✨ From Vacant to Vibrant

Good morning Saint John! Hope you didn’t eat so much turkey that you’re rockin’ jogging pants to work this morning! We’re feeling extra thankful this week…especially for Sharon Baxter, our 3,000th subscriber! Sharon, you officially get bragging rights, a high-five, and a whole lot of SJ Today love. Thanks for joining our growing community of local-lovin’ readers. 🦃💌

🎂 Happy Birthday, Róisín Connolly!
From Aly B and SJ Today, hope you have an awesome day!

In todays edition:

• Pedal Power Hits Saint John Streets 🚴‍♂️

• Empty Floors? Big Ideas Wanted 🏗️

• Art Without Breaking Your Wallet 🎨

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🚲 Making room for two wheels

As the City wraps up its big Main Street makeover, complete with shiny new bike lanes, calmer traffic, and those bright green “bike boxes” that have drivers double-checking where to stop, the push to make Saint John more cycle-friendly keeps rolling.

This week, crews are shifting to Station Street and City Road, where new bike lanes will be painted from Smythe Street to the Stanley Street active transportation bridge. The project trims four lanes down to three, creating space for cyclists and encouraging safer speeds.

It’s all part of the City’s plan to make getting around Saint John smoother, safer, and a little more pedal-powered.

🏢 Brunswick Square’s big rethink

Uptown’s biggest complex might finally be getting some love. Ravelin Properties CEO Shant Poladian, who says he “hates empty buildings,” is asking locals how to bring Brunswick Square back to life, where three-quarters of the first floor and most of the office tower sit empty. There’s a pulse though: Foggy City just opened in the food court (killer burgers), two new apartment towers are going up nearby, and Uptown’s population has climbed by 1,000 in the past two years. Ravelin’s even open to turning some empty office floors into apartments if it helps fill the place again.

🖼️ Affordable Art Hits Market Square

Market Square is about to get quite colourful. The Capital Art Sale is bringing a gallery-style showcase of local talent to the former Museum space this week. From paintings and photography to pottery, jewelry, and prints, there’s something for every art lover…and every budget (most pieces under $100!). Opening night is Thursday, October 16, 6-9pm, with regular hours through Saturday, 10am-8pm. Free to browse, fun to explore, and a perfect excuse to support the city’s artists and jazz up your place.

💬 YOUR OPINION, PLEASE!

Brunswick Square has been looking a little… empty lately. If you had the keys to Uptown Saint John’s biggest complex, what would you do with it? Cast your vote below, and if we missed your wildest idea, let us know.

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

⚖️ Rothesay Council Meeting | October 14, 7pm

• School project — Rothesay High School presents the Alice Production & Theatre Project.

• Public feedback — Letters and emails on Cameron Road rezoning, digging protocols, electric scooters, and Kennebecasis Park Boat Launch will be reviewed.

• Finance updates — Draft General and Utility Fund statements, donation summaries, and joint finance committee budgets are on the agenda.

• Parks and planning — Committee updates include Parks and Recreation, Age Friendly Advisory, and Planning Advisory meeting minutes.

• New business — Rezoning at 1 North Street, Riverside Drive subdivision, GICB Fund agreement, honorariums, and council remuneration are up for consideration.

See the full agenda.

The meeting takes place in the Town Hall Common Room at 7pm. 

⚖️ Grand Bay-Westfield Council Meeting | October 14, 7pm

• By-law readings — Council will review first readings for procedures, code of conduct, and zoning by-laws.

• Financial policies — Updates on asset capitalization, fleet management, and comfort centre policies are on the agenda.

• Grants and funding — Letters and reports on PMHP awards, GNB grant allocations, and assessment base updates will be discussed.

• Appointments — Council will confirm building inspector and Youth Council appointments.

• Reports and letters — Fire-Rescue, Animal Control, and strategic plan Q3 reports, plus letters from Canada Post, NB Power, and other partners, are up for review.

See the full agenda.

The meeting takes place in the Community Centrum, Grand Bay Room, at 7pm. Attend in person or watch via livestream.

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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

Tom Papa Live | October 14
Tom Papa brings his sharp wit and decades of comedic chops to the Imperial Theatre at 12 King Square South. From Netflix specials to bestselling books and podcast hosting, he’s sharing laughs about family, life, and the chaos of adulthood. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just need a night of pure comedy, Papa’s Grateful Bread Tour promises a full evening of laughs and storytelling.

Spooky Suncatchers Workshop | October 14
Get into the Halloween spirit with a beginner-friendly glass class at Stained Glass Creations by Kim. Guests will pick from fun seasonal designs like witch hats, ghosts, and pumpkins, then learn to cut, grind, and solder their own 3-hour masterpiece. Only eight spots are available, so grab your seat before they fade into the mist!

WEDNESDAY

Gondola Point Road Open House | October 15
Residents are invited to drop by Quispamsis Town Hall from 6-8:30pm to share what they love about Gondola Point Road and what could be improved. The project team will be on hand to chat, answer questions, and gather feedback on upgrades and conditions. You can also check out the project website for a survey and more ways to weigh in—your input helps shape the road’s future!

Paint & Putt: Spooky Edition | October 15
Top Shots Golf is mixing Halloween, art, and golf for one wild night! Swing clubs, try the new hunting simulator, or tackle the mini golf course while painting spooky watercolors of ghosts, pumpkins, or horror characters. Each guest gets a free cocktail and four hours of golf, art, and Halloween vibes. Spots are limited, so grab your friends or a date and get ready for a night of spooky fun from 6-10pm.

THURSDAY

Outdoor Film Festival | October 16
Adventure takes center stage at the Imperial Theatre as local and international filmmakers showcase their best work. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start. After years outdoors, the festival moves inside to give Saint John audiences a bigger, better experience. Don’t miss a night of stunning stories and films from near and far. Tickets available now!

Rocky Horror Picture Show Drag-Along | October 16
Saint John, do the Time Warp again at Haven Music Hall & Cafe! Join a live drag-along where performers lip-sync iconic songs from the cult classic, Rocky Horror Picture Show. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door if available, and seating is limited to 75, so grab yours fast. Popcorn’s free, drinks are flowing, costumes encouraged, and audience participation is part of the fun. This 19+ event starts at 8pm.

Reimagine Hampton Road Open House | October 16
Drop by Quispamsis Town Hall from 6-8:30pm to see proposed design options for Hampton Road and share your thoughts. The open house will feature a consultant’s report on survey results and feedback collected over the summer. Residents can explore the designs, ask questions, and offer input to help shape the future of this key road in the community.

FRIDAY

Rick Mercer Stand-Up For Canada | October 17

Canadian comedian and satirist Rick Mercer brings his Stand-Up For Canada tour to the Imperial Theatre at 7pm. Known for This Hour Has 22 Minutes and Rick Mercer Report, Mercer mixes sharp political wit with hilarious observations on Canadian life. Tickets range from $54.50 to $84.50. Get ready for a night of laughs, storytelling, and classic Mercer humour in the heart of uptown Saint John.

SATURDAY 

Saint John Jewish Film Festival | October 18-23
The Twelfth Annual Saint John Jewish Film Festival is back! Catch five films at the Saint John Jewish Historical Museum, in person or online, with screenings starting at 7pm. Tickets are $10 per film or $40 for a full festival pass. Proceeds support the museum’s work preserving the city’s Jewish history, making it a week of great films and a meaningful way to connect with local culture.

SUNDAY

Halloween Skate with the Sea Dogs | October 19
Grab your skates and your costume (helmet required!) for a fun Halloween Skate at the Summit Centre in Hampton from 12:30-1:30pm. After hitting the ice, kids and fans can meet the Sea Dogs for autographs and photos in the community room. Make sure your costume is skate-friendly and get ready for a festive, fast-moving hour of Halloween fun on the ice!

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SIDE NOTES

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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

TUESDAY
Wasted Day Brewing | Roastgiving Comedy for Harvest House | 7pm

WEDNESDAY
Wasted Day Brewing | Joel Miller Trio | 7pm

THURSDAY
O’Leary’s | Sarahtonein (Front Bar Stage) | 9pm

Submit your live music listings here

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who wants to be subscriber number 3,001!! 🥳

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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