✨ Saint John’s shiny secret

Good morning, Saint John! A couple of centimetres of snow this morning means your commute should be optional. Pour another coffee before you head out and remember it’s precipitation…not procrastination ❄️.

Here’s what else is piling up this morning:

• Market’s 150 and Still Fresh 🎉

• Saint John Could Get Shiny ⛏️

• Airport Land Plans Take Off 🛫

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
Let’s Get Your Name Out There! 🔊

Connect with local families and build your community presence. Advertise in our newsletter today!

NEWS NOTES

🛫 Airport updates land plan

If you’ve ever driven past YSJ and wondered how all that land might be used in the years ahead, the airport is giving residents a closer look. They are updating their Land Use Plan, the document that guides how the airport grows and manages its property, and they want the community to weigh in.

A public open house is set for December 16 with two drop-in windows: 3–5pm and 7–9pm in the Customs Hall at the arrivals entrance. New airport CEO Court Edeburn and members of the management team will be there to walk people through the displays, answer questions, and gather feedback. If you can’t make it, the materials will be posted online afterward.

🎈City Market preps for 150th year

The City Market is cruising into its 150th year with some changes on the way, and as we mentioned back in July, a major refresh is coming. The early moves are already showing up, with a few vendors shifting spots, some mid-reno, and a new restaurant set to take over the old Billy’s space next year.

The big construction push starts in early 2026 when the centre aisle comes out to make room for a proper seating area that can double as a mini event space. Market Manager, Andrew MacDonald says vendors are being looped in as the shuffle continues, and bigger birthday celebrations will land once the dust settles.

💎 Saint John might have a shiny future

Out near Prince of Whales, a prospector sees more than a boring rock wall. Rob Murray and some junior mining companies think there could be copper, silver, gold, and rare-earth minerals hiding under our feet. Drilling could start within months but if a mine actually opens, it’s likely 15 years away.

Most finds fizzle out, Murray admits, but if this one sticks, Saint John in 2040 could be a little shinier than it is today.

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

⚖️ Rothesay Council Meeting | December 8, 7pm

• Strategic plan — Council will hear a presentation from Allan Gates on the town’s strategic plan, with a report prepared by CAO McLean.

• 2026 capital budgets — Council will review the general and utility capital budgets for 2026, including the master budgets and highlights for both funds.

• Public hearings on development — Council will hold hearings for 7 Maiden Lane and 15–17 Holland Drive.

• Rothesay Lite It Up – Wells Softball Field Project — Council will discuss this project as outlined in the DRP and Regional Development Corporation memoranda.

See the full agenda.

The meeting takes place in the Common Room at Rothesay Town Hall at 7pm.

SPONSORED
Get $10 off a LifeDirt produce box 🥦

Skip grocery store stress and enjoy fresh, local produce from your neighbours with LifeDirt Foods. Biweekly boxes arrive packed with vegetables and fruit, plus optional local add-ons like bread, preserves, and snacks. Use code SJTODAY for $10 off your first box. It’s a special way to get started and celebrate local Maritime food.

Claim your $10 off now and see what’s in the box, and discover why locals love LifeDirt produce.

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

The Muppet Christmas Carol | December 8
Imperial Theatre is rolling out a cosy classic as The Muppets take on Dickens with Kermit holding down the Cratchit role and Michael Caine grumping it up as Scrooge. Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie, and the whole gang pop in as the ghosts try to steer Ebenezer toward a little seasonal humanity. It’s a light, funny, family-friendly way to spend a Monday night. Show starts at 7pm and tickets are $10.

TUESDAY

100 Women Who Care | December 9
The group’s final meetup of 2025 brings members together at the Delta for an hour of fast-paced giving, networking, and a little year-end energy. Folks can bring a guest to see how the collective-giving model works, then hear three five-minute pitches before voting for the night’s winning charity. The bar opens at 5pm for mingling, the event room opens at 5:30pm, and the meeting gets underway at 5:40pm.

L’Arche Holiday Sing Along | December 9
L’Arche Saint John is hosting a cosy community sing-along at Stone Church, and it’s exactly the kind of December night that goes down easy. Folks can expect 90 minutes of familiar holiday tunes, warm vibes, and a table of snacks to keep the cheer rolling. The event starts at 7pm, is free and open to everyone, and they’re hoping for RSVPs, but otherwise just show up and settle in for a feel-good evening.

WEDNESDAY

Mayor’s Tree Lighting | December 10
Rothesay’s lighting night is back with Mayor Nancy Grant and council flipping the switch while Rock n’ Roll Cowgirl brings the tunes. Folks can wander the Common, go for a skate, or just take in the glow while NB Power hands out cookies and hot chocolate if you’ve got a reusable mug handy. They’re also sharing an update on the Intergenerational Community Complex and collecting food for the KV Food Basket.

Watercolour Christmas Card Workshop | December 10
The Porch is hosting a cosy two-hour workshop where folks can try their hand at painting four festive card design, no experience needed, just a willingness to play with paint. It’s an easygoing night out with a drink included, and the kind of activity that feels very “December in Hampton.” Perfect for friends or solo creatives looking to try something new. The workshop runs 6pm–8pm and costs $45.

THURSDAY

Adult Colouring Club | December 11
Yip is hosting a laid-back colouring night built for grownups who want a little creative unwind with their cider. Folks can grab a 12oz draft or a Yip Sparkle, settle in with a stack of festive cardstock cards, and chat their way through an easy evening of colouring and Christmas vibes. There’s even a colouring-book giveaway in the mix. Drop in runs 5pm–9pm, but tickets are limited.

SUNDAY

Reading with Santa | December 14
The Write Cup is turning Sunday afternoon into a cosy little Christmas moment as children’s author Allan Johnson reads his new book Ricky the Smallest Snowman…and yes, Santa will be hanging around to add some extra sparkle. Families can settle in with warm drinks, wander the shelves, and soak up the holiday vibe while the kids meet both the author and the big guy in red. Storytime starts at 2:30pm.

Got an Event to Share?

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

YOUR PICS
@SJTODAY.CA

📸 Prince Thomas | 📍 

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Be Part of the Local Scene!

Looking to connect with the Saint John community? Our baseline ads get your message into the daily mix of local news and updates. Short, sharp, and impactful, it’s the perfect way to reach readers right where they are. Reach out to learn more!*

^{_{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with a neighbour that’s already out shovelling ☃️.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

Did I Miss Something?