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Good morning, Saint John! Not saying we’re in the sticks, but we’re used to sharks in the Bay of Fundy. This weekend, a basking shark hit the big city and drew a crowd in Halifax’s Bedford Basin. The harmless, plankton-eating giant spent nearly two hours splashing around. Still more activity than most of us managed this weekend.
In todays edition:
West side’s getting loaded 🚛
Pool funding makes a splash 🏊
F-bombs fill the fridge 🎤
Let’s get it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
SPONSORED
Rocmaura is pouring it on 🍷
Only a handful of tickets are left! Sip & Savour returns to Market Square this Saturday (September 26) with drinks and plenty to take home!
Sample beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic creations from producers around New Brunswick, browse hundreds of live and silent auction items, try your luck in the Cooler Draw and 50/50, and keep the souvenir sipping glass when the night is done.
General admission begins at 6:30pm and costs $75. Upgrade to VIP for $150 and arrive at 6pm for a reserved seat, charcuterie and exclusive tasting seminars with local mixology experts. VIP admission also includes a $75 charitable tax receipt.
Best of all, every pour supports Rocmaura and the seniors who call it home.
NEWS NOTES
Absolute units hit the west side 🚛
Starting tomorrow, the lower west side is about to host some very large guests, and they’re bringing police escorts.
Oversized and overweight loads will travel from the Port’s Lower West terminal to the IPP pulp mill area between September 22 and October 2. Moves are expected twice each weekday, between 6–7 AM and 1:30–2:30 PM.
Drivers should avoid parking on Ludlow Street between Prince Street and King Street West, and along the east side of King Street West from Ludlow Street to 246 King Street West during those windows. Vehicles blocking the route may be towed.
Harbour Bridge work could overlap with the schedule, because apparently one west side traffic complication at a time would be too easy.
Farm gates swing open 🚜
Sunday marked Atlantic Open Farm Day, giving New Brunswickers a chance to see where their food comes from before it reaches the grocery aisle.
Local stops included fifth-generation Long Reach Roots on the Kingston Peninsula, where visitors toured gardens and met the goats, chickens and horses. Rothiemay Farms in Norton offered a look at its 120 dairy cows, robotic milkers, calf barn and flock of 9,300 free-run hens.
Anyone who missed the field trip can still explore participating farms through virtual tours. Get out and learn about local agriculture, without getting your shoes dirty!
THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS
⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting | September 21, 2026 - 6PM
On the agenda for the Saint John Common Council meeting this evening:
Eight-unit apartment conversion proposed - Council will consider starting the public process for converting the existing building at 26 Meadow Street/297 City Road into eight apartments. A public presentation is scheduled for October 5, followed by a 30-day comment period.
Clearer leadership sought on homelessness - Councillors Eric Savoie and Ryan Moore want the province to support a lead local organization and governance framework for Saint John’s homelessness response. The motion would not create new programs or funding.
Aquatic centre bridge funding requested - Councillor Greg Norton wants the Fundy Regional Service Commission to reconsider declining approximately $125,000 in transitional funding for the Canada Games Aquatic Centre. The money would maintain some programming and retain employees during its expected 15-to-18-month renovation closure.
Council weighs in on 2027 budget - Councillors will identify their preferred priorities for Saint John’s 2027 general and utility operating budgets before the Finance Committee develops its recommendations. The proposed budgets are expected to return to council in November.
The public is welcome to attend in person, view on Rogers TV, or watch via live stream.
🏛️ Grand Bay-Westfield Special Council Meeting | September 21, 2026
On the agenda for the Grand Bay-Westfield Special Council meeting:
Community groups make their case - Council will hear how the town builds its budget, followed by presentations from ACAP Saint John, Grand Bay Golden Gloves Boxing, the River Valley Community Centre, the Westfield & District Recreation Association and the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick. No funding decisions are listed on the agenda.
The public are welcome to attend in person at the Grand Bay Room of the Community Centrum, or watch via livestream.
SPONSORED
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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
Retro Film: Napoleon Dynamite | September 21
Break out the moon boots and vote for Pedro. Napoleon Dynamite returns to the big screen at Imperial Theatre Monday at 7 p.m., giving Saint Johners another chance to enjoy awkward school dances, competitive tetherball and one exceptionally committed campaign manager. The theatre is located at 12 King Square South. Ticket information is available through the event listing.
WEDNESDAY
Co-Workers Mental-Health Workshop | September 23
Workplace leaders can learn practical ways to support employee mental health during a full-day Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick workshop. Topics include communication, burnout, suicide prevention, mental illness and community resources. It runs from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Nick Nicolle Community Centre, 85 Durham Street. Registration costs $38.07, and full attendance is required for certification.
BYOC at Hopscotch | September 23
Bring your knitting, painting, embroidery or whatever else currently occupies the craft corner at home. Hopscotch Whisky Bar is hosting an evening of making and mingling beginning at 6:30 p.m. at 47 Canterbury Street. Guests can bring their own project or pick up a kit there, then create alongside other local makers.
Try Air Cadets | September 23
Young people curious about flying, outdoor adventures, marksmanship or leadership can meet the 527 Simonds Air Cadet Squadron Wednesday. The introductory event begins at 6:30 p.m. at 1490 Hickey Road and is open to youth ages 12–18. Visitors can learn about the squadron’s activities, community service and opportunities to build practical skills.
THURSDAY
Creative Night at Chroma | September 24
Members of the queer community can bring a creative project and spend an evening making and socializing at Chroma. The gathering begins at 6:30 p.m. at 200 Carmarthen Street. Guests without a current project are welcome too, with shared supplies available to help them try something new and get their hands moving.
Darren Elmore Live at 5 & Dime | September 24
Saint John comedian Darren Elmore headlines a night of live stand-up at 5 & Dime. The show begins at 8 p.m. at 34 Grannan Street, bringing a featured comedy performance to the Uptown bar rather than its usual weekly programming. Ticket and supporting-act information were not included in the CitySpark listing.
FRIDAY
Saint John Sea Dogs vs. Moncton Wildcats | September 25
The provincial rivalry returns to TD Station as the Saint John Sea Dogs welcome the Moncton Wildcats. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m., giving local fans their first Friday-night hockey fix of the new season. Tickets and seating options are available through the event listing.
SATURDAY
KV Beer Run | September 26
The KV Legion is marking its 80th birthday with a five or 10-kilometre run followed by local beverage samples, a DJ, barbecue and food trucks. Registration begins at 10 a.m. at 8 River Road in Rothesay. The 10K starts at 10:40 a.m. and the 5K at 11 a.m. Race and tasting tickets cost $50.
Walk & Learn: Birch Bark Craft and Traditional Canoe Experience | September 26
A hands-on afternoon at Rockwood Park will connect birch bark, traditional canoe building and Wolastoqey culture. Participants will create a craft and learn about the process of making a birch bark canoe from 1–2:30 p.m. The free outdoor program is open to women and gender-diverse participants and meets at 10 Fisher Lakes Drive.
Baylisto Steel Band Concert | September 26
The Baylisto Steel Band is filling Christ Church Cathedral with the bright sound of steel pan Saturday afternoon. The concert runs from 1–2:30 p.m. at 369 Main Street and serves as a fundraiser for the cathedral and the band’s transportation fund. Admission is by freewill offering, allowing guests to contribute what they can.
Bad Words for Uptown Fridge | September 26
Stand-up is stocking the Uptown Fridge. Michael Harrison headlines a charity comedy show at Wasted Day Brewing with featured comic Josh Kotsabasakis and host Michelle Lynn Petite. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at 37 Water Street. Advance tickets cost $20 or $25 at the door, with $5 from every ticket supporting the community fridge.
SUNDAY
5K Pursuit: Run for a Cause | September 27
The Saint John Police Force is inviting residents to race an officer through Rockwood Park during its second annual 5K Pursuit. Runners and walkers leave Lily Lake Pavilion at 10 a.m. and finish at Fisher Lakes Beach. A minimum $10 donation is suggested, with all proceeds supporting the 2026 Holiday in a Box campaign.
SOS: The ABBA Experience | September 27
SOS brings the songs, costumes and spectacle of ABBA to Imperial Theatre Sunday at 7:30 p.m. The tribute show invites the audience to sing and dance along to the Swedish group’s biggest hits, making spectators part of the performance. Tickets cost $55.70 for an evening with plenty of music and, presumably, several sequins.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
YOUR PICS
PETS ABOUT TOWN 🐾
📸 Archie | 📍 Sea Side Park
We know your pets live the good life in these parts! Share the pics of them living their best lives in the Saint John Region….just hit reply and send us your best local pet pics!
SIDE NOTES
🌅 7:10am | 🌇 7:23pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 2:19 AM(Mon 21 September) | 2.12 m(6.96 ft) |
High Tide | 8:32 AM(Mon 21 September) | 6.44 m(21.13 ft) |
Low Tide | 2:41 PM(Mon 21 September) | 2.35 m(7.71 ft) |
High Tide | 8:54 PM(Mon 21 September) | 6.82 m(22.38 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s been basking in the final days of summer 🦈!
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher