Long Weekend Plans Are Here

Good morning, Saint John! We’ve officially entered that weather window where buying ice cream in your car becomes a high-stakes gamble. Will it survive the drive? Only destiny knows. 🍦

Here’s what’s up this morning:

• SJ’s best building start ever 🧱

• Do some picking up this long weekend and win 🧤

• Long weekend event preview 🎉

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🏗️ Permit-palooza: Saint John’s Building Boom Is On

 If 2025 were a house, we’d need a bigger one, because Saint John is booming. The City has already pulled in 207 building permits this year (by April!), with a jaw-dropping $185.5 million in total construction value. That’s nearly 5x the five-year average.

Two school builds are leading the charge: a $46M North End Elementary and a South End K-8 Community Hub clocking in at $55.4M. But even without those, it’s still the city’s strongest Q1-Q2 start ever.

Residential growth? Also on fire. We’ve already added 144 units, with 1,100+ more in the pipeline. Plus, we’ve locked in 579 units thanks to the Housing Accelerator Fund.

🧹 Clean-Up Challenge Hits Grand Bay-Westfield

The new Youth Council of Grand Bay-Westfield is already making moves, and their first community initiative is a simple one: pick up some litter.

From May 12–19, they’re running a Clean-Up Challenge on Instagram. Pick up trash wherever it’s needed, take a quick photo or video, tag @ycgbw, and you’ll be entered to win one of three $20 gift cards to local businesses. Draw happens May 20.

👉 Have kids or teens looking for something to do this weekend? This is a great way to get them involved, and maybe even score a prize.

The Youth Council launched earlier this year to give local students in grades 9–12 a voice on town issues, especially around community vitality and environmental sustainability. It’s made up of six student reps plus support from Town Council and staff. Their Instagram is a great follow if you want to keep up with what they’re up to next.

🏊‍♀️Making Waves at UNB

One of Saint John’s fastest backstrokers is heading up the river. Simonds High grad and Fundy TIDE swimmer Olivia Calder has signed on with the UNB REDS, locking in a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and her spot in the pool for the 2025-26 season. She’s fresh off a gold-and-silver sweep at last year’s provincial high school championships, and clearly has her sights set on even bigger splashes.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Long Weekend Preview
Long weekend vibes mean plenty to do…from tunes to tailgates, markets to nature walks. Dive in and make the most of it!

TODAY

Loyalist Flag Raising | May 15
The Loyalist flag will rise outside City Hall this morning at 10am to kick off the city’s annual Loyalist celebrations. It’s a nod to the past that leads into Loyalist Day on May 18. Everyone’s welcome to attend this public event—bring your curiosity and your civic pride.

Spring Cleaning Lunch & Learn | May 15
Scrubbing season is here, and the Saint John Free Public Library is serving up sudsy inspiration. This lunchtime session (Part 1 of 2) focuses on gathering supplies and mixing your own DIY cleaners using everyday stuff. It’s English-only, free to attend, and a great excuse to get motivated…because your Tupperware avalanche isn’t going to organize itself. Starts at 12:30pm at the Main Branch.

Spotting Misinformation Online | May 15
The Saint John Free Public Library is hosting a free, non-partisan session at 6:30pm to help folks sharpen their digital smarts. A cybersecurity expert will walk through how to spot misleading content, understand algorithm influence, and protect yourself from online manipulation. With real-world examples and practical tips, it’s a great chance to build your media literacy and browse a little smarter.

FRIDAY

Hot 2 Go Pop Dance Party | May 16
AREA 506 is throwing it back Friday night with a full-on pop culture party—think early 2000s vibes, Lisa Frank colours, and all your fave throwback tunes. Expect everything from T-Swift to the Spice Girls, plus free espresso martinis for the early crowd. Doors open at 7pm at 85 Water Street. Tickets are $20 in advance and it's 19+ only. Flip phones optional, fun guaranteed.

SATURDAY

Pop-Up Weekend at Fullerton Farms | May 17–18
Take a scenic drive to Long Reach for Fullerton Farms’ first vendor pop-up of the season. Browse art by Ed Coleman, handcrafted woodwork, houseplants, soy candles, and more. Saturday 9am–3pm, Sunday 10am–3pm, with market hours running longer both days. Bonus: tulips, basil, baked goods, and ice cream on hand. Yes, ice cream.

Birding at Bishop’s Lands | May 17
Rise early for a guided bird walk through one of Saint John’s best birding hotspots. From 8–11am, join Nature Saint John at K-Park and Bishop’s Lands to spot warblers, woodpeckers, ducks, and more. It’s a 3–4 km walk with a few rocky patches - binoculars and sturdy shoes encouraged. Free to join, but registration is required in case of cancellations. Register here.

The Daily Grind & Ross Cola | May 17
Wasted Day Brewing’s turning up the volume Friday night with East Coast alt-rockers The Daily Grind and Ross Cola. Expect grungy vibes, original tunes, and good beer. Doors at 8pm, music starts at 9pm. $10 at the door, cash only, bring a ten and your best headbang.

The Trews at AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village | May 17
Canadian rock legends The Trews hit the waterfront stage Saturday night for a high-energy show at AREA 506. With chart-topping hits and a serious fanbase, they’re set to bring the noise. General admission is $40, or go VIP for $60 with access to the viewing deck and bar. Doors open at 7pm.

SUNDAY

Loyalist Day | May 18
Sunday’s packed with muskets, music, and 18th-century charm as Saint John marks 242 years since the Loyalists arrived. Catch a musket salute at Fort La Tour (10am), a talk on Hollywood’s take on Loyalists (1:15pm), live flute music from the 1700s (2pm), plus cemetery tours, bell concerts, re-enactors, and more across uptown. See the full schedule of events here.

The Moto Social Meetup | May 18
Whether you ride or just love the vibe, come hang out Sunday at JavaMoose on Prince William Street from 1-3pm. It’s a free, rain-or-shine community event all about good vibes, great coffee, and new friends. Bring your crew, your kids, even grandma and the dog…everyone’s welcome! Local hosts will make sure you feel right at home. This is the monthly Saint John meet-up, running through September.

Queen Square Farmers Market | May 18
If you hadn’t had your dose of dumplings, fistful of flowers or lemonade from that lanky fella yet this season, this long weekend’s the perfect time. It’s back and boomin’ all the way to Thanksgiving so get your crew together an enjoy one of the best way’s to spend an afternoon in the city. Runs weekly 9am-2pm.

MONDAY

Alpines Home Opener | May 19
Spring is here, and so are the Saint John Alpines! Get ready for some top-notch NBSBL baseball as the Alpines take the field at Memorial Field, throwing down against the Fredericton Royals at 2pm. There’s not much better than a day at the ballpark! Tickets are just $8 for adults, and kids get in free, so bring the whole crew and show your Alpine pride!

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that knows vanilla is the ultimate ice cream flavour. 🍨

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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