real cheap. Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger calls Huskilson's comments an estimate, in other words it's a guess. Let's hope the UARB can give us more tangible figures before we commit to this project, though I fear it may be too late now to stop it.
The landlord from hell is now facing 40 charges in connection with an alleged apartment scam that bilked thousands of dollars from university students. Police say there are 30 victims in this case. Most apparently responded to a Kijiji ad for an apartment for rent. The individual would meet the landlord, inspect the apartment, sign a lease and pay a deposit. That would be the last he saw of the landlord. Two apartments were involved, one on Robie Street, the other on Cedar Street. Police tracked down the owner of the two buildings and 26 year old Cyrano Carette is now facing fraud-related charges.
The RCMP's looking for the public's help in identifying some of the booty seized in a Fall River home, a home described by one Mountie as like a museum. They've posted photos of some of the historic artifacts, documents and books, all believed to be stolen, online in the hopes the public can help them identify the owners. There's a suit of armor, a WW1 gas mask, swords, a telescope, a railyard cap, an old door, paintings, rare books and much more. Just google RCMP Nova Scotia to get to their website and look for the link. If any of the items look familiar you can call the RCMP at 426-1607.
The faculty at St FX University in Antigonish have gone out on strike today. While there cause may be just, to them anyway, a lengthy walkout could jeopardize the year for X students and that would be unjust. Surely there has to be a better way to resolve disputes like this than a walkout.
Have a great day. Get involved. And if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.
Rick Howe
