Good morning, Saint John! Some championship athletes get statues. Marie-Philip Poulin has been planted across six acres of New Brunswick farmland. Hunter Brothers Farm shaped its annual corn maze like the Montreal Victoire captain, meaning Poulin can now add “agricultural landmark” to an already impressive résumé.

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

  • Morning commuters getting schooled 🚦

  • Clock’s ticking on smart meters ⚡

  • A plan for unfinished crafts 🧶

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

Rush hour gets a new class 🚗

Yesterday’s slowdowns offered a reminder that school is back. Today, with all grade levels returning, the morning commute gets the full backpack-and-brake-light experience.

And because apparently it still needs saying…when a school bus has its red lights flashing, stop and stay stopped. You’re not beating your boss to work anyway. 

All meters get an upgrade ⚡

The utility has used smart meters for roughly 20 years, but the new rollout will move every customer onto newer technology from one manufacturer. The meters can help locate outages faster, reduce estimated bills and eventually let customers view their electricity use in 15-minute intervals.

There’s no added cost for the upgrade. Finding out exactly what the dryer is doing to your power bill is another matter. ($)

King Street makes more room 🏠

The never-ending construction project across from Brunswick Square is going to need twice as many welcome mats.

The developer renovating 40 King Street has doubled the building’s planned apartment count from eight to 16, allNewBrunswick reports. The Ginger Agency will return as the sole ground-floor commercial tenant.

The nearly 150-year-old building has delivered a $2.5-million collection of surprises, including major structural repairs, $600,000 custom windows and a two-ton vault door that has apparently earned the right to stay.

Completion is now targeted for next summer. ($)

*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored. ($) indicates a third-party subscription may be required.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Here are some more events sent to us by our readers. Don’t forget to submit your events any time by clicking here.

Pottery on the Wheel: Level 1 | Wednesdays until October 14
Beginners can get their hands muddy during a six-week Saint John Arts Centre course covering centring, pulling walls, trimming and glazing. Classes run from 6–9pm, with no previous pottery experience required and prices ranging from $35–$375.

Drag Music Bingo | September 10
Dahlia Dior launches a new season of Thirsty Thursdays at Five and Dime with special guests Punzie and Chanel Cartier. The music bingo, drag and Thursday-night carrying-on begin at 8 p.m., with admission set at $5.

Shining Horizons Fundraiser Gala | September 11
Shining Horizons hosts an evening of dinner, live music and giving at 1680 Red Head Rd. from 6:30–10:30pm. Proceeds support its Participant Financial Relief Fund, helping children, youth and adults access therapeutic riding and equine-assisted wellness programs. Individual tickets are $125, with full tables also available.

7th Annual Balance Festival | September 12–13
Lily Lake Pavilion stretches into fall with two days of yoga, meditation, breathwork, guided hikes, cardio, QiGong and wellness workshops. The festival runs from 9am–4 pm, Saturday and Sunday, with one ticket letting participants choose their own sessions. Passes begin at $35, with senior and student pricing available.

Mom & Me: Strength Series | Thursdays until October 22
VBYX The Fitness Studio gives moms a place to build strength while keeping their little ones close by. The six-week series runs from 9:30–10:15 a.m. at 11 Fashion Dr., with babies welcome and the full program priced at $80.

Crafted Evenings: Autumn Garland | September 23
Grown-up craft time gets the childhood treatment at the Saint John Free Public Library’s Central Branch. Participants ages 15 and up can make an autumn garland from 6–7:30pm., with supplies and instruction provided. Space is limited and registration is required; call the library at 506-643-7236 to confirm availability.

BYOC at Hopscotch | September 23
Bring embroidery, crochet, a sketchbook or the cross-stitch project that has spent three years waiting patiently in a drawer. Not Your Grandma’s Craft Club takes over Hopscotch Whisky Bar from 6:30–8:30 p.m. for a low-pressure night of making and mingling, with one drink included. Admission is $20, or $35 with a beaded bag-charm kit. Ages 19 and up.

5K Pursuit: Run for a Cause | September 27
Here’s one occasion when leaving an officer behind is actively encouraged. The Saint John Police Force’s second annual 5K Pursuit invites runners, walkers and strollers to tackle a scenic Rockwood Park loop beginning at Lily Lake Pavilion and finishing at Fisher Lakes Beach. The family-friendly chase starts at 10 a.m., with a suggested $10 donation supporting the 2026 Holiday in a Box campaign.

Got an Event to Share?

*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.

LOCAL PICS
WHERE ARE WE? 📸

Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. There’s lots of great murals around, but this one is always fun to spot. Think you know where it is? Hit reply and give it your best guess. We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue.

You’ve been sharing some awesome local pics lately, so keep ‘em coming! Hit reply and send us your favourite pic from around town!

SIDE NOTES

🌅 6:55am | 🌇 7:46pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

Low Tide

4:49 AM(Wed 09 September)

0.81 m(2.66 ft)

High Tide

11:01 AM(Wed 09 September)

7.61 m(24.97 ft)

Low Tide

5:13 PM(Wed 09 September)

1.03 m(3.38 ft)

High Tide

11:24 PM(Wed 09 September)

8.04 m(26.38 ft)

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who loves being lost in the maze of women’s hockey 🏒!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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