😮‍💨 Assessed Not Stressed

Good morning Saint John! It’s an exciting day… not only is it National Disc Jockey Day, it’s also National Cheese Lovers Day. And as a former rock radio DJ and everyday cheese enthusiast, it feels only right to honour both. So consider this today’s playlist, dairy edition: Def Leppard with Pour Some Parmesan on Me, Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on Gruyère, and Metallica with Nothing Else Crackers. You’re welcome. 🧀 💿

Here’s what else is spinning morning :

Here we go !

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Share your local business story with our readers. Advertise in our newsletter for maximum reach!

📬 Property assessments are landing in mailboxes 

If your mailbox suddenly feels heavier this week, it’s not just flyers. Property assessment notices for 2026 are on the way, and for most homeowners, the key takeaway is boring in a good way… no change. The province has frozen the value used for taxation at 2025 levels for one year, meaning even if your market value jumped, your taxable assessment likely didn’t. Roughly 430,000 properties fall under that freeze while the system gets its long-promised overhaul.

Actual tax bills arrive March 2. If something looks off, you can request a review for free, online or by phone, but the deadline is February 18.

Worth noting: we covered local author and former Service New Brunswick assessor Jerry Iwanus and his book on challenging assessments last year. He’s since said he’s stepping back from the topic, but the book remains a solid plain-English resource if you’re thinking about requesting a review.

🌱 Funding open for local projects 

Got a project that improves the environment or makes life better in your community? Applications are now open for the Host Community Enhancement Fund, with about $100,000 available this year for eligible projects in host communities. The fund supports environmental, cultural, social, health, and quality-of-life initiatives, with a little extra love for new or creative ideas.

There are some parameters around what qualifies, but it could mean a real leg up for your organization’s next project, as long as it’s completed by October 1. The deadline to apply is February 20.

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

🌐 A hidden world at Parkway Mall 

Another World VR has been open at Parkway Mall for just under a year, and owner Stacy Humphrey Lohnes says the most common reaction she still hears from locals is some version of disbelief. “Everybody that comes in goes, ‘I had no idea you were here,’” she says, laughing. Meanwhile, visitors continue to arrive from elsewhere in the maritimes, drawn by a setup that’s still rare on the East Coast.

The idea for the business started at home. Stacy noticed her two kids, now 10 and 14, coming off their VR sessions exhausted. “They would come off the VR in full sweat,” she says. “You don’t realize how active it actually is.” That observation shifted her view of gaming from something sedentary into something physical and social, and eventually led her to open Another World last spring.

The surprise has been how adults respond. “The adults have a lot more fun than kids,” Stacy says. “It’s a whole new experience for them. They come out really impressed and very excited.” Even for spectators, she says, watching people react to things only they can see is part of the fun.

Another World has also become part of Parkway Mall’s quiet evolution into a full-on entertainment destination, alongside escape rooms, arcades, trampolines, and pool tables. For Stacy, the business is about creating a place where people leave smiling. The challenge now is simply making sure Saint John knows it’s already there.

🖋️ Fresh ink hits Princess Street 

If you’ve noticed the lights on at the corner of Princess and Sydney, that’s 162 Princess Street Tattoo settling in. The new uptown shop opened in December and brings decades of tattooing experience with a serious love for classic, traditional work. Inside, it’s all exposed brick, framed flash, vintage touches, and the kind of calm, welcoming vibe that makes even first-timers breathe easier. The artists specialize in bold, timeless designs, with plenty of floral work in the mix too. And this spring, they’re doubling down on charm, planning to turn part of the space into a small antique shop.

Put your business in the hands of your neighbours. Advertise with us and watch your audience grow!

🎭 Theatre Talk Tuesday

Script Sessions | Starting January 22
Saint John Theatre Company kicks off its 2026 Script Sessions with a live reading of Leopoldstadt by Tom Stoppard. Local artists read the full script aloud, followed by a short, casual discussion…no sets, no costumes, no pressure. It’s theatre stripped back to the words. Starts at 7:30pm at the BMO Studio Theatre on Princess Street, with more Script Sessions planned monthly through April.

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour | January 22
The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Saint John with an evening of jaw-dropping outdoor films from around the globe. Expect adventure, storytelling, and serious inspiration. Presented by River & Trail. Show starts at 7pm at the Imperial Theatre.

Bad Words for Street Team SJ | January 24
A comedy-forward fundraiser at Wasted Day Brewing with live music and a stacked lineup of New Brunswick comedians. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm, and proceeds support Street Team SJ’s work in the community.

Games & Grooves | Jeux de rythmes | January 25
Résonance New Music heats up winter with an energetic percussion performance led by Joël Cormier and Jocelyn Blanchette. Expect rhythm, movement, and plenty of sonic texture in this afternoon concert. Takes place January 25.

Ghost Light | January 28
A heartfelt, funny one-man show by Shawn Wright that brings his New Brunswick childhood and love of theatre to life. Ghost Light runs January 28–31 at 7:30pm at the BMO Studio Theatre and blends humour, memory, and family into a powerful evening.

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

📸 Derek Grant | 📍 Fallsview Park (click to see the full collection of bird shots from this month alone)

Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!

Today’s Tides 🌊

Eyes on You!

Want to catch Saint John’s attention? Baseline ads in SJ Today put your message front and centre, mingling with the latest news and stories. It’s a simple, effective way to be seen by locals. Ready to stand out? Let’s make it happen!*

_{^{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who melts with local insight 🫠.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher