❓If Tourists Asked...

Could you answer like a true local?

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SJ Today
July 07, 2025

Good morning Saint John! That one fly that’s been dodging your swats all weekend called in sick today…maybe you should too 🪰.

In todays edition:

  • Think You Know Saint John? 🧠

  • Got a Tale from the Train? 🎭

  • Got Junk Too Weird for the Trash? 🧪

Here’s to a great week!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🧠 Think you know Saint John? Prove it.

If a tourist asked you what Stonehammer is, could you explain it without mumbling something about rocks? What’s the deal with the Reversing Falls? And how many “firsts” is Saint John actually the first at?

Envision Saint John wants to make sure you’ve got the answers with their new (and free!) Local Ambassador Program. It’s a quick online course that’ll turn you into the friend who actually knows things about our region.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you just got your bearings on Harbour Passage, this is a fun way to brush up on what makes the Saint John region tick.

🚂 The Train to Boston That Inspired a New Musical

Before flights were cheap and border lines were long, Maritimers had a secret weapon for a weekend escape: The Gull, a daily train that ran from Halifax to Boston, with a stop right here in Saint John.

Now, Saint John writer Jacqui Clydesdale is turning those long-haul train tales into a full-on musical, complete with Red Sox games, late-night adventures, and just enough poor decisions in Portland to make it sing.

She’s already uncovered a few standouts, including one about a Saint John career woman in the 1930s, back when that was still considered a novelty, who’d sprint from her office on Friday, catch The Gull to Boston, dance the weekend away, then return home just in time to change and head back to work. 

Jacqui’s looking for more real-life stories to shape the show. Got one? Send it her way: [email protected].

🛢️Dispose of Hazardous Junk the Safe Way

So you’ve conquered the summer yard work and home projects. But what about that leftover paint, propane tank, or random can of who-knows-what lurking in the back of the garage?

Good news: Crane Mountain Landfill is open year-round, six days a week, ready to take your hazardous household junk - all for free.

Keep it simple: original containers only, no mixing experiments, and no business waste.

Now you can finally clear that space without wondering if you’ve accidentally built a chemistry set.

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting | July 7, 2025 – 5:45pm

Key Highlights:

  • Updates to the Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan tied to the federal CMHC agreement.

  • Plans for two new roundabouts at Sandy Point/Foster Thurston and Loch Lomond/Route 111 to improve traffic flow.

  • Public hearings at 6:30pm for zoning changes at 224 Anthony’s Cove, 500 Pelton (Ethos Ridge), 1384 Latimore Lake, and 859 Sand Cove.

  • A capital reallocation for Saint John Police and approval of Small Arts Grants recipients.

  • Final reading of a by-law amendment to allow ATVs on designated city streets.

  • Verbal update from the CAO on catalytic projects and advocacy work.

  • Requests for city lighting and proclamations, including for World Mitochondrial Disease Week and National Dental Care Day.

Attend in person at City Hall or watch on Rogers TV or watch 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

Rhythm Lift at Golden Hour | July 8
Get moving at sunset with a high-energy Rhythm Lift class on the Baratie Sky Patio, looking over the Reversing Falls. The 7pm workout brings music, movement, and serious vibes…plus optional mimosas waiting post-sweat. It’s $15 to drop in, and if the weather’s bad, the fun moves inside. Spots are limited, so don’t wait too long to book.

WEDNESDAY

Hawk Identification Workshop | July 9
Raptor ID can be tricky…hawks, falcons, and harriers test even seasoned birders. Join NB’s top expert Todd Watts at Rockwood Park Interpretation Centre from 6:30-8:30pm to learn how to spot 13 hawk species in flight. Expect tips on flight patterns, plumage, wing shape, and more. Bring a notebook and get ready to sharpen those birding skills.

THURSDAY

Fundy Sea Shanty Night | July 10
Halifax’s Callehan joins Saint John’s own Before the Mast for an evening of sea shanties at O’Leary’s Pub. The music starts at 7pm, and while there’s no cover charge, a freewill offering will support the local food bank. If you like your tunes lively and your cause local, this one’s for you.

FRIDAY

Movies in the Park: Moana 2 | July 11
Quispamsis is bringing Moana 2 to the big screen at Arts & Culture Park, totally free, and there’s complimentary popcorn. The show starts at dusk (around 9:10pm), so bring a lawn chair and settle in for an outdoor movie night under the stars. A sweet little way to wrap up a summer Friday.

Roller Skate Disco | July 11
Roller skate your heart out at Lord Beaverbrook Rink with Sunshine Rollers. Family skate sessions run 4-6pm and 6-8pm (all ages welcome), followed by an adult skate from 8-10pm (16+). Bring your own skates or rent some onsite. Helmets required for kids 12 and under. Admission is $16 for adults and $8 for kids under 13. Skating, good tunes, and fun guaranteed.

SATURDAY

Paranormal at the Loyalist House | July 12
The ghosts are back for another round. Explore one of Saint John’s oldest buildings during a guided paranormal investigation at the Loyalist House, led by Rising Phoenix Paranormal. This fundraiser session starts later in the evening and costs $20. Space is limited and must be booked in advance.

Passport to Parks: Dominion | July 12
Saint John’s Passport to Parks series hits Dominion Park from 1-3:30pm with a colourful twist…a chalk art contest as the feature event. Expect a mix of live entertainment, family fun, and beachside vibes, all totally free. No need to register, just show up and enjoy. Rain date is July 13, but fingers crossed for sunshine.

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*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

4:07 AM(Mon 07 July)

1.82 m(5.97 ft)

High Tide

10:17 AM(Mon 07 July)

6.7 m(21.98 ft)

Low Tide

4:24 PM(Mon 07 July)

2.13 m(6.99 ft)

High Tide

10:33 PM(Mon 07 July)

7.19 m(23.59 ft)

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who doesn’t bug you too much 🐞.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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