💰May the deepest pockets win

Good morning Saint John! The lights are still up, unplugged, and waiting for someone to deal with them later…just like your to do list at work. 💻

Here’s what’s up this morning:

Let’s get to it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🗳️ No campaign finance rules for May’s municipal vote

New Brunswick is heading into another municipal election with no rules on campaign spending or donations. No caps. No disclosure. No requirement to say who helped pay the bills.

It’s not new. Governments of all stripes have promised rules, passed legislation, and then never followed through with the actual regulations. The latest word from the province is that real campaign finance rules are now aimed for 2030, not this May.

So once again, municipal candidates are left to decide how transparent they feel like being. Voting day is May 11. 

🎭 Fundy FRINGE puts out the call

If you’ve got a show idea scribbled in a notebook, half-built in a basement, or fully formed and ready to go, Fundy FRINGE Festival wants to hear from you. Applications for the 2026 festival go live January 15, with this year’s Fringe running August 17–22 in uptown Saint John.

The festival is looking for original, independent work of all kinds. Theatre, comedy, music, dance, storytelling, circus, and anything that politely ignores categories. Shows are selected by lottery, which keeps things unpredictable (in a good way!). Details and deadlines coming soon.

🚓 RIDE campaign still busy, but no arrests

Holiday RIDE checks in the Valley weren’t exactly quiet. The Kennebecasis Regional Police Force stopped more than 4,300 vehicles over the holidays and conducted nearly 700 breath tests as part of this year’s impaired driving campaign.

While there were no criminal impaired driving arrests, police still issued roadside and seven-day suspensions, impounded vehicles, and caught suspended drivers behind the wheel. Checkpoints may come and go, but impaired driving enforcement doesn’t take a holiday.

⚽ Spring programs open for P.R.O. Kids

Spring sign-ups are officially open for P.R.O. Kids, the local program that quietly makes sports, arts, and activities possible for a lot of Saint John families. If registration fees are the thing standing between your kid and hockey, dance, swimming, music lessons, or even rock climbing, this is literally what P.R.O. Kids exists for.

The program helps cover all or part of registration costs for organized activities, with 100% of funds going directly to kids, not admin. Applications are open now and close February 15.

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🌿 Juniper Turns the Page 

There’s a bittersweet update from Juniper on Prince William Street. Owner Katelyn Price has decided not to renew the shop’s lease at 80 Prince William, choosing to pause, reassess, and map out what comes next.

Juniper has been a favourite for sustainable clothing, skincare, and thoughtful gifts, and this wasn’t a snap call. Rising costs, shifting shopping habits, and quieter foot traffic all played a role. The shop will stay open through January, with clearance sales and a reminder to use up any gift cards or stock up on favourites.

It’s not a goodbye, just a pivot. If Juniper’s ever been your stop for a great gift or something lovely for yourself, now’s a good time to pop in and show some support

💈 Jupiter Barbers lands in PE Square

If you’ve wandered through Prince Edward Square lately and caught the sound of clippers and conversation, that’s Jupiter Barbers setting up shop. The chair belongs to Wene Kafyena, known to most simply as Wene, a barber with 25 years behind the blade and a lot of stories to go with them.

After two well-liked years at Vintage Barbers, Wene decided it was time to do his own thing again. Jupiter isn’t a new idea. He first opened a shop with that name back in Congo in 2005, carried it through 15 years in South Africa, and now, three years into calling Saint John home, he’s brought it here.

Wene sees potential where others see quiet. Walk-ins welcome, bookings preferred, conversation guaranteed. As Wene says…Stay sharp. Stay, Jupiter!

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Understanding Motivation & Procrastination | January 7
This lunchtime session digs ensure why procrastination shows up and what actually helps move past it. Hosted online by the Saint John Newcomers Centre, the workshop focuses on practical ways to stay focused, organized, and motivated in daily life. Free to attend and easy to fit into a midday break, especially for anyone who tends to leave things until the last minute.

One-Shot Wonders Dungeon & Dragons Session | January 11
Tabletop fans can drop in for a single-session role-playing adventure at the Main Branch of the Saint John Free Public Library. Designed as a one-shot game, this afternoon session is open to ages 15+ and works just as well for curious newcomers as experienced players looking for a quick campaign fix. Spots are limited, so calling ahead to reserve is a smart move.

Come Together Beatles Tribute | January 17
Back by popular demand after a packed show last year, this Beatles tribute returns to the Imperial Theatre for a night of familiar songs and feel good energy. The nine-piece band leans into the hits everyone knows, with a crowd that usually does plenty of singing along. It’s a fun night out that also supports the Kennebecasis Valley Food Basket, making it easy to enjoy the music and feel good about it.

Rocmaura Curling FUNspiel | February 7
Hurry hard for a good cause. Teams of four hit the ice for Rocmaura’s annual FUNspiel at Carleton Curling Rink, with two short games on the schedule, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Expect friendly competition, a Subway lunch, plus a silent auction and 50/50 draw. Proceeds support recreation and entertainment for seniors through the Rocmaura Foundation. Call (506) 643-7090 or Email [email protected] to enter your team today. This one always sells out.

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

📸 Derek Grant | 📍 Saint John

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher