🟦🟩🟥 Take control of the SJ sign

Good morning Saint John! If your weekend plans include cake, candles, or pretending you didn’t see how many candles there actually were…you’re not alone. We’ve got a couple of local birthdays worth celebrating as the weekend rolls on.

Happy Birthday to Linda Vair celebrating tomorrow and Judy Mitchelle (from T.) celebrating Sunday! 🎂

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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💡 SAINT JOHN sign is officially up for grabs

If you’ve ever looked at the glowing SAINT JOHN sign and thought, “That should be lit up for something cool,” the city agrees. There’s a new pilot program that lets community groups request the sign be lit up for awareness days, causes, and local moments worth spotlighting.

Eligible requests need to come from Saint John–based non-profits, charities, Indigenous organizations, public agencies, or recognized community groups, and they have to tie into an officially recognized awareness day or community event. You can submit your colour change request through the city, but they’ll need at least 21 days’ notice and, for now, it’s limited to one static colour only. No flashing, cycling, or disco mode. The city says this is a test run to see how much interest there is, with the door open to expanding it to other spaces down the road.

🤖 Why tech companies keep side-eyeing Saint John

Turns out Saint John is quietly sitting on a whole lot of “dark fibre,” which is a very unsexy name for something tech companies love…unused, ultra-fast internet cables already in the ground. Old school data superhighways, built years ago, just waiting for traffic.

That legacy mostly traces back to the old NBTel days, when New Brunswick overbuilt its network long before AI, cloud computing, or massive data centres were a thing. Former premier Frank McKenna calls it an “extraordinary resource,” and it’s now one of the reasons companies are pitching data centres here.

One proposed project at the Spruce Lake Industrial Park has already sparked debate, with supporters pointing to economic upside and critics raising concerns about energy use and environmental impact. Either more outsiders are discovering Saint John’s not-so-secret digital backbone.

🏆 Top clicks of the week

Monday - Horizon offers $25k to to pursue Radiation Therapy career
Tuesday - Port City Power to relaunch pro basketball team
Wednesday - Last call for North End development public meetings
Thursday - SJ Today guide to Fundy Winterfest

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🍿 Poppn is back in the North End

Don’t be mad at us if you acquire a new addiction this weekend.

Poppn quietly reopened in the North End at the end of December and, according to owner Mark Curran, it’s been “rocking ever since.” Opening day alone turned into “nine hours straight out the door,” which feels like a pretty strong welcome-back message from Saint John snack lovers.

Originally opened on the west side back in 2021, this time around, Mark says the focus is on the popcorn itself. “I take pride in the creation of stuff,” he says, and it shows. The menu goes well beyond the usual buttered bag.

Alongside the classics, Mark’s rolling out his own creations like Loaded Baked Potato popcorn and a Cinnabon-style flavour served with icing, plus hot dog and popcorn combo options for anyone chasing the full movie-night experience at home. “We’re a big part of family nights,” he says, whether that’s Netflix on the couch, game nights, or even a little treat on the way home from from a long day.

Poppn is now located at 229 Churchill Blvd, and Mark says being next to Dan’s Country Market just makes sense. “They’re a big anchor and do so much for the community.” The shop is open Monday to Wednesday from 11am to 6pm, Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 8pm, and closed Sundays.

With the new signage finally up, Mark says he’s feeling thankful more than anything for the local community that showed up from day one. “I’m just grateful for their support. I can’t get over how they’ve had our back. They support local and they’re willing to try new stuff.” If you’re planning a visit, don’t wait too long. Poppn sold out this past Saturday and the doors are closed on Sunday.

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What we’re doing this weekend!

❄️ Don’t forget, we’ve got a free complete guide to Fundy Winterfest available here. ❄️

FRIDAY

Rhys Nicholson Huge Big Party Congratulations | January 16
Australian stand-up favourite Rhys Nicholson brings their award-winning show to Saint John for a night of sharp, smart, and very funny comedy at the Imperial Theatre. This is Nicholson’s first Canadian tour, with plenty of observations about the world, the times we’re living in, and everything in between. Showtime is 7:30pm. Tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for members.

Comedy Night at Fusion East Taproom | January 16
Kick off the weekend with a comedy night at Fusion East Taproom, hosted by Zophia Aldred. Expect a lineup of comedians, casual taproom vibes, and plenty of laughs in a relaxed setting. The show runs for about two hours and pairs well with a pint or two from the taps. Doors open ahead of the show at East Point Shopping.

SATURDAY

2nd Annual Cookie Crawl | January 17
❄️ For $20, cookie lovers can check in at the Hampton Visitor Information Centre, grab a map and cookie box, and make their way through town collecting treats from participating businesses. Advance tickets are required, and all 12 cookies must be collected by 3pm.

The Southern Comfort Band at Market Square | January 17
Market Square’s atrium fills with live music as The Southern Comfort Band takes the stage for a relaxed afternoon set. Grab a drink from the atrium bar, wander the shops, and settle in for some easy listening and familiar tunes. Music runs from 2–4pm and there’s no cover, making it an easy winter weekend stop.

Come Together for the KV Food Basket | January 17
This community-focused music night returns to the Imperial Theatre with a live Beatles tribute performed by a nine-piece band of local musicians. The concert raises funds for the Kennebecasis Valley Food Basket and starts at 7:30pm.

SUNDAY

Colin Friars Travel Writing Workshop and Slideshow | January 18
Travel stories take centre stage at The Write Cup Bookstore Cafe as author Colin Friars shares highlights from his journey from Maine to Georgia. The afternoon includes a talk, slideshow, Q&A, and book signing. It runs 1–3pm.

Winter Pups on the Patio | January 18
❄️ Hampton Brewing Co. is welcoming winter-loving pups and their humans for an afternoon hangout. Expect on-leash dogs, happy hour pints, treats and water for the four-legged guests, and a laid-back winter patio vibe. There’s no cover and the event runs from 2–4pm, making it an easy excuse to get outside and socialize.

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📍 On Wednesday we shared this pic of a local art installation. It is called Sea Forms by Bonnie & Jack Massey and can be found in the lobby of Market Square/Trade & Convention Centre (right by the payphone bank). Shout out to Adrienne M., Jenn B., Diana A., Kate W., and Peggy W., who knew right where it is!

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Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who celebrates in January.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher