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Good morning, Saint John! Congratulations to Jinny Lu, the rescue pug crowned the 2026 World’s Ugliest Dog yesterday. We checked the competition, and frig that, they’re all freakin’ adorable.
In today’s edition:
Six teams enter the box 🏆
A shark finds its Finn 🌊
Six days on the Fringe 🎭
Let’s get it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
SPONSORED
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If you're looking for a reason to take the scenic route this summer, this might be it.
NEWS NOTES
🥍 Saint John steps into the box
Six teams, one national title and absolutely no room along the boards. The Founders Cup is underway in Saint John, bringing Canada’s Junior B Tier I box lacrosse championship to TD Station through Saturday.
The tournament opened yesterday with a celebration at the Ihtoli-maqahamok Gathering Space before the hitting, sprinting and frequent goalie inconvenience began. The hometown Saint John Rapids are joined by the Sackville Wolves, Akwesasne Thunder, Port Coquitlam Saints, Mavericks Elite Lacrosse Club and New York’s Seneca WarChiefs.
Players will compete on a purpose-built turf floor purchased early for the 2029 Canada Summer Games and loaned to the tournament free of charge. A national champion will be crowned Saturday.
.🏊 Lily Lake beaches swimmers
Swimming at Lily Lake remains off-limits after testing found elevated bacteria levels. Signs are posted, and lifeguards will be on duty to prevent anyone from taking an ill-advised dip.
Canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing may continue, though visitors should minimize contact with the water and avoid it entirely with open cuts. The closure only affects Lily Lake, with all other City swimming areas remaining open. Rockwood Park’s trails and picnic spots are also good to go.
Testing will continue until Public Health gives swimmers the all-clear.
🔔 Grand Bay finds a new way to shout
Grand Bay-Westfield is switching from CodeRED to Voyent Alert!, a new service for emergency warnings, traffic advisories, town news and community events.
Residents can register now to receive alerts through the mobile app, email, text or voice call, with notifications beginning August 24. The service is free and anonymous, but former CodeRED users must sign up again because subscriptions won’t transfer automatically.
🦈 Finn to the rescue
A shark found the right teenager after washing ashore in Maces Bay on Saturday. 15-year-old Finn Holland pulled the two-metre porbeagle back into the water and helped guide it through the shallows until it swam away.
The shark weighed roughly 70 kilograms and belonged to an endangered species rarely spotted near shore. Finn loves animals and, conveniently, arrived pre-named for the assignment.
THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS
⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting | August 17, 2026 - 6PM
On the agenda for the Saint John Common Council meeting this evening:
North end sewer separation - Council will consider a Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund report for a sewer separation project in the north end.
Three rezonings face public hearings - Council will hear proposals involving properties at 2100 MacKay Highway, 615/631 Loch Lomond Road and 145 Lansdowne Avenue.
Affordable neighbourhood fund changes - Council will consider updated terms of reference for the city’s Creating Affordable Neighbourhoods Fund.
Ellerdale Street playground upgrade - Council will consider a design, supply and construction proposal for upgrades to the Ellerdale Street Park playground.
New council committees take shape - Council will review the terms of reference outlining how its new standing committees will operate.
The public is welcome to attend in person, view on Rogers TV, or watch via live stream.
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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
Fundy Fringe Festival | August 17–22
Fundy Fringe packs six days of theatre, comedy, magic and original performances into venues around Uptown. This year’s program ranges from intimate misadventures and mind reading to sexy clowns, Maritime comedy and a neighbourhood adventure. Individual tickets are $15, while a $75 punch pass lets serious Fringe-goers sample the festival without repeatedly reaching for their wallets.
TUESDAY
Exploring Native Plants Found on Lonewater Farm | August 18
Get better acquainted with the plants growing closer to home during a 6:30pm session devoted to native species found on Lonewater Farm. The Saint John event offers budding botanists and curious gardeners a chance to learn what’s been growing under their noses.
Try It Tuesdays Mandala Rock Painting Workshop | August 18
Turn an ordinary rock into something worth keeping from 6–7:30pm in the Market Square Atrium. Beginners and experienced painters are welcome, all ages can participate and everyone leaves with their own mandala-inspired creation. Admission is $10 and registration is required.
WEDNESDAY
Drop-In Magic the Gathering | August 19
Bring your deck to Forgotten Fern Oddities at 6pm for a free Magic the Gathering drop-in night. Space inside the shop’s appropriately magical event room at 96 Princess Street is limited, so players ages 15 and older should contact the store ahead of time to claim a spot.
Family Movie Series E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial | August 19
Phone home and then head to The Docks at 85 Water Street for a 6pm screening of Steven Spielberg’s big-hearted alien adventure. It’s a chance for a new generation to meet E.T. on the big screen and for everyone else to feel approximately 400 years old.
FRIDAY
The Sewist Market Camp Sidewalk Sale | August 21
Young makers from The Sewist’s Market Camp set up shop at 11am outside 62 Water Street. Browse hand-stitched bag charms, novelty washcloths, collectibles and other small goods created by this year’s campers. It’s a sidewalk sale with considerably more sewing talent than your average yard sale.
SATURDAY
KV Oasis Donut Run | August 22
Run, walk or take the one-kilometre family route at the third annual Donut Run on Matthew’s Brook Trail in Quispamsis. The fundraiser supports KV Oasis Youth & Family Support Services and includes a warm-up, post-run massages, a barbecue, family activities and the all-important finish-line donuts. Registration is required.
Yoga at Yip | August 22
Melissa from Zenful Counselling and Yoga leads a one-hour, all-levels class at 10am on the waterfront grounds of Yip Cider in Long Reach. A complimentary 12-ounce beer or cider follows the session. Registration is $25 plus tax.
SUNDAY
Plant Parts | August 23
Kids ages six and older can dig into plant-themed games, stories and crafts at 2:30pm at the Saint John Free Public Library in Market Square. The bilingual program offers a playful look at the pieces keeping the plant world upright.
*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 🐾
Gracie, Sirano and Maggie enjoying one of their favourite walks around Lily Lake. This trio knows a good trail when they sniff one. 🐾
Want to see your pet in Pets About Town? Hit reply and send us a photo. 📸
SIDE NOTES
🌅 6:27am | 🌇 8:27pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 3:43 AM(Mon 17 August) | 7.63 m(25.03 ft) |
Low Tide | 9:55 AM(Mon 17 August) | 1.09 m(3.58 ft) |
High Tide | 4:05 PM(Mon 17 August) | 7.65 m(25.1 ft) |
Low Tide | 10:21 PM(Mon 17 August) | 1.2 m(3.94 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, whose tail wags when they know what’s going on around town 🐕!
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher