⛸️ Skating into the weekend

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Good morning Saint John, and happy Friday! At what point exactly is it ok to stop pretending it’ll be a productive work day and just start browsing the web for fall doorstep display inspiration? 🍁

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

• Should SJPD ditch the commission? 👮‍♂️

• Skating towards Hampton’s new arena ⛸️

• Top stories of the week, as selected by you 📰

Have a wonderful weekend!!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
Good Drinks, Great Cause. 🍷

Just a few weeks away, Sip & Savour raises funds to enhance life for Rocmaura’s 150 residents - including new furniture for rooms, a wheelchair-accessible van for outings, and support for recreation, entertainment, and care items not covered by government funding. It’s about adding comfort and those little extras that make Rocmaura feel like home.

The event itself features 20+ beverage vendors from around NB (with non-alcoholic options too), raffles, and silent and live auctions packed with experiences and unique items you won’t find anywhere else.

General admission is $75. VIP is $150 and includes early entry, a reserved table, exclusive tastings, charcuterie, and a $75 charitable tax receipt.

🎟️ Tickets available now

NEWS NOTES

🚨 Councillor floats police shake-up idea

Saint John Councillor Gerry Lowe thinks it’s time to change how the police force is run. This week he filed a motion suggesting the city scrap the independent police commission and instead make the force a regular city department, with the chief reporting to the CAO. Council doesn’t weigh in yet that debate lands September 22, when Lowe’s idea gets its first real test on the council floor.

🏒Hampton’s Summit Centre skating in early

Good news for Hampton’s rink rats, the brand-new Summit Centre is lacing up sooner than expected. Construction is running ahead of schedule, which means ice time could be here before the original January 2026 opening. The town’s got a backup plan too: if things somehow go sideways, the Mike Murphy Memorial Field House will transform into a temporary rink. So, no matter what it’s time to sharpen those skates, hockey season is coming fast!

✍️ Rothesay writer lands national spotlight 

Rothesay’s own Trenton Pomeroy just danced his way onto the 2025 CBC Nonfiction Prize longlist with his piece The Dances We Do With Our Children. Out of more than 1,300 submissions across Canada, his work stood out…not bad for a guy who used to write tech manuals before turning to creative nonfiction. The shortlist drops Sept. 18, winner Sept. 25. If he nabs the prize, it’s $6K and bragging rights forever.

🏆 Top Clicks of the Week

Monday - SJ Council agenda including ‘red zone’ map
Tuesday - Details on city’s Housing for All strategy
Wednesday - Radon test kit available through NB Lung
Thursday - BGC celebrates 125 years since it’s start in SJ

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

SPONSORED
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Reach local families and make an impression. Grab your spot in our newsletter today!

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

HERE’S WHAT WE’RE DOING THIS WEEKEND

Come From Away | September 12-14
The Saint John Theatre Company is celebrating its 35th birthday with a homegrown production of the Broadway hit Come From Away. Featuring local talent, including Fredericton-born Broadway star Tony LePage, the musical tells the true story of how a small Newfoundland town welcomed thousands of stranded passengers after 9/11. Performances run through the weekend.

Chairs for Charity | Through September 14
Pull up a chair at spots like Thandi, The Med, Splash Thai, Vito’s, and more, and you’ll be helping patients at the Saint John Regional Hospital. One table at each restaurant is dedicated to Chairs for Charity, with proceeds going toward advanced surgical care. Whether it’s drinks or a full feast, every bite makes a difference and you can even scan the table’s QR code for a chance to win free flights.

Loch Lomond Mitsubishi Fall Fun Fair | September 13
Get ready for a whirlwind of fun at Loch Lomond Mitsubishi’s 6th Annual Fall Fun Fair this Saturday from 11am-1pm. Take on two 60-foot inflatable obstacle courses, win prizes at carnival games, enjoy BBQ eats, and try your luck at mini golf against Jaymee for a golden ticket to win a car (only 25 available!). Entry is just $1, with proceeds going to charity, and Trevor the Entertainer will keep the tunes and energy rolling all afternoon.

Rides @ Rockwood | September 13
The 11th annual Rides @ Rockwood car show rolls into Rockwood Park this Saturday, with a rain date on Sunday (Sept. 14). Expect everything from classic VW Bugs to jacked-up Jeeps, muscle cars, and Chopper-style motorcycles. Stick around for the burnout competition at the end…it’s a crowd favorite. Keep an eye out for updates, and enjoy a fun, car-filled day while supporting ProKids, Operation Feed SJ, and the park itself.

Got an Event to Share?

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LOCAL PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸

📍 On Wednesday we shared this pic of a hand holding an apple and it probably seems obvious now that it’s a sculpture found at Yip Cider on the peninsula. Congrats to Edgar, Dennis H., Chris H. who all knew exactly where it was. By the way, if you haven’t seen their awesome new promo video, you should check it out! (Not sponsored, just awesome!)

Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Get Noticed in SJ Today!

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🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

FRIDAY
Fusion East Taproom | Ukrainian-Canadian Open Mic | 7pm
Hampton Brewing Co. | Hope King | 7pm (no cover)
Ol’ Foggy Distillery | Snacktime Supervisors | 7pm-9pm
Trinity Galleries | James O’Farrell (Sax) & Friends | 7pm ($20, Jazz Night)

SATURDAY
Fusion East Taproom | Karaoke with Fran Scott | 7pm
Harmony House SJ | Jessica Rhaye, Bill Preeper & Sandy MacKay with Andrea Pascuttini | 7:30pm
Wasted Day Brewing | Sam Hudson Band with Abigail Joan Mack Sommerville | 7pm

Submit your live music listing here

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows a good pot of mums when they see ‘em 🪴.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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