🥈 SJ is second best in Canada

Good morning, Saint John! Somewhere in the UK, people are lining up to try a new peanut butter and jelly chocolate bar. Somewhere in Saint John, somebody is wondering which Giant Tiger location is still sitting on a bin of candy cane-flavoured W's from last Christmas.

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🏠 Saint John climbs affordability list

Saint John has been named the second-most affordable city in Canada for homebuyers, according to a new Royal LePage report.

The ranking is based on how much household income goes toward a mortgage. In Saint John, it's about 20 cents of every dollar earned. Last year it was about 25 cents.

Only Lethbridge, Alberta ranked higher. Fredericton, Moncton and Charlottetown also made the list.

Before anyone accuses the report of never buying groceries, Royal LePage notes affordability pressures are still growing as home prices continue to outpace wage growth. But compared with much of the country, Saint John remains one of the few places where homeownership hasn't completely left the chat.

🏥 Healthcare by the numbers

Horizon released its quarterly progress update this week, reporting a net gain of 90 nurses and 70 physicians so far this fiscal year.

The health authority also says new diversion teams have helped more than 460 medically stable patients return home since November, while the Saint John Regional Hospital recently added a Discharge Lounge aimed at freeing up beds more quickly.

The challenge remains capacity. Patients waiting for long-term care occupied about 40% of Horizon's acute care beds in May, helping explain why crowded hospitals remain a fact of life across the province.

🥍 Tickets on sale for national championship

Saint John will host some of the country's best Junior B box lacrosse players this August when the Founders Cup rolls into TD Station.

The eight-day tournament runs August 16-23 and brings together provincial champions from across Canada to battle for a national title. If you've never watched box lacrosse before, imagine hockey's intensity, basketball's pace and maybe fewer teeth than you'd expect.

Tickets are officially on sale, with early bird tournament passes available for $55 until June 30. That's access to a full week of games for less than the price of a family trip to the movies.

The defending champion Kahnawake Hunters will be looking to repeat, but for local sports fans, the bigger story might be that Saint John gets another national championship event on the calendar this summer.

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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.

TD Summer Reading Club | June 25
A new eight-week summer reading program launches at St. Mark's United Church, giving children of all ages a chance to enjoy stories, activities and reading adventures throughout the summer. Sessions take place outdoors, weather permitting.

Senior Resource Centre Dental Benefit Registration | June 29
Need help applying for the Canadian Dental Care Plan? The Senior Resource Centre in Brunswick Square is hosting a registration session with Service Canada's Trevor Ward, who will help seniors apply or reapply for the program. Advance registration is required through the Senior Resource Centre.

Library Toddler Time | June 26
Songs, stories, rhymes and activities take centre stage during this weekly library program designed for toddlers aged 18 to 36 months. Caregivers are encouraged to join in the fun.

Portland Outdoor Music Fest | June 30
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a free evening of outdoor music as the Portland Summer Music Series continues at Portland United Church. Next week’s featured performer is Murphy's Lot, part of a summer-long lineup of local entertainers performing Tuesday evenings in support of the North End Food Bank. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Summer Dreams | June 27
Looking for a soundtrack to your Saturday night? The Dreamers take the stage at Steamers Lobster Co. for an evening of classic R&B, rock and familiar favourites. The local group features Lee, Mike and Linda Boyer alongside Kevin Shephard and Dave Round, serving up three hours of music on the waterfront.

🔎 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. Even with some grey days this week, we managed to find some colour! Think you know where this rainbow is? Hit reply and give it your best guess. We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue!

We love sharing local pics! If you’ve got a cool one send it our way or tag us on Facebook & Instagram!

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who enjoys some candy on Wednesday 🍫.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher