Good morning Saint John! Shout out to all the local high school hockey talent after a big weekend at the Dog Bowl Tournament at TD Station. The AA title went to the Hampton Huskies, who took down Simonds in Sunday’s final, while the St. Stephen Spartans edged out the KV Blue Knights in overtime to claim the AAA championship. St. Stephen goalie Daniel Blanchard was named tournament MVP, earning himself an invite to the Saint John Sea Dogs training camp next fall.
In todays edition:
Horizon will pay you to learn 🎓
Grand Bay throws a bone to dog owners 🦴
Saint John gets a cartoon with feelings 🌊
Have a wonderful week!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🩺 Horizon will pay you to become a radiation therapist
Want to fight cancer and get paid to learn how? Horizon Health is offering a sweet deal for anyone willing to study Radiation Therapy at The Michener Institute in Toronto. They'll cover up to $25,000 a year for tuition, books, and expenses while you complete the three-year program. The catch is pretty reasonable: commit to working for Horizon for three years after you graduate.
You'll do your clinical placements right here at the Saint John Regional Hospital Cancer Centre, learning from expert therapists and working with cutting-edge equipment that helps treat cancer patients. It's a legit career path too. Radiation therapists work with oncologists, physicists, and nurses using advanced tech to design and deliver treatment plans.
🐶 Grand Bay makes dog licensing way less painful
Dog owners in Grand Bay-Westfield have one less excuse for not tagging the dog and a little peace of mind in case Fido decides to dip. The town has rolled out a new dog licensing system with DocuPet that lets you register online and skip the paperwork headache.
Every license comes with a modern ID tag linked to an online pet profile, plus access to HomeSafe, a 24/7 lost-pet service that connects with shelters and databases if your dog goes on an unscheduled adventure. Town officials say it speeds up reunions and takes the pain out of licensing, while helping animal control focus on actual animal care.
🎬 Saint John, but animated
You know what Saint John needs? More animated seagulls with something to say. Local animator Brian Finlay is making it happen with Need a Little Help, a 2D animated short starring SJ the seagull and Foggy, an anxious little turtle trying to figure things out at the Reversing Falls.
After 25 years in the animation biz, including work with Disney, Brian wanted to create something shorter, local, and more personal, drawing from his own experiences with depression and anxiety. The project includes collaboration with Laura Gatien & Associates Counselling Services and original music by Curtis Basque of Basque Studios. Once it wraps, it’ll do a small festival run before being released online for free. Brian says it’s a very Saint John contribution to Canadian animated shorts.
THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS
⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting - January 12 | 6:15pm
Parking fines doubled during snow clearing bans - Third and final reading of a by-law amendment that sees parking fines doubled during snow clearing bans.
Zoning change proposed for 19 Anglin Drive - Council will consider a zoning by-law amendment to accommodate plans for four new apartment buildings.
City setting its own rules for cell tower siting - Council is being asked to adopt an Antenna System Siting Policy after a third-party review service shut down.
Resident letters raise familiar city issues - Council will receive correspondence related to parking bans, bike lanes, and access to green space.
Meeting starts at 6:15pm at City Hall, with the public welcome in person or watching live online or on
⚖️ Rothesay Council Meeting – January 12 | 7:00pm
Local improvement levies for Kennebecasis Park and Mulberry Lane - Council will consider warrants of assessment related to local improvement levies for Kennebecasis Park and Mulberry Lane.
Water treatment plant expansion study - Council will receive a report related to a pre-design study for a water treatment plant expansion.
New wells and hydrogeological testing - Council will review reports related to a hydrogeological assessment and the drilling of a new test well.
UNB’s Integrated Health Initiative presentation - Council will receive a presentation from the UNB Integrated Health Initiative for information.
Resident correspondence on ice-fishing shacks and development - Council will receive correspondence related to Renforth ice-fishing shacks and a proposed amendment to a subdivision agreement on Dunedin Road.
Meeting starts at 7:00pm at the Rothesay Town Hall Common Room.
⚖️ Grand Bay-Westfield Council Meeting – January 12 | 7:00pm
RCMP annual and Q2 policing report - Council will receive the RCMP Annual Report and Q2 report from Sgt. Comley, providing an update on local policing.
Clean fill by-law introduced - Council will consider first reading of By-law PW-003 related to clean fill.
Animal control officer appointment - Council will consider the appointment of an Animal Control Officer
Community Centrum project management update - Council will review an item related to project management for the Community Centrum.
Planning and development snapshot - Council will receive a 10-year summary report on planning and development activity.
Meeting takes place at 7:00pm at the Community Centrum – Grand Bay Room and can be viewed 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
Luncheon with Minister Steven MacKinnon | January 13
The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce is hosting a business luncheon featuring the Honourable Steven MacKinnon. The discussion will focus on federal transportation priorities, including supply chains and economic growth, with a regional lens. Registration is required by Monday at 8am. Tickets are $59.95 plus HST for members and $69.95 plus HST for non-members.
WEDNESDAY
Guided Snowshoe at Elmhurst Outdoors | January 14
Get outside and enjoy a guided snowshoe through the forest at Elmhurst Outdoors. The two-hour outing is open to beginners and experienced snowshoers alike, with a scenic trail followed by time to warm up in the lodge. A hot drink is included, with chocolate chip cookies available for purchase. No pre-registration is required. The cost is $13 plus HST, with snowshoe rentals available.
THURSDAY
An Evening of Stan Rogers | January 15
A folk music tribute takes the stage at the Imperial Theatre with a heartfelt celebration of the songs and stories of Stan Rogers. Presented as an intimate onstage performance with limited seating, the show blends powerful musical arrangements with storytelling behind Rogers’ iconic catalogue. Show starts at 7:30pm.
FRIDAY
Paranormal Night with MOC | January 16
Curiosity meets the unexplained at The Studio with an evening exploring ghosts, spirits, and unseen energies. The session features discussion, real-life stories, and open conversation, with space for questions. The event starts at 6:30pm and tickets are $10.
SATURDAY
Come Together for the KV Food Basket | January 17
This community-focused music night returns to the Imperial Theatre with a live Beatles tribute performed by a nine-piece band of local musicians. The concert raises funds for the Kennebecasis Valley Food Basket and starts at 7:30pm.
SUNDAY
Colin Friars Travel Writing Workshop and Slideshow | January 18
Travel stories take centre stage at The Write Cup Bookstore Cafe as author Colin Friars shares highlights from his journey from Maine to Georgia. The afternoon includes a talk, slideshow, Q&A, and book signing. It runs 1–3pm.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 00:22 AM(Mon 12 January) | 2.07 m(6.79 ft) |
High Tide | 6:35 AM(Mon 12 January) | 6.94 m(22.77 ft) |
Low Tide | 12:57 PM(Mon 12 January) | 2.0 m(6.56 ft) |
High Tide | 7:07 PM(Mon 12 January) | 6.54 m(21.46 ft) |
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Thanks!
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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher