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Good morning, Saint John! While we all try to shake off the weekend, you’re probably doing better than a skunk in Reno that had to shake a jar off its head. It wandered into a police station, where an officer freed it with a snow shovel. Nobody got sprayed, which is more than we can say about opening the gym bag we left in the car all weekend.
In todays edition:
City Hall talks beyond city limits 🏙️
N.B.’s population recount 📈
Black Beach is crawling with clues 🐚
Let’s get into it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
SPONSORED
Sometimes, one lane fits best
Not every swimmer learns the same way. Private lessons at the Saint John Regional Y provide focused instruction for children, teens and adults who could use a little extra attention in the pool.
Whether the goal is overcoming nerves, building water confidence or improving a particular skill, each 30-minute session gives swimmers dedicated time with an instructor. Lessons cost $27.60 per session in addition to YMCA membership and are typically scheduled in monthly blocks.
NEWS NOTES
The mayor takes more of your questions 🎤
Mayor Donna Reardon joined leaders from Quispamsis, Rothesay and Grand Bay-Westfield at a regional discussion last Thursday, where she raised the idea of more integrated police and fire services.
On Tuesday, Saint John residents get their turn in the conversation. Civic Tech Saint John is hosting a free chat with Reardon about council’s priorities and what comes next for the city. It runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Saint John Newcomers Centre, 75 Prince William Street. Space is limited, so register ahead.
A walk to remember 🧡
Saint John’s Healing Walk returns to Rockwood Park on Wednesday for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Indigenous-led walk begins at 1 p.m. on the Trans Canada Trail, with time to listen, reflect and learn about the lasting harm of residential schools.
The first walk drew more than 1,500 people in 2021. This year’s event is free and open to everyone. Wear orange, bring a hand drum if you have one, and leave pets at home unless they’re service animals. If rain moves the walk to the Market Square Atrium, the City will post that decision by 10 a.m. Wednesday.
New Brunswick’s population pulls a U-turn 📈
Remember when the province’s population looked like it was shrinking? Statistics Canada has revised the numbers, and what looked like a loss of 3,185 people from July 2025 to April 2026 is now a gain of 3,838. The latest estimate puts New Brunswick at 883,522 people on July 1.
What about Saint John? These quarterly figures don’t break out the city or region, so we can’t say how much of that growth happened here. Those local estimates are released annually, usually in January.
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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!
MONDAY
TIFF: Mile End Kicks | September 28
A Toronto music reporter heads to Montreal with a book deal and a fresh start in mind. Then she gets romantically tangled with the band she’s supposed to be covering. Chandler Levack’s Canadian comedy screens at the Imperial Theatre at 7pm. It’s rated 14A, runs 112 minutes and tickets are $12.50.
TUESDAY
Try It Tuesdays: Pumpkin Paint Party | September 29
Your pumpkin can skip the carving knife this year. Munira is hosting an evening of mandala dot painting at 6pm in the Market Square Atrium, where you’ll decorate a pumpkin to take home. The $10 fee covers supplies, and space is limited. Book by emailing the address in the event listing.
The Opposite Sets: Stand-up Comedy Tour | September 29
Comedian Lisa Baker brings her stand-up tour to Hampton Brewing Co. at 7:30pm, with Brett MacDonald also on the bill. Baker has appeared on The Debaters, Just for Laughs and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. The show is 19+, with tickets $27.50 in advance or $35 at the door.
WEDNESDAY
Brothers Islands Film Screening | September 30
For the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Imperial Theatre is screening Brothers Islands at 7pm. The short documentary by Wolastoqi filmmaker Logan Perley tells the story of islands that became the Wolastoqiyik’s last foothold in the southern New Brunswick river basin. Indigenous community members will speak after the film. Admission is free, but you need to reserve a seat through the theatre.*
THURSDAY
Sustainable Saint John Relaunch | October 1
Sustainable Saint John is gathering people at the Saint John Arts Centre from 4 to 6pm to talk about what comes next for the city. Greg Hemmings will give the keynote, followed by a panel with representatives from the airport, city, port and Bloom Funding. Admission is free, with light snacks, a cash bar and music. RSVP through the event listing.
FRIDAY
Grapevine Fall & Winter Baby and Kids’ Gear Sale | October 2–3
Little ones outgrow everything. Grapevine’s pop-up consignment sale at 37 McAllister Drive puts clothing, toys and gear from 200 local families in one place, sorted by size and style. The event starts at 1pm on both Friday and Saturday, making it a useful stop before you buy another winter coat at full price.
SATURDAY
Saint John Flames Home Opener | October 3
The Saint John Flames begin their season against the Fredericton Express at the LBR. Puck drop is at 7pm for the first home game on the schedule and an early chance to see how the new season stacks up.
SUNDAY
Black Beach BioBlitz | October 4
How much life can a group of neighbours find around the Musquash Estuary in one afternoon? ACAP Saint John is inviting people to Black Beach at 1pm to photograph plants, birds, insects and other finds for a community species count. Download iNaturalist before you go, charge your phone and wear shoes suited to the shore.
*Indicates a sponsored event listing. Everything else is just stuff you need to know..
YOUR PICS
PETS ABOUT TOWN 🐾
Ollie Cat has the best seat in the house 🐈
At 17, Olive knows how to spend a morning…snack first, then supervise owner Terry’s reading of SJ Today out on the patio. We hope she approves of today’s issue.
📸 Got a pet who deserves a turn in the spotlight? At home or out around town, hit reply and send us their best photo, name and neighbourhood for Pets About Town.
SIDE NOTES
🌅 7:18am | 🌇 7:10pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 1:10 AM(Mon 28 September) | 7.84 m(25.71 ft) |
Low Tide | 7:23 AM(Mon 28 September) | 0.86 m(2.82 ft) |
High Tide | 1:27 PM(Mon 28 September) | 8.05 m(26.41 ft) |
Low Tide | 7:45 PM(Mon 28 September) | 0.65 m(2.13 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who needs help to wake up and smell the coffee this morning 🦨!
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher