🏛️ City Hall Now Has Fudge

Good morning Saint John! On this day in 1883, we joined the rest of the Maritimes in accepting Standard Time. It was also the day a Maritime phrase was born…Bout friggin’ time.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• Cruise season sets new SJ record 🛳️

• Pigeon Brewing wins Best of Fest 🍻

• Saint John to host Innovation Awards 💡

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

👔 City names temporary boss

Saint John’s city hall gets a new short-term leader. Long time city veteran, Kevin Fudge is stepping in as Interim CAO on December 12.

Fudge has been with the city for 18 years in roles including CFO, Chief of Staff, finance, and water. With Brent McGovern moving on, Fudge will keep the city running while council searches for the next permanent leader.

Mayor Reardon calls him a “tremendous asset” and praises McGovern for leaving the city in better shape than he found it.

🛳️ Cruise season sails out with a record crowd

Saint John officially wrapped its 2025 cruise season when the Crystal Serenity pulled away earlier this month, marking the end of a year where we met more visitors than King Square sees pigeons. Port Saint John logged 83 ship visits, its busiest year ever, with 196,626 passengers and more than 81,000 crew stepping onto our cobblestones between April and November.

Five ships made their first-ever Bay of Fundy stop, including Virgin Voyages, and the fall rush hit wild levels: 15 ships in five days thanks to a mix of scheduled calls and a few hurricane detours. Port staff say the whole local tourism industry aced the rush and kept the welcome mat warm all season long.

🏘️ City invests in more affordable housing 

Saint John’s Affordable Housing Grant program is back with applications open until January 16, 2026. So far it’s helped fund 132 new affordable or supported units across the city and continues to offer cash incentives for developers and non-profits tackling housing gaps. Non-profits can get up to $10,000 per unit, private developers up to $8,000, with extra bonus funds for projects that break new ground.

Projects must propose at least 5 units, show proof of government support, and wrap construction by April 2027. The grant committee starts reviewing in December, with funding released quarterly until the 2025 budget is spent.

💡 Innovation Awards Nominees Announced

The InnovateNB Celebration & Awards has officially released its list of nominees across nine categories, highlighting everyone from startup founders to researchers shaping the province’s tech future. The big event lands in Saint John on Thursday, Nov. 27 at the Trade and Convention Centre, where finalists will be celebrated during a formal dinner featuring storytelling and a keynote speaker. Nominations are in, and tickets are on sale now.

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LOCAL BUSINESS
Pigeon Brewing takes Home the big hop🍺 

If you saw a giant hop trophy being carried down Water Street on Saturday night, that was Pigeon Brewing celebrating a Best of the Fest win at Saint John Beer Fest. The new brewery is a collaboration between three familiar names in the Saint John hospitality scene: Jordan Delany of Woodchucks, Moe Arsenault of Rocky’s and Beer Bread, and Chris Grannan of Grannan’s and Churchill’s.

Their Water Street brewery is tucked away, where brewmaster Alyssa Donaldson keeps things bubbling. Their lineup includes the Pigeon Pale Ale, Pigeon Light, Pigeon Blonde brewed with real pineapple mash and the Paul Grannan Lager…and they were the crowd favourite this year scoring the most votes.

Beer Fest itself delivered the full show: breweries from across NB, carnival games, aerialists spinning above the crowd and Loosey Goosey on the decks for an atmosphere that had everyone raving. The event also raised funds for Rehabitat. Managing Director Dustin Leclerc says the money will support the organization’s work in creating stable, affordable housing for local families and individuals.

Big night for local beer. Big win for Pigeon. And the countdown begins to next year.

Council Meetings

⚖️ Quispamsis Town Council | November 18, 6pm

Quispamsis council is back in session to tackle town business, though the agenda hasn’t been posted yet.

The agenda should be posted here sometime today. You can attend in person at Town Hall or watch via live stream.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Belding Hill Farms Christmas Market | Nov 21 – Dec 14
Step into a Hallmark-worthy holiday at Belding Hill Farms just outside Hampton! This European-style outdoor market features nearly 50 local artisan huts, cozy fires, festive lights, and friendly farm animals. Sip hot cider or Glühwein, grab wood-fired pizza, and snap a photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Fridays 4-9pm, Saturdays 12-9pm. Admission at the gate: $14 adults, $9 kids 4–12, free under 4.

Christmas Daddies Donation Drive | November 21
Shadow Security Group is teaming up with Christmas Daddies at the City Market to collect cash, cans, and bottles for local kids in need. You can drop by on November 21, November 27, or December 4 to donate. Every contribution goes right back to Saint John families, helping provide food, toys, and gifts this holiday season. An easy way to make a big difference.

Autumn Empowerment Qigong Workshop | November 29
Join Arlene Wilkinson at 200 Carmarthen St. for a seasonal Qigong workshop designed to reduce stress, relax muscles, and boost your energy. Gentle movements, controlled breathing, healing sounds, and self-massage make it easy for all levels. Open to all ages, this free workshop is part of Chroma’s senior-led series.

Christmas Memories | December 2
Kick off December with the Carleton Choristers at Portland United Church, 70 Newport Cres. at 7:30 pm. Directed by Christopher Lane and accompanied by Claire Driscoll, they’ll fill the evening with a mix of festive favourites. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 students, free for kids 11 and under, grab them at the door or from a chorister. 

Choral Christmas Concert | December 6
Cantores Celestes Maritimes and the Saint John Men’s Chorus bring a festive program of Christmas choral music to Stella Maris Church at 7pm. Expect everything from Britten’s Ceremony of Carols to Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, plus strings, percussion, and collaborative accompaniments. General admission $25, wheelchair accessible, with $500 donated to a local charity. Tickets via email or online.

That’s Christmas to Me | Wednesday, December 10
Lift Community Choir is back with festive cheer at St Mark’s United Church, 50 Dexter Drive. Expect your favourite holiday tunes and heartwarming harmonies at 7:30 pm, with a reception to follow. Admission is by donation, or reserve your seat online. A perfect way to kick off the season with music and community.

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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