267 homes moving to Landsdown

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Good morning, Saint John! It’s National Soft Ice Cream Day, so grab a cone before work, another at lunch and one on the way home.

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

High blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and cholesterol concerns can feel like numbers you’re simply stuck with. The YMCA’s Metabolic Fitness Program helps participants take an active role in managing them through structured exercise and expert support.

Beginning August 31, this 12-week small-group program is designed for people living with metabolic syndrome. Classes run Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Saint John Regional Y under the guidance of clinical exercise physiologist, Chris Roberts.

Participants can refer themselves or be referred by a physician or health professional. The program is included with YMCA membership, with financial assistance available to eligible applicants.

🏗️ North end is looking up

A long-empty lot beside Lansdowne Plaza could finally get some upstairs neighbours. Council gave first and second reading Monday to plans for 267 apartments across three buildings of five or six storeys on Sears Street. The 3.79-acre development would include green space, pedestrian connections, underground and outdoor parking, plus some townhouse-style entrances. It’s big selling point is the stuff already nearby, including Sobeys, Shoppers, other shops and several transit routes, which could help residents spend less getting around. Councillor Brian Wyatt called it a first step toward making Lansdowne Plaza the heart of the north end. The rezoning still needs third reading, and construction has no timeline yet. See the full City report on the project here.

💼 Two free career events share the day

Envision Saint John is hosting two separate career events at the Saint John Trade & Convention Centre on September 16. First, Women’s Career Connections runs from 9am to 1pm, offering speakers, career advice, employer connections and a networking lunch for women at any stage of their careers. It’s organized with the province’s Women’s Equality Branch, YMCA Newcomer Connections, PRUDE Inc. and MAP Strategic Workforce Services. The Welcoming Week Expo follows from noon to 3pm, combining a career fair with a community connections fair for newcomers and other residents. More than 50 employers, service providers and community groups will take part. Both events are free, but organizations hoping to exhibit at the expo must register by September 4.

🎻 Symphony NB sets its Saint John schedule

Symphony NB has announced six Signature Series concerts at Imperial Theatre for its 2026-27 season. The Saint John schedule opens September 23 with Brahms, Tchaikovsky and pianist Julien Gagné, followed by an October program stretching from Chicago to Scott Joplin. HeartStrings arrives November 12, then the orchestra returns March 10 for Verdi’s Requiem with Choeur Louisbourg. Violinist Lara St. John headlines the May 12 concert, while the June 2 finale includes Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. The six programs will also tour Fredericton and Moncton. Tickets and season subscriptions aren’t available yet, so wallets may remain seated for now.

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

WEDNESDAY

Drop-In Magic the Gathering | August 19
Bring your deck to Forgotten Fern Oddities at 6pm for a free Magic the Gathering drop-in night. Space inside the shop’s appropriately magical event room at 96 Princess Street is limited, so players ages 15 and older should contact the store ahead of time to claim a spot.

Teen Pottery on the Wheel | August 19
Teen artists can get their hands dirty beginning at 6pm at the Saint John Arts Centre. Participants will learn to centre clay, shape pieces on the wheel, trim and glaze their work. Beginner and intermediate potters are welcome. A 25-pound sleeve of clay can be purchased from the Arts Centre for $35.

THURSDAY

Brundage Point Weekly Market | August 20
Produce, preserves, baking, crafts and foods from around the world fill the Brundage Point River Centre beginning at 1pm. Stop by 4 Ferry Road to shop from local vendors, grab something to eat and conduct the traditional market-day inspection of every baked good in sight.

Concert in the Common | August 20
Saint Mary’s Band takes the Rothesay Common stage from 7–8pm for this week’s free outdoor concert. Bring a chair or blanket and settle in at 24 Gondola Point Road. Parking is available at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, with the show moving to Wells Community Centre if it rains.

FRIDAY

Bee Me Kidz Community BBQ | August 21
Bee Me Kidz is firing up a free family barbecue from 4–7pm at the Rockwood Park A-Frame. Current and former program families, along with anyone interested in learning more, can enjoy snacks, playground time and an easygoing afternoon with the BMK community. Everyone is welcome.

SATURDAY

KV Oasis Donut Run | August 22
Run, walk or take the one-kilometre family route at the third annual Donut Run on Matthew’s Brook Trail in Quispamsis. The fundraiser supports KV Oasis Youth & Family Support Services and includes a warm-up, post-run massages, a barbecue, family activities and the all-important finish-line donuts. Registration is required.

Kingston Farmers Market | August 22
More than 80 New Brunswick vendors bring produce, salmon, grass-fed meats, prepared food, arts and crafts to 4 Market Lane from 8am–1pm. Now in its 28th season, the Saturday market makes a strong case for crossing the river with an empty shopping bag.

SUNDAY

Safe With Sage Run, Walk or Roll Play Day | August 23
Run, walk, roll and play from 12–2pm at the Quispamsis Arts and Culture Park while supporting Safe With Sage. Proceeds help create inclusive, judgment-free spaces where autistic and disabled children, youth and families can connect. Admission is $5, with children three and younger welcomed free.

Plant Parts | August 23
Kids ages six and older can dig into plant-themed games, stories and crafts at 2:30pm at the Saint John Free Public Library in Market Square. The bilingual program offers a playful look at the pieces keeping the plant world upright.

There's plenty more happening. Find all this week’s local events here.

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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. Obviously, these are some mountains, but do you know where this range is? Hit reply and give it your best guess. We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue.

Share your local pics with our readers! Hit reply and send us your favourite camera roll snap!

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows they only soft-serve with getting is the swirl 🍦.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher