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SJ Today
August 06, 2025
Good morning Saint John! It was 51 years ago today that the very first Bricklin rolled off the line right here in town. One car, big dreams, and a whole lotta orange. 🚗
Here’s what going on this morning:
Museum check-up delays opening again 🏗️
Chill out, rinks getting cool upgrades ❄️
Fundy Fringe reveals its 2025 stages 🎭
Let’s get it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
❄️ Saint John arenas getting a cool upgrade
Peter Murray Arena is getting two new cooling towers and rubber mats, while Stewart Hurley Arena will see a new ammonia chiller to keep the ice solid and skates fast.
Last year, council also approved building a multi-purpose recreation facility with two new ice pads next to the Irving Oil Field House on the east side which would be a big step toward easing the city’s rink crunch.
With two arenas recently closed and others aging, Coun. Barry Ogden says these upgrades are welcome but not enough to grow local sports and protect Saint John’s rink culture. ($)
🏛️ NB Museum reopening delayed
The New Brunswick Museum’s comeback has been pushed to 2028, but officials say the slowdown is intentional, allowing them to get budgets and plans fully in order and avoid costly mistakes.
With $108 million in funding secured, including major local support, the team is focused on delivering a museum with more than just exhibits, featuring a café, boutique, and community spaces all under one roof.
The extra time means a stronger, well-planned museum that will serve the community for decades to come.
🏖️ Quispamsis wants your two cents on Gondola Point Beach
If you’ve ever dipped your toes (or your dog’s paws) in the waters at Gondola Point Beach, now’s your chance to weigh in on how it could get even better. Quispamsis launched a no-nonsense, anonymous survey asking locals what they love, what’s missing, and what upgrades might make your beach days even sweeter.
Do you visit weekly, or did you just learn it exists? Do you want more picnic shelters, bike racks, or fancy dog park perks? Maybe washrooms, better parking, or a place to cool off? Whatever your beach vibe, they want to hear it…but hurry, the survey closes August 22.
Heads up, transit riders on Main Street 🚌
Starting this morning (August 6), the bus stop next to McDonald’s on Main Street North is closed until further notice for construction upgrades.
North and westbound buses will detour via Metcalf Street. You can catch your ride next to the medical centre. Drivers expect more foot traffic in the area and take it slow.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored. ($) indicates a third-party subscription may be required.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Fringe returns with a walkable wonderland 🎭
The Fundy Fringe Festival (Aug 19-23) just dropped this year’s venue lineup, and every stop is just a short stroll apart. Get weird, get wonderful and get ready to map your week. Venues include Wasted Day, Haven Music Hall, Imperial Theatre, and the BMO Studio Theatre. The full schedule’s coming soon, but one show’s already on our radar…
💔One nurse, one diagnosis, one last chance at love
In A Tourist Looking for the Touch of a Woman Before He Might Die, Alberta RN Steven Andrews turns a terrifying medical scare into a raw, hilarious one-man show. It’s about illness, romance, and what it means to lose control when you’re used to having it. You’ll find him at the Imperial Theatre’s upper lobby, exact dates still TBA. Ages 14+.
🎲 Tilt back in Saint John with a twist
Last year’s Fringe fan favourite Tilt returns to BMO Studio Theatre September 24. This wild mashup of improv comedy and physical theatre puts you in the director’s seat, deciding the couple’s fate live on stage. Created by improv pros Jean-Michel Cliche and Alex Rioux, it’s fast, funny, and downright impossible to look away.
Bonus: Arrive early for a 6 pm improv workshop with Jean-Michel, no experience needed. Tickets $35, workshop $10 extra.
TONIGHT
Speak with Confidence | August 6
Saint John Newcomers Centre hosts a hands-on session to help you overcome public speaking fear and find your authentic voice. Facilitated by Samantha Paz y Mino from Toastmasters International, this in-person event runs from 5:30pm to 7pm at 75 Prince William St. Expect supportive exercises, mindset shifts, and tools to calm nerves so you can step up and speak with confidence. You can register here.
THURSDAY
Concert in the Common | August 7, 2025
Rothesay Common fills with music once again as the Saint Mary’s Band takes the stage from 7pm to 8pm. Bring a chair, a blanket, or just your walking shoes and settle in for a free outdoor concert under the summer sky. If it rains, the show moves to the Bill McGuire Centre, same time, different vibe, still worth it.
FRIDAY
Big Laugh Energy | August 8
Saint John Pride and Dia Monde are bringing the funny with a stacked comedy lineup at the Trade & Convention Centre from 8pm to 10pm. Catch Darren Elmore, Adam Mynatt, Stef Macneil, and Clare Belford for a night of big laughs and sharp sets. Whether you're flying solo or booking a table, this one's set to bring the house down.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL PICS
WHERE ARE WE? 📸
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. Think you know where this provincial flag flies? Hit reply and send us your best guess. We’ll reveal the location and correct guesses in Friday’s issue.
Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 4:24 AM(Wed 06 August) | 1.8 m(5.91 ft) |
High Tide | 10:34 AM(Wed 06 August) | 6.66 m(21.85 ft) |
Low Tide | 4:41 PM(Wed 06 August) | 2.08 m(6.82 ft) |
High Tide | 10:50 PM(Wed 06 August) | 7.23 m(23.72 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who still has a Bricklin! 🏎️
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher