Good morning Port City - This is SJ Today - the perfect local update to read with your morning coffee.

Here is what’s in your cup today:

Drink up!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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Bus Fare Increase in 2025 🚍

Saint John Transit is ringing in 2025 with a small fare tweak. Starting January 1, multi-ride passes like monthly and 10-Ride Transcards will cost about 1.5% more. Single cash fares will remain the same at $3—no change there.

Why the bump? Rising costs for things like fuel, maintenance, and fancy bus tech (hello, upgrades!) are part of the equation. But there’s good news, if you’re using the STJRides app, you’ll save 5% on your fares—and we all know every little bit helps!

Adult monthly passes go up by $1.25, and 10-Ride Transcards by just $0.40. Full details are on the Transit website if you're into the nitty-gritty. So, plan ahead, grab your passes early, and enjoy the ride—new year, same trusty buses!

Charlotte Street Complete (Pretty Much) 🚦

Cue the confetti cannons! Charlotte Street is this close to being fully finished, and it’s already looking sharp. While most of the heavy lifting is done, there are still a few final touches left—like painting traffic lines and installing lights—that’ll require some temporary closures over the coming weeks.

No need to panic, though! Signs will guide you through any detours, and updates will roll out as needed.

The city thanks everyone for their patience while uptown gets it’s glow-up. Got questions or concerns? Call (506) 658-4455, shoot an email to [email protected], or swing by City Hall. Just don’t ask when construction season ends—it’s Saint John, after all!

All Aboard the Holiday Train 🚂

Get ready to kick off the holiday season with a bang (or should we say, a choo-choo)! The CPKC Holiday Train is rolling into Saint John for the first time ever on November 21, bringing the ultimate holiday vibe to town. Catch the lit-up train at the TD Station parking lot from 6:00 to 6:45 pm, with live music from the James Barker Band and Clerel.

The best part? The concert is free, but CPKC is all about giving back! Bring a food donation or drop some cash into the Harbour Lights Campaign’s donation box. They’ll gladly accept cheques and electronic donations, too—whatever gets the food banks those much-needed supplies.

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TUESDAY

Know Before You Go Seminar | November 19, 10:30 am

Planning a trip? Get prepared with the Know Before You Go seminar. Hosted by Fundy Funeral Home, this session features Delores Frederiksen and Alexis Kinley from CAA Travel, who’ll share tips on how to be ready for the unexpected while traveling and what to arrange before leaving home. The event includes door prizes, refreshments, and expert advice from local partners. Register now by calling (506) 646-2424

THURSDAY

Paint & Sip - Birds in Watercolor | November 21, 6:00 pm

Ready to sip, paint, and channel your inner Bob Ross? High Tide Art School is hosting a fun-filled painting workshop in Quispamsis this Thursday, where you'll learn to paint beautiful birds in watercolor – no experience required! With a glass of wine in hand and some jazz in the background, instructors Pavlo and Anna will guide you through creating your own masterpiece. For just $79, you’ll leave with a painting and some new art skills! Don’t forget to arrive early to grab your supplies and find your perfect seat.

FRIDAY

A Sweet Night for Mental Health | November 22, 6:30 pm

Indulge in an evening of delicious desserts, a candy bar, and live music by The Snacktime Supervisors at A Sweet Night for Mental Health! This fun event features silent and live auctions, all while supporting Just Us; We All Struggle Inc’s mission to provide affordable counseling services across New Brunswick. Tickets are available for $100 (with a tax receipt for $80). Let’s make a sweet impact together!

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

📸 Amanda MacDonald | 📍 NB Museum

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Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who needs another cup of coffee before the workday starts. ☕

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher