Good morning, Saint John! Can you believe Canada once celebrated Thanksgiving in April, and Parliament used to pick the date every year? Tough to plan dinner when the turkey needed royal assent. Thankfully, Monday’s locked in these days.
We’re taking the holiday off to work through the leftovers, but we’ll be back in your inbox Tuesday.
Here’s the local gobble gobble:
Saint John's got some class 🎓
5,000 is a big number to be circling 🚙
A second helping for the west side 🚧
Happy Thanksgiving!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
Three local educators make the grade 🍎
Avril Wood-Toner, Early Childhood Educator at YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick.
Turns out Saint John has some pretty impressive educators, and Ottawa agrees.
Three Saint John Region educators are among just 60 Canadians honoured with 2026 Prime Minister's Awards, including Avril Wood-Toner of the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick, who's spent more than 30 years supporting local kids and families.
Avril was asked back in January if she'd mind being nominated. "How do you answer anything but yes," she told SJ Today. "I never thought I would receive the award, but I looked at it as a privilege to be nominated."
After three decades in early childhood education, Avril has seen some big changes, including a shift toward child-centred learning. "We all learn best if we are presented with experiences we are interested in, and children are a prime example of that. They are very capable and competent little humans especially when they are supported by educators who support their learning."
But it's the little victories that have kept her going. "For me it's been all about the Ahh Haa moments. That moment in time when the light bulb goes off for the child." Whether it's writing their name for the first time or helping a family overcome a barrier, Avril says it's all about creating a love of lifelong learning.
And she's in great company…Kerri Titus of Harbour View High School was recognized for Teaching Excellence, while Tanisha Thompson of Fundy Shores School in Dipper Harbour earned an award for Teaching Excellence in STEM. All three received Certificates of Achievement from a national program that attracted 221 nominations this year.
🅿️ Uptown has HOW many parking spots?
Believe it or not, there are roughly 5,000 public parking spaces across Saint John's central peninsula, and a new $165,000 city study says only 55% are occupied on average. Of course, that doesn't mean there's an empty spot waiting outside your favourite Uptown shop. Parking around Princess, Wentworth and southern Germain streets is already in high demand.
With more people moving to the peninsula, consultants are suggesting changes that could include higher residential parking permit fees, rates based on demand and new rules requiring developers to provide more parking. Nothing's changing yet. Council received the report for information, so for now, the great Uptown parking hunt continues. ($)
🛣️ West siders have something to be thankful for
Forget the turkey! West siders might finally be getting something they've wanted for a while…fresh pavement on Highway 1 near the Harbour Bridge. Starting Thanksgiving Monday, October 12, crews will begin milling and paving around Exit 119, affecting ramps connecting the highway with Bleury Street, Catherwood Street and Fairville Boulevard. Drivers can expect temporary ramp closures and lane restrictions, while the Harbour Bridge exit to Chesley Drive will be closed October 13–16. Throw in some freshly painted lines, and you’ve got gravy on the top!
Top clicks of the week 🏆
Monday - Find local lithium-ion battery drop-offs
Tuesday - Concerns about possible second data centre
Wednesday - Public skating returns at Saint John arenas
Thursday - Courtroom Sketches event ft. Carol Taylor
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored. ($) indicates that a third-party subscription may be required.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
What we’re doing this weekend
Live Jazz Fridays at Trinity Galleries | October 9
Ease into the weekend with some smooth jazz as saxophonist James O'Farrell and guitarist Magnus bring live music to Trinity Galleries from 7pm to 9pm. Enjoy candlelit tunes surrounded by art, or cozy up by the outdoor firepit. Admission is $20.
Autumn Evening with Olena Kolibaba | October 9
Violinist and composer Olena Kolibaba brings music and storytelling to the Saint John Arts Centre at 7pm. Selections from Perennial blend neo-classical, cinematic and folk influences with live looping, joined by pianist Becky Reesor and visual art by Anastasiya Bura and Ki Elmes. Plenty for the eyes as well as the ears.
Once Upon a One More Time | October 8–10
Harbour View High School gives Cinderella, Snow White and their fellow princesses a Britney Spears soundtrack as they start rewriting their happily-ever-afters. Performances run at 7:30pm each night at Harbour View High, with tickets starting at $30. These princesses have had enough of being told to work, witch.
Solitary Man: Celebrating the Music of Neil Diamond | October 10
Sweet Caroline… Neil Diamond fans are in for a treat as award-winning tribute artist Will Chalmers brings more than 20 years of Diamond experience to the Imperial Theatre. With the voice, looks and stage presence to match, Chalmers celebrates the legendary singer's music in a two-hour show starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are $56.25, including taxes and fees.
Saint John Flames vs. Dalhousie Marauders | October 10
The Saint John Flames take on the Dalhousie Marauders at 7pm at the LBR. Bring some hometown noise for the Saturday-night matchup.
Bingo Bash: Through the Decades | October 10
Music bingo meets a throwback singalong at Kent Theatre at 8pm, with songs from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Play on your phone for prizes throughout the night, including a $150 grand prize in the finale; Never played? Don’t worry you’ll get a walkthrough before it starts! Finally, a use for all those lyrics taking up space in your head.
🙋 Shout to to Heidi S. who scored a pair of tickets to the event. Don’t forget, SJ Today subscribers get $10 off tickets!
*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 WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸
📍 Wednesday's mystery photo showed an old brick wall with lettering that, at first glance, looked like it said "Harvey Station." We didn't know the story behind it, but thanks to reader Chip L., we do now!
The lettering is a reminder of Harvey Studio, which once operated at 89 Germain Street, where you'll now find the event poster wall. Our photo was taken just around the corner, tucked inside the courtyard of the apartments at 28 King Street, off Grannan St.
A little piece of Uptown history hiding in plain sight. Thanks for the history lesson, Chip!
Share an awesome local pic with us! Hit reply and send us the coolest local pic on your camera roll!
SIDE NOTES
🌅 7:32am | 🌇 6:49pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 5:23 AM(Fri 09 October) | 0.89 m(2.92 ft) |
High Tide | 11:32 AM(Fri 09 October) | 7.84 m(25.72 ft) |
Low Tide | 5:47 PM(Fri 09 October) | 0.88 m(2.89 ft) |
High Tide | 11:56 PM(Fri 09 October) | 7.82 m(25.66 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who likes their local info served on a platter. 🦃
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher