🟡 Golden Ball could drop soon

Good morning Saint John! The high-powered CEO of a Pet Influencer Management company returns home for Christmas, falls for a professional karaoke singer at the
R-Bar, and somehow saves the Golden Ball by helping him stage a holiday karaoke pageant 🎬.

Here’s what we’re singing about this morning:

• Is the Golden Ball about to bounce out of sight? 🟡

• Smooth sailing into East Point 🚦

• Extra cops, rec, and tax drops 💸

Let’s get this Wednesday lit up!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
Make Your Mark! ✍️

Get your brand in front of eager eyes. Partner with us for prime advertising opportunities!

NEWS NOTES

🏗️ Golden Ball could be coming down

The iconic Irving Oil “Golden Ball” building at 10 Sydney Street might be headed for the history books or the wrecking ball. The uptown landmark, which started life in 1931 as a Ford dealership before becoming Irving Oil’s office for decades, has been sold. Rumour mill: the buyer and price are hush-hush. The city has received a demolition permit application, but no official go-ahead yet. Locals are bracing for a big change to the familiar Sydney/Union intersection.

💰 Saint John budget boosts rec, police, cuts taxes

Saint John’s 2026 draft budget is in. Spending rises about $10 million, with new cash for recreation projects, housing initiatives, and four extra police officers. Residential property taxes drop 1.5 cents thanks to lower debt and steady growth. Water rates rise slightly, and the city plans to start moving from flat-rate billing to water meters in 2026. Councillors review it now, with a final vote set for December 1.

🏆 Spo Ho picks Saint John for 2026

Saint John just landed a big win on the sport tourism scoreboard. Spo Ho Xperience Live, the invite-only gathering of sport hosting pros, is coming to the city November 4–5, 2026. The Delta and the Country Club on the Boardwalk will host as industry leaders roll in for two days of idea swapping, networking and showing off what makes a host city elite.

Envision Saint John pegs the impact at almost $1 million, and organizers say Saint John’s mix of hospitality and ability to host major events makes it the right spot. 

👀 Traffic update without complaints? 

 It finally happened: the City put out a roadwork update and everyone didn’t immediately groan. The Retail Drive/Ashburn Lake realignment is officially done, and drivers heading toward Costco or East Point are discovering something almost unsettling…it’s smooth. It’s easy. It… works?

The $8.3M facelift rebuilt Ashburn Lake Road, added new lights, tucked in underground upgrades, and eliminated the old light-left-light-right nonsense in front of Deluxe. City Hall is calling it an investment in safety and growth, but locals are mostly just thrilled they can glide into East Point without squeezing on to Rothesay Ave first.

It’s such a big deal, they got up early on Tuesday morning to sharpen the ribbon-cutting scissors and prepare this photo op.

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

SPONSORED
Time to Shine! ☀️

Your business deserves the spotlight. Advertise in our newsletter and be part of the morning buzz!

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

From stage to studio, there is lots of arts and music to check out in the weeks ahead.

A Christmas Carol | November 19-22
Celebrate the season with a fresh take on Charles Dickens’ classic as Drew Murdock’s reimagined adaptation brings Ebenezer Scrooge to life under Sandra Bell’s direction. Filled with warmth, humour, and holiday magic, the story of hope and redemption is perfect for families and theatre lovers alike. Shows run November 19-22 and tickets are almost gone! 

Andrew Clark Christmas Single Release | November 21
English-born, Canadian-based singer-songwriter Andrew Clark is swapping scrubs for strings this holiday season. The doctor/musician’s bluesy new Christmas single “Rockin Ebenezer” drops Friday, November 21, featuring legendary pickers like Tommy Emmanuel, Muriel Anderson, and JP Cormier. Catch Andrew live at Indigo East Point on Nov 22, YIP Cider on Nov 29 and Dec 19, and the Saint John City Market on Dec 20. Three albums, national radio play, and big guitar chops…get ready to crank it up.

Japanese Bookbinding Workshop | November 22
Back by popular demand, Third Space’s Lindsay Jacquard guides participants through the centuries-old art of Japanese stab binding. From 1-4pm at the Saint John Arts Centre, learn to craft your own elegant, pocket-sized booklet in this hands-on, meditative workshop. All materials are included, $35 for non-members, $30 for Third Space members. Limited spots, so sign up early and create something truly personal!

Live Music with Landline | November 22
Kick off the weekend with a fun night of dancing and live tunes from Landline at the Kennebecasis Legion Branch 58. Doors open at 7pm, and the community is welcome to join in the music and good vibes. Cover is $15 ($10 for members), so grab your friends and get ready for a lively evening on the dance floor!

27th Annual KV Santa Claus Parade | November 29
Today is the deadline to register for the KV Santa Claus parade! The parade kicks off at 6pm from KVHS, winds along Hampton Road to Marr Road, and ends at Clark Road. Participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the KV Food Basket. In case of bad weather, the parade moves to Sunday, November 29.

Alice: World Premiere Musical at Rothesay High | December 3-6
Rothesay High School Performing Arts brings Lewis Carroll’s classic to life with a fresh twist in Alice, a new musical by local composer Craig Lang. Explore the untold stories of the Queen of Hearts and Mad Hatter in a magical, theatrical journey through Wonderland. Performances run Dec 3-6 at 7pm in the RHS Theatre. Tickets are on Eventbrite, and all proceeds support the school’s performing arts legacy project…local talent and imagination on full display.

Got an Event to Share?

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

Get Seen This Holiday Season
Want your brand in the holiday mix? Our seasonal banner spots are going quickly…a great way to get seen while Saint John is in full shopping mode.

LOCAL PICS
WHERE ARE WE? 📸

Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. If you think it looks familiar hit reply and give us your best guess. We’ll reveal the location and correct guesses in Friday’s issue.

Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Reach Readers Daily!
Need to get the word out? Our baseline ads give you the perfect spot to connect with Saint John readers. With your message right next to the latest local buzz, it’s a great way to make an impact. Let's chat about getting you featured here!*

^{_{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s already a dozen Hallmark movies in this season 🎄.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Did I Miss Something?