🚋 1914 Saint John Riots

Good Morning Saint John! March arrived like a pretty tame lion…at least we hope! Here’s to a lamby week ahead as we continue the count down to spring! 🦁 

Here’s what’s going on this morning:

• Play about 1914 SJ riot coming to town 🎭

• Doiron’s opening a new location in KV 🏒

• Rezoning proposal for development on Bayside Drive 🏗️

Happy Monday!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

⚕️Tentative Agreement Reached for Health Care Workers

The provincial government has reached a tentative collective agreement with CUPE Local 1252, which represents over 9,600 employees working across regional health authorities and Extra-Mural/Ambulance New Brunswick. The union's members include patient care attendants, tradespeople, food service workers, and administrative support staff. The previous contract expired in June 2024, and while the details of the agreement are being withheld until it’s ratified, this development will have a significant impact on health care workers in the Saint John region and beyond.

📜 TNB Play Brings Saint John Riot of 1914 to Life

Theatre New Brunswick’s upcoming play O’Brien brings a dramatic moment in our city’s history to life: the 1914 Saint John riot. The play opens today in Fredericton before touring the province, including a stop in Saint John this Sunday, March 9, at the Imperial Theatre.

Written by Thomas Hodd, O’Brien tells the fictional story of a family caught in the real-life events of the 1914 Saint John streetcar strike. Hodd emphasizes that while the event took place in Saint John, it is a significant piece of New Brunswick’s collective history.

The summer of 1914 saw tensions boil over when streetcar union workers went on strike, culminating in a riot with 10,000 protestors clashing with police. The situation escalated with trolley cars flipped, fires set, and soldiers charging on horseback.

Catch O’Brien in Saint John this Sunday, it sounds like a gripping piece of history not to be missed! ($)

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

LOCAL BUSINESS

Doiron Sports Excellence Is Back in KV! 🎉

Gearing up with everyone’s favorite sports store is about to get easier for people in the valley. Doiron Sports Excellence is returning to Quispamsis with a new location at the qplex. After a pandemic pause, Marc Doiron and his team are excited to bring top-tier gear and service to the KV area, alongside their original west side location.

“We’ve missed this community,” Marc said in a social post. “It’s all about making life easier for local athletes and families.”

Opening details will be revealed soon.

🚀 New Tool Helps Local Businesses 

Starting or growing a business? Now there’s a shortcut to finding the right help. Envision Saint John just launched a Business Resource Tool that connects entrepreneurs with funding, coaching, and resources, all without the endless Googling. Answer a few quick questions about your business stage and needs, and boom, you get a downloadable custom list of local support options. Whether you’re launching, expanding, or figuring out finances, this tool’s got you covered. Check it out and get connected today.

🌞 Vendor Spotlights at Hampton Market 

Got a knack for making things, growing things, or selling things? Hampton Market wants you! Whether you’ve got fresh produce, handmade goods, or that quirky item everyone secretly wants, here’s your chance to shine. Sign up for a 10x10 space to show off your wares this summer - choose from $25 for a non-electric spot or $30 for the fully powered experience. Applications close March 16th, so don't let your dream market booth fade into the distance like last summer’s tan. Head over to hampton.ca/vendors to apply.

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

Civic News

⚖️ Council & Committee Meetings

It’s a quieter week for local government meetings, with no council or PAC sessions in the region. However, next week will see meetings in Rothesay, Hampton, and Quispamsis. Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to those discussions!

🏡 A New Subdivision on Bayside Drive

Big changes could be on the horizon for Bayside Drive. The City of Saint John is proposing a municipal plan amendment and rezoning for a 34.38-hectare parcel of land at 0 Bayside Drive. The plan would clear the way for a new 8-building, 12-unit residential subdivision. If you’re curious about the details or want to weigh in, you can register to participate in the public hearing on March 24 at 6:30 p.m. For more info, email the City Clerk’s office.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!

TODAY

Retro Film March Break: Chicken Run | March 3
Take a trip down memory lane at the Imperial Theatre with a retro film screening of Chicken Run at 2:00pm! This award-winning DreamWorks animation from Aardman tells the hilarious story of a group of chickens on a Yorkshire farm who, with the help of a flamboyant American rooster, try to escape a life of egg-laying and avoid the chicken-pie making machine. Rated G, and best of all—tickets are free (limit of 6). 

TUESDAY

Foggy Docs - Wilfred Buck | March 4
The Foggy Docs film series continues with Wilfred Buck at the BMO Studio Theatre. This hybrid documentary tells the extraordinary story of Wilfred Buck, an Indigenous Elder who overcame racism, addiction, and displacement by reclaiming ancestral knowledge of the stars. The screening starts at 7:30pm, followed by a Q&A with the film’s representatives. Tickets are $15 + fees but there’s always lots of free popcorn! A powerful exploration of resilience you won’t want to miss! 

WEDNESDAY

City Market March Break - Interactive Story Time | March 5
Join the fun at the Saint John City Market from 10am-3pm for a special Interactive Story Time with Natasha Pilotte. After the story, kids can enjoy a book-themed craft at the old Slocum and Ferris Space. Perfect for little ones looking for a creative way to spend their day. All activities are free, so bring the whole family for a fun and educational March Break outing!

THURSDAY

Alexandra Templier | March 6
Don’t miss La Nuit du Cœur at Tutti - Théâtre Louis Vermeersch (Samuel-de-Champlain School) at 7:30pm. Experience a musical and emotional journey with Alexandra Templier and five Montreal-based artists, blending flamenco, jazz, rock, lyrical singing, and poetry. Templier, a renowned vocalist, invites reflection on the power of words, trust, and beauty. The performance offers an immersive exploration of the human condition, with a discussion open to all before the show. A night of stunning music and thought-provoking theater awaits!

FRIDAY

Big Foggin’ Tunes with Theta | March 8
Don’t miss this special show at Foghorn Brewing Company from 7-9pm! Theta, a talented group of 17-19-year-olds, will rock the stage with a mix of pop, rock, grunge, and a touch of jazz. The band includes Abby Bartlett (singer), Nick Groden (lead guitar), Allie Ruttan (bass), Jack Williams (keyboard), and Zach Spicer (drummer, absent for this event). It’s a “pass the hat” event, with all tips going directly to the band. Bring your cash and enjoy an evening of great music!

SATURDAY

Choir! Choir! Choir! | March 8
Limited seats left for this epic sing-along at the Imperial Theatre at 7:30pm! Choir! Choir! Choir! turns the audience into performers for a night of fun and music. This time, it’s all about Queen’s greatest hits, so grab your friends and get ready to belt out anthems with a room full of music lovers. No experience needed, just bring your voice! Tickets: $37.50 for adults, $32.50 for members. Get ready to sing your heart out!

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who loves a good a good adage. ☕️

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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