⛔ Mind the Gap

Good morning Saint John! We’re not ones to wish our time away, but just so you know…it’s only 58 days until the first day of spring. Might as well start getting your patio plans sorted now…🌷

Here’s what we’re digging up this morning:

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🎭 Here we go again…it’s time to audition

You can dance, you can jive, and now you can audition. Saint John Theatre Company is casting Mamma Mia!, their 100th production on the Imperial Theatre stage, and they’re opening the door to performers of all experience levels. It’s a big milestone and will need an ensemble that brings the fun to such a feel-good, classic show. 

Auditions are video-based, making it easy to take part without lining up or squeezing in a last-minute rehearsal room run. Submissions are due February 4, with callbacks scheduled for February 8.

The show runs May 20–24, when uptown briefly turns into a sun-soaked Greek island filled with ABBA hits and a lot of joyful noise.

✈️ Art Takes a Ride at YSJ

Next time you’re at the Saint John Airport, keep an eye out for a very colourful set of wheels. YSJ has wrapped one of its electric security vehicles in student artwork from Loch Lomond Elementary, turning an everyday airport EV into a rolling reminder to take care of the planet.

The project invited students to submit art inspired by nature and sustainability, with eight winning designs combined into a custom wrap now cruising around airport grounds. It’s part of the airport’s push to shrink its carbon footprint, paired with a pretty great dose of community pride.

Bonus points for the young artist who scored a gift card for art supplies. Saving the planet, one paintbrush at a time.

🚗 Potholes Happen. Here’s Who to Call

That loud thunk you felt was not your imagination. Pothole season is back, and while swerving like a rally driver is tempting, the fastest way to get a fix is surprisingly simple. Reporting them actually works. You just need to know who’s responsible for the stretch of road that tried to eat your tire.

Think less about what the road is called and more about who owns it. Streets and roads inside town or city limits are usually handled by the municipality. Big connector routes and numbered highways are typically provincial. When in doubt, report it anyway. Winter repairs are often temporary thanks to cold patch and wet pavement, but flagged trouble spots do get logged and prioritized. Translation: your email matters.

Here’s the cheat sheet for our usual territory:

Saint John
Potholes on city streets can be reported through the City’s online service request form. Drop the location, add a photo if you’ve got one, and staff will follow up by email.
👉 Report a pothole in Saint John

Quispamsis
Everything runs through the Q-1-1 Reporter. Potholes, sidewalks, signage — submit it once and it lands with the right department.
👉 Use the Q-1-1 Reporter

Rothesay
Potholes on town-maintained roads can be reported directly to the Town through their road maintenance page. Repairs are done in batches, with hazardous spots marked until crews can get to them.
👉 Report a pothole in Rothesay

Grand Bay–Westfield
If it’s a town road, report it through the Town’s Public Works page. Some stretches, like parts of Route 177, are maintained by the province, but starting here will still point it in the right direction.
👉 Report a pothole in Grand Bay–Westfield

Provincial highways and connector roads
If it’s a numbered highway or a major route between communities, it’s likely handled by the province. Safety concerns can be reported through your local district office.
👉 Find your local DOT district office

Ooh and if you spot a real doozy of a pothole, be sure to send it our way. We love seeing big holes in the ground!

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

Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!

Pop-Up Turkish Mosaic Lamp & Candle Holder Workshop | January 24–25
A cozy, hands-on creative workshop lands in Saint John for the weekend, guiding participants through making a Turkish mosaic lamp or candle holder. No experience needed, just a couple hours of relaxed, guided creativity and something beautiful to take home. Runs at the Holiday Inn Saint John Harbour Side, with limited spots available.

In Memoriam – Cathedral Choral Society Concert | January 31
The Cathedral Choral Society presents an evening of choral and orchestral music in memory of Pavel Olenski, featuring Missa pro Defuncti by Michna alongside works by Josquin, Palestrina, Tallis, Allegri, and Pärt. Performed by the newly formed Olenski Consort and conducted by Gibson J. MacMillan. Starts at 6:30pm at the Cathedral in Saint John. Free will offering accepted at the door.

Rising Tide Toastmasters Weekly Meetings | February (Tuesdays)
Rising Tide Toastmasters is hosting weekly morning meetings throughout February at the YMCA on Churchill Boulevard. Guests are always welcome to sit in and see what it’s all about. Meetings run Tuesdays from 7:15–8:30am and focus on building confidence, communication, and leadership skills.

Love & Laughter Valentine’s Social Night | February 14
A Valentine’s-themed social evening designed for singles and couples looking for something a little different. Expect interactive games, Valentine-inspired canapés, curated food stations, music, and a relaxed, stylish atmosphere. Takes place at Meenan’s Cove Beach House starting at 7pm, with tickets available for singles or couples.

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

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. This should be a hard one, but a select group of people might recognize it….think you know? Hit reply and give it your best guess! We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue.

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Today’s Tides 🌊

The artist behind the pub name
On this day in 1968, Saint John lost Miller Gore Brittain at just 55. A Second World War artist with international recognition, Brittain was known for a bold, imaginative style that still turns up in Canadian art books today. If the name sounds familiar but you can’t place it, you’ve probably had a pint under it…Britt’s pubs were named after him, and the original Princess Street location still sits inside what was once his studio. Saint John, always hiding its history in plain sight.

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone ready to thaw out now…🌱.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher