🤔 Are you part of this 34.5%?

Good morning Saint John! The worst part about Monday isn’t the alarm…it’s leaving your pet behind after a full weekend together. Now there’s a streaming channel designed just for dogs and cats, with visuals and sounds built to actually keep them company while you’re out. So if your pet seems a little less dramatic when you head out this morning…they might already have tv plans.

In todays addition:

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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✈️ Holt heads to Ottawa with a shopping list

Premier Susan Holt is heading to Ottawa and Toronto April 20-21 for back-to-back meetings with Prime Minister Mark Carney and a long list of federal ministers, and she’s not going empty-handed.

The goal is to make sure New Brunswick is in the room when major projects, defence dollars, and big infrastructure decisions are made. This includes pushing for investment in energy, critical minerals, and long-term health-care funding, while also pitching the province at a national business summit.

🗳️ More voices wanted at the ballot box

Only 34.5% of Saint John residents voted in the last municipal election. That means a relatively small group of people decided who runs things like housing, services, and how tax dollars get spent.

That’s the backdrop for a new push from the Human Development Council and Civic Tech Saint John, who are rolling out a full slate of candidate forums across the city ahead of the May 11 vote as part of their SJ Votes 2026 campaign. The goal is to get more people hearing directly from candidates, asking questions, and showing up informed.

Here’s the lineup:
At-Large candidates | April 20
Ward 2 candidates | April 21
Ward 4 candidates | April 22
Ward 3 candidates | April 23
Ward 1 candidates | April 27

🎸 Air guitar is coming in loud

Saint John is about to host something you didn’t know you needed until right now…a full-blown air guitar championship, and they’re actively looking for competitors.

The first-ever East Coast Regional Qualifier lands at the AREA 506 Container Village on May 16, and if you’ve ever wanted to live out your guitar god dreams on an actual stage, this is your moment. Think Pete Townshend windmills, dramatic solos, and one full minute to go all in in front of a crowd. Judges are scoring originality, stage presence, technique, and of course, Airness.

The winner heads to Nationals in Toronto, with a shot at the world stage in Finland. No instrument required, just commitment and a willingness to fully send it on stage.

Not quite ready to step into the spotlight? You can still be part of it…spectator tickets are free, but you do need to book ahead. 

So…either you got the makings of air-rock royalty and are ready to compete. Or you’re just a fan, man…lookin’ for free tickets.

_{^{*Nothing in this section is sponsored. We’ll always let you know when things are sponsored.}}

⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting - April 20 | 6pm

Charlotte Street rebuild - A $2.85M rebuild from Queen Square North to Princess Street includes new underground infrastructure, a bike lane, narrower roadway, added crosswalk access, trees, and year-round parking on one side.

Aquatic Centre project moves into planning phase - Council will award construction management services to advance detailed costing and timelines for the Canada Games Aquatic Centre renovation ahead of the larger build.

Council rules update could change how complaints are handled - A revised code of conduct would require votes in open session and introduce stronger enforcement options for council members.

West side reconstruction project up for approval - A $2.72M project on St. John Street and Dufferin Row will bring new infrastructure, sidewalks, and traffic-calming changes.

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.

⚖️ Quispamsis Council Meeting - April 21 | 6pm

Agenda wasn’t posted by deadline - Council is set to meet Tuesday evening, but no agenda was available at time of publishing. The agenda should be available here ahead of the meeting.

Meeting starts at 6pm at Town Hall, with the public welcome in person or watching via livestream.

LifeDirt’s biweekly produce boxes are packed with a mix of local fruits and vegetables, with delivery or pickup available right here in Saint John. Sign up once and your groceries are taken care of, no extra planning required. You’ll save time, support local farmers, and keep fresh food coming through the door.

Use code SJTODAY for $10 off your first subscription box before April 30.

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

WEDNESDAY

Comedy for a Cause | April 22
A 7pm comedy night at Five and Dime that mixes laughs with a bit of purpose. GenNext is bringing in Chanel Freire alongside a lineup of Maritime comics, with proceeds tied to community impact through United Way. Easy midweek outing with a good excuse to stay out a little longer.

Chroma Queer Meet & Greet | April 22
Haven Music Hall hosts Chroma’s monthly meet-up, a low-key, all-ages gathering built around conversation and connection. It runs about an hour, includes non-alcoholic drinks, and leans more social than structured. Good option if you’re looking to meet new people without the usual event pressure.

THURSDAY

Build Your Personal Brand Workshop | April 23
An early one at 8am with Fusion Saint John, where Porter O’Brien’s Emily Small walks through the basics of shaping and communicating a personal brand. Expect a focused hour on defining your value, tightening your message, and leaving with something you can actually use.

FRIDAY

WHAT’S THE FUNNY Comedy Night | April 24
The KV Legion hosts a 8-11pm comedy night with Bow Master of Ceremonies running the show. Expect a mix of local comics, a casual crowd, and a cash bar. Tickets are cheaper in advance, but still doable at the door if you decide last minute.

SATURDAY

Naval Reserve Open House | April 25
HMCS Brunswicker opens the doors from 10am-3pm with tours, equipment demos, and boat rides if weather holds. It’s one of those events you don’t usually get access to, and it’s free to wander through at your own pace.

Sheldon Point Trail Meetup | April 25
A 4pm casual meet-up with the Saint John Mystery Guild for a walk out to the Sheldon Point ruins. It’s part explore, part social, with a bit of local curiosity baked in. Bring a camera if you’ve got one.

SUNDAY

Spring Warblers Workshop | April 26
A 9am-noon session at the New Brunswick Museum research centre focused on identifying spring warblers by sight and sound. It leans practical, where to find them, what to listen for, and how to tell them apart. Free, but you’ll need to register ahead.

Predominantly Pink Spring Art Show | April 26
Runs 10am-4pm at the Bill McGuire Centre with original paintings, prints, and smaller gift pieces just in time for spring occasions. It’s a drop-in style show, easy to pop through and see what’s new.

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

📸 @Phoenix Blu | 📍 Musquash, NB.

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🌅 6:30am | 🌇 8:16pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

Today in NB History
April 20 - Sussex officially becomes a town in 1904…then 23 years later, New Brunswick calls time on Prohibition and steps into the liquor business itself. A big day for both incorporation papers and something to toast with.

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who remembers the 90s at home talk show watchlist 📺.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher