🩺 Doctor’s orders: read this

Good morning, Saint John! A spider monkey was recently spotted running loose in South Carolina, and the only thing that got her to stop? A hot cup of coffee. Honestly, it’s the only thing that keeps me from running around like a wild animal every morning too ☕.

Here’s the haps for your Thursday:

• New plan to fix what ales NB healthcare 💊

• What if we could go more places on the train? 🚉

• Line up your weekend plans now 📅

One more sleep ‘til the long weekend!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🩹 Holt prescribes 5-year plan

Premier Susan Holt was in Saint John yesterday with Health Minister John Dornan, rolling out a new five-year plan to fix New Brunswick’s healthcare system, or at least give it a fighting chance.

The plan, Caring for New Brunswick, sets six big targets: better access to family doctors, more staff, improved seniors’ care, stronger mental health supports, faster surgeries, and a modernized, connected system. Annual progress reports are promised, starting in January.

Ten new collaborative clinics are slated to open this year, with 30 by 2028. Holt says it’s about “measurable progress” and “care close to home.” The plan builds on feedback from residents and healthcare workers and is designed to evolve as the system changes.

🚆 All Aboard (If You Can Catch One)

New Brunswick’s Green Party leader David Coon is on a bit of a mission for something many of us have dreamed about while filling up the tank lately: better public transportation.

Coon was in Halifax this week to bend the ear of VIA Rail brass, hoping they’ll consider more commuter-friendly options for the Maritimes. Right now, the Montreal to Halifax Ocean line runs just three times a week, and doesn’t really do a great job of connecting maritimers regionally or with the rest of the country. 

Coon’s pitch is for a regional rail system that connects New Brunswickers to work, appointments, and each other without breaking the bank or the planet. Between rising gas prices, packed highways, and severely limited stops, he might just be onto something.

🚕 Your Say on What You Pay for the Ride 

Saint John Transit is checking the meter, literally. The annual review of taxi and ride-for-hire rates is underway, and the public (you) can chime in. Between now and November 7, you can send your thoughts on whether fares should change or stay put. Once submissions are in, the Transit Commission will hold a public meeting before sending recommendations to City Council. Got an opinion on what a fair fare looks like? Email [email protected].

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SAINT JOHN EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

WEEKEND PREVIEW

THURSDAY

Break Away Book Launch | October 9
Celebrate Saint John author Karissa Donkin’s new book Break Away: The PWHL and the Women Who Changed the Game at the Free Public Library in Market Square. Karissa chats with moderator Julia Wright at 6pm, with copies available from The Write Cup Bookstore and a signing afterwards. Dive into the story of the PWHL’s first season and the women who changed professional hockey forever.

Fundy Sea Shanty Night | October 9
Set sail for a night of song at O’Leary’s Pub with Fundy Sea Shanty Night. Starting at 7pm, Saint John’s Before the Mast will lead a singalong of classic shanties and introduce a few new tunes. There’s no admission fee, just bring your voice, your friends, and your sea legs for an hour and a half of music that’s as timeless as the tides.

FRIDAY

Thanksgiving Dinner at Saint John Ale House | October 10–14
Don’t feel like cooking this Thanksgiving weekend? Swing by Saint John Ale House in Uptown SJ for a special Thanksgiving menu packed with seasonal flavours and local ingredients. From Friday, October 10 through Monday, October 14, enjoy a warm, festive meal with family or friends. Reservations are highly recommended, so call ahead at (506) 657-2337 to save your spot and make your holiday weekend extra delicious.

SATURDAY

Passport to Parks Rockwood | October 11
Passport to Parks: Rockwood is back and ready for fall fun at Fisher Lake’s A-Frame Picnic Site from 1–3:30pm, with a rain date on October 12. This free, family-friendly event features bouncy castles, First Nations storytelling, facepainting, henna, balloon twisting, DJ music, and food for purchase. Free transit runs from King Square, making it easy to enjoy an afternoon of play, connection, and scenic park fun.

Rockwood Fall Foliage Orienteering | October 11
Enjoy a day in the woods and pre-burn those Thanksgiving calories at Rockwood Park’s Fall Foliage Orienteering event. Choose your own adventure with two courses - easy for trail wanderers, harder for off-trail explorers - collecting points at hidden controls along the way. Registration is required, fees start at $10, and electronic timing is provided. Bring comfy clothes, a compass, and a whistle, and get ready for a fun, active afternoon surrounded by peak fall colours.

Bear Grease the Musical | October 11
Catch the Off-Broadway debut of Bear Grease the Musical at the Imperial Theatre, Saturday night. This all-Indigenous, laugh-out-loud show reimagines Grease with powwow-step, hip hop, bold storytelling, and traditional languages. Fresh, fearless, and hilarious, it’s a cultural joyride that will have you dancing in your seat and laughing out loud. Don’t miss this unique blend of music, comedy, and vibrant performance.

Superstars of Wrestling | October 11
Catch a night of heavyweight action at the Irving Oil Field House this Saturday at Clash of the Titants, featuring Dick Durning, Wesley Pipes, Alex Robbins, Rudy Lockhart, and more. VIP doors open at 6pm with the first bell at 6:15pm, general doors at 6:30pm with the main event starting at 7pm. Tickets are available at local vendors, and the card is packed with surprises for wrestling fans of all ages.

No Jokes Barred Comedy | October 11
Saint John’s uncensored stand-up showcase No Jokes Barred hits Wasted Day Brewing on Saturday, October 11 for a Thanksgiving weekend blowout. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 8:30pm, with a lineup of New Brunswick comics taking big swings and going off-script. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door, and after the main show, the Overtime segment gives audience members three minutes to try their hand at stand-up.

SUNDAY

Queen Square Farmers Market | October 12
It’s the final Queen Square Farmers Market of the season this Sunday, October 12. Stop by to pick up your favourite Sunday treats, fresh veggies, eggs, and a bouquet of flowers while soaking in all the cozy fall vibes. Don’t forget, next Saturday brings the Queen Square Fine Craft Festival, so mark your calendars for more local goodies and festive fun.Got an Event to Share?

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who goes bananas for local news 🍌!

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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