🏊 A deep dive into pool money

Good morning Saint John! Let’s call today’s snowfall a strategic alignment with Monday. Roads will be rough, visibility will be low, and productivity will peak because we’re working from home and can keep our pajama pants on all day.

Here’s what else we’re shovelling around:

Have a great week!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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📺 The harbour could get a new window

A massive new cold storage building on the west side is officially up, and with it, some longtime harbour views are gone. Cue a very Saint John response. Instead of just grumbling into the fog, former provincial cabinet minister and longtime St. James Street West resident Dorothy Shephard floated a clever idea to Port Saint John. What if the blank white wall facing the neighbourhood could project a live video feed of the harbour itself?

The port says the idea is very early and very conceptual, but not out of the question. The tech exists, the wall is very white, and the port is already thinking bigger about projections tied to events and waterfront moments. The building still brings jobs and port growth, but the conversation has shifted to how people stay connected to the harbour as it changes. A wall with a view might just be the most Saint John compromise yet.

🧊 This water hazard is very much in play

The Saint John Fire Department will be using the driving range near Rockwood for ice rescue training from January 26 through February 12. It’s the same spot that’s usually home to floating golf ball targets in warmer months, but for the next couple of weeks, firefighters will be intentionally opening up the ice for training exercises.

The area will be clearly marked with tape or rope, and the city is asking the public to keep well back from the site. It’s not a place anyone’s heading in January anyway, but the reminder stands. This is about keeping crews sharp and ready for real winter emergencies, when seconds actually matter.

🍽️ Last call at TOPS

An uptown familiar is getting ready to say goodbye. TOPS Eatery on Union Street will serve its final meals on February 8, closing the chapter on a spot that’s fed generations of Saint Johners in one form or another. Owner Naveen Saboo, who took over the restaurant in 2024, says the decision wasn’t easy, but the current business climate made it the right time to step back.

Since reopening as TOPS Eatery, the restaurant blended the classic TOPS menu with new Indian-inspired dishes, keeping longtime favourites alive while trying something new. The team thanked customers for the support and kind messages since the news broke. There’s still time for one more visit, one more booth sit, and one more order before the lights go down. ($)

⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting - January 26 | 6pm

Aquatic Centre renovation funding agreements up for approval - Council will be asked to approve two funding agreements tied to the Canada Games Aquatic Centre renovation, including funding for completed concept design work and a larger agreement toward construction. Updated estimates now put the full project around $26.9 million, with construction planned to run from 2026 to 2028.

New nuisance and sidewalk rules get first readings - Council will give first and second readings to a new Nuisance By-law and a related sidewalks amendment, aimed at updating rules around obstruction-related loitering or solicitation, vandalism, littering, and public urination or defecation in public spaces.

Community safety team launch update - Council will receive an update on the new Community Safety Services Team, a non-police service launching February 2 that will ramp up to 24/7 coverage in Uptown, Waterloo Village, and nearby areas.

North End Neighbourhood Plan heads toward public hearing - Council will consider next steps to adopt the North End Neighbourhood Plan as part of Plan SJ, including referring it to the Planning Advisory Committee and scheduling a public hearing in March.

See the full agenda

Meeting starts at 6pm at City Hall, with the public welcome in person or watching live on Rogers TV or via live stream.

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

TUESDAY

International Cooking Class Canadian Cuisine | January 27
A hands-on community cooking class celebrating classic Canadian comfort food. Participants will cook chicken pot pie casserole and ginger spice cake alongside volunteer guest chef Nancy Knox, then sit down to enjoy the meal together. Takes place Tuesday from 6:30–8:30pm at the Irving Oil Field House Kitchen. Registration is $25 plus tax and includes all ingredients. Limited spots available.

WEDNESDAY

Ways to Store Your Family Tree Online | January 28
A practical session for anyone curious about genealogy or already deep into family history research. David Fraser will walk through different ways to store and manage your family tree online, with tips that work for beginners and experienced researchers alike. Hosted by the New Brunswick Genealogical Society, with an AGM included. Runs 2–4pm at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, with a Zoom option available.

THURSDAY

New Beginnings Stand-Up Comedy Show | January 29
Hampton Brewing Co. hosts a night of laughs featuring Matt Keenan, Ryan Whittaker, and headliner Jason Gary. Expect dry humour, absurd observations, and a few fresh-start jokes to kick off 2026. Show starts at 7:30pm.

FRIDAY

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

Rockwood Glows Winterfest Saint John | January 31
Rockwood Park turns into a full-on winter playground for this all-day Winterfest celebration. Lantern making, astronomy, a photo booth, guided hikes with First Nations storytellers, skating on Lily Lake, bonfires, food vendors, DJ beats, and a Saint John Skating Club performance all lead up to the first-ever drone light show over Lily Lake at 7pm. Runs throughout the day and into the evening.

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

Drink & Draw at Picaroons General Store | February 1
A casual, creative afternoon inviting artists of all kinds to grab a drink and work on personal projects alongside other creatives. Bring your own supplies, from sketchbooks to knitting needles. Free to attend from 2–4pm.hearty laughs, and top-notch whisky. The fun kicks off at 5:30pm—don’t miss out!

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📸 Trish Hamilton | 📍Harbour Passage

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who will be circling back to snow clearing this afternoon ❄️.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher