🦸 Some heroes wear skates

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Good morning, Saint John! Friendly Friday reminder that winter is not done with us yet. Today’s manageable. The weekend comes in louder and much colder 🥶.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Winter Chop Chop returns for the last week of January, lining up perfectly with Fundy Winterfest and giving you a very good reason to explore uptown with a fork in hand. Participating restaurants are serving up special Chop Chop dishes all week long, each one created just for the event and designed to give you a reason to explore uptown table by table.

New price ranges make it easy to plan your appetite, with $15 Chop Chop Plates, lunch options from $20–$55, and dinner features between $35–$75. Reservations are recommended, and a portion of Chop Chop sales will support Lunch Connection, which provides subsidized school lunches to hundreds of Saint John students each year.

🩺 Health care on the move

A new mobile health-care team is now working in uptown Saint John, bringing basic care and support directly to people who are unhoused or at risk of losing housing. Instead of appointments and paperwork, the team shows up at shelters, community spaces, and encampment sites.

They’re helping with things like wound care, immunizations, mental health and addictions support, and navigating the health and housing systems, working alongside groups already on the ground. Funded by the province and run through Horizon, it’s a practical, meet-you-where-you-are approach, and one that’s already being felt locally.

🏘️ New housing grants in Saint John

The City is opening applications January 22 for its 2026 Housing Accelerator Fund grants, a new round of funding aimed at getting more housing built in serviced areas of Saint John. The program includes three streams, covering new small-scale builds, tackling tough construction sites, and upgrading existing rental stock.

Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000 per unit, with projects required to meet minimum construction thresholds and real build timelines. It’s geared toward builders, non-profits, and property owners already working on multi-unit projects, not one-off backyard ideas.

Earlier this year, the City announced a separate incentive program aimed at large, $40-million developments. This one sits at the other end of the scale, focusing on smaller projects that add housing a few units at a time.

🚢 From City Hall to the waterfront

Port Saint John has confirmed Brent McGovern as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective January 26, marking the next stop after his exit from the city’s top administrative job last fall.

After two decades at City Hall, McGovern’s move leaves the city’s CAO search firmly underway, with interim CAO Kevin Fudge continuing in the role while a permanent replacement is sought.

🏆 Top clicks of the week

Monday - Stone church annual gala this Saturday
Tuesday - Crane Mountain enhancement grants opened
Wednesday - Report a pothole in SJ here
Thursday - Faces of Fusion tickets available now

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Here’s what we’re doing this weekend…don’t forget Fundy Winterfest hits Fundy-St. Martin’s this weekend and you can get the full Winterfest scoop here. 

TONIGHT

Winter Magic in Acrylics | January 23
A relaxed, beginner-friendly painting workshop designed as a creative night out for women. Led by artist Oksana Tokmakova and hosted through a women’s support group, the evening focuses on intuitive brushwork, light techniques, and connection in a supportive space. No painting experience required. Runs Friday at 5:30pm at 24 Coburg Street. Registration required. Materials fee is $5.

Morgan Davis Live at Five & Dime | January 23
JUNO Award–winning blues artist Morgan Davis brings his gritty, story-driven sound to Five & Dime for an intimate night of live music. Known for his raw vocals and deep roots in the blues scene, this is a great chance to catch a seasoned performer up close. Doors open at 8pm, with tickets available at the door for $10.

SATURDAY

Superhero Night with the Sea Dogs | January 24
Capes are encouraged as the Sea Dogs host Superhero Night at TD Station in support of Make-A-Wish Canada. The team will wear special superhero-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game, with proceeds supporting local wish-granting efforts. Fans are invited to dress up and take part in a feel-good afternoon of hockey and community support. Puck drops at 4pm as Saint John takes on Sherbrooke.

Soups Tasting Saturday | January 24
A cozy, flavour-packed stop for winter weekend wandering. Varenyky.ca is hosting a free in-store tasting featuring six different home-style soups, from borsch with beef to vegetarian options and hearty classics. Drop in, sample a few favourites, and take some home if something hits the spot. Runs Saturday from 10am–6pm at the Varenyky Store in Rothesay.

Live Music with Mike & Mel | January 24
Hampton Brewing Co. welcomes back Mike & Mel for an easygoing night of live music in the taproom. Expect soulful riffs, familiar favourites, and melodic mashups that pair nicely with a pint. Showtime is 7pm, there’s no cover, and the vibe is relaxed and local.

Night Out with Mike Biggar | January 24
A dinner-and-show night at the second level of Vito’s Uptown featuring live entertainment from Mike Biggar. Dinner is included, beverages are extra, and the vibe is relaxed and social. Runs 6–9pm in Uptown Saint John.

Bad Words for Street Team SJ | January 24
A comedy-forward fundraiser at Wasted Day Brewing with live music and a stacked lineup of New Brunswick comedians. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm, and proceeds support Street Team SJ’s work in the community.

SUNDAY

Turkish Mosaic Lamp & Candle Workshop | January 25
A limited-time pop-up workshop bringing the art of Turkish mosaic lamp and candle holder making to Saint John. Participants spend 2.5 hours designing and creating their own glowing mosaic piece with guided, beginner-friendly instruction. All materials are provided. Held Sunday at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saint John Harbour Side. Advance registration required.

Women’s Wellness Circle | January 25
A monthly gathering focused on grounding, sound, and shared healing in a supportive environment. This session features sacred sound and chakra alignment through collective humming and singing. Open to all women, with a pay-what-you-can contribution suggested at $20. Runs Sunday at Nika’s Haven Yoga & Wellness Studio in Hampton. RSVP required.

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

📍 On Wednesday, we shared this photo and asked if you recognized the clues. A street sign, a weird chicken, and… is that a deflated gummy bear? Turns out, it’s part of the collection of oddities tucked away in the wings of the Imperial Theatre stage. Shout out to Leah S., Maggie B., and Edgar D. for clocking it. If you’ve never been behind the scenes at Imperial Theatre, it’s a must do for all SJ residents.

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone still hasn’t had the chance to get out enjoy the outdoor rinks ⛸️.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher