🏔️ Name a Seat at the Summit Centre

Good morning Saint John! Enjoy the sunshine today, rain’s set to take over the rest of the week. Patio season has to show up eventually… right?

In todays edition:

• Simms Corner included in Premier’s letter to PM 🛻

• Hampton’s rec centre has been named 🏒

• Time to book summer block party 🍖

Here we go!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🚚 Simms Corner Fix Crawls Forward

The saga of Simms Corner continues…slowly. The province is asking Ottawa to help cover the cost of redesigning the city’s most infamous intersection, which has been a known tangle of truck traffic, trains, and turn confusion for decades.

Premier Susan Holt flagged it as a priority in a recent letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, pointing to the port’s growth, the $1B mill upgrade, and Saint John’s role in national trade routes. Mayor Donna Reardon says she's glad to see it get attention, though no one’s seen any timelines yet.

The good news? Everyone agrees it needs a fix. The bad news? We've been here before.

⛸️ Hampton Aims High with Summit Centre Push

Hampton’s new community hub has a name - Summit Centre! The 44,000 sq. ft. facility, set to open this fall, will feature an NHL-sized rink, walking track, and spaces for all ages.

With $2.2M already raised, the public fundraising phase is in full swing. And here's the exciting part: the J.T. Clark Family Foundation is offering a matching gift challenge. Sponsor one of 537 arena seats for $500, and they’ll match it dollar-for-dollar. 

🎉 The Block Party Trailer Is Back, Baby

Calling all backyard DJs, sidewalk chalk champions, and beanbag tossers: Saint John's most extroverted trailer is hitting the streets again this summer. The Community Block Party Trailer is now available to reserve for neighbourhood events running June 1 to August 31…and it’s still fully loaded with all the party gear you need.

Think of it as a party in a box (well, a 14-foot trailer), ready to roll up with tables, games, sound equipment and good vibes. Priority goes to neighbourhoods that haven’t hosted before, and it’s first come, first served - so don’t sleep on it!

You can apply online now at saintjohn.ca/blockparty, or pop into City Hall with questions. Just don’t forget to invite us when the grill’s fired up.

🧹 Grand Bay-Westfield Is Cleanin’ Up the Streets

Street sweeping starts May 5 in Grand Bay-Westfield, and the town’s rolling out the brooms. Public Works will sweep weekdays, contractors take the evenings (but not Sundays), and every hard-surfaced street in Ward 1 is getting some TLC.

Heads-up: no sand piles, no cars in the way, and definitely no sweeping into ditches unless you want drainage drama. Questions? Call (506) 738-6400 or email [email protected].

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

⚖️ Saint John Common Council – Monday May 5, 2025

• New Development Talks: Zoning changes on Douglas Ave and for Medium Industrial lands are up for public hearing.

• Funding Boosts: Council will vote on top-up grants for community groups.

• Fort Howe Gun Salute: Loyalist Day request for a ceremonial cannon salute is on the agenda.

• Major Sewer Fix: A contract for lift station upgrades on Kennedy Street is on the table.

• Big Picture Briefing: City staff will give an update on key catalytic projects and advocacy priorities.

• Dangerous Building Alert: Discussion on demolishing a problem property at 49–51 Adelaide Street.

See the full agenda.

You can attend in person at City Hall or watch on Rogers TV or via livestream. 

🏛️ Quispamsis Town Council – Tuesday May 6, 2025

• No agenda yet: The official lineup wasn’t posted at press time, but council meets Tuesday evening for its regular session.

• Agenda will likely be shared later today.

You can attend in person at Town Hall or catch the 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!

TODAY

Nail Trim Day for a Cause | May 5
Join Groomingdales at Pet Valu in Quispamsis for a Nail Trim Day from 9am–2pm, where 50% of the $16 fee will go to Barking Mad Animal Rescue. Walk-ins are welcome, and all dogs must have proof of rabies vaccination. It’s a great way to pamper your pup and support a local rescue. Cash only, so bring a few bucks!

TUESDAY

TIFF - The Substance | May 6
Catch The Substance at the Imperial Theatre at 7pm. The film follows Elisabeth Sparkle, a renowned aerobics star, who faces a major setback on her 50th birthday when she’s fired by her boss. Desperate, she turns to a black-market, cell-replicating substance that promises to make her younger and better than ever. This R-rated film is one you won't want to miss! Tickets are $12.50.

WEDNESDAY

Soul Sessions: Where Breath Meets Beat | May 7
Join wellness guide Shalini Tewari and jazz musician Sandy MacKay for a unique experience of breathwork and live improvisation at the Saint John Arts Centre from
6-7:30pm. This guided session will help you regulate your nervous system, unlock emotional flow, and tap into creativity, all through the power of breath and music. Tickets range from $35 to $45, with options for different needs. Bring your curiosity and comfort!

THURSDAY

Money Matters Financial Literacy | May 8, 15, 22
Get smart with your finances at this free training program hosted by Kaleidoscope Social Impact. Join them at The Social Enterprise Hub from 2–3:30pm over three Thursdays (May 8, 15, and 22) to learn about assets, banking, budgeting, and credit. No registration needed, just bring your questions and start taking control of your financial future!

Spring Breakers Screening | May 8
Haven Music Hall is hosting a free screening of the cult classic Spring Breakers at 8:30pm, with doors opening at 8pm. Enjoy $2 popcorn and $5 domestic beers while you relive the wild, neon-soaked film. It’s 19+ and totally free to get in, so grab your crew for a fun (and maybe slightly nostalgic) night out.

FRIDAY

9th Annual Peter Fox Memorial Lacrosse Tournament | May 9-11
The Fundy Lacrosse Association is hosting the 9th Annual Peter Fox Memorial Lacrosse Tournament from May 9-11, 2025, in the Greater Saint John area. The tournament honors Peter Fox, a passionate lacrosse player and community member who was instrumental in the sport locally. Proceeds support a bursary for university or college students in his memory. Teams from U9 to U17 are invited to join this tribute to Peter's legacy.

SATURDAY

RICC Project Kickoff BBQ | May 10
Rothesay is throwing a free community BBQ from 11am–1pm outside the arena to kick off their big dream: the Rothesay Intergenerational Community Complex. Expect food, updates, and fun, plus a chance to learn how you can help bring the new rec and community space to life. It’s all about building something great together (and yes, there will be hot dogs).

SUNDAY

Queen Square Market Season Launch | May 11
The Queen Square Farmers Market is back for its 15th season, and it all kicks off on Mother’s Day from 9am–2pm. Expect fresh produce, tasty eats, and top-notch local makers in one of the city’s prettiest parks. It's the perfect excuse to wander, snack, and pick up something lovely for mom (or yourself).

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows their way around an umbrella! ☔

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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