💧 Is the dishwasher full?

Good morning Saint John! We know that sharks like chilling in Passamaquoddy Bay, but now Maine’s just spotted the big fish visiting their beaches. Watch your heels, ‘y’all!’ 🦈

Here’s what we’re talking about this morning:

• Skip the hose, your neighbours will thank you 💦

• Rothesay’s growth spurt 🏗️

• What’s missing in East Saint John? 🕵️‍♀️

Keep it cool!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🚰 Province urges water conservation

New Brunswick’s water levels are running low…and not just “late-August lawn” low. The province says recent heat waves and little rain have dropped stream flows below normal almost everywhere, with record lows in some areas. Groundwater is also taking a hit, and there’s no big soaker in the forecast. They’re asking residents to hold off on washing the car, watering the lawn, or filling the pool, and go easy on showers, laundry, and dishes. Every drop counts until the skies open up.


🏗️ Rothesay greenlights mega-development 

Rothesay council has signed off on a massive 1,277-unit, mixed-use project near Millennium, Campbell, and Wedgewood Drives, a build so big it could house nearly a quarter of the town’s current population. The 20-year, five-phase plan passed Monday night with one councillor opposed, citing concerns over scale and timelines. Amendments mean mature forest will only be cleared as needed, a Wedgewood buffer will stay recreational, and groundwater checks come before phase one. Some residents say the project risks flooding, well water issues, and changing Rothesay’s small-town feel. Others welcome more housing and walkable neighbourhoods. First step: that groundwater assessment.

🤔 City wants your two cents on East Side services

If you live on the East Side, the City of Saint John wants to hear all about your neighbourhood’s community services…the good, the bad, and the “wait, we have that?” This survey covers everything from rec programs to arts events to food security initiatives, but it’s not about fixing roads or building stuff. Your answers will help shape future planning and fill in any service gaps. Deadline to speak up is September 14. Take the survey here.

🔥 Quispamsis shuts down bike park over fire risk

The fire danger in the Kennebecasis Valley has gone from “high” to “please-don’t-even-think-about-it.” Quispamsis closed the Millennium Cycle Bike Park because it’s remote, heavily wooded, and tough for firefighters to access. It joins Hammond River Park (Quispamsis) and the Wells Recreation Park trails (Rothesay) on the closed list. Other barricaded trails are off-limits, and a provincewide burn ban remains in place. If you spot a fire, call 911immediately.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Movement in the Park Yoga | August 13
On Wednesday evening from 7-8pm, the Town of Quispamsis teams up with Amana Yoga for a free outdoor yoga class at Arts & Culture Park. All fitness levels and ages are welcome to relax and move with nature. Bring your mat and consider getting here by bike or foot. The class will be canceled if the weather turns bad.

Concert in the Common Brent Mason | August 14
Brent Mason takes the Rothesay Common stage Thursday evening from 7-8pm. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy free outdoor music as part of the summer series. Parking is available at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church nearby. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the show moves inside to the Bill McGuire Centre on James Renforth Drive.

Brundage Point Weekly Market | August 14
Every Thursday afternoon, find handmade crafts, tasty treats, and more at the Brundage Point River Centre in Grand Bay-Westfield. From 1:30-6:30pm through August 28, then 1-6pm until September 25, this rain-or-shine market offers something for everyone. Come browse local vendors and enjoy the lively community atmosphere at 4 Ferry Road.

Abstract Paint Night | August 14
On Thursday from 7-9pm, explore your creative side at this relaxed paint night in uptown Saint John. No experience needed—an artist will guide you through techniques while you pick your colors and tools. Your $50 ticket includes canvas, supplies, wine, and refreshments. The studio is on the 3rd floor at 87 Canterbury Street (heads up: no elevator).

Acadian Heritage Festival | August 15, 16, 17
Three days of family-friendly fun celebrate the rich history of Acadian communities. From 10am-4pm each day, enjoy live early-century flute music, historic food tastings like warm bread, molasses, and meat pies, plus pop-up reenactments of Nova Hollandia and Campagnie Franches de la Marine. Nicolas Pellerin and les grands Hurleurs perform August 16th, 2-4pm. Free admission and event parking at Fort La Tour Long Wharf washroom building all weekend long.

Movies in the Park Paw Patrol| August 15
Friday night at dusk (around 8:30pm), grab your lawn chair and head to Arts & Culture Park for a free outdoor screening of Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie. Complimentary popcorn will be served thanks to RBC and the Town of Quispamsis. If it rains, the movie moves indoors to McCluskey Brothers Conference Centre at 7pm.

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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. If you think you know where this thing lives, hit reply and send us your best guess. We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue.

Follow and tag @sjtoday.ca on instagram to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who could really take a bit out of local info! 😋

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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