Category Archives: Today

Today

property tax increases

Saint John property tax increases to hit residents.

City blames province for forcing it to share tax cuts needed by homeowners with business

    Saint John homeowners are facing average property tax increases of 9.9 per cent in 2024. Industrial properties by contrast are getting an average 2 per cent reduction.
    A Saint John City budget for 2024 that will require residential property owners to pay $8.5 million more in property taxes, while large industrial properties pay less, is being blamed on provincial tax rules that limit how much municipalities can charge businesses.

    Saint John plans to cut its tax rate enough to save taxpayers $3.8 million on increases caused by the rising assessments, and it wants to direct all of those savings to residential property owners who are the most affected, but provincial rules do not allow that.

City tax cuts have to be shared in proportion among all properties.Residential property owners, who were facing a tax increase of $10.9 million in 2024 because of their rapidly rising assessments, will receive $2.4 million of the tax rate cut and in 2024 will pay $8.5 million more than this year.

Today

A Solemn Morning of Remembrance

A Solemn Morning of Remembrance: Honoring Our Loved Ones and War Veterans

    Today, at 9 AM, my cousin Bonnie and I attended a Remembrance Day service to pay tribute to our family members who have gone before us and to honor the brave war veterans who sacrificed so much for our freedom. 🕊️

   As we gathered at the solemn ceremony, the air was filled with a deep sense of gratitude and respect. The echoes of the bugle playing the haunting melody of “The Last Post” served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for peace and justice.

 

    Remembering our family members who are no longer with us brought a mix of emotions. Their memories are like gentle whispers in the wind, guiding us, inspiring us, and reminding us of the importance of love, unity, and resilience. Those memories of shared laughter, tears, and the enduring bond that time cannot erase.

The symbolic red poppies adorned our chests, a simple yet powerful emblem that connects us to the profound significance of this day. These delicate flowers serve as a visual representation of the resilience and beauty that can emerge even in the most challenging of circumstances.

The service allowed us to reflect not only on our personal losses but also on the collective sacrifice made by countless men and women who answered the call of duty. The stories of bravery and selflessness resonate through generations, reminding us that freedom is a precious gift, often secured through great hardship.

    Today, we stood in solidarity with all nations that observe Remembrance Day, acknowledging the global impact of war and the shared responsibility to strive for a more peaceful world. The service was a moment to unite as a community, transcending borders and differences, in a shared commitment to remembering and honoring those who served.

     As we left the service, the weight of our grief was lightened by a renewed sense of purpose. In remembering our loved ones and war veterans, we carry forward their legacy by cherishing the peace they fought to secure. Let us strive for a world where their sacrifices are honored through our actions, kindness, and a steadfast commitment to fostering unity and understanding.

    May the flame of remembrance burn brightly in our hearts today and every day, a beacon of gratitude guiding us towards a future of peace and compassion.

Bonnie And  Bev 2023