🦺 More cones for your commute

Good morning, Saint John! The rain has been working the overnight shift and apparently has no plans to clock out early. We could get 40 to 60 mm before it settles into drizzle this afternoon, so expect puddles, a slower commute and that cheap umbrella turning completely inside out.

Here’s what we’re hearing about today:

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🚧 The Causeway squeeze

The Courtenay Bay Causeway is about to get a little tight. It’ll be reduced to one lane in each direction today and Thursday, starting at 7am both days.

Traffic will keep moving while crews handle routine road repairs and install a flap gate, but anyone travelling between the east side and Uptown should expect delays and give themselves a few extra minutes. Or several, since we all know how much local drivers love an unexpected merge. 

All lanes will reopen each evening, so the squeeze is strictly a daytime affair. Follow the signs, leave a little earlier and resist the urge to take somebody else’s zipper merge personally.

🍻 Beer without borders

New Brunswick beer is getting ready to see the country. Premier Susan Holt and seven other premiers have signed an agreement to expand direct-to-consumer alcohol sales across provincial borders, opening much bigger markets for local breweries, wineries and distilleries.

New Brunswick got the party started last August by allowing Canadians elsewhere to order directly from producers here, without provincial markups and administrative hurdles. British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, P.E.I. and Newfoundland and Labrador have now joined the agreement, with Quebec and Yukon working toward it.

The taps won’t open everywhere immediately, though. Each province still has to put its own system in place before the cross-country orders start flowing.

🏆 Pick your tournament

Rothesay is squeezing four tournaments into one weekend for a good cause. Registration is open for the RICC Challenge, featuring pickleball and youth ball hockey on August 15 and 16, plus Spikeball and 3-on-3 basketball on August 16. Games will be spread across the Rothesay Arena, Rothesay Common and the town’s pickleball courts, with recreational and competitive options available. Proceeds support the Rothesay Intergenerational Community Complex campaign, and some divisions have limited room, so waiting until your jump shot improves is probably a bad strategy.

Yesterday’s Dinner Club poll came back with 42% of respondents ready to grab a seat or seriously interested once there’s a date. Another 29% said they’re curious but need a few more details, particularly around ages, accessibility, couples and whether this is secretly a dating thing. It isn’t.

That’s more than enough interest for us. We’re going to start planning the first one and will share full details soon. Turns out quite a few of you are willing to roll the dice on dinner with five strangers.

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

IHW Summertime Blues | July 23
IHW Wrestling brings Summertime Blues to the St. Martins 4 Season Complex as part of Old Home Week. Doors open at 6pm, with the bell ringing at 7pm. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for ages 16 and younger, payable in cash at the door.

Drag Me to Bingo | July 22
The bingo cards come with a little extra sparkle Wednesday night as Drag Me to Bingo joins the Saint John Pride festivities. Originally scheduled for the AREA 506 Container Village, the bad weather has moved the game inside to Kent Theatre at 8pm.

Right Good Community Yard Sale | July 25
The Saint John Public Gardens are going full 1998 from 10am to 2pm, with more than 40 yard sale tables, vintage and pre-loved clothing, books, home décor, plants, collectibles and handmade goods. Right Good is adding coffee, food, crafts, interactive booths and plenty of ’90s and 2000s tunes. Bring a blanket, grab a lemonade and prepare to root through some excellent stuff. Rain date is July 26.

Youth Interview Preparation and Job Readiness Workshop | July 25
Young job seekers can sharpen their interview skills during a free workshop for ages 15 to 30 beginning at 9am. Participants will practise communicating with confidence, preparing for interviews and making a stronger first impression. It takes place at 1 Market Square, Suite W301, with advance registration required.

Bloomin’ Artists | July 25
Artists spread out around Hampton to capture the town on canvas during the annual Bloomin’ Artists fundraiser. The finished pieces will be sold by auction at the Hampton Community Library, with proceeds supporting the Hampton John Peters Humphrey Foundation. Artists and volunteers can also sign up to take part.

Opportunity Bridal Wedding Dress Sale | July 28
More than 600 new designer wedding gowns in sizes 2 to 28 land at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre for one day only. Dresses are priced from $399 to $1,299, with veils, belts and tiaras also available. General admission runs from 3pm to 9pm and is free. Early-access VIP tickets are $40.

Sunshine Rollers Roller Night | July 31
Sunshine Rollers turns Lord Beaverbrook Rink into a roller rink for three Friday sessions. All-ages skates run from 4pm to 6pm and 6pm to 8pm, followed by a 16-plus session from 8pm to 10pm. Skate rentals are available, and every skater and spectator must complete the annual digital waiver.

International Culture Fest | August 1 and 2
International Culture Fest transforms Water Street into a giant waterfront street party for New Brunswick Day weekend. The two-day celebration takes place next to the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village, bringing cultures from around the world together in the heart of Uptown.

💡 There's plenty more happening. Find all this week’s local events here.

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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. If you think you do, hit reply and give it your best guess. We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue!

🌅 5:57am | 🌇 9:02pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that’s smart enough to just not leave the house on rain days ☂️.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher