🎽 Ryan Reynold's Club Lands in SJ

Good morning Saint John! It’s a weird feeling trying to get caught up on things after a long weekend of early summer vibing… luckily, we’ve got your back.

Here’s what you need to know this morning:

• Wrexham is coming to SJ 🏟️

• It’s gonna be a stinky west side summer 🦨

• Meet the chief for a day 🫡

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

_{Cover photo by Jordan Mattie via Envision Saint John media hub}

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NEWS NOTES

⚽ Saint John Gets Its Wrexham Moment
Wanderers vs. Wrexham U21 at Canada Games Stadium, July 12

No word yet on whether Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will show up with matching scarves and celebrity shades, but their globally adored football club is.

Wrexham A.F.C.'s U21 team will take the pitch at the Canada Games Stadium on Saturday, July 12, squaring off against the Halifax Wanderers U21 as part of the 2025 International Summer Series. It’s the final stop of a three-city tour through the Maritimes (saving the best for last, obviously).

The Welsh club’s rise from football obscurity to pop culture royalty, thank you Welcome to Wrexham, makes this a rare treat for local fans. And while this is technically a youth team match, expect big energy, loud scarves, and at least one person dressed like Deadpool.

“International sporting events not only drive economic impact but add to the vibrancy of our city bringing our residents and visitors together for a shared experience,” said Andrew Beckett of Envision Saint John.

Kickoff is at 1pm. If Ryan does show up, we recommend pints on the patios at Market Square.  Welcome to Saint John, lads.

🤢 A Breath of Fresh-ish Air at the Lancaster Lagoon

There’s a makeover happening at the Lancaster Wastewater Treatment Facility (aka the Lagoon), and like any good glow-up, things might get a little...funky before they get fabulous. Saint John Water is installing a new aeration system to breathe new life (literally) into the treatment process.

While the upgrade’s underway (June 20–Sept 20), incoming wastewater will skip the fancy aeration spa and head straight to the settling pond for a less intense cleanse. Translation? The treatment level’s taking a temporary dip, and the surrounding area, especially near Manawagonish Creek and Cove, might smell like a science experiment gone rogue.

The city’s following all the rules, testing and reporting as required, and promises the finished result will boost performance and extend the life of the Lagoon. In the meantime, maybe skip paddleboarding near the outlet…and give your dog the “not today” look if they’re eyeing a swim.

🤝 Rothesay launches campaign to build the ultimate hangout for all ages

The Town of Rothesay is building big, and they want your name on it (literally). The community fundraising campaign is now live for the Rothesay Intergenerational Community Complex (RICC), a major recreation project that’ll include two arenas, a walking track, indoor courts, a café, community meeting spaces, and even a police office and the Rothesay HIVE, all connected under one inclusive, sustainable roof.

Want in? You can chip in any amount, but donors at $5,000+ get a spot on the Legacy Wall, while $500 gets you your name on a seat or tile (or, for $1,500–$3,000, go big with a tree or a bench). The federal government and Rothesay have already put $13 million into the pot, now it’s the community’s turn to make it a true hometown project.

👮‍♀️ 12-Year-Old Favour Takes the Chief’s Chair

Move over, Chief Bruce, 12-year-old Favour Ayoade is stepping up as Saint John’s Chief for a Day next month. Her hero? Her mom, who’s basically a real-life superhero teaching bravery, honesty, and kindness, the same qualities Favour says every good cop needs. The Saint John Police are all set to follow Chief Ayoade’s lead at Peel Plaza, and honestly, we can’t wait to see how she runs the show. Hats off to all the kids who threw their hats in the ring this year!

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

⚖️ Saint John Common Council - Tuesday May 20, 2025

After a close a five-hour marathon on May 12 that saw dozens of residents speaking out against the proposed Spruce Lake Industrial Park expansion, council is back tonight, and it could be another long night in chambers. The public hearing continues, and with third readings on zoning changes and a full agenda, might be worth settling in with snacks if you’re tuning in live while watching the live feed.

• Spruce Lake expansion hearing continues: A public hearing resumes on proposed zoning changes to support the industrial park’s growth.

• Traffic signal upgrades in East Saint John: Council will review a report on planned improvements at McAllister Drive and Westmorland Road.

• New rules for salvage yards and 6 Douglas Ave: Final readings on zoning changes could be passed tonight.

• Lakewood Reservoir rehab contract: A recommendation is on the table to approve this infrastructure project.

See the full agenda. 

Meeting starts at 5:15pm at City Hall, 2nd Floor. Watch on Rogers TV or via livestream.

🏠 Quispamsis Council Meeting - May 20, 2025

A meeting is scheduled for tonight, but the agenda wasn’t posted by the town clerk before publishing time. We’ll keep an eye on it and share updates if anything notable comes up.

You can check for the updated agenda here. Also, you view the meeting online tonight 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!

WEDNESDAY

Dial M for Murder | May 21-24, 2025
Step into a thrilling game of cat and mouse with this fresh take on the classic mystery that inspired Hitchcock. From May 21 to 24, catch performances every evening at 7:30pm, plus a Saturday matinee at 2pm. Expect deception, intrigue, and a perfect crime that will keep you guessing until the last call. Directed by Bertis Sutton, this one’s for mystery lovers craving suspense with a twist.

THURSDAY

Roar and Explore Machine Expo | May 22, 2025
Bring the family for a hands-on evening from 6-8pm at Airport Access Road, where kids and kids-at-heart get to explore cool vehicles and meet the folks who build, protect, and serve our community. Entry is by cash donation, and you’ll find a few vendors on site including a canteen, balloon animals, and face painting. Rain date is May 23, same time.

FRIDAY

Art Battle New Brunswick | May 23, 2025
Get ready for an electrifying night at Kent Theatre where local artists go head-to-head in a high-speed painting showdown starting at 8:15pm. Watch as canvases come alive in three 20-minute rounds, then help vote for your favorite. Artworks will be up for silent auction, and the winner earns a shot at the national championship. Doors open at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $10 for kids and $25 general admission.

SATURDAY

Rompin’ Rockwood Trail Race | May 24, 2025
Lace up for the 8th annual Rompin’ Rockwood race at Fisher Lakes with three distances: 10km, 25km, and a challenging 50km double loop. Expect mostly single-track trails with some gravel and a few rolling hills to test your legs. No race-day registration, sign up online in advance to guarantee swag and your spot. The trails await runners ready for a fun, technical challenge.

SUNDAY

Green Machine Cleanup Fundy Heights | May 25, 2025
Join the community for a cleanup day at Fundy Heights on Sunday from 9am to 1pm, meeting at Seaside Park. Whether you’re in for some friendly company and hard work or a peaceful stroll with a grabber and bag, all help counts. Bags, gloves, and tools are provided. Big thanks to everyone who’s been quietly tidying up since the snow melted, your efforts really show!

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📸 Gerard Hebert | 📍 Martello Tower

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SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Today in History

On May 20, 1816, New Brunswick’s very first steamboat, the General Smyth, made waves on its maiden voyage from Saint John to Fredericton. After a stop in Maugerville, it steamed into Fredericton the next morning to cheers, whistles, and quite the hullabaloo…talk about making a grand entrance! Steam power was just getting started here, and it sure turned heads.

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who can handle the chaos of a rowdy soccer crowd ⚽🎉.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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