Good morning, Saint John! A Michelin-starred restaurant owner in South Korea could face up to a year in jail after allegedly serving nearly 50,000 ants as a sorbet garnish.
A timely reminder as summer BBQ season rolls on: hosting the in-laws may be annoying, but scooping dessert toppings from beneath the patio stones is not the answer.
In today’s edition:
Local runners pick up the pace 👟
The west side gets railroaded 🛤️
A monumental problem for council 🗿
Let’s get in to it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🏃Chasing a new tradition
Three years after Marathon by the Sea crossed its final finish line, the New Brunswick Marathon Weekend is ready to make its debut, with organizers hoping it becomes the region's next signature road race.
Alex Coffin has set the bar high. A seven-time Marathon by the Sea champion who also helped organize that event, says the goal is to build an event that runners will want to come back to year after year.
"The loss of the Marathon by the Sea has been felt by runners and non-runners alike," Alex said. "When Festival by the Sea ended, AREA 506 filled that void. We want to do the same with the New Brunswick Marathon Weekend."
That starts with getting the basics right. Runners can expect a well-marked course, a finisher's medal and post-race food, but organizers have added a few touches they hope will make the weekend stand out. There's a Friday Night Family Mile with free ice cream, a pasta dinner the night before, live music, a beer garden and a finish line Alex hopes feels "like a NASCAR finish with a wall of noise."
Organizers are hoping to attract about 350 runners this year, but Alex says the number isn't what matters most.
"The key for us is that we ensure the experience is positive for those who come this year, and then that is your best advertising for 2027."
He already has his sights set beyond this weekend.
"We want the Greater Saint John area to be one of the top three marathons in the region again," he said. "Moncton and Fredericton, we love you, but we're coming after you."
🚂 Manchester takes a track break
One west side road is taking the week off. Manchester Avenue will be closed at Bay Street near the railway bridge from 9am to 9pm Monday through Friday while NB Southern Railway completes track upgrades.
The closure applies to drivers and pedestrians, with traffic being sent around via Gault Road. Traffic crews and signs will be there to point everyone in the right direction, including anyone who missed this note and arrives ready to argue with a barricade.
TONIGHT’S COUNCIL MEETINGS
⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting | July 27, 2026 - 6PM
On the agenda for the Saint John Common Council meeting this evening:
Belyea Village reaches public hearing - Council will consider rezoning the former Belyea Arena site for 195 stacked townhouse units, along with extending Lowell Street and allowing three entrances.
Two new fire trucks for $2 million - Council will consider spending just over $2 million before HST on a new pumper and tanker to replace aging vehicles.
Charlotte Street rebuild moves ahead - Council will review a $1.03-million engineering contract for new water and sewer lines, a stormwater outfall and the eventual reconstruction of Charlotte Street between Broad and Vulcan streets.
Uptown Saint John seeks $30,000 from city - Council will consider giving Uptown Saint John $30,000 to match funding it secured through Downtown New Brunswick. Of the city’s contribution, $20,000 would support tree lighting on King Street and $10,000 would fund updated economic and commercial data about Uptown.
City monuments under review - A council motion calls for staff to assess city monuments and the King’s Square Cenotaph following several bronze plaque thefts, then estimate restoration costs.
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
Spirited Away Live on Stage | July 27
Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved animated world moves from screen to stage in this filmed presentation of the acclaimed theatrical production. Follow Chihiro through spirits, sorcery and one exceptionally strange bathhouse at 7pm at Cineplex Cinemas Saint John, 12 King Square South.
TUESDAY
Portland Music Series | July 28
Portland United Church hosts a Multicultural Evening as part of its free summer music series at 7pm. Donations will be collected for the North End Food Bank, so you can hear music from all over while helping stock shelves. The church is at 50 Newport Crescent.
WEDNESDAY
Learn to Play Pickleball | July 29
Pickleball-curious players can learn what all the noise is about during a beginner session in Quispamsis at 7pm. The Movement in the Park program offers a chance to pick up the basics and get onto the court without pretending you already know how the kitchen works.
THURSDAY
AREA 506 Festival | July 30 to August 2
AREA 506 takes over the Saint John waterfront for four nights of live music, headlined by The Dead South Thursday, Soul Asylum Friday, Marianas Trench Saturday and The Glorious Sons Sunday. Kathleen Edwards, Crash Test Dummies, Wheatus, Wolf Parade and a packed lineup of Canadian and local artists are coming too. Single-day, two-day and weekend passes are available.
FRIDAY
New Brunswick Marathon Weekend | July 31 to August 2
Grand Bay-Westfield hosts a full weekend on the move, starting with Friday’s Family Mile at Flavours and a Saturday morning community bike ride. Sunday brings the main event, with a marathon at 8am, 25K at 9am and 13K and 5K races at 10am. The road-and-trail course loops through the community, with food, drinks and finish-line medals waiting afterward.
BBQ for BGC Kids | July 31
Scholten’s Loch Lomond is firing up the grill from 11am to 3pm in support of BGC Greater Saint John. Stop by 835 Loch Lomond Road for lunch, with all money raised helping fund programs for local children and youth. Fly or Dine tickets will also be available.
*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
Some pups chase tennis balls. Stella prefers browsing the racks at In Pursuit, proving every shopping trip is better with a four-legged fashion consultant. 🛍️
Show us how your pet lives life in Saint John! Hit reply and send the pics!
SIDE NOTES
🌅 6:03am | 🌇 8:57pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 5:17 AM(Mon 27 July) | 1.59 m(5.22 ft) |
High Tide | 11:25 AM(Mon 27 July) | 6.85 m(22.47 ft) |
Low Tide | 5:32 PM(Mon 27 July) | 1.93 m(6.33 ft) |
High Tide | 11:39 PM(Mon 27 July) | 7.35 m(24.12 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who is hosting their in-laws on the long weekend!
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher