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🤔 Maine Visit Sparks Travel Q
SJ Today
June 23, 2025
Good morning Saint John! It’s officially summer break…which of these texts will parents get first today: “I’m bored,” “I’m hungry,” or “Can I have money?” Place your bets 🙃.
Here’s what else is happening today:
Maine’s Governor is stopping by today 📍
NB Power public info session scheduled 🗣️
Plan the week ahead with some local events 🎟️
Cheers to a new week!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
👋 Maine Governor Stops in Saint John Amid Tourist Drop
Maine Governor Janet Mills is making a quick stop in Saint John today as part of a three-day tour through the Maritimes. Her goal is to address a 27% drop in Canadian tourists visiting Maine compared to last year.
Mills plans to meet with local businesses connected to Maine and sit down with Premier Susan Holt in Fredericton. Later, she heads to Halifax for talks with Nova Scotia’s premier and a marine tech tour.
Her message: despite some recent trade tensions and tariffs, Maine wants Canadians to know they’re still welcome visitors. Bilingual welcome signs have even popped up across Maine to drive the point home.
For Saint John, it’s a brief brush with cross-border politics and a reminder that travel patterns are still shifting.
💬 Your Opinion Please…
Are you planning to travel this summer? |
🔌 Time to Talk Power (Without Losing Yours)
NB Power is under review…and no, not the “leave a Google review” kind. A full-on, public examination is underway, and the first info session is happening Wednesday, June 25 at noon on Zoom.
Three review leads (think: utility detectives) will lay out what they’ve been digging into, how this whole thing works, and what comes next. You can’t talk or turn on your camera, but you can type questions into the chat and feel wildly productive while eating a sandwich.
The session can host 5,000 New Brunswickers, first come, first served, and if you can’t make it, it’ll be posted online afterward. Future sessions are planned, and a final set of recommendations is expected by spring 2026.
Why care? Because NB Power literally belongs to you and it might be time to find out what it's been up to.
Honouring Menahqesk with Dance and Drum
Saint John’s Place Fort La Tour came alive Saturday as the city marked National Indigenous Peoples Day with a vibrant celebration by the Wolastoq River. Traditional drum songs and powwow dances shared Indigenous culture in a way that invited everyone to listen, learn, and join in.
Nipahtuwet Naka Wespahtuwet Possesom Paul, a Wolastoqey storyteller and leader with Double Curve Media, said welcoming people warmly helps build genuine connections, and when folks are invited openly, they’re eager to participate.
The event was a reminder that Indigenous peoples are diverse, with more than 300 nations across Canada, each with their own traditions and stories. For Saint John, or Menahqesk, this day was a chance to honour the land and the original caretakers along the Wolastoq.
If you missed it, there’s always next year and a chance to keep appreciating the rich Indigenous cultures that shape our community every day.
THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS
🚫 Grand Bay-Westfield Council | June 23, 2025
Tonight’s regular council meeting has been cancelled.
📐 Quispamsis Planning Advisory Committee | June 24, 2025 - 6pm
Garden suites on the agenda
The committee will review a floor area amendment for a suite at 20 Evergreen Park Dr and a garden suite proposal for 308 French Village Rd.New condo development plans
Setback variances are up for discussion to allow condo dwellings on Bellbottom Way.
The meeting starts at 6pm in Council Chambers at Quispamsis Town Hall and can also be viewed 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!
TONIGHT
KV Walkers Shady Grove Walk | June 23
KV Walkers invite you to a refreshing evening stroll through the wooded trails of Shady Grove on Monday, June 23 at 6:30pm. The walk lasts about an hour and welcomes all fitness levels. Meet at the top of Parkside Drive just past the playground. It’s free, volunteer-led, and a great way to enjoy some fresh air and local nature.
TUESDAY
Pride Week at The Write Cup | June 24-30
The Write Cup Bookstore Cafe is celebrating Pride all week with community art projects, a Pride-themed Paint and Sip on June 24 (includes a drink and your own artwork for $40), and an 18+ LGBTQ reading on June 25. Stop by for colourful drinks and good vibes all week long. Perfect for anyone looking to celebrate Pride in a relaxed, welcoming space.
WEDNESDAY
Unity Park Summer Stage | June 25
Free live music is back at Unity Park on Wednesday nights, starting with Womb to Tomb this week from 7-8pm. Just bring a lawn chair and settle in for some outdoor tunes by the river. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the show will move indoors to the Brundage Point River Centre at 4 Ferry Road. Sponsored by Atlantic Lottery, and free every week.
Paint & Putt at Top Shots | June 25
Part painting night, part golf hang, this four-hour event at Top Shots lets you sip a seltzer, paint a pre-drawn design, then switch gears with mini putt or a go at the golf simulator. Runs 6-10pm and includes all supplies, a free drink, and prize draws. Great for a laid-back night out with friends. $55 by e-transfer or cash at the door.
THURSDAY
Saint John Night Market | June 26
Uptown’s summer staple returns this Thursday with an even bigger footprint — vendors and entertainment will line Germain Street, South Market Street, and fill the City Market. Expect live music, great food, and plenty of local shopping. Woodchucks will be set up for axe throwing if you're feeling adventurous. Runs 5-9pm. If it rains, the market will bump to Thursday, July 3.
Build Your Own Bouquet | June 26
Lancaster Florist is hosting a hands-on flower arranging event where you can design your own bouquet. Whether you’re a beginner or have a green thumb, expert florists will be there to guide you. It’s a chance to get creative and walk away with a custom floral arrangement. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon or a gift idea. Runs 1-5pm at 11 Main Street West.
FRIDAY
Multiculturalism Day Parade | June 27
The city’s first Multiculturalism Day Parade kicks off at 5:30pm from King Square and winds its way to the Market Square Atrium. Expect drums, music, and a crowd full of colour and culture. Everyone’s welcome…wear your traditional clothing, bring an instrument or cultural prop, and join in. The celebration continues indoors with performances, food, and family activities. Free to attend.
Multiculturalism Day at the Y | June 27
The YMCA is hosting a Multiculturalism Day celebration Friday from 6-8pm in the back lot at the Saint John Regional Y on Churchill Blvd. Expect international snacks, cultural games, karaoke, dancing, and even a fashion show. It’s free and open to all. Whether you’re new to town or born and raised, everyone’s welcome to join the fun and celebrate community.
SATURDAY
Community Free Fair Donation Drive | June 28
Raven Blue and Saint John Community Coalition are collecting donations for the upcoming Community Free Fair this Saturday from 12-3pm at Pulse Saint John’s parking lot (251 Wentworth St). They’re looking for unopened toiletries, non-perishable food, men’s and kids’ clothing, pet supplies, bedding, and more. Please no women’s clothing or furniture. Pack donations in boxes if you can.
SUNDAY
Port City Vet BBQ | June 29
Port City Emergency Vet is celebrating three years with a backyard-style bash in their parking lot this Saturday from 12-4pm. Expect a free BBQ, pet photo booth, dog agility course, giveaways, and even face painting. Furry friends are more than welcome — in fact, they’re kind of the guests of honour. Rain date is TBD, but sunshine’s in the plan for now.
*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 | 4:14 AM(Mon 23 June) | 0.73 m(2.4 ft) |
High Tide | 10:25 AM(Mon 23 June) | 7.62 m(25.0 ft) |
Low Tide | 4:37 PM(Mon 23 June) | 1.08 m(3.54 ft) |
High Tide | 10:46 PM(Mon 23 June) | 8.27 m(27.13 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with a teacher that needs some summer reading 👀.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher