😬 Overcrowded and over portables

Good morning Saint John! Turns out hangovers hit raccoons too. A Kentucky nurse saved a tipsy trash panda with chest compressions after it passed out in a dumpster full of fermented peaches. Bet he’s calling in sick this morning…😵

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• City says no to tents in these locations 🏕️

• Sam-de-Cham bursting at the seams 🏫

• Sign up, show up, don't wait! 📝

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🚫 Drawing the red lines

Saint John is getting serious about where tents can (and can’t) pop up. At last night’s council meeting, the City rolled out “Red Zones”...no-go areas including schools, daycares, playgrounds, splash pads, Harbour Passage, cemeteries, and anywhere within 200m of a Green Zone. These restrictions come alongside the City’s Green Zones, like Neighbourly Homes on Egbert Street and the upcoming Thorne Avenue site, which offer structured transitional housing options. This is all part of the city’s Housing for All Strategy, pairing restrictions with support and transitional housing options already in place.

📚 Too many kids, not enough classrooms

Parents at Centre scolaire Samuel-de-Champlain say their kids are running out of room. With more than 225 students over capacity, classrooms have spilled into portables, storage rooms, and even bathrooms. It’s gotten so tight that nearly a quarter of Grade 8s are heading off to anglophone schools instead. Families want the province to green-light an expansion by December, but so far, the project sits ninth on the government’s priority list. At an open house, parents even built the school out of LEGO to show just how badly they need more bricks and mortar.

🌲 Trails are back on track

Turns out a soggy weekend was just what the doctor ordered…Saint John’s parks and trails are officially open again. But before you pack a picnic, know this: the province-wide burn ban is still in full swing. That means no BBQs, no campfires, no fireworks, and definitely no testing your new propane flame-thrower. Fire crews can hand out fines ranging from $140 to $2,100, so maybe stick to trail mix for now.

Following the city’s announcement yesterday, the province eased things a bit: controlled burning is now allowed between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., thanks to some weekend rain and fewer active wildfires. There are still nine fires across the province, including a 456-hectare blaze in Northumberland County, so don’t get too carried away. Stay up to date on provincial burn notices here.

🚲 GBW wants your two cents on two wheels

Grand Bay–Westfield is cooking up an Active Transportation Plan and they want locals to help shape it. So, how do you like to get around…walking, biking, rolling, or otherwise? The quick survey takes about five minutes and runs until September 14. Fill it out online or pop by Town Hall on River Valley Drive. It’s your chance to pave the way for a safer, smoother commute.

🛳️ A little ship sails in

The cruise ship Insignia is in port today with up to 685 visitors. She’s on the smaller side compared to some of the floating cities we’ve seen this summer. I can’t help wondering… would they all fit in the bandstand at King Square if everyone squeezed in real tight? Luckily, most of them will be spreading out a bit while exploring the region today.

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EVENTS
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Registration Round-up
Fall is coming fast, and so are all the things you’ll want to sign up for. From sports leagues to art festivals, dance classes, and volunteer opportunities, now’s the time to lock in your spot. Here’s a few things that caught our eye.

Healing HeARTs Art Therapy Group | September 16 – October 28
Youth ages 14-17 who are navigating the loss of a parent, sibling, or close friend can join Healing HeARTs, a 6-week art therapy program designed to explore grief and process emotions in a supportive group setting. Facilitated by art therapist Alisha D'Souza and social worker Emma Brideau, the sessions run 4:30-6:30 PM at KV Oasis in Quispamsis. Supper is included and registration is required; accepted participants will be contacted by September 10. No art experience needed.

Lancaster Minor Hockey Registration Open | Until September 21
LMHA is now accepting registrations for the 2025-26 season! Coed hockey is available from U7 to U18, with spots filling fast and some divisions already at capacity. Late fees apply after September 21. Goalies and returning players have special rates, and financial aid options are available. Tryouts for U11-U18 run September 28–October 13. Register early to secure your spot and avoid the waitlist: [email protected].

50+ Dance Class with Heather Allen | September 22
Get moving at your own pace with this free dance class for adults 50+ at Rothesay Town Hall (Rothesay HIVE), 70 Hampton Rd. Led by Heather Allen of Danceability, sessions focus on gentle movement, simple steps, and joyful expression, no experience needed. Build confidence, improve balance, and have fun in a relaxed, social setting. Registration required: email [email protected] to save your spot.

Fall Intro League with Saint John Ultimate | September 23 – October 28
Looking to try ultimate frisbee? Saint John Ultimate’s Intro League is back this fall for new or newer players with less than two years of experience. Each Tuesday from 7–9 PM at the Irving Oil Field House, you’ll spend an hour learning skills and rules, then put them to the test in a scrimmage.

QSFM Fine Craft Festival Calls Artists and Volunteers | October 18
Queen Square Farmers Market is gearing up for its Fine Craft Festival on Saturday, October 18, 9 AM–3 PM (rain date October 25) in historic Queen Square. Local artists can apply to showcase their work, and volunteers are needed to help on-site, promote the festival, or distribute posters. Don’t wait, spots are limited. Learn more and register early!

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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

THURSDAY
Fusion East Taproom | Shine Light Music | 7pm
O’Leary’s | Fundy Sea Shanty Night with Before the Mast | 7pm
O’Leary’s | Sarahtonein (Front Stage) | 9pm

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who saves the fermented peaches for the weekend 🍑.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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