😬 Councillor Crash Course

Good morning Saint John! Well, fall is almost here and winter is coming. The best way to deal with it? Become an awesome curler…Carleton Curling Club is throwing its Grand Re-Opening tonight at 5:30. Get your broom out and hurry hard into the weekend!! 🥌.

Here’s what we’re sweeping up this morning:

• Local Politics 101: Learn Fast 📋

• Sundays Are for Avoiding the Bridge 🚧

• Here’s What You Clicked This Week 🥇

Here we go!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🗳️ Councillors need a rulebook

Some councillors in New Brunswick seem to be learning the hard way that local government isn’t just about showing up. The province’s Local Governance Commission has found plenty of confusion around conflicts of interest, closed meetings, and who’s actually responsible for what. That mix-up has triggered resignations, council flare-ups, and even administrators stepping in to keep some towns afloat. The commission wants mandatory training for councillors and senior staff,  ideally before someone even puts their name on a ballot,  so they actually know when to stay in the room and when to step out.

🌉 Bridge takes a Sunday dinner break

In-laws live on the west side? You’ve got the perfect excuse to skip Sunday dinner…the Harbour Bridge is shutting down. The province is doing some “jacking operations” (on a sunday?!), which means full closures this Sunday and Monday (September 21 & 22), between 6 and 7pm. Each shutdown will last about 20 minutes, so plan your trip, or your getaway, accordingly.

🛳️ First-ever Virgin cruise ship docks in Saint John

The Brilliant Lady sails into Saint John today with up to 2,800 passengers on board…While some at the port had the privilege of seeing it, it’ll be the first time a Virgin cruise ship pulls into SJ. If ol’ Rictchie Branson happens to be on board and you see him grabbing aThrough the Fog at Picaroons, be sure to send us the pic!

🏆 Top clicks of the week

Monday - Quispam wants your input on Gondola Point Road upgrades
Tuesday - Umami Kid, our local ramen joint, is now open
Wednesday - Your chance to bag the last Moosehead bottle
Thursday - Special Y program for chronic illness or injury

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

HERES WHAT WE’RE DOING THIS WEEKEND

Uptown Food Shop Hop | September 19
Take your taste buds on a world tour without leaving Saint John! Explore over 10 multicultural stores across Uptown and the City Market, meet local shop owners, and pick up global ingredients and recipe cards. Grab a free map and passport at the City Market, get stamps as you visit each stop, and enter to win an international ingredient basket. The fun runs 4-7pm, and it’s completely free.

Sea Dogs Opening Weekend | September 19–20
The dogs are back and they’re bringing the party. The weekend kicks off tonight with live music, games, autographs, and free hot dogs on the Boardwalk from 4:30-6pm before the Dogs take on Cape Breton at TD Station at 7pm, rally towels flying. Saturday keeps the energy rolling with a ball hockey tourney, giveaways, and another tilt with the Eagles that night. This season’s leadership is set too, with Olivier Groulx named captain and Angelo Fullerton, Natan Éthier, and Jacob Beaulieu as alternates. Tickets are on sale now…don’t miss it!

SATURDAY

Pennfield Ridge Memorial Service | September 20
The annual Pennfield Ridge Memorial Service honors 70 aviators linked to the Pennfield Ridge air base who lost their lives during Second World War training. The service begins at 11 a.m. at the 2024 RCAF 100 Air Force Memorial, across from the Pennfield Fire Hall. Light refreshments will follow at the Lions Club next door. The public is invited to attend and pay tribute to these fallen airmen.

International Culture Fest in the Valley | September 20
The International Culture Fest is heading to Quispamsis! From 12-4pm at the Arts & Culture Park, enjoy music and dance from around the world, explore interactive cultural booths, sample global flavours, and try family-friendly activities like arts, crafts, and traditional games. Connect with neighbours, learn about different cultures, and celebrate community spirit. Fun, food, and cultural discovery await…everyone’s invited!

Saint John City Market | September 20
Saturday’s back at the Market with all the local charm you can handle! From 11am–2pm, The Blue Pelican is hosting a FREE pumpkin stuffie workshop for the crafty (or curious). Stick around for live tunes from Tyler Jordan, 1–3pm, and browse pop-up vendors throughout the day. Fresh, fun, and full of Saint John energy — the Market’s the place to be, 7:30am–5pm at 47 Charlotte St.

SUNDAY 

Battle of Britain Commemoration | September 21
Saint John marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a public ceremony starting at 10 a.m. at the Cenotaph in King’s Square. The 20-minute service will honor the eight New Brunswick pilots who fought, including Duncan Hewitt, the first Canadian killed in the battle. The ceremony continues at Trinity Church, Charlotte Street, at 10:30 a.m., with light refreshments afterward. The public is welcome to attend and pay their respects.

Queen’s Square Swing Dance | September 21
Dust off your dancing shoes and head to the Queen’s Square Farmers Market for some free swing! From 12 noon to 2 pm, the open-air event welcomes dancers of all levels to enjoy live music, community vibes, and plenty of spins and steps. Whether you’re a seasoned swinger or just looking to try something new, it’s a fun way to soak up the market energy and enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Got an Event to Share?

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

LOCAL PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸

📍 On Wednesday we snapped this shot while out for a stroll along Harbour Passage. It’s the recently placed Marco Polo replica…a nod to the first ship, built here in SJ, to ever be called the fastest in the world. Back in the 1850s, she could do the Liverpool-to-Australia run in six months when most took a year…that’s some real Han Solo (parsecs) energy. Shoutout to Eddie D., Bev S., and Terry M. for nailing it!

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

FRIDAY
Fusion East Taproom | dolores - Live Music | 7pm
Hampton Brewing Co. | The Artificially Hip (Tragically Hip Tribute) | 8pm
Imperial Theatre | James Barker Band | 7:30pm
The Porch | Dillon Ryan | 7pm

SATURDAY
AREA 506 Village Stage | Signal Hill | 7pm
Saint John Public Library | Saint John String Quartet (Pirate-Themed Concert) | 2pm
Fusion East Taproom | Karaoke with Fran Scott | 7pm
Hampton Brewing Co. | The Artificially Hip (Outdoor Show) | 8pm
Kennebecasis Legion | Whitewater Band | 8:30pm
Wasted Day Brewing | Sam Hudson Band | 7pm

SUNDAY
Fusion East Taproom | Karaoke with Fran Scott | 7pm

Submit your live music listing here

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone knows it’s the winners that buy the beer in curling 🍺

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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