🍁 Fall is coming fast

Good morning Saint John! I was lucky enough to catch Friday’s performance of Come From Away, and wow…what an incredible show. Huge congratulations to the local cast and crew for bringing so much heart and energy to the stage. It’s the kind of performance that sticks with you, and a beautiful reminder of just how good people can be when they come together. 🌟

By the way, this is the last week of summer - so enjoy it!

In todays edition:

• Pools get a serious upgrade 🏊

• River road revamp coming soon 🚲

• Bay welcomes a celebrity whale 🌊

Let’s get to it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
Let’s Get Your Name Out There! 🔊

Connect with local families and build your community presence. Advertise in our newsletter today!

NEWS NOTES

💦 Big splash ahead for the Aquatic Centre

Saint John is prepping the Canada Games Aquatic Centre for the 2029 Canada Summer Games, which we’re co-hosting with Moncton, with roughly $25 million in upgrades to make the province’s only 50-metre pool competition-ready and more useful for locals year-round. Planned changes include a 20-metre warm-up pool created by reconfiguring part of the leisure area, extra spectator seating (400 → 750), renovated change rooms and better accessible infrastructure such as an upgraded elevator. Concept designs are due this fall; construction is slated for summer 2026 with completion aimed for summer 2028. City staff call it a generational investment…and a good reason to work on that backstroke. 

🛣️ Quispamsis wants your two cents on Gondola Point Road

Quispamsis is thinking big for Gondola Point Road. The town wants to turn the riverside stretch into a scenic route that works for drivers, walkers, cyclists, and pedestrians with a focus on accessibility. Right now it’s just two lanes with no sidewalks or bike paths, so there’s room for improvement. Residents are invited to share their thoughts through an online survey (open until mid-October) and an upcoming public event. The town will use the feedback to explore design options and eventually select a plan that works for everyone. 

🎃 Pumpkins are looking a little nervous this year

It’s scary but true. As much as we don’t want summer to end, fall is creeping in, and you can see it in the bins of pumpkins popping up at grocery stores this week. Canadian farmers are reporting smaller-than-usual pumpkins thanks to a hot, dry summer. Some fields are down as much as 70 percent in yield. Nova Scotia and P.E.I. farms are feeling it, with vines shriveling and jumbo-sized jack-o’-lanterns in short supply. Experts say extreme weather is becoming the new normal, so this year your pumpkins might be cute, but there are fewer of them around.

🐋 Old Thom returns to the Bay of Fundy

Old Thom, a lone orca who’s been appearing in the Bay of Fundy for roughly 20 years, has been spotted again this month. Experts believe he was separated from his mother as a calf. While he travels without a pod, he’s often seen swimming with a group of dolphins, likely for companionship. Whale guides say sightings are rare but unforgettable…a six-foot dorsal fin cutting through the water among his dolphin “escort.” Most tours see humpbacks or minkes, so catching Thom is considered a lucky encounter for locals and visitors alike.

🛳️ Seven Seas Splendor makes inaugural call

Saint John welcomes the Seven Seas Splendor today for its first-ever visit. The luxury cruise ship is docked from noon to 8 pm, carrying up to 750 passengers ready to explore uptown and the rest of the region today. 

SPONSORED
Looking for New Customers? 🛍️

We can help! Advertise with us and be seen by readers enjoying their morning coffee!

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

Health & Wellness Drop-In | September 16
St. Joseph’s Community Health Centre invites you to a free Health & Wellness event at St. Mark’s United Church from 1:30-3:30pm. Meet nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, social workers, and more at individual stations, plus enjoy art therapy with UNB nursing students. Grab a refreshment, ask questions, and learn how these professionals can support your health, drop in anytime, all are welcome!

Yoga with Terri Pridham | Tuesdays
Find your balance and breathe with Terri Pridham at Latimore Lake Community Centre every Tuesday at 6:30pm. Classes cost $10, with half the proceeds supporting the centre. Bring your own mat and enjoy Terri’s light-hearted, mindful approach to yoga…perfect for building strength, inner peace, and awareness of body, breath, and mind. Whether you’re new or experienced, this is a chance to move, stretch, and recharge.

WEDNESDAY

Log Cabin in the Valley Quilt Show | September 17-20
The Kennebecasis Valley Quilt Guild is back with a week of colour, creativity, and cozy vibes. Stop by the Island View Lion’s Club in Quispamsis to check out judged quilts, browse the Artist & Merchant Market, try your luck with the raffle quilt, and explore the Christmas Corner. The show kicks off with a gala on Wednesday, 7-9pm, then continues Thursday and Friday 10am-6pm, and Saturday 10am-4pm. Daily admission $5, or grab a 3-day pass for $10.

THURSDAY

Big Brothers Big Sisters Day BBQ | September 18
Celebrate Big Brothers Big Sisters Month with a tasty BBQ at the Germain Street entrance of the City Market! From 11:30am to 1pm (or until the hot dogs run out), enjoy a donation-based bite while supporting a great cause. Thanks to Lawton’s and the Delta Marriott Saint John for helping make this community event possible. Good food, good vibes, and giving back all in one spot!

Nature Saint John Speaker Series | September 18
Join Nature Saint John at the Rockwood Park Interpretation Centre from 7-8:30pm for an evening of nature talk and discovery. This month, Ben Whalen, Project Manager of the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee, will share how the committee cares for rivers, streams, and lakes flowing into the Kennebecasis River. The event is free and open to all—perfect for nature lovers wanting to learn and connect.

FRIDAY

Uptown Food Shop Hop | September 19
Take your taste buds on a world tour without leaving Saint John! Explore over 10 multicultural stores across Uptown and the City Market, meet local shop owners, and pick up global ingredients and recipe cards. Grab a free map and passport at the City Market, get stamps as you visit each stop, and enter to win an international ingredient basket. The fun runs 4-7pm, and it’s completely free.

Frightful Fridays with David Goss | September 19
Take a 2K evening ramble through Uptown Saint John and explore the city’s ghostly side with storyteller David Goss. Walks run 8-9:30pm, so bring comfy shoes, a flashlight, and gear for cool or wet conditions. If the weather turns damp, an indoor version uses Market Square, the pedway, and Brunswick Square. Pre-registration and payment are required by the Wednesday before each walk spooky fun guaranteed! Additional walks scheduled October 3 & 17.

SATURDAY

International Culture Fest in the Valley | September 20
The International Culture Fest is heading to Quispamsis! From 12-4pm at the Arts & Culture Park, enjoy music and dance from around the world, explore interactive cultural booths, sample global flavours, and try family-friendly activities like arts, crafts, and traditional games. Connect with neighbours, learn about different cultures, and celebrate community spirit. Fun, food, and cultural discovery await…everyone’s invited!

SUNDAY

5K Pursuit – Run for a Cause | September 21
Lace up for a good cause with the Saint John Police at Rockwood Park! The family-friendly 5K Pursuit lets you run, walk, or stroll along a scenic loop from Lily Lake Pavilion to Fisher Lakes Beach. A minimum $10 donation gets you in, with all proceeds supporting the 2025 Holiday in a Box campaign. Start time is 10am…fun, fresh air, and giving back all rolled into one.

Got an Event to Share?

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

YOUR PICS
@SJTODAY

📸 Youssef Radwan | 📍 Saint John Harbour

Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Be Part of the Local Scene!

Looking to connect with the Saint John community? Our baseline ads get your message into the daily mix of local news and updates. Short, sharp, and impactful, it’s the perfect way to reach readers right where they are. Reach out to learn more!*

^{_{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s excited about leaf-peepin’ this fall…🍂

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

Did I Miss Something?