😬 Saint John has a size problem

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Good morning, Saint John! Today is National Work Like a Dog Day, which is supposed to mean digging in, working hard and meeting every challenge that comes your way.

Of course, that depends entirely on the dog. Using my dog, Frankie as our example, it means getting out of bed, eating, lounging in the backyard and then heading to Pic’s for treats. Honestly, that sounds like a pretty good Wednesday.

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

Let’s dig in!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Forget trying to decide where to go this weekend. New Brunswick already made the list for you. 

More than 110 museums, heritage sites and galleries are taking part in this year's Summer of History, a province-wide campaign that turns every stop into a chance to win. Visit a participating site, collect the contest code, and you'll be entered for weekly prizes, plus a grand prize that includes free admission to participating sites next summer and a $500 gas card. 

Turns out, a historic site might be the most rewarding stop you make all season.

📊 Saint John may slip to third

Saint John could soon become New Brunswick’s third-largest city, handing Fredericton the silver medal in the provincial population standings. Provincial estimates put Saint John at 78,165 residents in 2024, just 429 ahead of the capital. Fredericton has grown faster and picked up roughly 4,500 residents when its boundaries expanded in 2023, while Saint John’s remained unchanged.

A Statistics Canada analyst says Saint John also loses up to 200 residents annually to other parts of the province, while Fredericton gains between 500 and 1,000.

Mayor Donna Reardon isn’t losing sleep over the rankings. We’ll find out whether Fredericton actually passed us when the 2026 census results arrive in February. Until then, we aren’t worried. Size isn’t everything… right?

🎖️ Saint Johner earns province’s highest honour

Edward L.D. McLean of Saint John is among 10 people being named to the 2026 Order of New Brunswick. Edward is being recognized for his contributions to the province’s business sector and his dedication to the community.

This year’s recipients also include musicians Patsy Gallant and Émé Lacroix, cybersecurity expert Ali Ghorbani and Indigenous arts champion Brian J. Francis. It’s a class covering business, music, technology, sport, culture and community service, so the ceremony should have better small talk than most.

The Order of New Brunswick is the province’s highest honour. Edward and the other recipients will be formally invested at the legislature in Fredericton on November 2, joining 220 New Brunswickers recognized since the order was established in 2001.

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Here are some more events sent to us by our readers. Don’t forget to submit your events any time by clicking here.

THURSDAY

Monarch Monitoring Blitz | August 6
Nature NB is looking for monarch butterflies and could use a few extra sets of eyes. Join its community monitoring blitz at the Saint John Public Gardens from 1pm to 3pm and help collect data used to track monarch populations, locate breeding habitat and guide conservation work. No experience or registration is required, with parking available at 460 Arrow Walk Road.

First Thursday | August 6
Fusion Saint John takes First Thursday to The Docks Container Lounge at AREA 506 from 5pm to 7pm for an end-of-summer bash celebrating Saint John’s summer students. There’ll be food, games and plenty of time to meet some new people before everyone returns to class, work or pretending September isn’t coming. Everyone is welcome, and no registration is required.

TD Summer Reading Club | August 6
The Westside Library brings stories, activities and summer reading fun to the lawn at St. Mark’s United Church beginning at 2:30pm. The weekly club welcomes children of all ages and moves inside the church when the weather refuses to cooperate. Because books and New Brunswick summers both benefit from a solid backup plan.

FRIDAY

New Brunswick GeoGuessr Party | August 7
The Saint John Free Public Library puts New Brunswick geography knowledge to the test with a GeoGuessr competition at 2pm. Players 13 and older should bring their own device and prepare to identify obscure corners of the province for a prize. Registration is required.

Kirtan in the Park and Ecstatic Dance | August 7
An evening of mantras, prayers, medicine songs and dancing begins at 5:30pm in the Saint John Public Gardens on Seely Street. It’s a Friday-night option for anyone seeking something considerably calmer than the Boardwalk fire jugglers.

SATURDAY

Kingston Farmers Market | August 8
More than 80 local vendors fill the Kingston Farmers Market from 8am to 1pm with New Brunswick produce, salmon, grass-fed meats, baking, crafts and food from around the world. Now in its 28th season, the Saturday market remains fully committed to making “I’m only stopping for one thing” an entirely unrealistic plan.

NEXT WEEK

Intro to Mosaics | August 11
Artist Sheryl Crowley leads a relaxed mosaic workshop at the Saint John Arts Centre beginning at 6pm. Participants will learn how to cut, design and arrange colourful glass and ceramic tiles before creating pieces of their own. No previous art experience is needed, and all tools and materials are supplied for the six-week workshop.

There's plenty more happening. Find all this week’s local events here.

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Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. This seems like a hard one, but who knows…you may just recognize this rope. If so, hit reply and send us your best guess. We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue.

🌅 6:13am | 🌇 8:46pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’d be barking mad to be out of the loop 🐶!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher