⚠️ No joyrides on city streets

Good morning Saint John! Always remember: the early bird might get the worm. But the second mouse gets the cheese. 🐭🧀

Shout-out to John Watt, the 8th person to hit our 3rd-tier referral reward! He picked Catapult uptown and will be enjoying free coffee and snacks on us. Want in? Share your personal referral code…it’s right above the tide times below. 

In todays edition:

• Regional Y hits double digits 🎂

• Cops campaign against ATVs on city streets 🚓

• Busy week for councils across the region 📝

Let’s dive into another exciting week!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🏋️‍♂️Saint John Regional Y turns 10

The Saint John Regional Y is turning 10 this week, and instead of cake they’re serving up a global fashion show, Brazilian BBQ, live music, and open-house fun.

Since opening on Churchill Boulevard in 2015, the Y has welcomed newcomers, mentored youth, built partnerships like the Irving Oil Field House, and grown to 21 program sites across southwestern New Brunswick. In short, it’s been a decade of sweating, learning, and community building.

The celebration happens Thursday, September 11 from 4–8pm (with speeches at 6 and BBQ from 5:30–7:30). Admission’s free, no membership required.

🏍️ Saint John cops put the brakes on joyrides

If your weekend fun involved dirt bikes or ATVs cruising city streets, expect a polite but firm chat from the Saint John Police this September. Officers are rolling out a month-long Off-Road Vehicle Education and Enforcement Campaign to remind everyone that streets aren’t racetracks.

The campaign includes safety tips, helmet checks, gear reminders, and a public meeting Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00 pm at Champlain Heights School for anyone who wants to talk all things off-road responsibly. Chief Bruce says it’s all about keeping the thrill outdoors and the streets safe.

So strap on a helmet, double-check the brakes, and maybe save the donuts for the trail.

🪑 Pull up a chair, help a patient

Starting today and running until September 14, some of your favourite local restaurants are saving the best seat in the house…and it comes with a side of good karma.

Chairs for Charity is the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation’s new initiative where one table at participating spots like Thandi, The Med, Splash Thai, Vito’s, and more will funnel proceeds straight into surgical care at the Regional.

It can be as simple as grabbing a drink or going full feast mode, every bite helps fund advanced tools and tech. Bonus: scan the QR code at the table for a shot at free flights with Pascan Aviation and the Saint John Airport.

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

🏛 Saint John Council Meeting | September 8, 6pm

• Housing for All update — Council will hear the latest on the city’s housing strategy, including ongoing efforts to address affordability and homelessness.

• Encampment motion — A notice of motion proposes city-wide encampment abatement and emergency powers, setting up a debate on how to respond to homelessness in public spaces.

• Solar energy project — Council will review a solar development item, continuing the push for clean energy growth in the city.

• Transit updates — Correspondence from the Transit Commission includes recommendations that could shape service and funding priorities.

• Democratic reform — Expect discussion around council composition and governance, as both correspondence and a councillor’s submission raise reform ideas.

See the full agenda. 

The meeting takes place in Council Chambers at City Hall at 6pm. Residents can attend in person, watch on Rogers TV, or via livestream.

🏛 Rothesay Council Meeting | September 8, 7pm

• Transit & safety request — Residents are calling for a new KV Go stop near Barsa and a pedestrian walkway on Dolan Road.

• Arthur Miller Fields — Rothesay Elementary School has asked council to consider upgrades or changes at the fields, which serve both students and the community.

• Bridlewood Estates — A 43-lot subdivision proposal is on the table, which could shape future growth and traffic in the area.

• Wiljac Street extension — Council will consider purchasing property needed to move this long-discussed road project forward.

• Police presence in Wells — A request for added RCMP coverage in the Wells area will be reviewed.

See the full agenda. 

The meeting takes place at Rothesay Town Hall at 7pm. 

🏛 Grand Bay–Westfield Council Meeting | September 8, 7pm

• Radon test results — The Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists will share findings from the community’s 100-test kit challenge, highlighting local indoor air safety.

• Snow control plan — Council will review how the town is preparing for snow clearing and winter road safety this season.

• Facility refund policy — A proposed update could change how refunds are handled for community centre and recreation bookings.

• New equipment borrowing — Council will consider applying to the Municipal Capital Borrowing Board for funds to purchase a tandem plow and fire truck equipment.

• Town finances — Q2 reports for general revenue and sewerage services are up for review.

See the full agenda

The meeting takes place at the Community Centrum (Grand Bay Room) at 7pm. Residents can attend in person or watch via livestream.

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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!

TUESDAY

Come From Away | September 9-14
The wait is finally over…this iconic Broadway hit lands in Saint John this week. Performed by a stage full of New Brunswick talent (including Broadway’s Tony LePage), Come From Away shares the true story of a Newfoundland town that opened its doors to stranded travelers after 9/11. Heartfelt, funny, and unforgettable, it runs all week at Imperial Theatre with added shows on Sept. 9 and 14.

WEDNESDAY

Building Community Gala | September 10
L’Arche Saint John marks its 20th anniversary with a gala evening at the Delta. Guests will hear from the Honourable Graydon Nicholas, Wolastoqey Elder and lifelong advocate for Indigenous rights and reconciliation, while enjoying a three-course dinner, silent auction, and even a live painting created on the spot by local artist Lana Langille. The evening starts with a 5pm reception and promises to be a night full of connection and celebration.

THURSDAY

Pitch the Publisher | September 11-20
Got a book idea in your back pocket? The Write Cup Bookstore Café is hosting a series of workshops to help local authors sharpen their craft and connect with publishers. From writing synopses to editing essentials, pitch practice, and even a free First Chapter Book Fair, it’s nine days of insider tips and inspiration. Sessions run September 11-20, with something for every aspiring writer in Saint John.

SATURDAY

Rides @ Rockwood | September 13
The 11th annual Rides @ Rockwood car show rolls into Rockwood Park this Saturday, with a rain date on Sunday (Sept. 14). Expect everything from classic VW Bugs to jacked-up Jeeps, muscle cars, and Chopper-style motorcycles. Stick around for the burnout competition at the end…it’s a crowd favorite. Keep an eye out for updates, and enjoy a fun, car-filled day while supporting ProKids, Operation Feed SJ, and the park itself.

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SIDE NOTES

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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

TUESDAY
Fusion East Taproom | Karaoke with Michelle Stewart | 7pm

WEDNESDAY
Wasted Day Brewing | Jazz Weekly Unwind | 7pm

Submit your live music listings here

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone and get closer to some free coffee! ☕

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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