🐕 The Top Dog Spots in SJ

Good Morning Saint John! It’s Take Your Cat to Work Day…because nothing says productivity like a fur-covered keyboard and a coworker who purposely knocks your coffee off the desk.

In todays edition:

• Theatre Closes for Apartments 🏗️

• Best places to take you pooch 🐶

• Spruce Lake industrial debate continues 🗳️

Here’s to a great week!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
Let’s Get Your Name Out There! 🔊

Connect with local families and build your community presence. Advertise in our newsletter today!

NEWS NOTES

 🏠 Theatre Ghosts Make Way for Apartments

A 200-year-old South End church-turned-arts-hub is heading for its next act, 25 residential units, and not everyone’s clapping. The red-brick building at Germain and Queen once buzzed with kids rehearsing lines, musicians cutting tracks, and community groups running everything from workshops to youth lunches.

Now, with rezoning underway and the sale closed, groups like ArtsLink NB and Chroma NB say the cultural loss stings in a city already short on space for creativity and connection. They got just 60 days’ notice, and not enough time to rally a save.

The city says housing is a priority, but critics say losing rare, functional community space in a priority neighbourhood is a long-term blow. Only two councillors voted no.

Chroma and InterAction are packing up, with new spaces on the way. But the curtain’s down on Germain Street’s creative collective.

👮‍♀️👮‍♂️ Four Fresh Faces Join the Force 

Saint John’s newest constables are officially on the beat…badges shiny, oaths sworn, and ready to swap textbooks for traffic stops. On Friday the 13th (bold move), the Saint John Police swore in four new recruits: Constables Cayla Chesser, Keyla Nerys, Rodrigo Silva, and Matthew Watson.

All four trained at the Atlantic Police Academy, and two got their start at the department’s Inclusion and Diversity Recruitment Camp, a sign the force is looking to reflect the city it serves.

They’re hitting the streets immediately, and the SJPD says they’re bringing fresh perspectives and big promise. Let’s all agree not to make their first week too exciting.

🐾 Frankie’s Back on the Blog 

Discover Saint John just gave some fresh legs (four of them, to be exact) to a blog I wrote a while back about my favourite dog-friendly spots around town. Frankie (my treat-demanding boxer) and I took readers from splash zones to snack stops, and it turns out she’s still got pawsitive influence.

You’ll find trails, patios, and hidden corners of the city where your pup can sniff and strut like they own the place…because let’s be real, they do.

👉 Read the Dog Blog

Got a doggo-friendly spot we didn’t include? Hit reply…we’re all ears. 🐶

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

⚖️ Saint John Common Council | June 16, 2025 - 5:15pm

• The council will review and approve minutes from June 2 and 9.

• Key discussions include a new bike lane agreement for City Road and Station Street, street naming for Keith Castle Way, and HVAC upgrades at the Carnegie Building Art Center.

• Public hearing at 6:30 pm will continue the discussion on Spruce Lake Industrial Park zoning amendments.

• Several by-laws on vehicle use and zoning changes are up for readings and consideration.

See the full agenda.

You can attend in person at the 2nd Floor Common Council Chamber, City Hall. You can also watch on Rogers TV or via livestream.

⚖️ Quispamsis Town Council | June 17, 2025 - 6:00pm

Council meets Tuesday night to take care of town business, but the agenda wasn’t posted by publish time. 

Happening at Town Hall Council Chambers. Attend in person or watch via livestream. .

SPONSORED
Looking for New Customers? 🛍️

We can help! Advertise with us and be seen by readers enjoying their morning coffee!

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!

MONDAY

Retro Film: The Matrix (1999) | June 16
Take the red pill and rewind to 1999 as The Matrix hits the big screen at the Imperial Theatre. Neo’s about to discover his reality is a lie, and you get to watch it unfold in one of the most beautiful theatres in the country. This one’s a throwback worth unplugging for.

TUESDAY

A History of Saint John in Five Murders | June 17
What do five local murders between 1902 and 1964 say about Saint John’s past? A lot, actually. Join UNB’s Greg Marquis for this free Goss Walk through the darker corners of our city’s history, starting at Loyalist House on Union Street. The walk runs about 75 minutes. Rain date is June 18…and yes, you walk at your own risk.

WEDNESDAY

Intro to Abstract Art | June 18
What is abstract art, anyway? Curator Sarah Jones breaks it down in this bite-sized, beginner-friendly lecture at Jones Gallery. You’ll learn how abstraction began, how to look at it (without squinting), and why Canadian artists like Jack Bush and Raymond Mead matter. Free to attend and no need to register, just show up at 122 Prince William. 

THURSDAY

Brundage Point Weekly Market | June 19
Head to Grand Bay-Westfield for the Thursday market at Brundage Point River Centre, a riverside lineup of local food, live music, handmade goods, and plenty of charm. It runs 1:30-6:30pm, and it’s one of the prettiest market settings around. Want to check the lineup or become a vendor? You’ll find the latest info on their Facebook page.

FRIDAY

AREA 506 IPA Launch Party | June 20
AREA 506 is turning 10, and they’re celebrating with hops. Head to the Container Village for the launch of three brand-new IPAs brewed by Foghorn, Long Bay, and Picaroons. It’s free, it’s 19+, and it’s a perfect excuse to toast to a decade of waterfront vibes. Grab your ticket online before it hits capacity.

SATURDAY

Japanese Bookbinding Workshop | June 21
Learn the elegant craft of Japanese bookbinding in this hands-on workshop led by Lindsay Jacquard at the Saint John Arts Centre. You’ll create your own string-bound booklet from scratch…no experience needed, just a bit of patience and a love of paper. It runs 2-4pm, with all materials included. Tickets are $35 (or $30 for members) and space is limited, so best to book ahead.

SUNDAY

Pop Up Community Market | June 22
Quispamsis Arts & Culture Park is the spot for this summer kickoff, packed with local vendors, handmade goods, and sweet treats from Mar’s Minidonuts. The inflatables are coming too (sorry, adults), thanks to Jump for Fun. It’s a great chance to support local and enjoy some sunshine…or at least a raincoat stroll. Free to attend and fun for all ages.

Got an Event to Share?

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

YOUR PICS
@SJTODAY.CA

📸 Mike Maclean | 📍 Cruise Ship Views

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Be Part of the Local Scene!

Looking to connect with the Saint John community? Our baseline ads get your message into the daily mix of local news and updates. Short, sharp, and impactful, it’s the perfect way to reach readers right where they are. Reach out to learn more!*

^{_{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who prefers the company of felines 🐱.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

Did I Miss Something?