🏗️ Quay or Nay?

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Good morning Saint John…and by “morning,” we mean technically. Cooking supper last night, it was dark. Cooking breakfast this morning? Still dark. And the kicker? We’ve still got two more weeks until the clocks fall back. At this point, we’re basically living in a coal mine with a coffee maker ☕.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• Fundy Quay gets a federal boost 💰

• Beer with your gas station chips? 🛻

• Discounted ice, cool price 🧊

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
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This is where confidence grows, friendships form, and kids discover what they’re capable of. Spots are still open, it’s not too late to join this season’s programs! 

NEWS NOTES

🏗️ Feds Chip In on Fundy Quay Rentals

As the first building in the Fundy Quay development really starts to take shape on the waterfront, the federal government has announced $30 million in low-interest loans through the Apartment Construction Loan Program. The funding supports the 79-unit Fundy Quay SW building, the first of five planned over the next decade, mixing apartments with retail right on the edge of the harbour.

Fundy Harbour Group has been busy with concrete pours and steel frames, aiming to welcome residents in late 2026. MP Wayne Long says the contribution is a key piece of Saint John’s revitalization plan and a push to add more housing options where people actually want to live.

Cranes are swinging, the waterfront is transforming, and now the feds are officially on board to help make it happen.

🍺 I NEEDS me a beer at the gas station

Wish you could grab a cold one while picking up milk and chips? Atlantic small businesses are saying, yes please! The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says our liquor rules are some of the strictest in the country, and local stores and breweries are missing out.

Other provinces let corner stores sell booze, boost local breweries, and bring in more foot traffic. CFIB is calling for Atlantic Canada to catch up with things like direct-to-consumer shipping, cross-selling local products, and trimming government markups. Basically, they want your corner store to be your one-stop shop for snacks… and beer.

So maybe one day soon, your next jerky run could also include a cold local brew.

⛸️ Grab discounted ice before it’s gone

If you’ve ever wanted to skate without paying full price, this is your shot. The city’s Flash Ice Sale is offering leftover rink slots at a discount…first come, first served. Youth groups pay $80.89 an hour, adults $141.57, and commercial events $183.85. Tournaments and fundraisers don’t qualify.

Current slots are open from October 29 to November 11 at Charles Gorman, Stewart Hurley, and Peter Murray arenas. Book by Tuesday, October 21 at noon to score your ice time…before someone else laces up first.

🏡 Quispamsis Needs a Planning Pro (or Enthusiast)

Ever dreamed of shaping your town without running for office? Quispamsis has an opening on its Planning Advisory Committee, and yes, they want you. This citizen-led squad advises Council on everything from rezoning to subdivisions to municipal plan tweaks.

The gig starts January 2026 and runs three years. Applications (with resume) are due Friday, October 31 at 5 p.m. Think you’ve got the chops? Time to make your town-approved mark.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

WEEKEND PREVIEW
There is a ton going on this weekend! How do we fit it all in?

THURSDAY

Outdoor Film Festival | October 16
Adventure takes center stage at the Imperial Theatre as local and international filmmakers showcase their best work. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start. After years outdoors, the festival moves inside to give Saint John audiences a bigger, better experience. Don’t miss a night of stunning stories and films from near and far. Tickets available now!

Capital Art Sale | October 16-18
Market Square is about to get colourful with a gallery-style showcase of local artists. Paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, and prints are all on display, most under $100. Opening night is Thursday, 6-9pm, with regular hours Friday and Saturday, 10am-8pm. Free to browse, fun to explore, and a great way to support local talent while adding a pop of art to your space.

Indigenous Blanket Exercise | October 16
Elizabeth Fry New Brunswick invites everyone 16+ to join an Indigenous Blanket Exercise at 85 Durham St, exploring Canada’s shared history through pre-contact, treaties, colonization, and resistance. It’s a thoughtful, interactive ceremony aimed at building understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and it’s free for anyone curious to learn and reflect.

Rocky Horror Picture Show Drag-Along | October 16
Saint John, do the Time Warp again at Haven Music Hall & Cafe! Join a live drag-along where performers lip-sync iconic songs from the cult classic, Rocky Horror Picture Show. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door if available, and seating is limited to 75, so grab yours fast. Popcorn’s free, drinks are flowing, costumes encouraged, and audience participation is part of the fun. This 19+ event starts at 8pm.

Reimagine Hampton Road Open House | October 16
Drop by Quispamsis Town Hall from 6-8:30pm to see proposed design options for Hampton Road and share your thoughts. The open house will feature a consultant’s report on survey results and feedback collected over the summer. Residents can explore the designs, ask questions, and offer input to help shape the future of this key road in the community.

FRIDAY

Gentle Yoga | Fridays
Take it slow with a gentle, low-impact yoga class at The Crone on the Crescent. Designed for all abilities, especially those with mobility or balance concerns, the practice helps strengthen the body, reduce stress, and improve mood and mental clarity. Chairs are available for support. Classes are drop-in $20 or with punch cards, and spots can be reserved up to an hour before class.

Hampton Business Mixer | October 17
The Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce and Town of Hampton invite local business owners to connect and learn about the future of the community. Highlights include the 2026 Economic Development Strategy, a tourism update with 2025 visitor numbers, and a recap of a record-setting year for planning and development. The mixer kicks off at 5:45pm at the Mike Murphy Memorial Field House, a great chance to network and stay informed.

Magic the Gathering Welcome Night | October 17
New or returning players can dive into Magic the Gathering at Heroes' Beacon. New players get a free Welcome Deck when they create a WPN account, including two 30-card decks. Experienced players are invited to join and help teach. The event costs $5 and is a fun way to meet fellow card game fans and learn the ropes of this classic strategy game.

SATURDAY 

QSFM Fine Craft Festival | October 18
Beautiful Queen Square comes alive with the QSFM Fine Craft Festival, an outdoor celebration of local makers and artists. Set among Victorian buildings, leafy trees, and open lawns, you’ll find unique handmade treasures to admire or take home. The festival runs Saturday, 9am-3pm, with a rain date on October 25. Perfect for a morning stroll while supporting Saint John’s creative community.

KV Fire Department Open House | October 18
The Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department is opening its doors for a family-friendly day at Station #1 on Campbell Drive. From 11am-2pm, visitors can explore fire trucks, chat with firefighters, learn about fire safety, and enjoy a free BBQ. It’s one of their biggest events of the year…a fun, hands-on way to meet the team that keeps the community safe.

Día de los Muertos Neon Painting | October 18
Kids ages 5-11 can get creative with bright neon paints in this 90-minute workshop at Yip Cider. Participants can choose to paint a magical alebrije or a colorful sugar skull, with all art supplies included. Sessions run 11am-12:30pm, 1-2:30pm, and 3-4:30pm. A fun way to celebrate colour, culture, and creativity while making your own glowing masterpiece. Tickets $40.

Paranormal Investigation at Loyalist House | October 18
Get spooky early with a paranormal investigation at Loyalist House, one of Saint John’s oldest buildings. Facilitated by Rising Phoenix Paranormal, this two-hour experience gives a peek into the eerie side of a National Historic Site while supporting the museum. Tickets are $20 per person, spaces are limited, and advance registration with payment is required. Email or text to reserve your spot and prepare for a haunted evening!

SUNDAY

Halloween Skate with the Sea Dogs | October 19
Grab your skates and your costume (helmet required!) for a fun Halloween Skate at the Summit Centre in Hampton from 12:30-1:30pm. After hitting the ice, kids and fans can meet the Sea Dogs for autographs and photos in the community room. Make sure your costume is skate-friendly and get ready for a festive, fast-moving hour of Halloween fun on the ice!

Glass Fusing Coaster Workshop | October 19
Try your hand at glass fusing and create a set of 4 custom coasters at Stained Glass Creations by Kim. Using colourful crushed glass, you’ll design your pieces and leave them to be fired in the kiln, ready for pick-up in about 48 hours. Classes run 1-2:30pm and 2:30-4pm, each 90 minutes. Limited spots make this a perfect hands-on, sparkly afternoon for crafty fun.

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SIDE NOTES

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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

THURSDAY
O’Leary’s | Sarahtonein (Front Bar Stage) | 9pm

FRIDAY
AREA 506 Village Stage | The Artificially Hip (Gord Downie Tribute) | Friday 7pm
Trinity Galleries | James O’Farrell (Sax/Piano) | Friday 7pm ($20, Jazz Night)
Fusion East Taproom | Dolores - Live Music | 7pm
Hampton Brewing Co. | Wayne Hansen | 7pm (no cover)
The Porch, Hampton | Brennan MacLean | 7-9pm
Wasted Day Brewing | Kitsch, Warped, Dogwood, and Carbon Crush | 7pm

Submit your live music listings here

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who likes spending time in the dark 🕯️.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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