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Good morning, Saint John! We know this newsletter has been going to the dogs lately, but 150 corgis racing, wearing costumes, hunting treats and competing for the loudest bark is journalism’s version of an open net. An American named GG won the 25-metre sprint, while Mr. Corgington took the barking title and our full respect. 🐶
Here’s what we’re sniffing out today:
Convention centre finally books a win 💰
Fourteen fresh starts are nearly ready 🔑
That night in Kingston…relived 📽️
Enjoy the day!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
SPONSORED
Three big shows, one easy ticket 🪕
Catch The East Pointers, Lennie Gallant and The Barr Brothers with one ticket when the new AREA 506 as FOLK weekend takes over the Waterfront Container Village next weekend - August 28 and 29.
It’s the easygoing outdoor concert-night energy you’ve been loving all summer, only supersized: three shows, nine artists and two days of live music on the waterfront.
Friday night belongs to The East Pointers, Lennie Gallant takes the stage Saturday afternoon and The Barr Brothers close it out Saturday night, with six more acts joining them throughout the weekend.
AREA 506 is also bringing free, family-friendly 506 Fireside acoustic sessions to beautiful waterfront locations in Hampton, Quispamsis and Grand Bay-Westfield.
NEWS NOTES
💰 Trade Centre finally finds the black
The Saint John Trade and Convention Centre more than tripled its profit in 2025, earning more than $154,000 - compared to less than $45,000 the year before.
Revenue climbed 35 per cent to $1.72 million during the first full year under OVG360, which took over management of the city-owned facility in July 2024. That’s no small turnaround for a centre that lost a combined $1.45 million from 2016 through 2021 and had posted a profit only twice in the previous decade. ($)
🏠 14 homes for youth opening soon
Fourteen new one-bedroom supportive housing units are nearing completion on Victoria Street, giving young people at risk of homelessness a safe place to live while they work toward greater independence.
The $4.6-million project includes $3.4 million from Ottawa, a $1.1-million forgivable provincial loan and $145,000 from the City of Saint John. Residents will also have access to on-site support, while rent subsidies will cap their housing costs at 30 per cent of monthly income.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored. ($) may indicate a third-party subscription is required.
SPONSORED
Produce box season is here 🥕
LifeDirt’s next season of locally sourced produce boxes kicks off September 10, bringing fresh fruits and veggies from Maritime farms right to Saint John through fall and, believe it or not, all the way through winter.
Subscribe for regular boxes, choose delivery or pickup, and add local favourites like bread, preserves and other staples along the way.
EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
WEEKEND PREVIEW
THURSDAY
The Founders Cup | August 20–22
Canada’s top Junior B lacrosse teams take over TD Station for the final march towards fast, physical action and one national championship. The Saint John Rapids host the tournament, with games running through Saturday’s final. Day passes are available for fans ready to spend serious time near the crease.
Fundy Fringe Festival | August 20–22
Fundy Fringe continues with comedy, magic and original performances into venues around Uptown. This year’s program ranges from intimate misadventures and mind reading to sexy clowns, Maritime comedy and a neighbourhood adventure. Individual tickets are $15, while a $75 punch pass lets serious Fringe-goers sample the festival without repeatedly reaching for their wallets.
FRIDAY
The Sewist Market Camp Sidewalk Sale | August 21
Young makers from The Sewist’s Market Camp set up shop at 11am outside 62 Water Street. Browse hand-stitched bag charms, novelty washcloths, collectibles and other small goods created by this year’s campers. It’s a sidewalk sale with considerably more sewing talent than your average yard sale.
Steven Page | August 21
Steven Page returns to Saint John for the first time in years, taking the Boardwalk stage at 8pm. The former Barenaked Ladies frontman brings a catalogue stacked with Canadian favourites, including “One Week,” “Brian Wilson” and “The Old Apartment,” plus music from his solo career. New Brunswick singer-songwriter Ella Campbell opens the waterfront show.
SATURDAY
Yoga at Yip | August 22
Melissa from Zenful Counselling and Yoga leads a one-hour, all-levels class at 10am on the waterfront grounds of Yip Cider in Long Reach. A complimentary 12-ounce beer or cider follows the session. Registration is $25 plus tax.
Splatter Art Creations | August 22
Throw, drip and fling paint at a canvas during Splatter Art Creations at the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village. Sessions run from 11am–3pm and include a 12-by-12-inch canvas, paint, tools, protective gear and guided instruction. No artistic talent or tidy white shirt required. Admission is $50 and advance booking is required.
The Tragically Hip - A National Celebration | August 22
AREA 506 hosts the only official local screening of The Tragically Hip’s legendary final concert from 7–11pm. Bring a chair and watch the CBC broadcast at the Waterfront Container Village on Tragically Hip Night in Canada, marking 10 years since the band’s unforgettable hometown farewell. The screening is free and open to all ages.
Saint John City Market’s 150th Anniversary | August 22
The Saint John City Market celebrates the big 1-5-0 with a free street party from 3-10pm on the Germain Street Stage. Featuring live local music, family activities, face painting, magic, a musical instrument petting zoo and a beer garden. Pretty good for a birthday that technically requires three packs of candles.
SUNDAY
Safe With Sage Run, Walk or Roll Play Day | August 23
Run, walk, roll and play from 12–2pm at the Quispamsis Arts and Culture Park while supporting Safe With Sage. Proceeds help create inclusive, judgment-free spaces where autistic and disabled children, youth and families can connect. Admission is $5, with children three and younger welcomed free.
Plant Parts | August 23
Kids ages six and older can dig into plant-themed games, stories and crafts at 2:30pm at the Saint John Free Public Library in Market Square. The bilingual program offers a playful look at the pieces keeping the plant world upright.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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SIDE NOTES
🌅 6:31am | 🌇 8:22pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 00:02 AM(Thu 20 August) | 1.69 m(5.54 ft) |
High Tide | 6:13 AM(Thu 20 August) | 6.74 m(22.11 ft) |
Low Tide | 12:23 PM(Thu 20 August) | 2.01 m(6.59 ft) |
High Tide | 6:36 PM(Thu 20 August) | 7.01 m(23.0 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s local bark is bigger than their bite 🐶!
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher