📈 Everyone’s down. Saint John’s up.

Good morning, Saint John! Not that we want to think about snow, but it’s National Snow Blower Maintenance Week. A little attention now could save you from pulling the starter cord in December and inventing several new words in your driveway.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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Saint John bucks the housing slowdown 🏠

Saint John’s housing market missed the memo about slowing down.

September home sales rose 3.3% from a year earlier in the Saint John region, the only region in the provincial real estate board’s report to post an increase. Fredericton slipped 9.1%, Greater Moncton fell 26.1%, and the Northern and Valley regions dropped 8%.

Across New Brunswick, 724 homes changed hands, down 12.6%. Buyers also had more selection, with provincial listings at their highest September level in more than five years.

No cause for alarm at the port 🚨

The west side may get a little louder today, with an emergency alarm doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.

Port Saint John and emergency response partners are holding a planned exercise at the DP World Saint John Container Terminal from 10am–3pm. People nearby may hear the alarm and see extra emergency vehicles and personnel on site.

There’s no danger to the public or environment. The exercise gives port teams and local responders a chance to practice working together, with everyone reading from the same script.

A clinic gets its first checkup 🐾

A proposed veterinary clinic on Hampton Road has made it through an early examination at Rothesay council.

Council gave first and second reading to a rezoning that would allow a veterinary clinic on part of 88 Hampton Road. That moves the proposal forward, but it’s still a planning step. The town’s summary doesn’t name the operator or give an opening date.

No appointments to book just yet. Your dog can remain suspicious of every other car ride in the meantime.

Young voices wanted in Grand Bay-Westfield 📣

Grand Bay-Westfield has a seat at the table for teenagers with ideas about their town. Applications for its Youth Council close tomorrow, October 21.

Students in grades 9–12 who live in the town can apply to share recommendations with council and staff, help shape decisions affecting young people and take on community projects. Meetings run on the last Tuesday of each month from 5:30pm–6:30pm.

Apply online or pick up a paper form at the Town Office.

Sit. Stay. Slay. 🎃

Saint John’s next costume contest could be won by someone who eats socks.

The Great Pumpkin Pet Party returns to the City Market this Saturday, October 24, from 12pm–3pm, raising money for Saint John SPCA Animal Rescue. The costume contest starts at 2pm, with Mayor Donna Reardon and Councillor Ryan Moore among the judges choosing the top three getups. All pets are welcome.

Admission is by donation. Donors also receive a pet treat bag from Global Pet Foods while supplies last and an entry to win a prize basket worth more than $300. Rain date is Sunday, October 25. Plenty of time to explain to your dachshund why he’s a hot dog again.

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Theatre Talk Tuesday 🎭

Relive the Music — ’50s, ’60s and ’70s Show | October 21
Three decades of hits take the stage at Imperial Theatre at 1:30pm and 7:30pm, from ’50s and ’60s favourites to ’70s rock, disco and funk. Regular tickets range from 59–79, with $49 student tickets and a 25% discount for groups of eight or more.

É.T.É — Amants Volages | October 22
Québécois trio É.T.É brings fiddle, cello, bouzouki and vocal harmonies to an intimate onstage show at Imperial Theatre at 7:30pm. Traditional Québécois and Acadian music meets influences from jazz, classical and progressive rock. Tickets are $35, or $30 for Imperial members.

Frankenstein | October 23
Boris Karloff’s monster gets a fresh pulse as the 1931 film screens with a new score by Andrew Reed Miller performed live by Symphony New Brunswick musicians. Presented with Resonance New Music at Saint John High School at 7:30pm, using the Duke Street entrance. Tickets are $20, or $10 for students.

Classic Albums Live — Supertramp’s Breakfast in America | October 24
Classic Albums Live performs Breakfast in America from front to back, note for note, at Imperial Theatre at 2pm and 8pm. Hear “The Logical Song,” “Goodbye Stranger” and the rest of the album without having to flip the record. Tickets are $66.25.

Jimmy Rankin — Song Dog 25th Anniversary Tour | October 25
Jimmy Rankin marks 25 years of his debut solo album by playing Song Dog in full at Imperial Theatre, alongside favourites from across his career. Shows are at 1:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are $72.50.

Coming Soon…

Frozen | November 25–29
The cold never bothered Elsa, but getting the whole family out the door might take some planning. Saint John Theatre Company brings Disney’s Broadway musical to Imperial Theatre, with shows November 25–27 at 7:30pm, November 28 at 2pm and 7:30pm, and November 29 at 2pm. Tickets are $70 regular, $65 senior and $40 student.

📍Discover tons more upcoming events across the Saint John region.

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📸 George MacDonald | 📍 Courtenay Bay

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🌅 7:46am | 🌇 6:30pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

Eyes on You!

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who needs a little push to get started in the morning ❄️.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher