Good morning, Saint John! We missed a rather large result from the provincial pumpkin festival in Neguac. Laurent Mallet of Shippagan won with a 1,534-pound pumpkin. Over in California this week, a pumpkin named Rocky won a weigh-off at 2,389 pounds. Meanwhile, we’re still trying to finish our pumpkin pie from the weekend.
Here’s what we’re serving up this morning:
A pool of renovation cash 💰
Help gets a new lease 🏠
Weekend plans, Fully Completely 🎸
Enjoy the day!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
A big splash of funding 🏊
Saint John’s Aquatic Centre has $18.6 million coming its way, and the improvements go well beyond a fresh coat of pool blue.
The federal and provincial governments announced the funding Wednesday, with upgrades planned for the 50-metre lap pool, 25-metre leisure pool, change rooms and building infrastructure. More spectator seating, better accessibility and improved energy efficiency are also on the list.
The work will help prepare the centre for the 2029 Canada Summer Games, while updating a facility that’s served the region for 40 years. Future athletes get competition-ready pools.
More room for recovery 💜
Sophia Recovery Centre is making more room for women and families seeking recovery support, with a 1,800-square-foot expansion and $391,150 in newly announced government funding.
The Saint John nonprofit broke ground Wednesday on its Metcalf Street expansion. The addition will create dedicated spaces for group programs, parent-child support and recovery services, plus room for its growing team.
Ottawa is contributing $101,150 through ACOA, with another $290,000 from the province. The centre is continuing its $750,000 More Room for Recovery campaign to help complete the project and create a child-friendly space that makes it easier for women and families to participate.
Big boxes clear a hurdle 🛒
Quispamsis’s mystery shopping centre has cleared a planning hurdle. The tenant guessing game remains wide open.
SmartCentres received unanimous approval for the variances needed for its roughly 142,000-square-foot retail development on Millennium Drive. Those allow fewer parking spaces and loading bays than normally required, plus a smaller setback from the street.
The approval comes with conditions covering environmental review, infrastructure work and safe public access. Traffic and a watercourse running through the property still need attention. No businesses have been announced for the site.
*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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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Weekend Preview! 🗓️
THURSDAY
Capital Art Sale | October 15–17
Give that blank wall something local to brag about. Shop paintings, pottery, photography, prints and more in Market Square’s former museum space from 10am–8pm daily. Admission is free, everything is under $500, and many pieces are under $100.
Deepest Fears — Ghost Stories | October 15–17
The Masonic Temple’s Red Room supplies the setting, and two classic ghost stories supply the goosebumps. Follow a mysterious storyteller through restless souls and secrets that refuse to stay buried, with performances at 7:30pm each night. Tickets are $45 through Saint John Theatre Company or by calling 506-652-7582.
FRIDAY
Proximity featuring Terry Hatty | October 16
Give the usual playlist a rest. Proximity brings ’70s and ’80s funk, pop and rock, plus original music, to Steamers at 7pm. Terry Hatty joins John Pottle, David Philips, Doug Boyer and Becky Reesor for the show.
Loreena McKennitt — The Mask and Mirror | October 16
Loreena McKennitt brings the Celtic, Spanish and Moroccan influences of The Mask and the Mirror to Imperial Theatre at 7:30pm. Joined by a five-piece band, she opens with fan favourites before performing the album in full during the second set. Tickets are 85.50–120.
SATURDAY
Florida Beach Cleanup | October 17
Give litter its marching orders. Join ACAP Saint John at Florida Beach from 9am–noon to help clean up the Loch Lomond watershed, with bags, gloves and litter pickers provided. Register through the event link and bring water, sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
Queen Square Fine Crafts Festival | October 17
Start your holiday shopping while you can still feel your fingers. Local artists and fine craft makers fill Queen Square from 9am–3pm with original artwork and handcrafted goods. Meet the makers as you browse, with October 24 reserved as the rain date.
Sea Dogs vs. Cape Breton | October 17
The Sea Dogs welcome Cape Breton to TD Station for a 4pm puck drop. Get your hockey fix early enough to leave Saturday night wide open.
Fall Mug Painting | October 17
Give your morning coffee a new fall wardrobe. Paint an autumn-themed mug at Yip Cider in Long Reach from 6–8pm, with guidance, supplies and your mug included in the $45 ticket. Bring a friend and you both save $5. Email [email protected] to reserve.
The Artificially Hip | October 17
Saturday’s looking Fully Completely booked. The Artificially Hip celebrates the music of The Tragically Hip at the AREA 506 Container Village at 7pm, marking the anniversary of Gord Downie’s death.
The Piano Men | October 17
Your inner Billy Joel finally has an audience. Jeff Brewer and a full band celebrate the music of Joel and Elton John at Imperial Theatre at 7:30pm, with plenty of familiar songs to sing along to. Tickets are $56.25.
SUNDAY
YMCA Indoor Triathlon | October 18
Three sports, zero weather forecast required. The Regional Y hosts an indoor triathlon from 8am–2pm, with participants completing 15 minutes each in the pool, on studio bikes and on the indoor track. Register individually for $50 or as a team for $75, with optional pledges supporting the YMCA Strong Communities Fund.
Sunday Funday with Remi Boudreau | October 18
The kids can watch someone else make things disappear for a change. Magician and illusionist Remi Boudreau brings a free, 45-minute family show to the Market Square Atrium at 1pm.
Sea Dogs vs. Val-d’Or | October 18
The Sea Dogs wrap up their home weekend with a visit from the Val-d’Or Foreurs. Puck drop is 3pm at TD Station, leaving plenty of time for Sunday supper.
*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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SIDE NOTES
🌅 7:40am | 🌇 6:38pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 3:21 AM(Thu 15 October) | 7.04 m(23.1 ft) |
Low Tide | 9:29 AM(Thu 15 October) | 1.83 m(6.0 ft) |
High Tide | 3:36 PM(Thu 15 October) | 7.29 m(23.92 ft) |
Low Tide | 9:56 PM(Thu 15 October) | 1.58 m(5.18 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who always has room for another local slice 🥧.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher