Someone’s shopping for a mall

Good morning, Saint John! It’s Blueberry Pie Day. Not that you need a reason, but who’s up for a quick trip to McKay’s? They opened for the season back on April 17.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🗑️ A little extra room at the curb

Spring cleaning season is here, and the City is giving residents a bit more breathing room at the curb. Two extra garbage bags can be set out at no cost during the spring collection window.

That means the mysterious bonus bag that shows up after a long winter of dog walks… might actually have a place to go now.

Weekly pickup households can put theirs out the week of May 4, while bi-weekly routes have until May 16 on their regular day. No bag tags needed.

If you’re going bigger than a few bags, the City’s bulky item pickup is also back in action, but you’ll need to book it in advance.

🏗️ More long-term care beds on the way

Work is now underway in Quispamsis to add 60 new long-term care beds at Shannex’s Parkland in the Valley campus.

It’s part of a bigger push to add more space for seniors across the province, something that’s been needed for a while as demand continues to grow and hospitals feel the pressure.

Construction is officially moving, with the new space expected to open late next year.

🎟️ The Y’s biggest night is set

The YMCA’s Red Triangle Awards Gala is set for May 14 and tickets are on sale now.

Jim Shaw is this year’s Red Triangle recipient, recognized for decades of leadership and community work across Saint John. Joelynn Annoh-Kwafo is the Leader to Watch, already making an impact through youth leadership and community involvement while in medical school.

It’s the Y’s biggest fundraiser of the year, supporting access to programs for families, newcomers, and youth. Tickets are $125, or $1,000 for a table, with food, a cash bar, and a raffle in the mix.

🗳️ Mayoral candidates take the stage tonight

If you’ve been meaning to get a better read on the mayoral race, tonight’s a good shot. The Saint John Votes forum is happening at the Imperial Theatre, with candidates laying out where they stand ahead of the May 11 vote.

Doors open at 5:30pm, things get going at 6pm. It’s free to attend, and there’s a livestream if you’re staying in.

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🛍️ Movement around McAllister Place

Reports suggest something could be happening with McAllister Place, with new activity tied to a potential sale of the east side mall.

Nothing has been officially confirmed, but updates around the listing point to a deal possibly getting closer after sitting in limbo for quite a while.

It’s a space a lot of people keep an eye on, especially as retail continues to shift and malls look for ways to evolve.

LifeDirt delivers fresh fruits and vegetables from Maritime farms, with a bit of extra variety added in the colder months. It’s a simple way to support local growers, skip the crowded stores, and take the thinking out of your weekly groceries. You can even add on things like bread, preserves, and other local staples.

Use code SJTODAY for $10 off your first box before April 30 and see what shows up at your door.

THEATRE TALK TUESDAY 🎭

Dino-Light | April 30
Imperial Theatre is bringing in Dino-Light Thursday at 6pm for a glow-in-the-dark family show blending puppetry, technology and dance. The story follows a friendly dinosaur brought to life by a scientist with magic powers, which is a pretty strong Thursday night plan.

Ballet Jörgen’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream | May 2
Ballet Jörgen brings A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Imperial Theatre Saturday at 3pm. This family-friendly ballet gives Shakespeare’s fairy-filled comedy a Canadian North twist, complete with woodland creatures and local young dancers.

SJ Theatre Company Season Launch | May 4
A 5-6pm preview inside the BMO Studio Theatre on Princess Street, where the Saint John Theatre Company pulls back the curtain on its 37th  season. Expect a first look at what’s ahead across theatre, music, and special events, plus the live draw for this year’s Fundy Fringe lineup. Free to attend, but you’ll need to reserve a ticket ahead.

Retro Film – A Streetcar Named Desire | May 4
A 7pm screening at the Imperial Theatre of the classic film adaptation starring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando. Based on the Tennessee Williams play, it follows Blanche DuBois as she moves in with her sister and quickly clashes with Stanley in a tense, unraveling household dynamic. Tickets are $10.

Coming soon…

Mamma Mia! | May 20-24
A milestone run at the Imperial Theatre as this production marks its 100th performance with an encore of the ABBA-powered favourite. Expect a full dose of familiar hits, big energy, and a crowd that likely knows every word. Evening shows run May 20-23 at 7:30pm, with matinees May 23-24 at 2pm. Tickets start at $36.

Taking on Water | June 4-5
A 7:30pm performance at the BMO Studio Theatre blending theatre, music, and movement into a striking look at life along a changing coastline. Built from real stories gathered in Newfoundland and Labrador, the show mixes vivid storytelling with live music and performance to explore how coastal communities are adapting to environmental change. Runs about 70 minutes with no intermission, with tickets starting at $35.

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

📸 Stephen Goguen | 📍 The Gathering Space

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🌅 6:17am | 🌇 8:26pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows you actually haven’t had a muffin until you’ve had one from McKay’s 🫐

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher