🚧 Rothesay’s big new ‘hood?

Good Morning Saint John! Looks like another hot, dry week ahead…and I’m just sitting on my front porch each night hoping to hear the bells of the dickie dee coming down the street…

Here’s how we’re starting off the week:

• Province and municipalities warn of wildfire risk ⚠️

• Rothesay council talks big new development 💬

• Sea Dogs take pre-season on the road 🥅

Have a fantastic week!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🔥 Saint John trails close as wildfire risk soars

If you were planning a hike at Rockwood, Tucker Park, or Little River Reservoir today, you’ll need a Plan B… all trails are closed as of this morning thanks to the province-wide burn ban and bone-dry conditions. 

The closure is about keeping people, wildlife, and our drinking water safe. Instead of the woods, the city suggests hitting Harbour Passage, beaches, or splash pads (bonus: fewer mosquitoes). Fires and BBQs are off the menu anywhere in city parks, and Go NB is asking everyone to avoid Crown land and private woodlots too.

Hammond River Park in Quispamsis is also closed. 

If you see smoke, call 911. Otherwise, let’s keep the Saint John region spark-free until the rain finally shows up. Stay up to date on the latest provincial conditions and regulations here. 

🏘️ Rothesay’s big development back on council radar

The plan to build nearly 1,300 new homes and shops at the corner of Campbell and Millennium Drives returns to Rothesay council Monday. The proposal has sparked strong opinions from residents worried about flooding, traffic, and the town’s small-community feel, to supporters welcoming new housing options and walkable neighbourhood ideas. After public meetings and a neighbourhood petition, council will discuss the next steps tonight at 7pm in Town Hall.

🚌 KV Go Bus routes and schedules are here

The full routes and schedules for the KV Go bus demo project are now live at kvgo.org! The weekday rides, Go1 and Go2, start each morning at 8:30 a.m. from the Atlantic Superstore on Campbell Drive in Rothesay. Each loop takes about 90 minutes, with buses running free until around 4 p.m.

On weekends, a combined route covers all the same stops on an alternating schedule, also starting at 8:30 a.m. Go2 is wheelchair accessible from day one, but Go1 won’t have an accessible bus just yet…they’re working on it and will update when ready.

They’re tweaking the routes and times as they go, so keep an eye out and hop on for a smooth ride.

🏒 Sea Dogs Pre-Season Skips Saint John 

Pre-season puck drop for the Saint John Sea Dogs is set for August 15…but you won’t see any of it here at home. Why? When the schedule was locked in back in May, TD Station couldn’t commit to having ice in on time and no other rinks in the region had availability. So, the team’s hitting the road for all their warm-up games, with stops in St. Stephen, Fredericton, Woodstock, and Charlottetown. As the Dogs told one curious commenter: no conspiracy here, just no ice. The home opener is September 19 when they host Cape Breton.

🛳️ Majestic Princess Arrives 

The Majestic Princess docks in Saint John this afternoon at 12:15 and stays until 1am Tuesday, bringing up to 3,600 visitors ready to explore the city. It’s another hot one, so there may be a money-making opportunity in selling cold drinks on harbour passage to those brave enough to hoof up to Reversing Falls.

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

🏛 Rothesay Council Meeting | August 11, 7pm

• Campbell/Millennium Drive development — A major new neighbourhood proposed for the corner of Campbell and Millennium Drives is back on the agenda. The mixed-use project, with housing, shops, and other uses, follows public meetings where residents shared feedback and submitted a neighbourhood petition.

• Emergency planning update — KV Fire Chief Michael Boyle will present the KV Emergency Management Program for adoption.

• Hampton Road safety upgrades — Proposal to purchase and install new RRFB crosswalk systems.

See the full agenda.
See the original proposal for the Campbell/Millennium project.

The meeting takes place in the Rothesay Town Hall Common Room at 7pm. It is open to the public and you can also watch via livestream. 

🏛 Grand Bay-Westfield Council Meeting | August 11, 7pm

• Quarterly Strategic Plan and Financial Reports are on the agenda.

• Other topics not yet posted by press time.

Attend in person at Community Centrum: Grand Bay Room or watch online 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!

TODAY

Youth Summer Market | August 11
The next generation of local entrepreneurs takes over Area 506 for a day of fresh ideas and community spirit. From 12-4pm and again 4-7pm, check out youth-led businesses and see how creativity turns into commerce. It’s all happening at the Waterfront Container Village, hosted by Kaleidoscope Social Impact.

TUESDAY

First Nations Storytelling | August 12
Gather by the river at Brundage Point River Centre for an evening of stories passed down through generations. Dave Smith’s storytelling blends history, wisdom, and a touch of humor to invite reflection on the land and its people. Bring a chair, bring a friend, and settle in from 6:30 to 8pm. Free and open to all, rain or shine. No registration needed.

Cool Chicks and the Ugly Doclings | August 12
The Portland Summer Series welcomes this spirited crew of healthcare pros (and one retired teacher) who’ve been jamming together for ages with a cheeky twist. They’ll mix talent with just a dash of naughty fun, all in the name of helping local causes. Music kicks off 7pm at Portland United Church( 50 Newport Crescent). Free to attend, with donations for the North End Food Bank welcome.

WEDNESDAY

Yoga in the Park | August 13
Unroll your mat and stretch it out under the summer sky at the Quispamsis Arts & Culture Park. This free outdoor yoga class is open to all ages and fitness levels, so whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just curious, you’ll fit right in. Class runs 7-8pm, weather permitting. Active transportation is encouraged…and don’t forget your mat.

THURSDAY

Chroma Grand Opening | August 14
Celebrate a new chapter for Chroma, Saint John’s welcoming and empowering space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies. Join the ribbon-cutting party at their new location on Carmarthen Street from noon to 2pm. Enjoy an open house, food, and a silent auction as the community comes together to mark this exciting milestone. Everyone’s invited to join the celebration.

FRIDAY

​​Beautify SJ Celebration | August 15
Saint John’s streets, porches, parks, and storefronts have been blooming all summer thanks to the grassroots #BeautifySJ project led by the Saint John Tool Library. Now, join the wrap-up party at Moosehead Brewery’s Taproom for an evening of live music, prizes for attendees, and Moosehead refreshments. Whether you planted, volunteered, or just cheered on, come celebrate the community spirit and creativity that made the city shine. Bring your friends and planter pride!

SATURDAY

Community Free Fair | August 16
Queen Square turns into a hub of generosity and good vibes for the first annual Community Free Fair. Everything is free…from clothes, food, and household goods to services like item repair, haircuts, health check-ins, tax help, workshops, and more. It’s a chance for everyone to come together, share, and support one another. Whether you’re looking to give or receive, you won’t want to miss this.

Flavors 5K Run | August 16
Kick off the second annual Flavors Fest with the first annual Flavors 5K Run in Grand Bay-Westfield. This friendly yet fast race starts at 10am (bib pickup at 9am), with medals for top finishers in each age group and prizes for all participants. Lace up and earn your ice cream reward!

KV Oasis Donut Run | August 16
If donuts are more your style, hit the KV Oasis 2nd Annual Donut Run at Q-Plex. Choose between a 1KM warm-up or a full 5KM run/walk starting around 9am, after registration at 8:30am. Enjoy donuts, games, activities, dance warm-ups, and surprises to keep the fun going. Run for the treats and the smiles!

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who remembers the baseball glove ice cream and gum ball ⚾.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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