🤔 This is new for Brunswick Square

Good morning, Saint John! We’ve been counting the days since January 22 and we’re finally here. Today is the first day of 2026 that’ll see sunlight past 8pm…which means we’re all suddenly outdoor people again 😎.

Here’s what else we’re shining light on today:

Have a bright Wednesday!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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💧 Quispamis is getting a $2M water boost

Big money is flowing into Quispamsis…with federal funding announced yesterday to upgrade the town’s water infrastructure.

The town is set to receive more than $2 million from the feds to expand its water system along Hampton Road, part of the bigger “Reimagine Hampton Road” plan. That includes new water infrastructure, plus a future rebuild of the corridor with a multiuse path and updated streetscape.

This project won’t just quench the thirst of existing residents, it’ll also help push ahead new housing and development projects tied to that stretch.

Quispamsis is one of the first communities in the country to land funding through the new federal program, with more projects expected to follow.

🚗 Keep them peepers on the road

If you’ve been sneaking a quick glance at your phone at a red light…this might be the week to cut that out.

Saint John Police Force are running a distracted driving crackdown from April 7 to 10, with officers out specifically looking for drivers who are doing anything but driving.

That includes the usual suspects…phones, screens, fiddling with controls…basically anything that pulls your attention off the road for even a few seconds.

The penalties aren’t light either. Fines, demerit points, and if things go sideways, much worse.

You’ll likely see more patrols around busy routes and intersections over the next few days, so if nothing else, consider it a good excuse to keep both hands on the wheel and your group chat unread.

⚾️ Alpines getting set for another summer

Baseball’s sneaking back into the city, and the Saint John Alpines are already eyeing a fresh start after last year’s third-place finish.

There’s a nice mix of familiar faces and local names to keep an eye on. Matt Beach is back roaming centre after a big year at the plate, and Haden Dow returns to the mound after one of those seasons people were still talking about weeks later. Jacob McCarthy steps in full-time, adding a bit more youth to the everyday lineup.

It won’t be long until local ball fans are back on the west side, settling into those warm (and often foggy) evening games at Memorial Field with something to cheer for again.

Opening day is May 18 at 1pm at Memorial Field against Fredericton.

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🍜 Pedway ramen is officially a thing

Something new is taking over that old John’s Convenience spot in Brunswick Square, and it’s not your typical grab-and-go setup.

RamenBox is setting up shop on the pedway level, built around a self-serve ramen concept where you grab what you want, tap your card, and make it yourself on-site. No counter, no lineup…just you, a bowl, and a pretty solid lunch option.

The space itself is part of the story. Owner Andrew Hutchinson says the goal was to turn one of the only spots with natural light into something more than just a quick stop. “I wanted to create a simple third-space for visitors,” he said, even keeping a bench setup for students to hang out at lunch.

He’s been working through a full gut of the former shop since getting the keys in March, calling the teardown “surprisingly fun,” which feels like a good sign for what’s coming next.

If all goes according to plan, you’ll be able to grab a bowl sometime this month.

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

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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.

Nursing Home Without Walls Meet and Greet | April 10
Anyone curious about what support is available for aging at home can drop into this free meet and greet in Grand Bay-Westfield. Nursing Home Without Walls will walk through their programs, what an assessment looks like, and how to get started, with time to ask questions and book appointments. It runs 2-3pm in the River Valley Room at the Community Centrum, 609 River Valley Drive, with entrance via the back parking lot.

D&D One-Shot Series | April 12 and 19
The Saint John Free Public Library is calling for adventurers ages 15 and up for a Level 5 one-shot campaign called The Wizard and Oz. Sessions run 12:30-4:30pm at the main branch, with characters and dice provided, so this is friendly for people who want the fun without hauling an entire backpack of goblin-related paperwork. Registration is required, and there are only six spots per date. Call 506-643-7236 to sign up.

Memory Café Grand Bay-Westfield | April 13
This free monthly program brings together people living with dementia and their families for an afternoon of connection, learning, and a bit of fun. Hosted by the Town’s Age-Friendly Committee in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick, it runs 2-4pm at the Community Centrum’s River Valley Room in Grand Bay-Westfield. It happens every second Monday of the month and is open to anyone who wants to drop in.

Spring Wine Tasting | April 14
Happinez Too is hosting a spring wine tasting with sommelier Craig Pinhey that leans fully into the season. The night starts with a sparkling welcome pour before moving through two curated flights, one focused on bright, aromatic whites and the other on lighter, fruit-forward reds. Snacks are paired throughout, making this less of a lecture and more of a relaxed night out. It starts at 6:30pm at 45 Canterbury Street.

What’s in the Box SJAC Fundraiser | April 16
The Saint John Arts Centre is bringing back its popular mystery art fundraiser with an evening built around food, drinks, and a little suspense. Guests can enter a draw for the chance to purchase a “mystery box” containing an original artwork donated by one of more than 50 local artists. The event runs 7-9pm, tickets are $100 with a $60 tax receipt, and all proceeds support local artists and programming at SJAC.

Comedy for a Cause | April 22
Five and Dime will host this United Way GenNext comedy fundraiser featuring Chanel Freire and a lineup of guest comics from around the Maritimes. It runs 7-9pm and mixes laughs with a little community-minded goodwill, which is a pretty solid combo for a Wednesday night.

AOK Comedy Show at the Library | April 25
A free afternoon comedy show is taking over the Saint John Free Public Library with hosts Adam Blanchard and Katelin Dean, plus headliner Chris Hovey. The show starts at 3pm, doors open at 2:30pm, and while it’s technically all ages, it’s recommended for ages 14 and up with parental guidance. Space is limited, so people need to reserve through the library.

Stride into Spring and Support Surgical Excellence | April 25
This one mixes fresh air, fundraising, and mild competitiveness at the UNBSJ track. Teams of two to six will have one hour to rack up as many relay laps as possible in support of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation’s Working Wonders campaign. It runs 10am-noon, costs $30 per person, and includes prizes for things like fastest lap, team spirit, and top fundraising effort.

May Day Tea | May 2
The PSAC Saint John Regional Women’s Committee is hosting a May Day Tea at Lily Lake Pavilion with this year’s theme, A woman’s place is in her union. PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa will be the keynote speaker, and proceeds will go to Hestia House. It starts at 2pm, tickets are $15 each or $100 for a table of eight, and the Ella and Frank Hatheway Labour Exhibit will be open afterward.

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

Watch this place 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 can spot this…er, spot, hit reply with your best guess. We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue.

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🌅 6:51am | 🌇 8:01pm

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-Geoff Walsh, Publisher