👀 Is This the New Simms Corner?

Good morning, Saint John! Humidex is pushing 31 today…pro tip: hands at 10 and 2, tilt those car vents UP, and blast the AC straight into the pits. Surprisingly refreshing, trust me ❄️.

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

• Is this what Simms Corner will look like? 🤯

• P.R.O. Kids applications are open 🎻

• Who’s ready to go yard salin’? 🧺

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
Join the Conversation! 🗣️

Connect with our engaged community. Advertise with us and let your business shine!

NEWS NOTES

🚦Rumours Fly About Simms Corner Makeover

No official announcement yet, but rumours of a $100 million Simms Corner overhaul featuring a big overpass have quietly surfaced.

Some locals say it’s way too much and suggest a simpler roundabout would do the job. Others believe the overpass could improve safety and ease traffic jams. One thing’s for sure: west siders might be in for some short-term construction pain… with the promise of smoother drives ahead.

💬 YOUR OPINION PLEASE!

⚽️ P.R.O. Kids Applications Are Open

Sports gear. Art classes. Dance shoes that fit for more than a week. If that all sounds pricey, you’re not alone. Thankfully, Saint John’s P.R.O. Kids program is here to help again this fall.

This city-run service helps cover the cost of activities for local kids (ages 2 to 18) in families that could use a financial boost. Whether it’s soccer, swimming, or sculpting, P.R.O. Kids works to make sure no child misses out because of a price tag.

Applications for fall are open now and it’s first-come, first-served. The deadline for submissions is Friday, August 15. So if you're a parent or guardian in Saint John, Grand Bay-Westfield, Quispamsis, or Rothesay, head to the City’s website and apply.

Over 20,000 local kids have had the chance to play, learn, and grow thanks to this program, and the support is still going strong.

📈 More Jobs and Places to Live

A new report from the provincial government says what many of us already feel: Saint John is stretching its legs.

🧍‍♂️ Population’s up 2.4% -  our fastest growth since stats like this were even a thing.
🏗️ Housing starts jumped 41.5%, adding roughly 900 new units - meaning new homes are being built.
💼 5,100 new jobs landed in the Saint John–St. Stephen region - led by construction, fishing, and port work.
📦 Port Saint John’s container traffic climbed 23.5%, and the number of local businesses hit an all-time high.

Rents also climbed 9.7% last year, which is not such great news as people are worried about housing affordability. All of these numbers come from the province’s 2024 Economy in Review report, released yesterday. Here’s the full thing.

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

SPONSORED
Make Your Mark! ✍️

Get your brand in front of eager eyes. Partner with us for prime advertising opportunities!

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

WEEKEND PREVIEW
The fun didn’t stop with Canada Day…from great live music, two-wheel adventures and bargains to be had - there’s lots of ways to get out and enjoy yourself this weekend!

TONIGHT

Brent Mason Live | July 3
Saint John’s own Brent Mason hits the boardwalk stage at Ihtoli-maqahamok from 7 to 9pm tonight. Known for his heartfelt songwriting, sharp storytelling, and 25+ years of open mic legend status, Brent’s mix of humour and sweet melodies makes for a night you won’t forget. Free and open air…bring a chair, or grab a drink on a patio and just soak it all in.

Concert in the Common | July 3
Kick off your July with some classic rock and country vibes at Rothesay Common this Thursday at 7pm. Partyline, a staple in the Maritimes music scene for 35 years, will cover everything from the Beatles to Alan Jackson. Bring your blanket or chair, enjoy the free show, and maybe practice your dance moves. Parking’s at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.

FRIDAY

Bobby’s Summer BBQ | July 4
Bobby’s Hospice is firing up the grill every Friday this summer, and yes, there’s a drive-thru option. Swing by 385 Dufferin Row between 11:30am and 1pm for an $8 BBQ plate (burger, dog, chips, and water), plus live tunes, 50/50 draws, and a backyard full of good vibes. It’s a casual lunch that supports a great cause…and your stomach.

Hampton Market Kicks Off | July 4
Summer Fridays just got better. The Hampton Market launches July 4 at Town Square (657 Main St) from 5 to 8pm. Think live tunes, local artisans, crafty vendors, and tasty eats…all wrapped up in that easy-going summer vibe. Mark your calendar, pack your picnic basket, and get ready for good times every Friday night all summer long.

Laughing Tap Comedy | July 4
Fusion East’s Taproom turns into your weekend’s best joke spot this Friday from 8 to 10pm. Hosted by Jon Nesbitt, this lineup features local funny folks like Liam Patrick McNamara, Katelin Dean, and more. Perfect for anyone who needs a break from the usual. Come for the laughs, stay for the drinks.

SATURDAY

Hampton Yard Sale Day | July 5
Hampton’s going full thrift-mode this Saturday with the annual Town Wide Yard Sale from 9am to 3pm. Locals will be clearing out garages, basements, and attics and you never know what gems you’ll find. Floyd’s Store is running a raffle draw, and every dollar raised goes to the Hampton Food Basket. No fees, just deals, and plenty of friendly bargaining.

Kennebecasis Family Fun Day | July 5
Head to 8 River Rd, Rothesay, this Saturday for a full day of family-friendly fun. The vendor market runs 9am–2pm, followed by outdoor activities from noon to 3pm. Expect a bouncy castle, face painting, food trucks, and a BBQ by donation. Free entry, good vibes, and plenty to keep the kids (and adults) entertained.

Complex Union Roll Call | July 5
Car culture takes over TD Station this Saturday from 11am to 5pm with a full-throttle show both inside and out. Expect polished rides, burnout zones, custom decals, local merch, food trucks, pro photographers, and hourly giveaways that get better as the day goes on. It’s all hosted by Complex Union…and yes, there will be aftermovies. Come for the chrome, stay for the smoke.

North Pro Wrestling | July 5
The ropes are going up at the AREA 506 Container Village. North Pro Canadian Wrestling is finally slamming into Saint John with a full card of Maritimes talent, from “The Muscle Beast” Wesley Pipes to Giant Orion. Expect flying elbows, loud fans, and a Fatal Four Way for the Undisputed Championship. Bell time is 7:20pm, but doors swing open at 7pm. VIP gets balcony access, and a better view of the chaos.

Cat Rescue Party | July 5
Latimore Lake Cat Rescue is throwing a birthday bash and you're invited. Head to Global Pet Foods East between 11am and 3pm for a 22-year celebration complete with cake, prize draws, and adoptable foster cats looking for forever homes. There’s even a barn-themed pet photo shoot (by donation), so bring your furry sidekick and say cheese.

SUNDAY

Super RAD Race | July 6
Get ready to shred. The Super RAD mountain bike race hits Rockwood Park this Sunday with high-energy downhill runs, youth categories, and a hype squad–friendly finish line. Racers pick up chips starting at 7am, with the course closing at 3pm. Spectators are welcome, just stay off the trails unless you're on two wheels. Bonus: $50 gets teams a premium hangout spot at the finish line (BYO snacks and loud cheers).

Broken Social Scene Doc Night | July 6
Catch a free screening of It’s All Gonna Break,  the brand-new documentary on Broken Social Scene, at The Docks at AREA 506 this Sunday night. Arrive early for Music Bingo and a shot at winning Friday passes to see the band live at the festival. Doc starts after the final bingo round, so grab a drink, grab a seat, and enjoy.

Got an Event to Share?

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

YOUR PICS
@SJTODAY.CA

📸 Christian Gallant | 📍 Grand Bay-Westfield Fireworks

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Your Spot Awaits!

Ready to reach more Saint John locals? Our baseline ads are the perfect fit! Delivered alongside each day's news, events, and community highlights, your message has a prime seat. Find out how you can grab this space and get in front of the city!*

^{_{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with the sweatiest person you know…💦

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

Did I Miss Something?