📬 Postcards to Council

Good morning Saint John! Spooky season is officially creeping in, and we’re on the hunt for the best Halloween happenings over the next couple of weeks. Haunted houses, trunk-or-treats, pumpkin pandemonium, you name it. Know of an event or have a killer yard display in your neighbourhood? Hit reply and send it our way, we want to see it all! 👻

In todays edition:

• King Street buses roll again 🚏

• $4.4M jolt for local youth 🚀

• Fall Fest schedule is ridiculous 🍁

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🚌 Transit Is Back Uptown

Good news, Uptown riders: starting today (October 20), King Street bus stops are back in action. Kings Square North, King Street, and City Hall are open again…plus a new stop at Kings Square South by the Admiral Beatty.

North and west buses will hang at Kings Square North, south and east buses across from City Hall. Temporary stops on Water Street and King Street East are retiring. Watch for more pedestrians and enjoy the ride!

🎓 Saint John youth get a boost with READY

Saint John’s young people are getting a new launchpad. The Saint John Learning Exchange has kicked off READY, a three-year, $4.4-million program designed to help 200 local youth aged 15–29 get back into school, training, or work. READY pairs hands-on learning, direct employer connections, trades opportunities, and mental health supports, all built with input from youth themselves.

It’s about giving youth the tools, connections, and confidence to step into meaningful careers.

⚡ Saint John’s power utility plots path to carbon-free 

Saint John Energy’s Zero30 initiative has caught national attention. The utility’s plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2030 while keeping electricity affordable was named a 2026 Clean50 Top Project last week. The roadmap mixes local renewable generation, battery storage, and smart-grid upgrades, and includes input from community and Indigenous partners. Launched in 2023, Zero30 builds on existing projects like the Burchill Wind Project and New Brunswick’s largest solar hub, the Menahqesk Kisuh Energy Hub, set for 2027.

Mini-putt madness hits Uptown ⛳

Big shout-out to everyone who joined the 31st Germain Street Open on Saturday! From Cowpolks to astronauts and Mario cart speedsters, Uptown was full of costumes, laughter, and 19 tricky holes. Congrats to all the teams, hosts, and spectators for making it a fun day and for supporting L’Arche Saint John while you were at it!

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting | October 20, 6pm

• Business improvement levy — Council will review the 2026 budget for the Business Improvement Area, which affects rates and services downtown.

• Mail delivery changes — A national postal workers rep has written to the council about looming changes to local mail service.

• ORV complaints — There’s a letter in the package raising concerns about off-road vehicles using municipal parks.

• Solar development — Council will vote on final approval for a municipal plan and zoning change to allow a solar energy project.

• Street rules — A traffic by-law change on a downtown stretch of Sydney Street (Broad to St. James) is headed to third reading.

See the full agenda.

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

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

🍂 A week of fall fun in Grand Bay

Grand Bay-Westfield is rolling out the orange carpet this week for its fourth annual Fall Fest. Seven days of family-friendly fun, local shopping, and a little bit of everything: paint nights, free fitness classes, fire-rescue open houses, petting zoos, live music, Halloween skates, and even a witches-on-the-water parade. Snap some fall photos in Unity Park and support local businesses while you’re at it…there’s something for everyone this week. See the full lineup and specials here.

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

TUESDAY

The Greatest Play in the History of the World | October 21
Experience a night of love, wonder, and a touch of cosmic curiosity at the Saint John Theatre Company from 7:30-9:30pm, doors open at 7pm. Amanda Kellock stars in this one-actor monologue exploring what we want preserved for eternity, set on Preston Road and beyond. Tickets are $35. Limited accessible seating is available, call the box office to reserve. A thought-provoking, beautifully staged story you won’t forget.

WEDNESDAY

Toast the Town Business Awards | October 22
Hampton’s local business scene gets a night to shine at the Summit Center starting at 6pm. The Toast the Town Business Awards celebrate Small Business Week with finger foods, drinks, and plenty of mingling, no assigned seating, just casual connections and cheer. Tickets are sold out, but those on the waitlist might still snag a spot for this lively evening honoring the region’s standout businesses.

THURSDAY

Paint & Sip at The Porch | October 23
Get into the spooky spirit at The Porch with a Halloween-themed Paint & Sip from 6-8pm. No painting experience? No problem…step-by-step guidance will have you creating a festive ghost masterpiece while sipping handcrafted cocktails from Ole Foggy Distillery and Gridiron Brewing. Cozy, fun, and perfect for a night out with friends. Seats are limited, so grab your spot before they vanish.

Community Job Fair | October 23
The Kennebecasis Regional Police Force and KV Oasis are hosting a Community Job Fair at the McCluskey Brothers Conference Centre (Q-Plex) from 4-8pm. The event aims to support youth and families in finding meaningful work while building connections in the community. Stop by to meet local employers, explore opportunities, and take a step toward your next career move.

FRIDAY

Casino Night | October 24
Try your luck for a good cause at Exhibition Park from 7-10pm. The Knights of Columbus is hosting a Casino Night to support the Vocational Training Centre, helping adults with disabilities gain life and work skills. Enjoy $20,000 in casino play money, live music from Scott Mullin, special prizes, a silent auction, and a rotating photo booth. Tickets are $25…call or text 506-609-0499 to reserve your spot.

SATURDAY

Great Pumpkin Pet Party | October 25
Dress up your furry friends for a Halloween costume contest at the Saint John City Market from 12-3pm, with the contest starting at 2:30pm. Mayor Donna Reardon is one of the contest judges. Prizes include over $300 in goodies for first place and $100+ for second and third. Bring a donation for the SPCA to score a trick-or-treat bag full of toys and treats. Coffee, cuteness, and pumpkin vibes guaranteed for both pets and humans!

2025 Model Train Show | October 25
Train fans of all ages can explore modular layouts, popular scales, and even a Lego setup at the Quispamsis Lions Club from 9am-3pm. Vendors will have new and used model trains, rail cars, and accessories. Admission is $7, with kids under 12 free. A fun, hands-on day for hobbyists and families alike…all aboard for a miniature railway adventure!

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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

TUESDAY
Wasted Day Brewing | Everybody’s Party | 7pm

THURSDAY
O’Leary’s | Sarahtonein | 9pm

Submit your live music listings here

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows being uninformed is the scariest thing of all 🕷️.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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