✈️ This doesn’t make us Oilers fans

Good morning, Saint John! Big hockey weekend ahead, with the Sea Dogs riding a five-game winning streak and the Flames looking to improve on their 1–2 start. Both are home Saturday, but there’s also the Hip show…

Here’s what else is happening:

Have a fantastic weekend!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Share your story with our readers and let them know what makes you unique. Advertise with us for morning visibility!

YSJ spreads its wings ✈️

Saint John is getting a direct line to Edmonton, with Flair Airlines launching the first-ever nonstop commercial service between the two cities on June 15, 2027. Flights will run twice weekly, with introductory fares starting at $199 one way in either direction.

According to Flair, Saint John is one of Edmonton’s largest Atlantic Canadian travel markets, but most passengers currently connect through Toronto. The new route lets locals skip the layover while giving visitors from Alberta an easier way here.

“Direct access to Edmonton opens new opportunities for tourism, business and families travelling between Atlantic and Western Canada,” says Saint John Airport president and CEO, Court Edeburn. 

Bookings are open, with introductory fares available for a limited time.

Preserving a place to remember 🍁

With Remembrance Day 26 days away, Saint John’s King’s Square Cenotaph is undergoing restoration. The work includes replacing and updating memorial plaques while keeping every existing inscription unchanged. The remaining plaques have been removed and will be returned to the Royal Canadian Legion.

You might see some extra equipment and contractor traffic around the square over the coming weeks. The city says the work is happening ahead of Remembrance Day, so the expectation is we’ll still have a place to lay our poppies next month. 

New live album from SJ’s Catherine Kennedy 🎶

Saint John’s Catherine Kennedy drops Live at the Playhouse today, a live album recorded while opening for The Skydiggers at the Fredericton Playhouse a few years ago. She’s joined by Josh McKinley on guitar, Clinton Charlton on drums and Sandy MacKay on bass, with mastering by John McLaggan at Parachute Mastering in Grand Bay-Westfield.

The recording mixes well-seasoned songs with some getting their very first audience. “Some have never been released, and that night was our first time playing them live, and others we had been playing together for a few years and had already put out,” Catherine explains.

Later today, she’s going live on Patreon from 3pm–3:30pm to take viewers through the record, play a little of each track and answer questions from anyone tuning in.

Top clicks of the week 🏆

Tuesday - Get recycling at your multi-unit building
Wednesday - Fog Lit Fest hits the books this weekend
Thursday - Free magic show on Sunday

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

Reach local families and make an impression. Grab your spot in our newsletter today!

What we’re doing this weekend! 

Fog Lit Literary Festival | October 16–17
Your weekend has a few plot twists. Neil Bonner hosts literary trivia Friday at 7pm at The Write Cup Bookstore Café, with prizes and teams of up to six. Saturday brings a free singalong storytime with Mike Bravener at the Saint John Free Public Library at 2pm, publisher conversations at The Write Cup from 4–6pm, and a free talk with Michael Rancic at Five & Dime at 7pm exploring Canadian electronic music, including Saint John’s own Mort Garson.

Capital Art Sale | October 16–17
Take home something you won’t have to assemble. Market Square’s former museum space is filled with paintings, pottery, photography and more from local artists, with everything under $500 and many pieces under $100. Browse from 10am–8pm both days. Admission is free.

Queen Square Fine Crafts Festival | October 17
The people who made it will be right there to tell you how. Browse original artwork and handcrafted goods from local artists and fine craft makers at Queen Square from 9am–3pm. A little early Christmas shopping now could save you a December panic purchase. Rain date is October 24.

In Pursuit’s 13th Birthday Party | October 17
In Pursuit turns 13 on Monday, but the celebrations start Saturday at 10am at the Uptown boutique! Drop in for Scratch & Save discounts up to 50% off your purchase, four local pop-up vendors, little treats and giveaways, plus free Julius Pizza at noon while supplies last. The birthday fun is in store only. Here’s to plenty more years of keeping Saint John well dressed!

The Artificially Hip | October 17
It’s become a fall classic…The Artificially Hip celebrates the music of The Tragically Hip at the AREA 506 Container Village at 7pm, marking the anniversary of Gord Downie’s death.

YMCA Indoor Triathlon | October 18
Three sports, zero weather forecast required. The Saint John Regional Y hosts an indoor triathlon from 8am–2pm, with participants completing 15 minutes each in the pool, on studio bikes and on the indoor track. Register individually for $50 or as a team for $75. Participants are also encouraged to collect pledges for the YMCA Strong Communities Fund.

🎪 More events than we can fit in one newsletter…find them here!

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

📍 On Wednesday we snapped a pic of Partridge Island, with a little help from a paintbrush! Our pic was of Geoff Slater’s Partridge Island mural on the side of 175 Prince William Street, at the corner of Duke. Shout out to Edgar D., Paula E., KBC. and Jayne J. for spotting this one!

We know you’ve got great local pics on your phone. Share ‘em with us and have them featured for all locals to see! Just hit reply and send us your favourite local photos!

🌅 7:40am | 🌇 6:37pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

Get Noticed in SJ Today!

Got something to share? Our baseline ads are made for moments just like this. With your message nestled in among the latest Saint John updates, it’s a quick and easy way to get seen by local readers. Let’s help you make an impression!*

_{^{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s got some big weekend plans 🙌!

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher