🌉 Avoid the bridge tonight

Good morning, Saint John! It’s gonna feel more like July than May today, with inland temps pushing 25 degrees. You know what that means...your only meeting today should be on a patio.

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🌉 Harbour Bridge closure tonight

The Harbour Bridge will fully close for about 20 minutes this evening (May 20) as crews carry out more “jacking operations,” which still sounds vaguely threatening no matter how many times transportation officials say it.

The temporary closure is expected sometime between 6pm and 7pm on May 20, with delays expected in the area while work takes place.

So if your evening plans involve crossing the harbour around supper time, maybe build in a few extra minutes…or just commit fully and take the Reversing Falls route.

⚾ Superman headed to Saint John

A bunch of local ball players are about to get coaching from a guy who made a career out of ignoring the laws of physics.

Former Toronto Blue Jays centre fielder Kevin Pillar is coming to Saint John this July for a series of baseball events hosted by local pitcher Andrew Case, the Saint John native who also worked his way through the Blue Jays system and suited up for Team Canada.

Pillar spent more than a decade in the majors, but most fans remember him for the full-speed diving catches that earned him the nickname “Superman” during his Toronto years.

The events include youth camps at Memorial Field along with advanced training sessions in Rothesay later this summer.

🍗 Swiss Chalet downsizing to delivery era

Swiss Chalet is leaving its longtime Consumers Drive home and building a brand-new restaurant at East Point, with Saint John becoming the first place in Atlantic Canada to get the chain’s new prototype design.

The current location opened in 2002 and seats nearly 300 people. The replacement? Smaller, more “intimate,” and designed with takeout and delivery in mind, according to parent company Recipe Unlimited.

Renderings show a cleaner, more modern look that feels a lot less like ‘grandma’s birthday dinner’ and a lot more ‘here’s your festive special, hope we didn’t forget the Toblerone.’

No exact opening date or location has been announced yet, though developer Troy Northrup currently has multiple projects under construction at East Point.

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

Queer Meet & Greet | May 20
Chroma NB is hosting its monthly Queer Meet & Greet Wednesday evening at its Carmarthen Street space uptown. The casual drop-in runs from 5:30-7pm and gives community members a chance to connect over complimentary refreshments, conversation, and new friendships. All ages are welcome, though kids need to bring an adult along.

Asian Heritage Month Gala | May 23
The Asian Heritage Society of New Brunswick’s Saint John chapter is celebrating Asian Heritage Month with a free cultural gala Saturday afternoon at Samuel de Champlain School. The event runs 2-4pm and features performances, music, food, and cultural showcases from local community members representing countries across Asia. Expect a lively afternoon full of colour, dancing, and probably at least one performance that gets a standing ovation halfway through.

Renforth Artisan Spring Market | May 24
Thirty New Brunswick artisans will fill the Bill McGuire Centre in Rothesay Sunday for the Renforth Artisan Spring Market. The free event runs 10am-4pm with handmade goods, a food truck on site, and goodwill donations supporting the KV Food Basket. If your definition of “just browsing” usually ends with candles, pottery, or snacks you didn’t plan to buy, this may be your moment.

Afternoon Tea for Surgical Excellence | May 24
The Union Club is launching a new charity event series with an afternoon tea fundraiser supporting the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation. Guests will gather inside the historic Germain Street club from noon-2pm for tea, treats, and a very fancy excuse to spend a Sunday afternoon downtown. The club is covering all event costs, meaning ticket proceeds go directly toward supporting surgical care in the region.

IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s | May 31
The Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick hosts this fundraising walk Sunday at HMCS Brunswicker, with registration opening at 12pm and the walk starting at 1pm. Participants will help raise funds for dementia programs and services across the province while taking part in games, activities, and community events throughout the afternoon.

Bootin’ It for Vets Run and BBQ | June 6
The second annual Bootin’ It for Vets takes place Saturday from 9am-1pm at the Ridgewood Veterans Wing on Bay Street, featuring a 1km fun run, 5km timed run, BBQ, bouncy castles, touch-a-truck activities, and other family events. Proceeds support the Veterans Comfort Fund, with registration open to all ages and abilities.

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Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. Nothing like bright lights on summer nights. Hit reply and send us your best guess, if you think you know where this is. We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue.

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🌅 5:48am | 🌇 8:53pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who doesn’t work in the heat ☀️.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher