Good morning, Saint John! Don’t let the Monday blues get you down. It’s National Puppy Day, which feels like a pretty solid excuse to call in sick and hang with your dog… or at the very least start asking some questions about office pet policies.
In todays edition:
Ballots filling fast across the city 🧾
Big power plans ramping up ⚡
West side roundabout finally happening 🔄
Let’s get it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
Ballots loading as election season begins 🗳️
It’s officially go time for this spring’s municipal elections.
That means the next couple of weeks is when names start popping up for council seats, school boards and local advisory committees.
One key detail, there are no write-ins. If a name isn’t on the ballot, it’s not an option.
So from now until mid-April, expect the local political lineup to slowly take shape.
🔋 More power needed as demand climbs
Saint John is going to need a lot more electricity in the next few years.
To keep up, they’re calling for new local wind, solar and battery projects to be built in the city.
They’re also launching “The Switch,” which bundles programs like heat pumps, EV chargers and smart water heaters to help people manage energy use at home.
The big promise is all of this happens without pushing rates higher. They point to the Burchill Wind Farm, which they say cut costs by $6.5 million in 2024, as proof it can work.
THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS
⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting - March 23 | 6pm
MoveSJ plan heads for final approval - Council will be asked to endorse the final pieces of the city’s long-term transportation plan, wrapping up the multi-year MoveSJ strategy. The plan will guide how streets are designed moving forward, with a focus on lower speeds, safer streets, and better balance between driving, walking and cycling.
Roundabout planned for busy west side intersection - Council will consider shifting $250,000 to design a roundabout at Gault Road, Manawagonish Road, Ocean Westway and the Route 7 ramps. The intersection has been flagged for its awkward layout and speeding issues, with design work helping determine cost, land needs and timing.
New Harbour Passage link moves ahead on west side - Council will review updated funding for “The Cove,” a 400-metre Harbour Passage extension between Fallsview Drive and Riverview Drive. The project will be mostly federally funded and include a paved, accessible trail, though timelines have been pushed as the city works through land agreements.
City kicks off major growth plan review - Council will be asked to begin updating Saint John’s Municipal Plan, last completed in 2012. The first phase will include a growth study and public consultation, helping shape how the city develops over the next decade.
Meeting starts at 6pm at City Hall. Residents can attend in person or watch live on Rogers TV or via live stream.
⚖️ Grand Bay-Westfield Council Meeting - March 23 | 6pm
RCMP to present latest update - Council will hear the RCMP’s third-quarter report from Sgt. Comley, expected to cover recent policing activity and trends in the community.
Stormwater plan on the table - Council will review a proposed stormwater management plan, which typically looks at drainage, flood prevention and how the town handles runoff as it grows.
Public works projects and equipment updates - Several infrastructure items are up for discussion, including a new public works garage, wastewater lagoon curtain replacement, and early planning for a tandem plow truck replacement.
Wildfire resiliency plan under review - Council will consider a community wildfire resiliency plan, aimed at reducing risk and improving preparedness for potential wildfire events.
Training partnership with Saint John fire services - Council will review an agreement related to aerial apparatus training at the Grand Bay-Westfield facility, in partnership with Saint John.
Meeting starts at 7pm at the Community Centrum (Grand Bay Room). Residents can attend in person or watch via livestream.
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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
Branding Workshop at ConnexionWorks | March 23
ConnexionWorks is hosting a hands-on branding workshop Monday from 6-9pm at Place 400, focused on helping business owners and side-hustlers get clear on their message and visual identity. It’s geared toward anyone trying to tighten up how they show up, with a mix of strategy and practical takeaways around building something people actually recognize and trust.
WEDNESDAY
Port City Power vs Halifax Hoopers | March 25
Midweek plans could use a little more noise, and Rothesay Netherwood School should have plenty of it when the Port City Power host the Halifax Hoopers on Wednesday at 7pm. It’s a home-court matchup with party energy, so basketball fans, sports parents, and anyone looking to switch up the usual Wednesday routine will likely have a good time here.
Chick Lit Book Club | March 25
The West Branch of the Saint John Free Public Library is hosting its Chick Lit Book Club on Wednesday at 6:30pm, with discussion centred on The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang. It’s a nice low-key pick for readers who like historical fiction, a bit of conversation, and a reason to leave the house that doesn’t involve spending money.
THURSDAY
Spring Tide Shantyfest | March 26-28
Uptown Saint John trades late-winter gloom for sea songs and salt-air spirit when Spring Tide Shantyfest returns from March 26-28. The festival stretches across multiple venues with music, workshops, talks, and themed food events, all tied to the city’s seafaring roots. It’s part cultural celebration, part good excuse to roam Uptown and hear a few hearty choruses along the way.
FRIDAY
SJ Arts Centre Opening Reception | March 27
Friday from 5-7pm, the Saint John Arts Centre is throwing open the doors for a fresh round of exhibitions, including work by Ji Hyang Ryu, Monica Lacey, local high school students, and portfolio development artists. Opening remarks start at 6pm, so it’s a good one for anyone who likes being first through the gallery doors and seeing what local artists have been up to.
SATURDAY
Lovely Little Spring Market | March 28
The Bill McGuire Centre in Rothesay is hosting the Lovely Little Spring Market on Saturday from 11am-4pm, with more than 29 makers, bakers, artists, and other local vendors under one roof. Admission is free, which makes this an easy one for anyone in the mood to wander, snack, shop, and maybe stumble across something far more charming than whatever was on the weekend to-do list.
*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
🌅 7:21am | 🌇 7:40pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 3:18 AM(Mon 23 March) | 8.19 m(26.87 ft) |
Low Tide | 9:39 AM(Mon 23 March) | 0.65 m(2.13 ft) |
High Tide | 3:50 PM(Mon 23 March) | 7.67 m(25.18 ft) |
Low Tide | 10:02 PM(Mon 23 March) | 1.15 m(3.77 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s had a ruff winter and could use a pawsative read this morning 🐶.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher