Good morning, Saint John! If the spring time change stole an hour of your weekend, the good news is the payoff starts today. It’s the first evening of the year the sun sticks around past 7pm…now we’re just waiting on the snowbanks to get the memo.
In todays edition:
⚡ Power bills climbing faster
🛍️ JYSK finally opens Saturday
☘️ Irish breakfast for L’Arche
Let’s get into it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
💡 Power bills rising faster than income
If it feels like your power bill has been creeping up lately, a new report suggests you’re not imagining it. The Human Development Council says electricity costs in New Brunswick have risen 21% since 2021, while incomes haven’t kept pace. The report also found about 1 in 7 NB Power customers were behind on their bills in March 2025. The findings come just as NB Power heads into rate hearings this week seeking a 4.75% increase. You can read the full report here.
🚧 Warming up for construction season
The cones are stretching, the spray paint is getting shaken and yes… construction season is just around the corner. This year, three uptown streets are on the list for major work.
Charlotte Street (Queen Square North to Princess) is expected to see a full rebuild starting in May and running into October, while Sydney Street (Broad to St. James) will undergo water, sewer and street reconstruction from spring through August. Canterbury Street (Princess to Queen) is scheduled for storm sewer work and a rebuild from late June through September.
Needless to say, the south end will be a fun place to get around this summer.
The City is holding a public information session Wednesday, March 11 from 3–7pm at Trinity Anglican Church (115 Charlotte Street) for residents and businesses who want a closer look at what’s coming.
LOCAL BUSINESS
🛏️ JYSK finally opening
After announcing plans to open on Lancaster Avenue back in August 2023, JYSK has finally set a grand opening date. The new 25,000-square-foot store at 384 Lancaster Ave. will open Saturday, March 14. The location will also be the company’s first store in New Brunswick and is expected to create about 25 jobs, which means it won’t be long before half the city owns the same Scandinavian-looking bed sheets. And if you’re wondering how to actually tell people where you bought that new pillow sham… it’s pronounced “yisk.”
THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS
⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting - March 9 | 6pm
$214K in community grants headed to local groups - Council will consider awarding $214,000 through the City’s Community Grants Program to 29 non-profit organizations supporting arts, recreation, newcomer services, and community events across Saint John.
Sewer work tied to Sunnyside Acres housing project - Council will consider allowing new sewer infrastructure through an existing easement off Rothesay Avenue to service the Sunnyside Acres transitional housing development, which is expected to house up to 70 residents.
Fernhill Cemetery land could be rezoned for commercial use - A public hearing will consider a proposal to carve off an unused portion of Fernhill Cemetery along Rothesay Avenue for future commercial development.
Meeting starts at 6pm at City Hall, with the public welcome in person or watch live on the City’s website or Rogers TV.
🏛️ Rothesay Council Meeting - March 9 | 7pm
New five-year strategic plan up for discussion - Council will review the proposed Rothesay Strategic Plan for 2026–2031, outlining the Town’s priorities and direction for the next five years.
Holland Hills rezoning back on the agenda - A proposed rezoning and development agreement for 15–17 Chapel Road is set to be removed from the table for council consideration after earlier reviews by the Planning Advisory Committee.
Arena equipment replacement planned - Council will review a report on replacing the dehumidifier system at the Rothesay Arena, a key piece of equipment that helps maintain ice conditions inside the facility.
Infrastructure upgrades on the docket - Reports are also expected on SCADA system upgrades related to water and utility monitoring, as well as work tied to the TH90-1 well access road.
Meeting begins at 7pm in the Town Hall Common Room, with the public welcome to attend.
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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!
MONDAY
Learn to Cross Stitch | March 9
Looking for a hobby that doesn’t involve staring at your phone for two more hours? Wicked Stitch of the East is hosting a beginner cross stitch class Monday, March 9 from 7-9pm at Hampton Brewing Co. in Hampton. It’s $60 plus tax, all supplies are included, and spots are limited. The workshop is aimed at anyone who wants to learn the basics and leave knowing what they’re doing.
TUESDAY
100 Women Who Care of Greater Saint John March Meeting | March 10
100 Women Who Care of Greater Saint John holds its first meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, March 10 from 5:30-6:30pm at the Delta by Marriott in Saint John. Members and guests are invited to gather, hear short pitches from three charities, and vote on where that night’s collective donation will go. Guests can attend by registering and making a one-time $100 contribution to see how the group works.
WEDNESDAY
Hampton High Seed Swap | March 11
Hampton High School’s Garden and Greenhouse group is holding its annual Seed Swap on Wednesday, March 11 from 4-5:30pm inside the school’s learning commons. Gardeners can bring seeds to share or just show up and browse what’s there, with flowers, vegetables, herbs, annuals, and perennials expected. A free-will offering at the door supports the school garden and greenhouse, which feels like a pretty good deal for future tomatoes.
THURSDAY
Saint John Region Seasonal Employment Job Fair | March 12
Envision Saint John is hosting a seasonal employment job fair on Thursday, March 12 from 11am-1:30pm at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal. The event is meant for people looking for temporary work and employers gearing up for the busy season, with businesses from several sectors expected on site. Community partners including WorkingNB, Immigration New Brunswick, The Work Room, and the Saint John Newcomers Centre will also be there to help job seekers make connections.
SATURDAY
The 36th Annual Irish Breakfast | March 14
O’Leary’s Pub hosts its 36th Annual Irish Breakfast on Saturday, March 14 from 9am-1pm at 46 Princess Street in Saint John. The event supports L’Arche Saint John and includes live performances by Comhaltas, with food provided by Big Tide Brewing Co. Breakfast is $14 for adults and $10 for children. If your ideal Saturday involves pancakes, music, and leaning hard into St. Patrick’s season before noon, here you go.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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SIDE NOTES
🌅 7:48am | 🌇 7:22pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 4:20 AM(Mon 09 March) | 7.32 m(24.02 ft) |
Low Tide | 10:39 AM(Mon 09 March) | 1.58 m(5.18 ft) |
High Tide | 4:46 PM(Mon 09 March) | 6.91 m(22.67 ft) |
Low Tide | 10:57 PM(Mon 09 March) | 1.95 m(6.4 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who has a little Spring in their step this morning 🌷
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher