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🍬 Candy, Council & Tequila
SJ Today
April 22, 2025
In partnership with:
Good morning Saint John! Is it weird that after too many peeps over the weekend, we’re still looking forward to discounted candy this week? 🐥
Here’s what we’re chewing on this morning:
Voters were out this weekend 🗳️
High-fives to volunteers in Grand Bay 🙌
A SJ Today reader is going to Tequila Expo 🍹
It’s a short week!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
Canada’s Voting Vibes Are High! 🇨🇦
Canadians are really into voting this year. With nearly 2 million ballots cast on the first day of advance polls, it’s the highest turnout ever!
Elections Canada had to pull in extra staff to handle the crowds, and some people waited in lines long enough to rethink their life choices. But hey, it’s a record! That’s a 36% jump from last election’s first day turnout.
Was it the long weekend? Maybe. Whatever the reason, Canadians are showing up early to make their voices heard.
If you need more info about getting your vote counted, check out Elections Canada’s website.
City Wants Your Take on Parking 🚗
The City is updating its approach to parking in the South-Central Peninsula and wants to hear from the folks who actually live, drive, and park there. As part of its Comprehensive Parking Study, the City is hosting a virtual public session this Thursday (April 24) from 5-6pm to share updates, early feedback, and a draft strategy.
The goal? Smarter, clearer, and more accessible parking, plus ideas around active transportation and future development. Whether you’ve struggled with signage, ticketing, or just finding a spot on a busy night, this is your chance to weigh in.
Click here to join the session - no registration needed.
Celebrating the folks who always say yes 🙌
Next week is National Volunteer Week (April 27–May 3), but Grand Bay-Westfield got a jump on the gratitude with a celebration last week at the Community Centrum. Volunteers from just about every corner of town - sports teams, churches, arts groups, school events, rec programs - were thanked with certificates, tokens of appreciation, and applause that probably still echoes in the parking lot.
The Town also handed out Mayor’s Milestone Volunteer Awards to four longtime community builders: Amanda Hamm, Rose Linton, David Wilson, and Ron Wilson, each recognized for more than 20 years of service. That’s two decades of stepping up, pitching in, and making things better because they care.
If you know a volunteer, give 'em a high five next week. And if you are one: we see you! Thanks for everything you do!
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
⚖️ Saint John Common Council - Tuesday April 22, 2025
Lorneville concerns: Council will hear from residents and a local task force about the proposed Spruce Lake industrial park expansion.
New roads + fresh asphalt: 2025 paving projects, materials testing, and traffic signal upgrades are all on the table.
Recycling for renters: First and second readings of a by-law to bring curbside recycling to apartment buildings.
Audit call: Councillor Sullivan is pushing for an internal review of the city’s winter response — back on the docket after a deferral.
Street name alert: A new name is coming for Fundy Quay — details in the consent agenda.
Meeting starts at 6pm at City Hall and is open to the public. You can also view online via livestream.
🏘️ Quispamsis Planning Advisory Committee Meeting - Tuesday April 22, 2025
Garage height + size variances: Two residents are requesting approvals for large detached garages — one including a dwelling unit at Greenwood Drive, and another oversized build on Westminster Drive.
Health business from home: A physiotherapist wants to operate a home-based clinic out of Auburn Way.
Street setback request: A semi-detached build on Hampton Road could be closer to the street than current rules allow.
PAC policy refresh: The committee will review updates to its procedures to reflect modern practices.
Subdivision move: A land adjustment is proposed near Hammond River Road, carving out a new lot with an existing home.
Meeting starts at 6pm at Quispamsis Town Hall and can also be viewed via livestream.
PARTNERSHIP
Tequila Time Starts This Weekend! 🌵🎉
The countdown is over…the Saint John Tequila Expo hits the Trade & Convention Centre this Friday and Saturday, and it’s going to be a whole thing. Think: premium tequila, mezcal tastings, tacos, cocktails, beer, live mariachi, and yes, Lucha Libre wrestling flying in with the flair.
Big cheers to Steve Weaver Crawford, who snagged our ticket giveaway - enjoy those sips and suplexes!
If your name’s not Steve Weaver Crawford, no worries, you’ve still got time to grab tickets. Advance buyers get two complimentary food or drink tokens plus a souvenir shot glass, so get clicking before they’re gone.
We’ve got more great giveaways coming up, so keep reading and entering!
EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
TONIGHT
Poetry Workshop for Beginners | April 22
Poet and storyteller Stephen Kent Roney is hosting a free beginner-friendly workshop at The Write Cup Bookstore Cafe from 7-9pm. It’s part of National Poetry Month, and a chance to explore what makes poetry tick, no experience (or snapping) required. Stephen’s been published internationally and has a few tips up his sleeve for new writers. Feel free to drop in!
WEDNESDAY
35th Annual Red Triangle Awards | April 23
The YMCA’s Red Triangle Awards return for a night of celebration and community at the Saint John Regional Y. Now in its 35th year, the gala honours outstanding leadership with the Red Triangle Award and the Leader to Watch Award. This year’s ceremony, hosted by SJ Today’s Geoff Walsh, will recognize Janet Thompson-Price and Cameron Keyes. Tickets are $125 or $1,000 for a table of ten, with all proceeds supporting the Strong Communities Campaign. The evening starts at 6:30pm.
THURSDAY
Understanding the Neurodivergent Brain | April 24
Ever wondered what it means to have a neurodivergent brain…or if you or your child might? Join Tricia Wilson and Crystal Oliver from Seen Heard Found Counselling for a free talk at 6pm at 399 Boars Head Rd. They’ll explore how neurodivergence (like ADHD, autism, trauma, and more) shows up and how understanding it can help families, students, and communities thrive. Register here.
FRIDAY
Once Upon a Mattress | April 25
KVHS is staging Once Upon a Mattress all week, but Friday’s a sweet spot if you're after a fun night out. This musical spin on The Princess and the Pea is packed with big laughs, catchy songs, and plenty of charm. Catch the curtain at 7:30pm at Kennebecasis Valley High School. Tickets start at $18 and the show runs nightly through Saturday, with a Saturday matinee too.
SATURDAY
Charlie A’Court at Water Street Dinner Theatre | April 26
East Coast icon Charlie A’Court is hitting the Water Street Dinner Theatre stage for one night only. With five ECMAs under his belt and nods from the Maple Blues Society, he brings powerhouse vocals, sharp songwriting, and that signature soulful guitar work. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm.
SUNDAY
Comedy Forge Writers' Room | April 27
Local comedy brains at work...Comedy Forge is a raw, electric monthly meetup where writers test, tweak, and toss around their latest material in a no-judgement zone. Whether you're a seasoned stand-up or just comedy-curious, all are welcome, if you're serious about getting funnier. Runs 6:30-9:30pm at 123 Prince William. Free to attend, stair access only. BYO notebook—and maybe a punchline.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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📸 Illia Kuksenko | 📍 Queen Square
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SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 1:10 AM(Tue 22 April) | 2.18 m(7.16 ft) |
High Tide | 7:20 AM(Tue 22 April) | 7.12 m(23.36 ft) |
Low Tide | 1:45 PM(Tue 22 April) | 1.76 m(5.77 ft) |
High Tide | 7:57 PM(Tue 22 April) | 6.97 m(22.87 ft) |
Eyes on You!
Want to catch Saint John’s attention? Baseline ads in SJ Today put your message front and center, 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!*
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who managed to avoid a sugar rush this weekend 🍫.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher