💡 Here's Some Free Legal Advice

Good morning Saint John! I'm back in the saddle after a week of pokes, prods, and plenty of couch time. Huge thanks to last week’s guest editor for holding down the
fort. 🙌

In today’s rundown:

• Free legal clinic for SJ renters 🏠

• Help Quispam be Canada’s most active community 🇨🇦

• SJ Council pulling double duty this week 🗂️

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🚶‍♀️ Help Quispamsis Walk Its Way to $100K

Mayor Libby O’Hara is lacing up for Quispamsis’s ParticipACTION challenge and wants everyone to join the fun by “walking circles” around town…literally. She’s pledged to walk 120 km in June and is encouraging residents to track their steps, runs, or bike rides anywhere they go. With the goal of adding up those kilometres to help Quispamsis snag the title of Canada’s Most Active Community, and a cool $100,000 to boost local recreation programs. Ready to move? Sign up for the challenge and help get Quispamsis moving!

📑 Got Landlord Drama? Get Expert Advice on the House!

Heads up, Saint John renters! If your landlord’s MIA or your lease looks more like a puzzle, help is on the way. Tenant Legal Advice Clinics are rolling across New Brunswick this summer, and they’re parking in Saint John on July 21, from 10am to 6pm at the Newcomers’ Centre (75 Prince William St).

No appointment needed…just show up with your paperwork, your ID, and any questions about rent hikes, evictions, repairs, or deposit squabbles. You’ll meet with law students and seasoned lawyers who can walk you through the basics, in both French and English. It’s free, it’s friendly, and it’s a chance to finally get some answers.

Can’t make it? You can always call the Legal Info Line at (506) 453-5369 or email [email protected].

🚧 Quispam’s Road Upgrades Begin This Week

Heads up, Quispam commuters! Construction season is in full swing, and this time it’s not Saint John’s gritty streets tripping you up, Quispam’s 2025 Street Capital Upgrades are starting next week. Expect fresh pavement on Meenan’s Cove, Elliot, and Bradley Lake Road (plus a few others), but also expect traffic delays, one-lane wonders, and lots of flag-waving workers. If your driveway is in a construction zone, better move the bins!

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

Saint John council’s working double duty this week, with two meetings on the books…one to keep the Spruce Lake debate rolling and another to tackle the rest of the city’s to-do list. Grab your popcorn: tomorrow’s Spruce Lake meeting promises more passionate discussion. 

⚖️ Regular Council Meeting | June 2, 2025 - 5pm

Key Highlights:

• Designation of By-Law Enforcement Officers, including updates on the Tourism Accommodation Levy and new enforcement appointments.

• Public hearings at 6:30pm on zoning tweaks and municipal plan amendments for sites at 228 Germain, 160 Cosy Lake, 510 Boars Head, and 421 Woodward.

• Updates on catalytic projects from the Chief Administrative Officer, plus the 2025 Traffic Safety and Accessibility Improvement Plan.

• Lighting requests for local causes, including Cystic Fibrosis Awareness and National Drowning Prevention Week.

See the full agenda here.

You can attend in person in the council chambers at City Hall or watch on Rogers TV or via livestream.

⚖️ Special Council Meeting | June 3, 2025 - 5pm

Key Highlights:

• A dedicated public hearing on the Spruce Lake Industrial Park Expansion proposal.

• Council will consider the Planning Advisory Committee’s report and staff presentation, resuming discussions from May 20.

• First and second readings of proposed changes to the Municipal Plan and Zoning By-Law are on the table.

See the full agenda here.

You can attend in person or watch on Rogers TV or via livestream.

⚖️ Hampton Committee of the Whole | June 3, 2025 – 5pm

Key Highlights:

• Updates on Hampton’s Strategic Plan and Canada Day events from town leadership.

• Review of RFP for Summit Centre canteen/kitchen, Equity Policy discussion, and construction progress updates.

• Fundy Regional Service Commission report and planning for the next meeting.

See the full agenda here.

You can attend in person at Town Hall.

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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!

TODAY

Saint John Cycling Road Ride | June 2
Saint John Cycling is rolling out the second group ride of the season, starting from Moosehead Brewery. Expect steady spins, smoothish pavement, and zero drop - no one gets left behind. Road bikes are ideal, but e-bikes are welcome if you’re comfy with the 24 km/h pace. Meet at 5:50pm for the 6pm start. A SJC membership ($40) and a waiver are required, so gear up for a solid Monday ride!

TUESDAY 

Battletec at Heroes Beacon | June 3
Grab your mech and get ready for some Battletech action! Saint John’s growing community of mech pilots is welcoming new players for Tuesday night battles. Entry is just $5, and everyone’s happy to teach you the ropes if you’re new. Bring your best strategy and join the action - whether you’re a veteran or just curious about this classic game. The fun starts at 6pm.

Grown-Up Magic | June 3
It’s magic for grown-ups! Modeled after the Chicago Magic Lounge, this show features four local magicians - Wayne Hansen, Bernie Cormier, Garvin Smith, and Scot Dejong - ready to amaze you with their craft. Sip a local brew or cocktail in the cozy taproom while the tricks unfold. It’s a 19+ show with tickets at $10 (taxes included). The magic starts at 7pm - call for special seating!

WEDNESDAY 

Wine Wednesday | June 4 
Five & Dime is the spot for a midweek unwind with wine that suits any taste and budget. Snag a table with friends and sip the night away. Bottles like Pinot Grigio for $20, Shiraz for $24, and Malbec for $35 await your glass. It’s happening every Wednesday evening - great wine, chill vibes, and your favourite crew - what more could you want?

THURSDAY

P.R.O. Kids FUNraising Dinner | June 5
Join the community for an unforgettable evening dedicated to local youth at the P.R.O. Kids ‘Fun’raising Dinner, sponsored by UCT Jack Kidd Council #755. This lively event features a delicious trio of cuisines - Lebanese, Indian, and Canadian - plus entertainment and prizes. All funds raised go directly to helping local kids access sports, arts, and culture programs. It’s happening at the Trade and Convention Centre, with a 6pm reception and 7pm dinner.

Skydiggers Live at Container Village | June 5
Get ready for an unforgettable night as Skydiggers take the stage with their signature mix of folk, rock, and country - plus a brand new album to share! With more than 30 years of musical magic under their belts, they’re sure to deliver an evening of great tunes and good vibes. Tickets are $36 GA, or $54 for VIP access (including the Viewing Deck and VIP bar). See you there!

FRIDAY

Costume Making for Beginners Workshop | June 6
Master Class cosplayer Becki Graves is hosting a workshop for anyone eager to dive into costume or clothing creation. Whether you’re brand new or already have a few stitches under your belt, this session has something for everyone. Come early or stick around after to chat with Becki and get those burning questions answered! Workshop kicks off at 6pm.

SATURDAY

Family Fishing Derby | June 6-8
The Hammond River Angling Association is hosting its annual Family Fishing Derby for a full weekend of fun! It actually kicks off with the Anglers Social on Friday from 6-9pm, where you can pick up your registration package and regulation ruler. The derby begins Saturday and Sunday with prizes, free pizza lunches, and sweet goodie bags for the kids. Family registration is $25. Get your rods ready! 

Got an Event to Share?

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s always there when you need them! 💞

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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