📸 A new look at old Saint John

Good morning, Saint John! Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a day to honour residential school Survivors, their families and the children who never returned home, and to recognize the lasting harm caused by Canada’s residential school system.

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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A city with a few stories 📖

Knowing your way around Saint John doesn’t mean you know everything that went on here before you arrived.

Local realtor and drone operator Eunice Flores contributed the contemporary photography to Discovering Historic Saint John, the latest from Mark Allan Greene, exploring the stories behind our streets, heritage buildings, cemeteries and waterfront landmarks. Shipwrecks, rumrunners, riots and the fire that nearly wiped out the city all get their turn. 

“Photographing this book gave me a different appreciation for Saint John,” Eunice shared with SJ Today. “We often walk or drive past places without knowing the stories behind them, and this book brings those stories to life.”

Her photographs sit alongside historic images and Mark’s writing, connecting the places we recognize today with their earlier chapters. Mark also wrote The Great Saint John Fire of 1877 and co-created the history podcast Saint John: Nothing Happened Here. The new season premieres this week.

“Mark has a way of making Saint John’s history engaging and accessible without making it feel like you're reading a textbook,” Eunice says.

The paperback is $29.95. Eunice hopes it gives locals a reason to take another look at their hometown, because “there is always something new to discover about a city we think we know so well.”

Twenty local names make the cut 🏆

The shortlist is set for the Saint John Region Chamber’s biggest night of the year.

Twenty businesses, entrepreneurs and community organizations are finalists for the 2026 Outstanding Business Awards, spanning everything from beer and bubble tea to architecture, theatre and community service. The Saint John Newcomer Centre will also receive the Chair’s Award.

Winners will be revealed October 22 at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre.

Rothesay Avenue loses a lane 🚧

Expect a squeeze near Staples Wednesday as crews repair railway ties at the Rothesay Avenue crossing. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 7:00am-8:00pm.

Businesses will remain open, with road and sidewalk signage in place. Give yourself a little extra time and watch for workers and pedestrians.

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BGC Greater Saint John’s annual Diamond Dinner returns Friday, November 13, with a new venue, a new Mix & Mingle format and an early-bird prize worth checking in for.

The Saint John Trade & Convention Centre will host an evening of multicultural food stations, live and silent auctions, beauty experiences, FUN-raising games and a dance party led by DJ Steve. Every $80 ticket also includes a chance to win a diamond pendant from W. Smith and Co.

Buy your ticket early and you’ll also have a chance to win a one-night stay at the newly renovated Crowne Plaza Saint John Harbour View. The early-bird winner will be announced October 9.

Get your ticket and support children and youth across Greater Saint John.

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

Brothers Islands Film Screening | September 30
A free screening at Imperial Theatre will explore how the Brothers Islands became the Wolastoqiyik’s last foothold in the southern New Brunswick river basin. The 20-minute documentary was produced by Wolastoqey filmmaker Logan Perley, with Indigenous community members speaking afterward about the islands and their experiences visiting them. It begins at 7pm, and seats must be reserved through the theatre.*

Sustainable Saint John Relaunch | October 1
Sustainable Saint John is relaunching with a free gathering for people interested in the city’s future. Greg Hemmings will deliver the keynote, followed by a panel featuring leaders from Saint John Airport, the City, Port Saint John and Bloom Funding. It runs from 4–6pm at the Saint John Arts Centre, with light snacks, a cash bar and music. RSVP required.

Grand Bay-Westfield Fire-Rescue Open House | October 3
Grand Bay-Westfield Fire-Rescue is opening the station doors for a free afternoon of activities, refreshments and prize draws. Visitors can meet department members, explore Fire Station No. 1 and learn what it takes to join the team. The rain-or-shine open house runs from 11am–1pm at 615 River Valley Drive. No registration is required.

Free Shred Event | October 3
Mitchell Realty is helping Saint Johners clear out old confidential paperwork without feeding it to the office shredder six sheets at a time. Documents will be securely destroyed from 9am–noon at 185 Loch Lomond Road. The event is free, with donations encouraged for the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick. Call 506-608-2730 for more information.

Hands-on Fishing Demonstration | October 3
ACAP Saint John is taking curious residents into the water at Tin Can Beach for a live fish survey. Participants will help use a seine net to catch, identify and safely release local species while learning what they reveal about waterway health. The free demonstration begins at 11:30am. All equipment is provided, but wear closed-toe water shoes and expect to get wet.

Gathering of the Clans | October 3
Saint John’s Irish community is spending Saturday tracing its roots. A free convoy leaves Reversing Falls at 10am to visit four significant local sites, followed by a 1:30pm table reading of Stacey Richard’s Two-Hour Bride at O’Leary’s. The day finishes with an evening pub and live music at Legion Branch 69 from 7pm.

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

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

Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Check out this happy couple soaking up the sun, sand and surf. They don’t seem to know it’s fall, and our bet is you don’t know where they are. Prove us wrong. Hit reply with your guess, and we’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue!

We know you’ve got some great local pics on your phone. Share them with us and we’ll share them here! Hit reply with your fav local shot!

🌅 7:21am | 🌇 7:06pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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-Geoff Walsh, Publisher