👃 Does NB pass the smell test?

Good morning Saint John! School went back this week…yet it seems there are more kids out wandering the neighbourhood at night than I have all summer…noticing makes me worry I’m becoming the guy who peers out the window and complains about “today’s youth.” 🫠

Here’s the word on the street this morning:

• How can NB air quality be improved? 🌿

• Lower west ball field about to feel like the majors 🥎

• Check out our biggest stories of the week 📌

Have a great weekend!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🌬️ Have your say on cleaner air 

If you’ve ever muttered “we’re in stink town” while driving past the mill or refinery, here’s your chance to do more than complain. The province is updating the Clean Air Act for the first time since 1997, and they actually want to hear from New Brunswickers. The plan is to modernize standards, crack down on odours and pollutants, and finally bring the rulebook up to speed with science.

Consultations run until October 16, with a public session in Saint John on October 14 at the Delta. You can also fill out an online survey or send in your own written submission. So if you’ve got thoughts about haze, fumes, or how close your clothesline is to a smokestack, this is your chance to blow out more than hot air. 

🛠️ Shutdown season at the refinery 

Irving Oil is set to begin its annual 30-day turnaround at the refinery. Operation Eastern Screech Owl will see roughly 500 tradespeople from 60 contracting companies on site for inspections, equipment upgrades, and maintenance. The work is part of a $40-million investment, alongside a $100-million upgrade to the plant’s Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit.

✏️ Always nice when the jokes write themselves…

⚾ Market Place field steps up to the plate

Lower West’s Market Place Ballfield is getting a big-league makeover. Crews will soon roll in to install fresh fencing, netting, bases, and a proper pitcher’s rubber. Plus upgraded dugouts, landscaping, and a warning track to keep outfielders from diving into the fence. Work kicks off next week and should wrap by mid-October, weather permitting. The field will be closed in the meantime, but when it reopens, it’ll be ready for a whole new ballgame…this is a really nice upgrade to this particular diamond! 

🏆 Top Clicks of the Week

Tuesday - Check out the first ever 4 Corners Market & Music Fest in Nerepis
Wednesday - Beloved local theatre production going international
Thursday - Yoga at sunset on Sunday

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Where’s what we’re up to this weekend!

TONIGHT

The Laughing Tap | September 5, 2025
FusionEast Taproom is serving up laughs with The Laughing Tap comedy night, hosted by Jon Nesbitt. Catch performances from Katelin Dean, Liam Patrick McNamara, Cass Maz, Jon Forward, and Ryan Whittaker. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy an evening of local talent and good vibes from 8-10pm.

Atlantic Balloon Fiesta | September 5-8
Hot air balloons take over Sussex this weekend for the 39th annual Atlantic Balloon Fiesta. Expect a mix of colorful flights, live music, amusement rides, a petting zoo, an antique car show, and a bustling indoor market. About 28 pilots from North America and the UK will be in the skies. Leave the pups at home, cameras in hand, and enjoy the spectacle from the ground.

Superstars of Wrestling - Trial by Blood | September 5
Superstars of Wrestling return to the Irving Oil Field House, 129 McAllister Dr, for an action-packed night of family-friendly wrestling. Highlights include Giant Orion vs. Dick Durning, Draice Durning vs. Rudy Lockhart, and Chantal vs. Sierra Stone. VIP doors open at 6pm (bell 6:15pm) and general admission at 6:30pm (bell 7pm). Tickets $25 VIP, $20 adults, $15 kids, available via e-transfer or local vendors. Get ready for high-flying excitement!

SATURDAY

4 Corners Market & Music Fest | September 6, 2025
Spend the day in Nerepis enjoying live music, local treats, and a good cause. The Dirty Toques play classic rock, and Time Traveller kicks things off at 5pm while you enjoy a BBQ hamburger or hotdog. Check out the Traveling Gypsies Market from 10am-4pm, take part in a toonie toss, 50/50 draw, and other fun prizes, all supporting a community project. No entry fee.

SUNDAY

Learn the Charleston | September 7
Get your swing on with Saint John Swing Dance at Kent Theatre, 24 Coburg St. This open-level Charleston class teaches solo and partnered moves, exploring the dance’s 1920s roots and evolution through the 1930s-40s. No prior swing experience needed, though any dance or fitness background helps. Classes run Sundays, 6:30pm, on Sept. 7, 14, 21, and Oct. 5. $80 per person, $40 students. Register at [email protected].

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LOCAL PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸

📍 On Wednesday we shared this pic that clearly depicts a local fire and rescue boat headed under the Reversing Falls Bridge. Many commented how new it looks but just couldn’t place it. This is a painting located in the new Firehouse Subs location on the westside. Shout out to Rob M. who was the only one to know exactly where it was. If ya go the Steak & Cheese wasn’t bad!. 🥖

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

FRIDAY
Waterfront Container Village | Classified | 7pm
Trinity Galleries | Jazz Night w/ James O’Farrell (Sax) & Magnus Labillois | 7pm
Hampton Brewing | Red Cardinal | 8pm
The Porch | James Robert Perry | 7pm

SATURDAY
Waterfront Container Village | Love Guns Kiss Tribute | 7pm
Hampton Brewing | Dram & A Draw | 7pm

Submit your live music listing here

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who can spot a hooligan a mile away!

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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