🎣 Hooked on Family Day

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Good morning, Saint John! Some politicians barely survive a term. Meanwhile in Britain, a rescue cat just celebrated 15 years at the highest level of government. Larry, the official Downing Street cat, has outlasted six prime ministers, but duty calls. His job as Chief Mouser is to catch mice, and by god that’s what he gets up and does each day.

Here’s what else we’re pawing at this morning:

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

The Saint John Region is shaped by the people who call it home, including those who have chosen to build a new life here. Our Region, Our Home shares real stories of newcomers who are helping to strengthen our communities – like Jumaboy.

Jumaboy is building his life here, bringing his experience as an RN to Horizon Health Network. His work gives back to the community that welcomed him, supporting our healthcare system and making sure the Saint John Region is a place where everyone can succeed.

🏅 Order of New Brunswick nominations open

Know someone that has left a lasting impact on life in New Brunswick?

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Order of New Brunswick, the province’s highest honour. It recognizes people who’ve made major cultural, social or economic contributions, and more than 200 New Brunswickers have received it since the award launched in 2000.

Any Canadian citizen who’s a long-term resident of the province is eligible. Deadline to nominate is April 1, with the ceremony expected this fall. Cheers.

🎣 Dominion Park turns into Family Day fish city

Dominion Park looked like a tiny frozen village this weekend as hundreds of people hit the ice for the annual Family Day fishing get-together.

Dozens of shacks were open, kids were learning the ropes from seasoned anglers, and fresh smelt was getting cooked almost as fast as it was caught. It was like a neighbourhood winter party, with scouts, families and first-timers all dropping lines.

Donations were also collected for the West Side Food Bank, because Saint John can’t host an event without doing something decent at the same time.

🗣️ Treatment centre meeting turns tense

A Kingston Peninsula info session on a planned 50-bed addictions treatment centre drew a packed, frustrated crowd last week, with about 120 residents questioning how the project was rolled out.

Several said the province announced the facility before properly talking to neighbours, and concerns quickly focused on water supply, septic strain and safety in an area that relies on private wells. The operator says patients will be voluntary, screened and tightly supervised, with no drugs or alcohol allowed.

Even residents who support the need for treatment beds said the communication left people feeling blindsided. ($)

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Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!

TUESDAY

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at Trinity | February 17
A classic Shrove Tuesday tradition returns to Trinity Church Uptown, where the community is invited to pile plates high with pancakes, sausages, baked beans and ginger cake. Doors open at 5pm at 115 Charlotte Street, serving runs until 6:30pm, and it’s a free-will offering so families can drop in, eat well and catch up with neighbours before Lent begins. All are welcome, stretchy pants encouraged.

Freaky Film Fellowship presents Devil’s Honey | February 17
Haven Music Hall launches another night of cult cinema with the Freaky Film Fellowship, a winter film series for horror and oddball movie lovers. Doors open 7pm at Haven on Union Street, film rolls at 8pm, and loyal freaks who attend the full series earn bonus perks. Expect curated weirdness, happy hour beer and a crowd that appreciates the strange side of film. 19+ and free entry.

WEDNESDAY

Glow Skate featuring DJ Steve at Rothesay Common | February 18
Winterfest lights up the ice with a glow skate at the Rothesay Common from 6 to 8pm, complete with black lights, glow sticks and DJ Steve spinning tracks rinkside. Families are encouraged to wear neon, bring a mug for hot chocolate and donate a non-perishable item for the KV Food Basket. It’s free, energetic and designed for anyone who thinks skating is better with a soundtrack.

PRUDE Inc. Black History Month Movie Night | February 18
PRUDE Inc. hosts a special 6pm screening of Harriet at its Market Square office as part of its Black History Month celebration. The evening reflects on resilience and freedom through the story of Harriet Tubman, with free popcorn and an open invitation to ages 12+. It’s equal parts movie night and community conversation in honour of 30 years of Black History Month.

THURSDAY

Guided Tour of the NB Black History Society with Fusion SJ | February 19
Fusion Saint John hosts a 5pm guided visit to the New Brunswick Black History Society inside Brunswick Square, offering an hour of learning, reflection and conversation. Admission is free with Eventbrite registration, donations encouraged, and the tour highlights the stories shaping the province’s Black heritage. It’s designed as a thoughtful after-work cultural stop.

Chroma NB Queer Joy Photo Exhibition | February 19
Chroma NB presents an intergenerational photo exhibition at Loch Lomond Villa celebrating queer joy, identity and lived experience. The 1-hour exhibition features photographers on site to discuss their work, with masking required and doors open to all. It’s part gallery, part conversation and firmly rooted in community storytelling.

FRIDAY

NBIAA Final 12 High School Basketball Championships | February 20–21
TD Station hosts the province’s top high school basketball teams for the NBIAA Final 12 championship weekend. Games run across both days with divisions from A to AAA competing for provincial titles. Tickets are available at the door and streams are offered online, making it a loud, proud weekend for school rivalries and packed bleachers.

SATURDAY

Ukrainian Block Printing Workshop | February 21
The Ukrainian Association of Saint John hosts a hands-on cultural workshop from 1 to 4pm at the Newcomers Centre, teaching traditional block printing on fabric. Participants decorate their own runner to take home while supporting humanitarian aid. Registration is required, spots are limited and materials are provided.

Art Supply Swap at the Saint John Free Public Library | February 21
Third Space Gallery partners with the public library for a midday art supply swap, inviting creators to donate and browse gently used materials. Running 12 to 4pm, the event encourages hobby-hopping, studio decluttering and meeting fellow makers in a low-pressure creative space.

SUNDAY

R-Bar Winter Feast Chili Challenge | February 22
The R-Bar hosts a 5 to 9pm chili showdown paired with karaoke, prizes and western-themed fun. Local challengers bring their best recipes, judges bring opinions and the crowd brings appetite. It’s part cookoff, part party and entirely Uptown energy.

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📸 Colin H. Smith | 📍 King Square

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🌅 7:22am | 🌇 5:54pm

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher