😳 Oh Snow You Didn’t

Good morning Saint John! Hope you got your winter tires on because we’ve got our first bit of snow today…a couple of centimetres before it changes to rain. So not enough for a snowman, but the wind will be strong enough to steal your hat. ❄️

In todays edition:

• Give us all the cookies this week 🍪

• SJ Council meets tonight 🍿

• Lighting up the tree in KV 🎄

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🍪 Sweet Start to the Week

Smile Cookie Week starts today, which means Saint John gets a full seven days of eating cookies for a cause. Every grin-covered treat you grab at city Tim Hortons locations supports the Harbour Lights Campaign as they keep 16 local food banks stocked through the hardest winter stretch.

And if you’re grabbing yours in KV, proceeds there fuel the new Rothesay Intergenerational Community Complex.

🛁 Spa Days Ahead at the Algonquin

The Algonquin in St. Andrews is getting a major renovation. InnVest is rolling out a multi-year transformation of the historic hotel, including new rooms, updated dining spaces, a spruced-up lobby, and a full Nordic spa called Usva by-the-Sea opening in 2026.

The redesign stretches into 2027, and the team behind it says they’re aiming for coastal luxury while keeping the character that makes the place special.  As long as the Right Whale Pub stays open and we can still spend evenings in the hall by the fire and listening to people try to play piano, it’ll still be classic gonk. 

📱Phones Will Scream Wednesday

If your phone suddenly screams at you this week, don’t panic…it’s just the Alert Ready test. This Wednesday (Nov. 19) at 10:55 am, New Brunswick will run a check of the public alert system. Your TV, radio, and compatible wireless devices will buzz, beep, or flash a big red screen with the message: “This is a test. No action required.” Consider it a mid-morning reminder that yes, technology can yell at you for a good reason.

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THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting | November 17, 6pm

Housing For All update — Two new Green Zone sites are open, one already filled for the holidays, while staff continue tracking Red Zone encampments and supports. The city’s housing plan is moving fast—and raising questions.

Crematorium zoning — Council will weigh a proposal to allow a crematorium in a medium industrial zone. Neighbours and city-watchers are already buzzing about whether this is the right spot.

Fort Howe and Robertson’s Square — Councillor Ogden wants to reopen Rockland Road to Fort Howe, create a Wabanaki-Crown Friendship Treaty site, and revive the wharf at Robertson’s Square.

Community grants shake-up — Council is revamping the grants program with new eligibility rules and funding limits. Longtime recipients may lose operational funding, stirring debate in local non-profits.

See the full agenda.

The meeting takes place in the Common Council Chamber at City Hall at 6pm. Attend in person or watch on Rogers TV or via livestream.

Still haven’t taken our survey?

Hey, it’s Geoff popping in with a big thanks to the hundreds of you who’ve already filled out the SJ Today readers survey. You are the reason this thing works.

If you haven’t jumped in yet, here’s your gentle nudge. It’s a quick 4 minutes and helps this publication be sharper, smarter, and more useful for your mornings.

And yes — we’re still giving away a $100 gift card to Italian By Night. We’ll name the winner at the end of the week, but you’ve gotta enter to win.

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!

WEDNESDAY

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting | November 19
Quispamsis kicks off the holiday season with its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Arts & Culture Park. Check out the new Holiday Dreamland LED display, sip a hot drink (bring your own mug!), nibble on light refreshments, and say hi to Santa. The evening runs 6:30-7:30pm, with a backup date on November 20 at 6:30pm in case of severe weather. Fun and free for the whole family.

THURSDAY

30 Years of PLBO | November 20
The Point Lepreau Bird Observatory is marking three decades of watching Bay of Fundy seabirds do their thing, and they’re inviting everyone who’s been part of the flock. Past and present volunteers, partners, and bird nerds will gather for snacks and a talk from Jim Wilson, plus a little reminiscing about 30 years of migration magic. Happens 6–8:30pm.

FRIDAY

Christmas Market at the Public Gardens | November 21–December 7If you love a good holiday wander, the Public Gardens are going full Hallmark with three heated greenhouses packed with local makers, treats, mulled wine, and the big guy in red. It’s the former Rockwood Park market, now with even more twinkle. Hours vary by day, but they’re open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

SATURDAY

Live Music with Landline | November 22
Get ready to dance and sing along as Landline takes the stage at Kennebecasis Legion Branch 58. Doors open at 7pm and the fun runs 8-11pm. Cover is $15 or $10 for members, and everyone is welcome…this is a true community night out. Grab your friends, your dancing shoes, and enjoy some live music in Rothesay.

Got an Event to Share?

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone waiting for the snow to fly 🛷.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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