⏳ One more chance today

Good morning, Saint John! The Habs are moving on. Game 7 win last night, round two ahead, and now the only Canadian team left standing. Which means Leafs fans, Bruins fans…yeah, we see you. Go ahead, say it…go habs!

In today’s edition:

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🏒 Saint John’s new home for ball hockey

After years of grinding it out on concrete, the game’s finally getting a proper barn. A new $4 million facility from Knapper opens May 14, built around specialized deck tile flooring designed specifically for ball hockey.

The setup includes both an indoor and outdoor rink, along with change rooms, a bar, and adjustable nets for smaller formats. There’s also room in the design to add another indoor surface down the line.

While ball hockey is the focus, the space isn’t limited to it. There’s already interest from groups involved in roller derby, roller hockey, and pickleball looking to book time.

🏥 St. Joe’s urgent care tweaks its hours

The Urgent Care Centre at St. Joseph’s Hospital is adjusting its posted hours starting Today (May 4), now running 8:30am to 8pm, seven days a week.

The change lines up posted hours with when patients can actually register and be seen. Doors open at 8:30am, with final registration at 8pm.

Horizon says there’s no reduction in service here. Staffing, physician coverage, and level of care all stay the same, this just clears up when people can expect to be treated.

🗳️ One more shot at early voting

We’re one week from election day, and if you’re itching to get it done, today’s the day.

Advance polls are open 10am to 8pm across New Brunswick, marking the second and final day to vote ahead of the May 11 municipal elections. It’s the option for anyone looking to avoid the usual election day rush or just check it off the list early.

Voter cards have been landing in mailboxes, and while they’re not required, bringing one can help speed things along. There’s also the option to vote by special ballot at returning offices if that works better.

💡Find your local voting location here

Still deciding? We’ve got Q&As with candidates from across the Saint John Region, all in one place and updated as responses come in.

⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting - May 4 | 6pm

North End plan moves to adoption - Council will take the next step on a 20-year plan guiding growth, with room for up to 11,800 new homes and major redevelopment across the North End.

Causeway upgrade on the table - A $19.2M project would raise the Courtenay Bay Causeway, cut it to two lanes, add a multi-use trail, and help protect against future flooding.

St. Peter’s field funding in play - Council will consider a $175K contribution toward long-awaited upgrades, pending the rest of the funding coming together.

City sets rules for AI use - A new policy would allow staff to use AI tools with strict rules around privacy, accuracy, and human oversight.

Long-term financial plan up for approval - The City’s 10-year roadmap will guide spending, debt, and infrastructure priorities.

See the full agenda.

Meeting starts at 6pm at City Hall, with the public welcome in person or watching live on Rogers TV or via live stream.

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Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!

MONDAY

Retro Film – A Streetcar Named Desire | May 4
The Imperial Theatre screens the 1951 classic starring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando on Monday at 7pm, bringing Blanche DuBois’ tense arrival in New Orleans to the big screen. It runs just over two hours and tickets are $10.

TUESDAY

The New Maritime Battlespace | May 5
A conference at the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal on Tuesday from 5:30-9pm explores Canada’s evolving naval landscape, with panels on emerging threats and technology plus a keynote from the Commander of Canada’s Atlantic Fleet.

WEDNESDAY

Wicks & Wildflowers | May 6
Five and Dime hosts this candle-making night Wednesday from 6-8pm, where participants press dried flowers into taper candles, enjoy a drink, and leave with a finished piece—no experience required.

Quilting with Murphy | May 6
A weekly sewing session runs Wednesday from 11am-2pm on Rockcliffe Street, where attendees bring their own materials and get hands-on guidance while working on personal projects for $8.

THURSDAY

Comedy Misfits | May 7
Touring comedians take over Five and Dime Thursday at 7pm for a 90-minute, 19+ stand-up show featuring offbeat, unfiltered sets from performers visiting from across Canada.

FRIDAY

Saint John Gallery Hop | May 8
Galleries across uptown Saint John stay open late Friday from 4-7pm (with some later hours), giving visitors a chance to walk between locations and take in local art in one evening.

SATURDAY

Spring & Mother’s Day Market | May 9
The Porch in Hampton hosts this vendor market Saturday from 10am-3pm, bringing together local sellers and shoppers for a day of browsing, gifts, and early Mother’s Day finds.

Mother’s Day Maker Workshop | May 9
A kids-focused sewing workshop runs Saturday from 1-4pm, where participants create handmade gifts, wrap them on-site, and leave with a ready-to-give surprise for Mother’s Day.

SUNDAY

Queen Square Farmers Market Opening Day | May 10
The Queen Square Farmers Market opens its season Sunday from 9am-2pm, bringing local vendors, food, and shoppers back to the square for weekly outdoor markets.

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s rockin their Habs gear today 👏.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher