🗳️ Ballots, Burgers & Bills

Good Morning, Saint John! It’s Election Day, and the race is tight. Polls are open from 8:30am to 8:30pm, but if you’re aiming to skip the crowds, vote between 10am-4pm. Don’t forget your voter info card and ID (one with your address or two pieces total). Get all the details you need to vote here. 🇨🇦

Here are the other boxes we’re checking this morning:

• NB Power Billing Review Findings ⚡

• Today is the Day of Mourning

• Build your Burger Week bucket list to win! 🍔

Let’s have a Monday!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
Let’s Get Your Name Out There! 🔊

Connect with local families and build your community presence. Advertise in our newsletter today!

NEWS NOTES

🧾 NB Power says higher bills are just cold weather and more juice

After months of customer outrage over jaw-dropping winter power bills, NB Power says it’s not the meters’ fault,  it’s just been really cold, people used more power, and rates went up 13%.

A third-party review by KPMG found no signs smart meters were misreading usage. They tested hundreds of meters, including ones flagged by frustrated customers, and say everything came back clean.

In short, NB Power says your bill spiked because December 2024 was up to 16% colder, billing cycles were longer, outages were fewer, and prices climbed.

They’re promising new tools to track energy use and budgeting programs to help. Still not buying it? NB Power says their phone lines are open.

🕯️A Day of Mourning, A Call for Action

Today marks the National Day of Mourning, honouring workers who lost their lives, were injured, or became ill because of their jobs. A ceremony will be held at noon at the Day of Mourning Monument outside the Frank & Ella Hatheway Centre in Rockwood Park, with a wreath-laying and a reception to follow. In 2023, 14 New Brunswickers didn’t make it home from work, a sobering reminder that safety is everyone’s job, and it’s far from done.

🚦King Street closed for construction today

If you're heading uptown this morning, heads up, King Street is closed to traffic between Charlotte and Germain Streets from 7am-5pm today. Crews are working on the new development at 99 King Street and apparently a giant cement truck is gumming up traffic today. Sidewalks are still open for pedestrians, and all businesses are staying open too, you’ll just have to do a little zigzagging if you're driving. Bonus heads-up: Saint John Transit routes are detouring around King Street today as well.

🏉 RugbyFest madness hits Rothesay

Rain, wind, and a few flying tackles...just another RugbyFest weekend at Rothesay Netherwood School. More than 30 teams from New Brunswick, the Maritimes, Quebec, and Ontario battled it out in 7s and 15s games during the 34th annual tournament.

Tournament director David Shiels says players love it so much they come back as coaches. Local captains Anders Barbour and Harlan Eustace say it’s all about heart, hustle, and handshakes, even after you get flattened.

PARTNERSHIP
💥 CONTEST TIME 🍔

Uptown Burger Week kicks off today and we’re officially in burger paradise. With over 25 restaurants flipping delicious creations, the only real challenge is deciding where to start. Check out the full range of burgers on offer and start plotting your burger adventur!

Want to Win a $100 Uptown Gift Card?
Tell us your burger bucket list! Hit reply and name the three burgers you’re dying to try.

Double Your Chances
Share this newsletter and tag us for bonus entries:
📸 On Instagram: @sjtoday.ca
📘 On Facebook: @sjtodaynewsletter

Winner Announcement
We’ll reveal the lucky winner in Thursday’s issue…just in time for a weekend burger binge!

SPONSORED
Looking for New Customers? 🛍️

We can help! Advertise with us and be seen by readers enjoying their morning coffee!

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

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

TONIGHT

Wirework Pendant Workshop | April 28
Join Together Designs by Lynn Rice for a relaxing evening of creativity! You’ll learn to craft your own wirework pendant, choosing from beautiful beads to match your personal style. No experience needed, just bring your creativity! All materials, tools, snacks, and drinks are provided. It’s a perfect way to spend a Monday evening making something beautiful, fun, and unique. 6-8pm at 175 Prince William St. Cost: $40.

TUESDAY

Backpacking 101 Info Sesh | April 29
Ready for your first backpacking trip? Join River & Trail Outdoor Company and In Step Adventures for a fun, informative evening on preparing for your adventure. Topics include route selection, gear, nutrition, water filtration, safety, and yes…even how to poop in the woods! It’s free to attend, just bring a chair and water. Parking at Sobeys, and register to secure your spot. 7-9pm at 133 Hampton Rd.

WEDNESDAY

Paint Your Own Boat at Sunset | April 30
Unleash your inner artist at Kathleen A. Clark’s "Boat at Sunset" painting event! In this 2-hour guided session, you'll create a serene boat floating on a lake at sunset, with vibrant orange skies and silhouetted trees. Whether you're a newbie or experienced painter, it’s a relaxing, creative evening with all supplies and complimentary drinks provided. Bring a friend (or come solo) for a fun, artistic escape. 7-9pm, $45 per person.

THURSDAY

Fusion SJ First Thursday | May 1
Join Fusion Saint John at Wasted Day Brewing for their First Thursday event from 5-7pm! Whether you’re flying solo or with friends, it’s a great chance to make new connections and enjoy some lively conversation. No RSVP needed—just drop by! The venue is accessible, with a wheelchair ramp available upon request.

ABRA Cadabra Tribute | May 1
ABBA fans, get ready! ABRA Cadabra is bringing their unforgettable tribute to Saint John’s Imperial Theatre. Sing and dance to classic hits like Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Waterloo, and more. With over 20 years of sold-out shows worldwide, this family-friendly night is sure to be a hit. Showtime is 8pm!

FRIDAY

Chair Yoga | May 2
Join Cara Coes for a relaxing Chair Yoga session at the Fire House on Friday mornings. This gentle class is perfect for any body, offering a soft and supportive practice to help improve mobility. Whether you prepay for $10 or drop in for $11, it’s a great way to unwind and stretch. 11am-12pm at 20 Church Ave West (Old Fire Station).

SATURDAY

Spring Gallery Hop | May 3
The first Gallery Hop of 2025 kicks off with a special Saturday afternoon edition! Join in for a vibrant day of art exploration in Uptown Saint John. Official hours are 11am-4pm, but some galleries will open earlier and stay later. Be sure to check the galleries' posts for all the details. It’s a great way to get out and enjoy a spring day uptown! 

Kingston Farmers Market | May 3
Get ready to return to the Kingston Farmers Market this Saturday for a season full of food, friendly faces, and fun! With over 90 vendors offering everything from fresh produce to artisan goods, plus live music and tasty treats, it’s the perfect Saturday outing. The market is open 8am-1pm—rain or shine!

SUNDAY

May the Fourth Be With You | May 4
Celebrate May 4th with a laserdisc screening of A New Hope at Haven Music Hall! This version is the closest to the original cut, before the CGI extras were added. The event is free, and costumes are highly encouraged. Doors open at 7pm, with the screening starting at 8pm. It’s all ages, so bring the whole crew for this Star Wars fan's dream night!

Got an Event to Share?

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

YOUR PICS
@SJTODAY.CA

📸 Andre Fitzpatrick | 📍 Saint John Harbour

The first cruise ship of the season is in town today! The Viking Neptune is scheduled to arrive at 10:50 this morning and depart at 22:40. We won’t see another cruise ship until June 25th.

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Be Part of the Local Scene!

Looking to connect with the Saint John community? Our baseline ads get your message into the daily mix of local news and updates. Short, sharp, and impactful, it’s the perfect way to reach readers right where they are. Reach out to learn more!*

^{_{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows complaining doesn't count as a vote. 🗳️

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

Did I Miss Something?