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🍦Ice Cream Emergency
SJ Today
July 16, 2025
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Good morning Saint John! You just know someone today is gonna say ‘it’s not the heat…it’s the humidity’…🙄
Here’s what’s up this morning:
Big sand energy 🪣
New plows, who dis? 🥶
Wanna keep our tax money? Same. 💸
Happy hump day!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
SPONSORED
Sip, Sample, Repeat…It’s Back.
Sip & Savour is back Saturday, Sept. 27 and it’s sure to be one of the best nights out this fall.
20+ local beer, wine, and spirit vendors (and lots of non-alcoholic options too) will be pouring inside Market Square, with raffles, a lively crowd, and both silent and live auctions full of experiences and one-of-a-kind finds. If you like good drinks, good company, and a ton of fun, this is your night.
Tickets are $75 and include access to all tastings from 7:30 to 9:30pm. Want to kick things off early? VIP gets you in at 7pm, a private table, exclusive tastings, charcuterie, and a $75 tax receipt.
And the best part is…every ticket sold helps improve life for the residents at Rocmaura.
🎟️ Get tickets now…before they’re gone!
NEWS NOTES
🏖️ Sand Sculptures Go Big
After nearly 40 years of one-day fun in the sun, the beloved New River Beach Sand Sculpture Competition is officially graduating into a full-fledged festival. The newly expanded Bay of Fundy Sand Sculpture Festival will run August 2–4 and bring three days of sculpting, music, food, and creative chaos to the shores of New River Beach Provincial Park. Expect pro-level masterpieces from international sand artists, the return of amateur contests, workshops for all ages, a vendor village, and…a licensed beer garden overlooking the Bay! Just don’t get any sand in your cup.
It’s free, family-friendly, and open to anyone who likes art, architecture, or getting a little sandy. And if you’re a local maker or foodie, the organizers are still looking for vendors to join the vendor village lineup. There’s a small fee (donated to local causes), but space is limited, so act fast.
❄️ Plow Power Upgrade
After last winter’s sidewalk snow saga…aka the Great Slush Struggle of 2025, the city’s investing in some serious machinery. Three shiny new sidewalk-clearing beasts have been ordered from a Fredericton company for just over $801,000.
Last year, aging equipment meant some sidewalks stayed buried under ice for weeks (or months), with nearly 65 km of walkways basically off-limits. Public works admits the complaints were “understandable.”
The new machines? Multi-taskers. They’ll plow, grind stumps, throw snow, and even sweep your bad vibes away - okay, maybe not that last one. Let’s just say your boots might stay drier and you might stay upright this winter. ($)
⚖️ Weigh In on How Tax Dollars Are Shared
The City of Saint John is encouraging residents and businesses to have their say before August 10. New Brunswick is reviewing its property tax system, and while millions in industrial tax dollars are raised here, not all of that money stays in our community.
That revenue could go toward better roads, safer neighbourhoods, lower local taxes, and upgraded parks, but much of it currently goes to the provincial pool.
The City is pushing for a fairer, more modern system, and this is a chance for the public to help shape it.
Feedback is open until August 10 and can be submitted online or by phone at
1 833 724 0088. Question 17 of the survey focuses on whether industrial tax revenue should stay in the communities where it is generated, which is what the City is asking.
🥵 Feeling melty?
Environment Canada says the heat is sticking around through Thursday, with temps hitting 30°C and humidex values soaring to 36 inland today. So let’s cool off a bit by talking ice cream…
💬 Your Opinion Please!
Where is your favourite spot to grab a cone and cool down? |
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored. ($) indicates a third-party subscription may be required.
SPONSORED
Time to Shine! ☀️
Your business deserves the spotlight. Advertise in our newsletter and be part of the morning buzz!
EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Here are some events submitted by readers like you…got something you want to share? Reach out to with your events and story ideas any time!
Loyalist House Yard Sale | July 16
Get ready for some treasure hunting! Loyalist House is hosting a fantastic yard sale today, July 16th, from 9 AM to 12 PM at 120 Union Street! You'll find a great mix of books, clothing, household items, and all sorts of other interesting bits. Grab some cash or your card, because all the money raised goes right back to supporting their museum. No on-site parking, so plan accordingly, and come find your next great find!
The Tempest at Fort La Tour | July 16-19 & 23-26
The storm has arrived, Saint John! Get ready for the Saint John Theatre Company's magical outdoor production of Shakespeare's The Tempest. Witness a tale of love, revenge, and enchanting magic brought to life against the stunning backdrop of Place Fort La Tour. Catch it July 16-19 and again July 23-26, 2025. It's the perfect summer night out, filled with incredible talent and a captivating story. Don't miss this one!
Holi - The Festival of Color | July 19
Get ready for an explosion of fun! The Indo-Canadian Society of Saint John is bringing Holi – The Festival of Color to King's Square this Saturday, July 19th, from 11 AM to 3 PM. This vibrant celebration marks the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil. It's totally open to the public, so everyone's invited to come make colorful memories with music, dance, and the joy of friendships. You can even grab Holi colors right on site! Don't miss this incredibly joyful event!
The #Kreyzee Workshop | July 19
Ready to challenge your mind? Join former Third Space board member Dan Armstrong this Saturday, July 19th, from 7-8:30pm AT for The #Kreyzee Workshop! This free online Zoom event explores mental health, online connections, and tackling stigma. Expect a guided chat, a short film, and collaborative art. It's open to all and won't be recorded, but you'll get a digital canvas of your shared work. Sounds pretty cool, right? Register here to save your spot!
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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. This might be a tricky one…it looks familiar but what/where is it? If you think you can place this pic be sure to hit reply and give it your best guess! We’ll reveal the location and correct guesses in Friday’s issue.
Tag @sjtoday on Facebook to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 4:18 AM(Wed 16 July) | 7.68 m(25.2 ft) |
Low Tide | 10:35 AM(Wed 16 July) | 1.05 m(3.45 ft) |
High Tide | 4:45 PM(Wed 16 July) | 7.66 m(25.13 ft) |
Low Tide | 11:00 PM(Wed 16 July) | 1.26 m(4.14 ft) |
Reach Readers Daily!
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who needs a popsicle and a nap…😴
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher