☃️ Winter is coming...to council

Good morning Saint John! A chihuahua-dachshund mix named Penny went on a five-year road trip 520 miles from home before finally checking back in. Talk about the ultimate ruff commute!

In todays edition:

• Poppies popping up everywhere 🌺

• Container Village crushes summer records 📈

• Council debates snow and crematorium 🏛️

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🌺 Saint John gets set to remember

The Legion’s national poppy campaign kicked off Friday, with veterans and volunteers selling poppies around town, some locations now sporting tap-to-donate tech. There’s even an Amazon storefront for online supporters. But as always, what’s collected here stays here, supporting local veterans who’ve served our country.

The poppies are out, and plans are in motion for Saint John’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony at TD Station on Tuesday, November 11. 

⏰ Overnight’s over

Saint John’s free overnight parking in the Entertainment District ended Friday, October 31. Starting this past Saturday (November 1) regular rules were back, so overnight parking in metered zones is once again ticketable. Heading Uptown? Be sure to check the signs and plan ahead.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

📦 Area 506 wraps another big season

Saint John’s Container Village closed the gates on its fourth season this past weekend, capping a record year with roughly half a million visitors strolling through the gates. From live music to wrestling, cruise ships to delicious grub, the uptown hotspot kept things lively all summer. Area 506 President Ray Gracewood says more visitors from Ontario, Quebec, and across the Maritimes meant locals weren’t the only ones enjoying it , tourism numbers across the province are hitting new highs too.

💃 Danceability leaps to Loch Lomond

Saint John dancers are getting a bright new home. Danceability is expanding to Loch Lomond Place with a modern second-floor studio and its own private entrance from the parking lot. Founded by the late Anne Stephen in 1997, the studio is now run by her daughter Heather Allen, who calls the move “a new and fresh chapter.” Doors are expected to open December 1.

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THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting | November 3, 6pm

• Winter prep — Council will hear an update on plans for the 2025-2026 winter season, including snow clearing, street safety, and other city readiness measures.

• Housing progress — The city’s Housing For All Strategy will get a mid-term check-in, giving citizens a look at how affordable housing initiatives are shaping up.

• East side review — The Growth Committee presents its East Side Saint John Program and Services Review, which could impact local development, services, and community priorities.

• Crematorium zoning — A public hearing at 6:30pm will consider a zoning by-law change to allow crematorium use in a medium industrial zone, with both first and second readings on the table.

See the full agenda.

The meeting takes place in the Common Council Chamber at City Hall at 6pm. Attend in person or watch on Rogers TV or via livestream.

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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!

MONDAY

Blackstone Industrial Recruitment Tour | November 3
Blackstone Industrial Services is kicking off its East Coast recruitment tour in Saint John at the Hilton from 1 to 5pm. They’re looking to hire 200 millwrights for 2026 projects across Canada. Meet recruiters, explore career paths from apprentices to journeymen, and bring your resume to start the conversation. After the event, continue networking at the Saint John Ale House from 5 to 9pm.

TUESDAY

A Human Picture | November 4
The Saint John Free Public Library hosts A Human Picture from 2 to 3:30pm, featuring a short documentary and a community discussion on the real-life impact of a Basic Income. Hosted by Heather Atcheson of the Human Development Council and Darlene Jones from Kaleidoscope Social Impact, the event shares the stories of four people whose lives were transformed, sparking conversation about poverty, equity, and the possibilities of a Universal Basic Income in Canada.

Ms. Warren’s Profession | November 4
The Saint John Theatre Company presents Shaw’s classic Ms. Warren’s Profession on the big screen at the BMO Studio Theatre at 7:30pm. Five-time Olivier winner Imelda Staunton joins her daughter Bessie Carter for the first time, bringing mother and daughter to life in this tale of morality, independence, and the cost of ambition. Filmed live from London’s West End, it’s a gripping performance you won’t want to miss.

THURSDAY

Brundage Point Holiday Market | November 6
The Brundage Point River Centre is back with its annual Holiday Market, running from 12 Noon to 5pm. Stop by to browse local crafts, tasty treats, and unique gift ideas—all from vendors in the area. It’s a perfect way to kick off holiday shopping while supporting the community. The market is at 4 Ferry Road in Grand Bay-Westfield, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

FRIDAY

IHW Wrestling in Hampton | November 7
IHW Wrestling makes its Hampton debut at the Mike Murphy Memorial Field House from 7 to 9pm. Catch the action with Hampton’s own Dann Brothers, Heavyweight Champion Kris Charters, Fantana, Julien Young, Kirk Aube, Zane Valentine, Karma Rayne, Rick Owens, and more. Tickets go on sale Saturday, October 11 at 9am. Half of the 50/50 proceeds benefit the FMFA Hampton U16 Huskies football team.

SATURDAY

Blue Rodeo 40th Anniversary Tour | November 9
Blue Rodeo hits TD Station at 8pm to celebrate 40 years of music. Fans can expect an unforgettable night of classic hits, heartfelt performances, and a journey through the band’s 16 studio albums. Doors open at 7pm, so get there early to soak in the nostalgia, musicianship, and enduring charm of one of Canada’s most beloved country-rock bands.

Got an Event to Share?

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SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Greyhounds head to AAA final
Local gridiron fans had a busy weekend. Saint John High dominated Moncton High 33-8, while Riverview High edged St. Malachy’s 19-9 in the AAA semifinals. That sets up a championship showdown next Saturday, November 8, at 6 pm at Rocky Stone Field in Moncton, with the Greyhounds taking on the Royals. Let’s go hounds!! 

Rothesay fall clean-up kicks off Monday
Organic waste pick-up in Rothesay starts today (November 3). Leaves, grass clippings, and twigs (bundled, under 4 ft and 40 lbs) go in brown paper bags at the curb by 7:00 am. Plastic bags, compost carts, construction junk, and trees over 4 inches won’t be collected.

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone loves their pooch 🐶.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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