💥 Don’t Miss This Week’s 21-Gun Salute!

Good morning Saint John! It’s National Nursing Week! They don’t get enough credit for handling our chaos…today, let’s give them the applause they deserve. 🩺

In todays edition:

• Artists could be getting paid better 💸

• Win a euro-cruise holiday 🌍

• Councils in the region are busy this week 📋

Here’s to a great week!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🎶 Artists in NB Could Soon Get What They’re Worth

After only 30 years of asking, New Brunswick artists may finally get what every working pro deserves: fair pay and a contract. The province has introduced the Status of the Artist Act, which would require government-funded festivals and arts organizations to follow industry-standard pay rates and provide written agreements, bringing some structure (and dollars) to a sector built on passion.

Tourism Minister Isabelle Thériault, a former music director and festival founder, led the charge with Premier Susan Holt’s backing. The bill would also define who qualifies as a professional artist and allow for official recognition of artist associations.

If passed, the fee standards would take effect this fall for government-led projects, while arts orgs would have until 2027 to catch up. As a result, NB could become a national leader in giving artists what they’ve long deserved: some cash with that creativity.

🎟️ Imperial Theatre’s Got a Golden Ticket (Literally)

Imperial Theatre is selling just 1,000 tickets to a raffle that could send you sailing down the Danube, or at least let you bribe 25 friends with popcorn for a private movie night. The Imperial Holiday Lottery supports outreach and education programs, and the prizes are pure theatre kid fantasy meets grown-up luxury:

🎭 Third prize is a members-only private screening for 25 at Imperial (snacks included).
✈️ Second prize is a $5K CAA travel voucher to go literally anywhere.
🚢 First prize is a $15,000 European river cruise, flights and hotel included.

Tickets are $100, the odds are excellent, and the draw’s on May 16, so cue the dramatic music and grab yours while they last.

🔔 Booms, bells and bonnets

Brace your ears and your breeches…Loyalist Day is coming in hot. On Sunday, May 18, the city will echo with musket fire, bell rings, and one very official BOOM: a 21-gun salute from Fort Howe using a 105mm Howitzer (yes, it’s loud, and yes, it’s legal). The day marks the arrival of the Loyalists in 1783 and will feature historic tours, graveyard strolls, Hollywood takes, and period flute music (because obviously).

It all kicks off at 10am with a musket salute at Place Fort La Tour, and from there, it's
a full day of free activities around town, from genealogy deep-dives to cemetery walks with David Goss to a talk called The Loyalists According to Hollywood, which we assume includes powdered wigs and at least one dramatic monologue.

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

⚖️ Saint John Common Council - May 12, 2025

• Spruce Lake expansion on the table
  Council will hold a public hearing and review proposed changes to the Municipal Plan and Zoning By-Law to support expansion of the Spruce Lake Industrial Park.

• Planning input included
  The Planning Advisory Committee report and a staff presentation will be part of the discussion.

See the full agenda

The meeting starts at 5:15pm in Council Chambers (City Hall, 2nd floor). You can attend in person or watch on Rogers TV or view via livestream.

🏛️ Rothesay Regular Council - April 12, 2025

• Auditors, arenas, and annuals
  Council will review the 2024 audited financials, plus updates on the Rothesay Hive’s year and several rec projects, including a roof replacement, new compressor, and a service building for Wells Park.

• Shuttles and signal lights
  A summer daytime shuttle pilot is on deck, along with a look at long-tabled traffic light plans for Marr and Chapel Road.

• From fireworks to flyer bans
  Climate and heritage committees are weighing in on greenhouse gas cuts and flyer bylaws,  and that consumer fireworks bylaw remains in limbo.

See the full agenda. 

The meeting starts at 7pm Monday, April 12 in the Town Hall Common Room. You can also view it via livestream. 

🏘️ Quispamsis Planning Advisory Committee - May 13, 2025

• Garage goals on Stoneyplain
  A resident wants to build a detached garage that’s over 77 square metres and below road grade, and needs PAC approval to make it happen.

• Pottery plans on Hardwood
  A home-based studio is looking to offer small pottery classes three days a week, with just two students at a time.

• Fences and frontages
  Proposals include zero-setback fencing across three properties and subdivisions with lots that don’t front municipal streets.

See the full agenda

The meeting starts at 6pm on Tuesday, May 13 in Council Chambers at Quispamsis Town Hall. You can also watch it 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!

TUESDAY

Guided Bird Walk | May 13
Join Nature Saint John from 8-11am for a free guided birding walk through Irving Nature Park with Hank Scarth. The route covers about 5 km of moderate terrain (including the mysteriously named Broken Ankle Trail), so sturdy shoes are a must. Registration is required in case of changes or cancellations.

WEDNESDAY

Symphony NB: Homeland | May 14
Symphony New Brunswick is bringing the heart home with a performance of Dvořák’s soaring 7th Symphony at Imperial Theatre. Soprano Christina Haldane joins the stage for this classical evening of rich, emotional sound. It all starts at 7:30pm, and kids 12 and under get in free.

THURSDAY

Decode the Truth | May 15

Cybersecurity expert Jake van der Laan leads this free, non-partisan talk on how to spot misinformation, evaluate sources, and avoid online manipulation. With AI-generated content and deepfakes on the rise, it’s a timely crash course for anyone who uses the internet (so… all of us). Happening 6–7:30pm at the Saint John Free Public Library, Market Square.

Chamber Business Mixer | May 15
Local pros are invited to mix, mingle, and snack from 4-6pm Saint John’s Marco Polo Room. It’s a relaxed after-work event hosted by The Chamber and Parkland, with appetizers, networking, and a few extra perks like access to their swanky theatre room. A polished way to meet new faces and share ideas.

FRIDAY

70s Happy Hour at Five and Dime | May 17
Five and Dime is going full disco from 6-9pm with a 70s-themed happy hour featuring DJ Jody spinning classics and tossing out music trivia. Nail a question, get 50% off your next drink. Come in your funkiest retro threads and sip while you boogie — drink specials, vinyl vibes, and solid gold good times.

SATURDAY

The Trews at Area 506 | May 17
The Trews hit the Area 506 Waterfront Container Village stage for a high-energy Saturday night show. With a pile of hits and a killer live reputation, they’re sure to bring the noise. Doors open at 85 Water Street. Tickets are $40 GA or $60 for VIP access to the Viewing Deck and bar.

Got an Event to Share?

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with a nurse who needs a good local read every morning! 🧑‍⚕️

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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