📈 The fee hike list is here

Good morning, Saint John! A buffalo named Donald Trump is drawing crowds at a zoo in Bangladesh because of its blond hair and resemblance to the U.S. president. A day spent with either one probably feels like a trip to the zoo.

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Have a fantastic weekend!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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💸 The cost of being a New Brunswicker

A long list of provincial fee increases is set to take effect August 1, affecting everything from driver's licences and vehicle registrations to liquor permits, ATV registrations and court filings.

Among the changes, driver's licences will rise from $22.50 to $25 annually, vehicle transfer fees will increase from $20 to $25, and vehicle ownership certificates will jump from $8 to $25. Personalized licence plates are also climbing from $175 to $250.

The biggest increase may show up on phone bills. The monthly NB 911 fee will jump from 97 cents to $2.59 per line, a 167 per cent increase.

The province expects the changes to generate an additional $45 million annually. 

Browse the complete list of hundreds of fee increases affecting drivers, businesses, property owners, event organizers, liquor licensees and off-road vehicle owners across New Brunswick. 

🏆 Top clicks of the week

Monday - National AccessAbility Week
Tuesday - Local photographer’s moon shot
Wednesday - Rothesay citizen survey launched
Thursday - How to report a pothole in Saint John

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What we’re doing this weekend

FRIDAY

Saint John Youth Orchestra Season Finale | June 5
The Saint John Youth Orchestra wraps up its season with a free concert at Harbour View High School at 7:30pm. The finale program includes The Moldau, The Barber of Seville Overture, Danzón No. 2 and a featured performance by student soloist Kingston Beckett on trombone. Admission is free, with donations accepted at the door. A great chance to hear what a year of hard work sounds like.

Summer Kickoff Party At Moosehead Taproom | June 5
The Moosehead Taproom is welcoming summer with a party Friday night from 6pm-midnight at 89 Main Street West. The 19+ event features live music from Caboose & The Drift, a food truck, games, a photobooth and a few other surprises along the way. If your idea of celebrating warmer weather involves good music, cold drinks and not being home by 9pm, this one checks a few boxes.

SATURDAY

Danceability Open House | June 6
After nearly three decades on Rothesay Avenue, Danceability is opening the doors to its new home at Loch Lomond Place and inviting the community in for a look around. Visitors can tour the new studios, meet instructors and dance families, learn about programs for all ages, and enter a draw to win a month of free classes. The open house runs from 10am-3pm and includes treats for kids along the way.

YMCA Fishing Derby | June 6
The YMCA is hosting a family-friendly fishing derby at the Glenn Carpenter Centre, with registration at 8am, catch-and-release fishing from 9am-12pm, a BBQ by donation and prizes at 1pm. Tickets are $12 for individuals or $25 for families, with proceeds supporting the Y’s Strong Communities Campaign. 

SUNDAY

Blue Jays Watch Party | June 7
Baseball fans are invited to Ihtoli-maqahamok – The Gathering Space from 1:30-5pm for a free Blue Jays watch party on the waterfront big screen. The Port City Pirates will kick things off with Blue Jays trivia, prizes and giveaways before the game, while a special Blue Jays Central broadcast at 2pm promises announcements from communities across Canada. Wear your Jays gear, wear blue, or just show up ready to cheer. If the weather doesn't cooperate, the party moves inside to the Market Square Atrium.

Passport To Parks At Rockwood Park | June 7
Saint John’s free Passport to Parks series returns to Fisher Lakes at Rockwood Park from 1-3:30pm. Families can check out activities including canoeing, kayaking, face painting, bouncy castles, Benny Bubblz and more. There is no rain date, so Sunday is the day to make it happen.

Step Into Summer Workshop | June 7
Not Your Grandma’s Craft Club is bringing a summer-ready workshop to Yip Cider from 12-2:30pm. Guests will make two beaded anklets or one anklet and a set of Birkenstock charms, with all materials, guided instruction and one beverage included in the $35 ticket. No experience needed, just show up ready to sip, chat and make your sandals a little more fun!

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📍 On Wednesday we shared this pic of a sign near some train tracks and asked if you could place it. The pic actually caught our eye during the beer run last weekend so we went back to the Mill Street sign on Bentley Street to grab the snap. Shout out to Edgar D., Rick S., David C., Kelly M., Rick F., Nancy S., Paula E., Jayne J., Bonnie E., and Jill K. for knowing exactly where we were!

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🌅 5:37am | 🌇 9:07pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who has a bad haircut 💇‍♂️.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher