Good morning, Saint John! Some towns build giant docks. Others catch giant lobsters. Meanwhile, one Minnesota town just unveiled the world's tallest nutcracker... in the middle of July. Which got us wondering…if Saint John had to become internationally famous for one completely random oversized object, what would we pick?
Here’s the lowdown for the day:
The north end's next chapter ✨
The tarp is finally gone 🏰
Weekend forecast is too much to do 📍
Let’s get it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🏰 The tower is back in view
After years hidden behind a giant white tarp, the Carleton Martello Tower is finally visible again. Parks Canada has removed the protective covering as restoration work enters its final stretch, with scaffolding expected to come down over the coming weeks. The nearly $28-million restoration is on track for completion next year, with the historic west side landmark expected to reopen to visitors in 2027 for the first time since 2015.
🏫 School's back in construction
One of Saint John's long-empty school buildings is finally getting a second life. Work is now underway to transform the former St. Patrick's School on City Line into 34 apartments, nearly three years after developer Erik de Jong bought the property.
The building has been sitting vacant since 2014, surviving a few ambitious plans that never got off the ground. Now, interior work is rolling, with apartments expected to be ready next spring. De Jong says he'll soon be splitting his time between this project and the former St. Vincent's School conversion uptown, with both developments moving ahead together. If all goes to plan, the only thing getting detention here will be the building's vacancy.
🏗️ A future for that big empty space
The wide-open lot at Lansdowne Plaza that's been sitting empty for years could soon see something new. After getting the green light from the city's Planning Advisory Committee this week, the proposal heads to common council on August 17 for a rezoning decision that would pave the way for three apartment buildings with 267 homes, ground-floor commercial space and parking. If approved, one of the north end's most noticeable vacant properties could finally be headed for a new chapter.
🏆 Top clicks of the week
Monday - The Forgotten Fern oddity shop opens on Princess
Tuesday - Hardscrabble Bridge in St. Martin’s closes suddenly
Wednesday - Countdown to Culture Fest next weekend
Thursday - Blommin’ Artists in Hampton this weekend
*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’
WHAT WE’RE DOING THIS WEEKEND
Pride Festival Day | July 25
Saint John-Fundy Pride's biggest day of the week packs in a vendor market, live entertainment, the Pride Parade and a free evening concert headlined by Rêve, plus drag performances, DJs and an after-party on the Boardwalk. Most daytime activities run from 10am to 4pm, with the parade at 1pm and Prismatic kicking off at 6:30pm.
Right Good Community Yard Sale | July 25
The Saint John Public Gardens go full ’90s from 10am to 2pm, with more than 40 yard sale tables, vintage finds, handmade goods, music, crafts, food and plenty to root through. A heads-up before you go: the westbound parking lane on Seely Street beside the gardens will be closed from 7:30am to 4pm. Visitors are encouraged to park at Lily Lake or near the Community Garden and walk over.
Musquash Paddle | July 25
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Musquash Estuary Marine Protected Area with a guided paddle through one of the Bay of Fundy's most unique ecosystems. The experience runs from 8:30am to 3pm and offers an up-close look at the estuary's wildlife, tidal landscapes and protected habitats.
Harbour Echo | July 25
North Pro Wrestling returns to the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village for Harbour Echo, an evening of live professional wrestling featuring hard-hitting matches, unforgettable entrances and plenty of ringside energy. Bell time is 8pm.
*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? 📸
📍 On Wednesday we shared this pic of a brick wall with fencing and wondered if you could place it…it is of course our wall of famous Saint Johners on Charlotte Street. In fact that edge of frame you see at the top is the bottom of Stompin’ Tom’s name plate. Shout out to Ed and Lolo for knowing where it was!
Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
🌅 5:59am | 🌇 9:00pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 2:38 AM(Fri 24 July) | 1.81 m(5.94 ft) |
High Tide | 8:48 AM(Fri 24 July) | 6.65 m(21.82 ft) |
Low Tide | 2:59 PM(Fri 24 July) | 2.12 m(6.96 ft) |
High Tide | 9:09 PM(Fri 24 July) | 7.08 m(23.23 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows the giant thing we need is just the world’s biggest garlic fingers….
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher