🎅 Santa’s booze going poof

Good morning, Saint John! A British man has built the world’s fastest… shed. That’s right, he turned his garden shed into a vehicle that can hit 123 mph. Wouldn’t it be nice to have that kind of extra time on your hands 🏎️ ?

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• Holiday spirits on holiday shortage 🍹

• Council gives wallets a mild shock 💰

• GM swap shakes Saint John bench 🥅

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

💸 Taxes Drop, Water Bills Tick Up

Saint John residents get a small break on property taxes next year, with the rate dropping from $1.55 to $1.53 per $100 of assessed value. Water bills are rising for the first time in eight years, from $1,428 to $1,446 annually. Council approved the budgets without a single debate. Some playgrounds, parks, and even a cricket field will see upgrades, but the real story is what lands in your wallet and on your water meter. ($)

🍾 U.S. Booze Nearly Gone at NB Liquor

If your holiday isn’t complete without a Jack n’ Coke or Sailor Jerry’s in your eggnog, your chances of finding it under the tree this year are slipping down the chimney fast. NB Liquor says there’s now less than $2 million worth of U.S. alcohol left at the Salisbury depot, down from $4 million earlier this year. The Crown stopped buying U.S. booze back in February after the Canada-U.S. trade tiff, and moving it through the depot has been “very productive,” according to Minister Luke Randall. Of course that does mean there’s more room on shelves for local spirits and brews to leave out with cookies for this big guy this year.

🏒 Sea Dogs Shuffle the Front Office

The Sea Dogs are tweaking the bench behind the bench. President Trevor Georgie is back as GM, a role he knows well after guiding the team to titles in 2017 and 2022. Head coach Travis Crickard has more medals than most people have fridge magnets and the team says he can now focus on what he does best…coaching. Crickard had been juggling GM duties since 2024, but the club is returning to the classic two-person setup. The Dogs hit the road for a three-game swing in Quebec, starting Wednesday night in Baie-Comeau, just ahead of the league’s Christmas trade window on December 19.

💼 Helping Students Step Into Real Jobs

Inclusion NB’s transition-to-work program is giving local students with intellectual or developmental disabilities a real shot at getting hired. Starting in Grade 10, students learn job basics like résumés, interview skills and what to expect on the first day, then move into real work placements with local employers. Demand has grown so much that Inclusion NB says they now need another facilitator in Saint John. One recent success story is Jaxson Carhart, featured in another outlet’s coverage. Their latest fundraiser brought in more than $20,000 and showed just how much these placements are helping students thrive.

💧 Lancaster Plant Upgrade Complete

The Lancaster Wastewater Treatment Facility has officially wrapped its $7.1 million upgrade. The new floating lateral fine bubble diffuser system pumps oxygen into wastewater more efficiently, while cutting energy use and making future maintenance easier. Backed by federal and provincial funding, the project boosts capacity and keeps west side residents’ water running smoothly. Who knew wastewater could have it so good?

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Cupcakes Christmas Tour | December 9 & 10
If your crew loves holiday lights but needs a lift, Cupcake the Elf has you covered. This family-friendly bus tour rolls out at 6:15pm from 1 Paul Harris St, giving everyone a chance to take in the KV sparkle, including the Arts & Culture Park, without worrying about transportation. Plus, enjoy some hot chocolate from McDonald’s hot. It should make for a fun, holiday evening.

Gingerbread Trail | Until December 24
Uptown’s sweetest stroll is back, with more than 30 gingerbread-themed creations tucked into storefronts from Canterbury Street and beyond. It’s a free, self-guided wander perfect for families, date nights, or anyone looking to add a little sparkle to their December. There’s even a chocolate-counting contest at 17 Canterbury Street. Maps are available online, and the surprises, sugary and otherwise, are scattered all the way to Christmas Eve.

Symphonette by the Sea | December 14
Portland United Church hosts Joyous Music and Song at 7pm, with the Saint John chamber orchestra under Hok Kwan. Expect a mix of Locatelli, Leontovitch, Handel, classic Christmas tunes, and a festive sing-along. Special guest Paul Bustin adds local star power, and the ensemble features talented regional musicians. Tickets are $15 at the door, $5 for kids under 12.

Carleton Choristers Christmas Memories | December 16
After a snow-day delay, Portland United Church will be filled with festive cheer as the Carleton Choristers present Christmas Memories at 7:30pm. The program promises holiday favourites to lift spirits and warm hearts. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 students, and free for kids 11 and under, available at the door. Perfect for families, friends, or anyone ready to sing along and soak up the season.

Mistletoe and Mayhem 2 | January 3
After a November rain check, this after-Christmas romp is finally hitting Saint David’s United Church in Rothesay at 7pm. Christopher Lane, Terri-Lynn McNichol and John Higgins lead the chaos, with Taylor and Carol joining the fun for even more mayhem. It’s a light, post-holiday pick-me-up, with a snow date on January 4. Admission is a free-will offering in support of the church’s life and work.

YMCA 3-on-3 Basketball League | January 10–March 28
The Y is firing up a co-ed 3-on-3 house league for anyone 16+ who wants a little winter competition without the pressure. Games run Saturdays 8–10pm, and it’s open to all skill levels from seasoned shooters to rusty rebounders, and folks just looking to move again. It’s $25 for members, $65 for non-members, and big on community spirit. 

Come Together Beatles Tribute | January 17
The fan-favourite Beatles tribute is back at the Imperial, raising funds for the Kennebecasis Valley Food Basket, and yes, it sold out last year for a reason. Expect a night packed with nostalgia, big sing-along energy, and a few fun extras woven in. It’s an easy mid-January pick-me-up and a way to support local families. Tickets are on sale now. 

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SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

🌙 Encountering the Crone
Midlife can feel like entering unfamiliar terrain—when roles, identities, and beliefs begin to shift. In this intimate workshop, Kristen Roderick and Margaret Anne Smith will engage participants in fairy tale, ceremony, and fiber art to explore archetypes of midlife. Participants will create a small needle-felted doll as a symbolic companion for this transformative journey. Friday, Dec 19th, 6:00–9:00 pm, Saint John (location after registration). $75 + tax, supplies included. Register here.*

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that needs a little local info shed on them 👀.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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