🗝️ Good news for renters

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Good morning, Saint John! Remember hearing that unmistakable Dickie Dee bell somewhere down the street and dropping everything to chase it down? Whether you grabbed a Rocket Pop, a Blockbuster or a Baseball Glove for the gum ball, screaming to your parents for a couple of bucks before the bike disappeared was a summertime emergency kids today will never understand.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Ahoy!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

AREA 506 is back for another weekend of live music, and this one's for anyone who likes things just a little louder. 

Weekend Passes are just $89, and here's what you'll get:

✅ Silverstein's only East Coast date this summer
✅ A Gob show on the waterfront. On a Saturday night.
✅ A collection of New Brunswick supporting acts
✅ An East Coast Emo Night After Party on BOTH NIGHTS

July 10 & 11 | AREA 506 | Tickets and details at area506.ca

🏠 Rent cap sticks around

Renters just got one less surprise for next year.

The provincial government announced Wednesday that New Brunswick's three per cent rent cap will remain in place through 2027, extending a rule that's limited annual rent increases since early 2025. Officials say affordability is still a major concern, so the cap isn't going anywhere just yet.

The province is also continuing its review of the Residential Tenancies Act, with proposed changes expected this fall. The rent cap will be reviewed again next May.

It's not going to make rent feel cheap...but at least it keeps the sticker shock on a leash.

⛵ Setting sail without leaving town

Turns out one of the Saint John Region's best attractions has been here the whole time. You just have to get on a boat.

Envision Saint John's latest growth story profiles local sailor and engineer Jose Sanudo, founder of Sail Loyalist. What started as curiosity nearly a decade ago turned into a full-on sailing obsession and eventually a business introducing locals and visitors to the Saint John and Kennebecasis rivers from a whole new perspective.

Jose now offers everything from relaxed sunset sails to full sailing certifications, helping more people discover why life on the water is such a big part of living here. And to be honest, if your summer plans don’t involve at least some time out on the river…do you actually have any summer plans?

🛴 Scooter season has arrived

Have you spotted an abandoned scooter in front of your house lately? You're not alone...and before you decide to scan the QR code and hop on, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind.

With e-scooters and e-bikes becoming a more common sight around Saint John this summer, the city is reminding riders to wear a helmet, stay alert, slow down around pedestrians and use a bell when passing. If it's your first ride, it's also worth taking a few minutes to get comfortable with how the scooter handles before heading out into traffic.

Think of them as another excuse to give those bike lanes something to do. Just be smart about it.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW

THURSDAY

Brundage Point Weekly Market | June 25
Fresh produce, baked goods, preserves, crafts, international foods and live music all come together at this weekly Grand Bay-Westfield market. Come hungry, browse local vendors and enjoy an afternoon by the river.

Library KPop Demon Hunters Party | June 25
Fans of the hit animated film can head to the Saint John Free Public Library for an afternoon of K-pop karaoke, games, crafts and themed activities. Costumes are encouraged.

TD Summer Reading Club | June 25
The Westside Library launches an eight-week summer reading club for children at St. Mark's United Church. Weekly sessions include stories and activities designed to keep young readers turning pages all summer long.

FRIDAY

Library Toddler Time | June 26
Songs, stories, rhymes and hands-on activities take centre stage during this weekly Saint John Free Public Library program for toddlers ages 18 to 36 months and their caregivers.

Library Narwhal Party & Puppet Show | June 26
Celebrate the start of Summer Reading Club with an afternoon of puppet shows, games, music and snacks. It's free, family-friendly and perfect for kids who love a little imagination.

AREA 506 Proof | June 26
Sample spirits from local distilleries and premium brands during AREA 506's newest waterfront event. Your ticket includes tastings, educational sessions and live music from What The Funk. This is a 19+ event.

SATURDAY

Kingston Farmers Market | June 27
Now in its 28th season, the Kingston Farmers Market brings together more than 80 local vendors offering fresh produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, crafts and ready-to-eat favourites. Enjoy the morning ferry ride to the Kingston Peninsula!

City Market Saturday Sounds | June 27
Make a stop at the Saint John City Market this Saturday for an afternoon of live music and family-friendly fun. Dillon Ryan, fresh off winning Best English Band/Artist at the Excellence NB Awards, performs from noon to 3pm, while The Blue Pelican hosts a DIY maple leaf hair clip and pin craft from 11am to 2pm, while supplies last.

Summer Dreams | June 27
Looking for a soundtrack to your Saturday night? The Dreamers take the stage at Steamers Lobster Co. for an evening of classic R&B, rock and familiar favourites featuring Lee, Mike and Linda Boyer alongside Kevin Shephard and Dave Round.

North Pro Rogue Wave | June 27
Professional wrestling returns to the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village as North Pro kicks off another Saint John season. Expect high-flying action, colourful characters and plenty of reasons to cheer...or boo.

SUNDAY

Queen Square Farmers Market | June 28
Spend Sunday morning browsing local produce, flowers, meats, cheeses and artisan goods at the Queen Square Farmers Market. Grab breakfast, fill a shopping bag and enjoy one of Uptown's favourite weekly traditions.

Saint John Voices | June 28
Writers, poets and storytellers are invited to share their original work during Saint John Voices at Write Cup Café. Prefer to listen? Pull up a chair and enjoy an evening celebrating local voices in a welcoming, all-ages setting.

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📸 Maureen Knight | 📍 Mispec Beach

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🌅 5:37am | 🌇 9:16pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who always ready to go for an ice cream this time of year 🍦.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher