🍺 A case for history

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Good morning Saint John! It’s a historic week on the West Side, and you can grab a 12-pack of it. Moosehead has bottled its final run of Canadian Lager, and for one weekend only, the last cases ever made are up for grabs at the tap room starting today while supplies last. It’s local history you can put in the fridge… or open immediately. Either way, cheers to the end of an era. 🍺

Here’s what else we’re poppin’ open this morning:

Have a wonderful weekend!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Faces of Fusion returns to the Imperial Theatre on Friday, February 6, and it’s shaping up to be one of those nights that reminds you why we love it here!

Hosted by Fusion Saint John, the evening celebrates five award winners making a real impact in the community, with food, a silent auction, and plenty of time to bump into familiar faces.

SJ Today is proud to be a supporter of Fusion SJ and to present this year’s New Johner Award. Even better, Publisher Geoff Walsh returns as host for the fourth year… proof that if you show up enough times, they let you keep the mic.

Check out the full list of local finalists, grab your tickets, and come cheer loudly for people that make our city and region an amazing place to live.

📍Quispamsis cracks Canada’s top 10

Quispamsis has landed 8th overall in Canada in The Globe and Mail’s latest Most Livable Cities ranking, making it the highest-ranked community in Atlantic Canada. The ranking looked at 454 cities using nearly 60 measures, from health care and safety to housing and climate resilience. New this year, the list also lets readers compare communities by size, which helped highlight places that punch above their weight. Halifax is next best in the maritimes at #34 ($)

💰 Saint John sitting on forgotten cash

If January has your wallet feeling a little dramatic, this one’s worth a click. New Brunswick’s Unclaimed Property Day is February 1, and Saint John County is quietly leading the province in forgotten money. According to the province’s FundsFinderNB program, nearly 5,000 Saint John residents and businesses have a combined $4.3 million just sitting there, unclaimed. We’re talking uncashed cheques, old credit union accounts, security deposits, and other wait…I got how much waitin’ for me? moments. The search takes about 30 seconds, costs nothing and new money gets added every year. Worst case, you find nothing. Best case, you’re buying us a coffee for reminding you to check. 

🥇 Who’s getting the call to the Hall

Know an athlete, coach, team, or behind-the-scenes builder who deserves a victory lap? The Greater Saint John Sports Hall of Fame is officially taking nominations, and this is your chance to make the case. From hometown legends to the quiet grinders who built winning programs, the Hall celebrates the people who shaped local sport across generations. It lives inside TD Station, which feels fitting given the amount of glory that’s passed through those doors. Nominations are open now, forms are online, and the deadline to submit is April 24. If someone’s name makes you say “how are they not in already,” this is your moment.

🏆 Top clicks of the week

Monday - Rockwood Glows is Saturday night
Tuesday - Apply for openings on city boards and committees
Wednesday - A Saint John love story
Thursday - Watercolour workshop Saturday

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

🤖 Saint John startup makes top 10 list

Saint John company, InspecTrack has been named a semi-finalist and lands a spot among the top 10 in NBIF’s revived breakthru startup competition. After drawing more than 80 applications from across the province, the field has been narrowed to a shortlist, pitching to make the live finale on March 19, and for a share of $200,000 in investment and support.

InspecTrack is tackling home inspections with AI-powered computer vision, smart glasses, and instant repair cost estimates, essentially dragging a traditionally clipboard-heavy industry into the present day. Five finalists will pitch live on March 19, with winners announced that night. Saint John is showing up, again. We love to see it.

Reach local families and make an impression. Grab your spot in our newsletter today!

FRIDAY

Matt Andersen | January 30
New Brunswick’s own Matt Andersen returns to the Imperial Theatre with his signature blend of folk, soul, and blues. Known for both intimate moments and big, room-filling sound, Andersen brings decades of touring experience to the stage. Show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $55 in advance or $60 at the door.

Art Tour & Sale | January 30
Eight artists take over one space for a single-night art tour and sale at the Shawn Tucker Premium Real Estate office in Rothesay. Meet the artists, browse original work, and enjoy a casual evening of creativity and conversation. Free to attend from 6–9pm.

SATURDAY

Firehall Pond Hockey Rivalry | January 31
A classic winter matchup with bragging rights on the line. The Welsford Volunteer Fire Department faces off against Grand Bay–Westfield Fire-Rescue in their third annual outdoor pond hockey game. Expect friendly rivalry, cold air, and plenty of hometown cheering as two local departments battle it out on the ice. Puck drops Saturday at 1pm at the Welsford Rink on Woods Lane.

Just Like Heaven New Wave Music Matinee | January 31
Five & Dime hosts an afternoon of new wave sounds curated by Dillon Ryan and friends. A laid-back matinee perfect for easing into the weekend, with music running from 2–4pm. $10 at the door.

SUNDAY

Paws & Polaroids | February 1
McKinley & Company Real Estate hosts a pet photo day ahead of Valentine’s Day. Book a time slot, bring your furry friend, and receive your photos in time for the holiday. Runs from 10am–2pm in Rothesay.

Northern Lights Art Drop-In | February 1
Kids are invited to drop in at the Saint John Free Public Library in Market Square to create their own Aurora Borealis inspired artwork. This casual, hands-on craft runs Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1 from 11am to 12pm, and is designed as an easy come-and-go activity for young artists. No registration required, just show up and get creative.

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

📍On Wednesday, we shared this little cluster of colourful circles and asked if you could place it. Not sure if we’re impressed or slightly concerned that so many of you knew it’s the bike rack outside the police station at Peel Plaza. Let’s assume this is your passion for urban details and not something… else. Shout out to Justin L., Cody A., Rick F., Alexandra C., Kat M., Casey C., Eddy D., Matt F., and Jim B. for guessing it correctly.

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

🌅 7:46am | 🌇 5:28pm

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who likes their local info bottled up and delivered each morning 🍾.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher