🚪 Knock knock it’s Wednesday

Good morning, Saint John! Apparently February 11 is National Latte Day, which feels like a holiday we can all get behind. Whether you’re loyal to Catapult, K’s, Java Moose, Bubbly Cup, Harvest, EB, Golden Grove, the Write Cup, or another local favourite (tell us where we should be going), enjoy your hump day coffee. You’ve earned it. ☕️

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

Let’s get to it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🏛️ Heritage awards celebrate Saint John craftsmanship

The City announced this year’s Heritage Award recipients, recognizing projects and tradespeople helping preserve Saint John’s historic streetscape. Awards were presented for commercial and residential façade rehabilitations on Canterbury, Water, Germain and Orange streets, alongside honours for heritage signage, long-term stewardship, and restoration craftsmanship.

Hatch + Parley received the Commitment to Craft award for its custom doors now appearing on heritage properties in the Trinity district. Founder Laura Weil says the goal is respecting what makes the city visually distinct. “Our doors are built with modern materials but carry the detailing needed to honour the heritage of our city… adding a fresh layer of Saint John lore.”

The annual program highlights the balance between preservation and evolution that keeps the uptown architecture alive.

🔺 Know someone who always shows up for others

The YMCA is accepting nominations for the 36th annual Red Triangle Award, one of our region’s most prominent community honours. It recognizes people who consistently go out of their way to help others and strengthen Saint John through volunteering, leadership, and service. The kind of person who steps up, solves problems, and makes life better for the people around them.

The award is presented at the YMCA’s signature spring gala in May, its biggest fundraising night of the year. Proceeds support the Strong Communities Campaign, which helps thousands of locals access child care, camps, youth programs, newcomer services, fitness, and financial assistance so cost isn’t a barrier to participation. If someone immediately comes to mind while reading this, nominations stay open until Monday night.

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Here are some events sent to us by our readers. Don’t forget to submit your events any time by clicking here.

Bingo Bash Galentine’s Palentine’s Edition | February 13
A loud, feel-good night built around music bingo, throwback anthems and big sing-alongs at Woodchucks. Doors open 7pm, games start 8pm, with prizes all night and a big final game payoff. Players use their phones, no apps needed. It’s a party disguised as bingo, perfect for celebrating friends, dates or just a solid night out. Tickets start at $26.

Valentine’s Games Night | February 14
Bougie Banquet hosts a Valentine’s-themed games night at Meenan’s Cove Beach House with interactive games, themed canapés, curated food stations and music. Dress code is Valentine’s chic in red, pink or black. Tickets are $85 single or $150 per couple, with part of proceeds supporting BGC Greater Saint John. Designed as a social, playful evening with good vibes and lots of laughs.

Sing It Out Pub Singalong | February 14
A no-pressure group singalong lands at FusionEast Taproom with a Valentine’s theme. No mics, no spotlight, just a room full of people singing fun songs together. Guests can bring a date, friends or show up solo and join in. It runs like a casual musical hangout designed to meet people and shake off winter with some collective noise.

Healing Voices Choir Concert | February 15
Healing Voices Choir performs a 3pm concert at St. Mark’s Church in West Saint John, supporting those navigating cancer and their caregivers. Conducted by Kelly Galbraith, the afternoon blends music with community care, with donations going to the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation. Organizers describe it as an uplifting, welcoming event focused on encouragement and connection. 

Rising Tide Toastmasters Open Meetings | Tuesdays in February
Rising Tide Toastmasters welcomes guests every Tuesday 7:15-8:30am at the YMCA on Churchill Boulevard throughout February. Meetings focus on building confidence, communication and leadership skills in a supportive group setting. Visitors can drop in to see how sessions run and meet members before deciding to join. It’s geared toward anyone wanting sharper public speaking and professional skills.

Black History Guided Bus Tour | February 26
PRUDE Inc. and the New Brunswick Black History Society host a free guided bus tour highlighting historic Black communities and sites across the city. The route runs Uptown through the North End, Spar Cove Road and Willow Grove before ending at NBBHS. Pickup is 2-4pm at the Trade and Convention Centre lobby. Spots are limited and advance registration is required. https://forms.gle/btC7fUahGfZ1vwDYA

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Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John region. Where are we? Today’s issue is brought to you by the letter E… for excellent, entertaining, and enigmatic. Think you recognize this particular E? Hit reply and tell us where you think it lives. We’ll reveal the location and the correct guesses in Friday’s issue of SJ Today.

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🌅 7:31am | 🌇 5:46pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

A Private Eye prowls uptown Saint John…
Saints Rest is a neo-noir novella set in a gritty and unforgiving Saint John, where a caricaturized version of the city itself serves as the main character.

Malory Fleet’s son was killed by bikers and she’s worried about his missing girlfriend. But that case was closed by the police a year ago and Frank Cain, the private investigator she’s hired, is reluctant to take it on. On the seedy streets of uptown Saint John, no one wants to talk, fewer have anything to say, and the police have cast a blanket of fog over everything. Maritime EDIT: Editor’s Choice 2025*

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s daily coffee consumption may be cause for concern 😲!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher