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⚓ Drill on the Docks Today
SJ Today
April 23, 2025
Good morning Saint John! Anyone else have a crazy Leafs fan in their neighbourhood? Mine’s already pacing the driveway in a Sundin jersey, singing Hall & Oats, convinced he’s going to the parade…don’t think so bud. 🏒
Here’s today’s lineup:
Preparedness drill at the port today ⚠️
Interesting new development possible at Douglas & Main 🏗️
Playground upgrades at Rockwood 🛝
Have a great Wednesday!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🚨Emergency Drill at the Harbour Today
If you see sirens, flashing lights, and a whole lot of high-vis action around the harbour this morning, nobody’s filming Die Hard 6: Port Authority. It’s just an emergency preparedness drill. Police, fire, ambulance, RCMP, and port crews are all teaming up to flex their response muscles. No actual chaos here, just some well-rehearsed teamwork to keep our harbour community sharp and safe.
🕍 Old Church Could Get New Life
Douglas Avenue might be welcoming 18 new neighbours and saying goodbye to one very quiet one. A rezoning request to transform the old Douglas Street Christian Church (vacant for a decade) into a residential building got the green light from the Planning Advisory Committee last week.
The plan includes turning the church into apartments, plus a three-storey addition, green space, and just nine parking spots. That’s where things got holy heated. Some longtime residents raised parking and congestion concerns, worried the street might turn into a traffic sermon every Sunday.
City staff say the project passed the necessary reviews, and the rezoning request now heads to council on May 5. ($)
🛠️ Rockwood Park Playground Gets a Makeover
Work kicked off this week on a major renovation of Rockwood Park’s playground! The project includes upgraded play structures and a shiny new swing set. Good news, though…the playground is still open, but some sections will be off-limits as construction rolls on. Parents, just a heads-up: keep an eye on the little ones, as the play area will be close to an active construction zone. The project is expected to be wrapped up by May 31.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored. ($) indicates that a third-party subscription may be required.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
We've been lucky to receive a ton of reader-submitted events, and we’re loving the variety! Some are a little further down the road, but don’t worry, we’ll keep you in the loop and remind you as the dates draw near. Keep 'em coming!
Holocaust Memorial Day Observance | April 24
Shaarei Zedek Synagogue hosts this Yom Hashoah observance at 7:30pm, featuring Roslyn Harrush, who will share her mother’s powerful Holocaust survival story. The evening includes candle lighting, music, and photos from Saint John’s Jewish community. Presented by the Saint John Jewish Historical Museum with support from the Atlantic Jewish Council. Details: [email protected] or 506-633-1833.
Hampton Dodgeball Tournament | May 2–3
Think you can dodge, duck, dip, dive…and win? Prove it at Hampton’s Dodgeball Tournament! Held at the Mike Murphy Memorial Field House, the tourney features 6v6 games, double elimination, youth and adult divisions, trophies, raffles, and bragging rights. Cost is $10 per player. No team? No problem, they'll find you one. Sign up here or email [email protected] for details.
Raise the Roof | May 22
Enjoy an evening of music and laughs with James Mullinger & the Saint John Youth Orchestra, hosted by Dennis Hunt, at the Saint John Trade & Convention Centre starting at 5pm. Funds raised will support the Centre for Youth Care's supportive youth housing initiative. For more details, visit cycinc.ca/supportive-housing.
Saint John ALS Walk Strong | June 8
Join the Walk Strong event at Harbour Passage to support those affected by ALS. The walk raises funds for local families battling this neurodegenerative disease. New teams and participants are welcome! Register or donate at Canada Helps. For more info, contact Patti at [email protected] or Chris at [email protected].
Sip & Savour for Rocmaura | September 27
It’ll be a fun time at Market Square Atrium from 7:30-9:30pm for over 25 local vendors offering wine, spirits, craft beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are $150 with VIP perks, including early access and exclusive tastings, or general admission for $75, which includes a souvenir glass. Proceeds support Rocmaura’s seniors. Early bird tickets available until July 10. Details: [email protected] or 506-643-7090.
*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 ARE WE? 📸
Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. This might be too easy! If you think you know it, hit reply and share your best guess. We’ll reveal it in Friday’s issue.
Tag @sjtoday on Facebook to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 2:13 AM(Wed 23 April) | 1.93 m(6.33 ft) |
High Tide | 8:21 AM(Wed 23 April) | 7.31 m(23.98 ft) |
Low Tide | 2:45 PM(Wed 23 April) | 1.5 m(4.92 ft) |
High Tide | 8:55 PM(Wed 23 April) | 7.32 m(24.02 ft) |
⚡ This Week in 1909
Talk about an electrifying court case. On April 26, 1909, Saint John Magistrate Ritchie officially ruled that electricity is a commodity, because yes, someone had to say it out loud back then. The ruling came after Charles Kerr, owner of the Bijou Moving Picture Theatre, got caught red-handed (and well-wired) siphoning power from the St. John Railway Company. Imagine…stealing juice from the streetcar line!
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with a Habs fan! 🥅
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher