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- 💡 The Lights Just Came On
💡 The Lights Just Came On
SJ Today
October 05, 2025
Good morning Saint John! The Blue Jays are up two on the Yankees, which means Monday doesn’t feel quite as Monday. Pour some extra coffee, it’s a good day already. ☕
In todays edition:
UNB Off-site construction boost 🏗️
Quispamsis scores millions, roads rejoice 💰
Rothesay softball finally shines after dark 🌙
Let’s get to it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🧱 UNB lands $2.5M for faster, smarter builds
UNB’s Off-site Construction Research Centre is getting a $2.5 million lift from Saint John–based OSCO Construction, giving the university more muscle to modernize how New Brunswick builds. It’s a local company backing local research, with the goal of tackling housing, schools, and hospitals faster and smarter.
Off-site construction works like this: build the walls, floors, or even whole rooms in a factory, then truck them to the site and snap them together like giant Lego. The method cuts down on weather delays, reduces waste, makes worksites safer, and often brings costs down.
The payoff for New Brunswick could be significant…more affordable housing, steadier jobs for tradespeople, and faster delivery of schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure. With OSCO providing local investment and UNB training future builders, the research aims to bring practical benefits to communities across the province.
💰 Local cash boost
Quispamsis is getting $1.4M from the Canada Community-Building Fund for street work, a new Cedar Ridge Boulevard watermain, and upgrades to Sanitary Lift Station #4.
Other local winners include Saint John $5.1M, Rothesay $886K, Hampton $542K, Grand Bay-Westfield $408K, and Fundy St. Martins $239K. The money goes toward roads, water systems, and other key infrastructure.
The feds say the $50M+ being distributed across New Brunswick this year is meant to support local projects, create jobs, and help communities keep running smoothly.
🥎 Lights on in Rothesay
If you ever played ball as a kid, you’ll remember there’s something special about playing under the lights. Now Rothesay’s Wells Recreation Park has them, thanks to local fundraising, town support, and $50K from the Toronto Blue Jays.
The upgrade means 43 teams, from U5 to U19, can play later and share fields less. Younger players get early slots, older players stay out later, and everyone hits the “real’ field instead of borrowed turf.
U11 player Maddy Morrison and Mayor Nancy Grant flipped the switch Friday night. The Jays plan a spring visit (hopefully with World Series rings) for the official opening, but the lights are already letting Rothesay softball shine after dark.
🚧 Quick bridge timeout
Reminder - Harbour Bridge will be fully closed for about 20 minutes on tonight (Oct. 6) and Tomorrow (Oct. 7) between 6–7pm while crews handle some jacking work. Expect short delays, and maybe take the long way unless you enjoy surprise traffic jams.
🚢 Double ship day in Saint John
Two cruise ships are in port today, keeping the harbour busy: Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas (3,800 passengers) from 10:00–21:30, and Princess’ Majestic Princess (3,600 passengers) from 11:00–22:00.
THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS
⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting | October 6, 6pm
Solar energy rules — A public hearing will review zoning changes to allow more solar development across the city.
Street changes — Council will consider amending the Traffic By-law for Sydney Street between Broad and Saint James.
Data hub — Renewal of the Equinix Data Centre contract is up for discussion.
Red-light cameras — A letter is calling on the city to install cameras at intersections to catch drivers who run the lights.
Big picture update — The CAO will give council an update on catalytic projects and city advocacy efforts.
The meeting takes place at City Hall (2nd floor Council Chamber) at 6pm. Watch in person, on Rogers TV, or via livestream.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!
TODAY
Sunset Hike at Black Beach | October 6
Join ACAP Saint John for a guided evening hike along Black Beach in Lorneville. Walk the shorelines as the sun sets, explore the unique ecosystem, and end at a lookout to spot seals through scopes and binoculars. The 2 km hike is medium difficulty, so bring sturdy shoes and a light jacket. A peaceful, scenic adventure perfect for all nature lovers.
Take It to the Limit Eagles Tribute | October 6
Eagles fans, this one’s for you! “Take It To The Limit,” a top-notch tribute from Vancouver, hits the Imperial Theatre with all your favourites — Hotel California, Take It Easy, Desperado, and more. Expect full-on Eagles vibes, killer vocals, and high energy. Tickets are $69.50, and with rave reviews from coast to coast, this is one night of live music you won’t want to miss!
WEDNESDAY
City Firehouse Open Houses | October 8
Celebrate Fire Prevention Week by visiting a Saint John fire station this Wednesday! Meet your local firefighters, tour the stations, learn essential fire safety tips, and drop off used batteries for recycling. Open houses run from 2–7pm at all stations: #1 Leinster St., #2 Loch Lomond Rd., #4 Courtenay Ave., #5 Adelaide St., #6 King St. W., and #7 Manchester Ave. Fun and free for all ages!
THURSDAY
Fundy Sea Shanty Night | October 9
Set sail for an evening of music at O’Leary’s Pub! Join Saint John’s Before the Mast on Thursday at 7pm as they belt out classic sea shanties and introduce a few new tunes. No cover charge, just show up, tap your toes, and sing along to the songs that helped forge nations. Perfect for lovers of maritime music and a fun night out downtown.
SATURDAY
Passport to Parks Rockwood | October 11
Get ready for an afternoon of fall fun at Fisher Lake’s A-Frame Picnic Site! Passport to Parks is back and family-friendly, with bouncy castles, First Nations storytelling, henna, face painting, balloon twisting, DJ tunes, and food for purchase. Free transit runs from King Square at 12 and 12:45, returning at 4. Rain date is October 12. No registration…just show up and enjoy!
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 5:31 AM(Mon 06 October) | 0.73 m(2.4 ft) |
High Tide | 11:36 AM(Mon 06 October) | 8.04 m(26.38 ft) |
Low Tide | 5:53 PM(Mon 06 October) | 0.6 m(1.97 ft) |
High Tide | 11:59 PM(Mon 06 October) | 8.13 m(26.67 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who loves a lot of fall ball ⚾.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher
Did I Miss Something?
Today’s web cover photo from KV Girls Softball Association.