Good morning, Saint John! Imagine sitting at King and Charlotte and seeing a kangaroo bouncing across King's Square. That's pretty much what residents near Montreal have been experiencing this week after a runaway kangaroo escaped and started turning up in local fields.
Here’s what we’re hopping around today:
Rothesay finds another $4M 🏗️
4pm is the new 7pm ⌚
West Siders go yard-salin’ 🛍️
Let’s kick it off!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
💰Rothesay adds another $4M to RICC
The Rothesay Intergenerational Community Complex just got a little closer to reality.
Rothesay council approved an additional $4 million commitment this week, bringing total secured funding for the project to roughly $31 million of its $36 million budget. The new funding will come from capital allocations in 2027 and 2028.
The planned complex will include an NHL-sized arena, indoor walking track, community and recreation spaces, meeting rooms, and gathering areas designed for all ages.
The project still needs about $5 million to cross the finish line, with more than $1.3 million already raised through community donations, sponsorships and pledges. Design work is underway, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
🏒 Sea Dogs moving Saturdays to 4pm
The Saint John Sea Dogs have released their 2026-27 schedule, and regulars at TD Station will notice one change right away.
Saturday home games will now start at 4pm, replacing the traditional 7pm puck drop. The shift comes as the team leans heavily into weekends, with 21 of its 32 home games scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The Sea Dogs open the season with a two-game road trip against the Newfoundland Regiment on September 18 and 19 before returning home for their opener against the Moncton Wildcats on September 25 at 7pm.
Three additional home games will be played on holidays: Thanksgiving Monday, New Year's Eve and Family Day.
🏏 Youth cricket program hopes to grow local game
Cricket might not be the first sport that comes to mind in Saint John, but a local youth program is hoping to change that.
George Thambi, who helps coordinate the program, said it was created to give local kids a chance to learn a sport that continues to grow in the region.
"When we started, only three children attended our practice sessions," he said. "By the time we organized our first youth tournament in September 2025, we had 23 registered players."
That growth has organizers expanding this year's program with two youth tournaments on July 4 and August 15, alongside regular coaching sessions throughout the summer. They hope it's another step toward making cricket a more familiar sight on Saint John playing fields.
🚧 Main Street marigolds continue
Heading through the north end today? Give yourself a few extra minutes.
Main Street will be closed to northbound traffic between Metcalf Street and Lansdowne Avenue from 9am to 8pm for Marigolds on Main Street, with traffic detoured via Metcalf Street. Southbound traffic will remain open but reduced to a single lane.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Here are some more events sent to us by our readers. Don’t forget to submit your events any time by clicking here.
Unity Park Summer Stage featuring Womb To Tomb Duo | June 17
Bring a lawn chair and settle in for a free evening of live music at Unity Park in Grand Bay-Westfield. Womb To Tomb Duo takes the stage from 7-8pm as part of the town's Summer Stage concert series. Rain location is the Brundage Point River Centre.
Accessibility Exchange Information Session | June 17
People with disabilities, Deaf individuals, supporters and community organizations are invited to learn about the Accessibility Exchange, a national platform that connects participants with paid accessibility consultations for federally regulated organizations. The free information session runs from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Irving Oil Field House. Refreshments will be provided.
Saint John Touch Rugby League Championship | June 17
After nine weeks of spring competition, it all comes down to this. Marooned and Gold face off in the Saint John Touch Rugby League Spring Championship at 8pm on Field 1 at the Irving Oil Field House. Spectators are welcome to catch the season finale and see who takes home the title.
Summer Kickoff Party at KBM | June 19
The KBM Outing Association is kicking off summer with live music from Penalty Box, a newly renovated bar and plenty of dancing. Doors open at 7pm, music starts at 8pm and tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. This is a 19+ event and the bar is cash only.
Fundy Heights Community Yard Sale | June 20
Fundy Heights residents are clearing out garages and driveways for a neighbourhood-wide yard sale. Anyone living on a dead-end street can set up at Seaside Park, and young entrepreneurs are encouraged to bring their lemonade stands and popsicles.
Chess Club | Saturdays
Whether you're a seasoned strategist or still figuring out how the knight moves, the Saint John Free Public Library's Chess Club welcomes players ages 12 and up every Saturday from noon-3pm at the Main Branch. No experience is necessary, and basic instruction is available for newcomers.
*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. If this pattern looks familiar, it probably means that summer has finally arrived. Hit reply if you think you can name this location. We’ll reveal the spot and any local answers in Friday’s edition!
Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
🌅 5:35am | 🌇 9:14pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 1:47 AM(Wed 17 June) | 8.54 m(28.02 ft) |
Low Tide | 8:09 AM(Wed 17 June) | 0.3 m(0.98 ft) |
High Tide | 2:23 PM(Wed 17 June) | 7.95 m(26.08 ft) |
Low Tide | 8:32 PM(Wed 17 June) | 0.91 m(2.99 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone likes to keep a little local info in their pouch 🦘!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher