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📬 This one’s worth sharing
SJ Today
July 21, 2025
Good morning Saint John! Moonlight’s in the rearview and Boxcar’s barreling toward us, with Area 506 close behind. Two festival-packed weekends on deck…so yeah, we’re gonna need a bigger pot of coffee. ☕
Here’s what’s up this morning:
2,000 or bust 🚀
Get a black belt in doodling 🎨
Big build coming to Rothesay 🏗️
Have a fantast week!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
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We’re close to reaching 2,000 SJ Today readers and you can help us get there. Share your unique referral link (just above the tide times below) with friends, family or even your favourite local Facebook groups.
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Spread the word on social media or wherever you connect with your community. Share your link, grow the newsletter and maybe treat yourselves to a little Uptown fun.
💊 More Help at the Pharmacy Counter
If you’re sneezing your face off, or your feet are staging a fungal rebellion, good news: pharmacists across NB can now assess and prescribe for three more ailments, seasonal allergies, thrush, and common fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm…for free.
That brings the total to 15 conditions they can now treat, with no service fee. Meds still cost you, but the advice doesn’t. Check with your local pharmacist before you show up in flip-flops.
✈️ Bonjour, Québec City
No more six-hour hauls up the highway, Pascan is now flying direct from Saint John to Québec City.
The regional airline keeps fiddling with flight times and destinations to suit Saint John’s travel crowd, and this latest move adds one more reason to leave the car parked. YSJ says routes like this only stick around if people actually use them, so if Québec’s on your radar, now’s the time to fly.
📸 Rothesay Photo Contest Last Call
Rothesay’s Through the Lens Photo Contest is in full swing, but there’s still time to submit your best snaps of Rothesay’s parks, trails, and hidden gems before the August 20 deadline. Whether it’s a secret spot or a classic view, show us your take on life in the Kennebecasis Valley.
Voting opens August 22 and runs until September 3, with winners announced September 8.
Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know when something is sponsored.
LOCAL BUSINESS
✏️ Cartoon Dojo Opens In Uptown Saint John
A new workshop on Carleton Street is offering locals a hands-on way to learn the craft of animation, no college course or student loan required.
Animator Brian Finlay, who has worked with Disney and taught animation for over 20 years, has launched Toon Dojo, a small-group program focused on traditional, pencil-based techniques. Classes are capped at just four students, with a colour-coded system from white pencil to black marking each level of progress.
It’s built for beginners, teens and adults alike, with sessions starting this August. No grades, no pressure, and no judgment if your first character looks like a lopsided potato with shoes. Just draw, erase, repeat.
🎉 A Decade of Island Girls
Island Girls Diner just marked 10 years on the west side and the crowd that showed up says it all. The anniversary celebration was packed with longtime fans, cake, and plenty of diner pride. Big congrats to the whole team on becoming a true west side staple.
🍦 More Ice Cream
After Friday’s scoop on local ice cream faves, reader Jill K. chimed in with one we missed: A Slice of Fundy in east Saint John is dishing up ice cream alongside their killer baked goods. They even extended their evening hours to keep up with demand. Sweet move.
Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know when something is sponsored.
THIS WEEK’S MUNICIPAL MEETINGS
🏙️ Rothesay Public Meeting – Mixed-use Megaproject
Rothesay is hosting a public meeting tonight about a major development proposal on Millennium Drive. The application, submitted by zzap Consulting on behalf of Landmark 661 Ltd., covers 56.4 acres and includes a mix of housing and commercial space.
1,277 homes, including detached houses, stacked townhouses, and 16 four-storey buildings
93,801 sq. ft. of commercial space, with 7 buildings featuring ground-floor businesses and apartments above
Located between Campbell Drive, Millennium Drive, and Wedgewood Drive
The meeting starts at 7pm at the Wells Community Centre, 75 French Village Road.
View the full agenda and council kit here.
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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
Free Legal Advice for Renters | July 21
Having trouble with rent hikes, evictions, or repairs? Drop by the Tenant Legal Advice Clinic in Saint John for up to 30 minutes of confidential help from supervised law students. No appointment needed - just bring your ID and any documents. The clinic runs all day, 10am-6pm at 75 Prince William St. It’s the support renters have been waiting for.
TUESDAY
Quispamsis Music in the Park | July 22
Eddie Chase and Graffiti Four bring classic rock ’n’ roll energy to the Arts & Culture Park in Quispamsis. Kick back with friends and enjoy a free outdoor show from 7 to 8pm at 12 Landing Court. It’s a perfect way to spend a summer Tuesday evening.
WEDNESDAY
Quispamsis Mud Day | July 23
Get ready for a muddy good time at Parkside Drive Playground in Quispamsis! From 2 to 4pm, splash in the giant mud pit, whip up mud pies, enjoy a bubble show, and soak up the fun. Walk, bike, or skate there and you could win a prize. This free event is for all ages and guaranteed to make lasting memories.
Simpsons Trivia | July 23
Gather your crew for a hilarious trivia night hosted by Neil Bonner, celebrating The Simpsons…the greatest show of all time. Doors open at 6pm, game kicks off at 7pm at Haven Music Hall & Cafe, 201 Union St. Ready to flex your knowledge? Register online to save your spot.
THURSDAY
Rainbow Entrepreneurship Workshop | July 24
Calling 2SLGBTQI+ business and creative folks in greater Saint John: join media pro Julia Wright for a workshop on pitching, interviews, and press releases. It’s happening at Envision Saint John, 1 Germain St, Suite 1600. Whether you’re new or seasoned, learn how to make your story heard.
FRIDAY
Halloween in July | July 25
Who says spooky season waits for October? Head to Five & Dime for a wild summer night of costumes, cocktails, and beats from DJ J-DEMI. Dance floor opens at 10pm with no cover charge. Costume up and get weird under the summer moon.
SATURDAY
Bobby’s Hospice Summer Market | July 26
Discover over 160 tables of local artisans and makers at Exhibition Park in Saint John from 9am to 3pm. Admission is by donation, with all proceeds supporting patient care at Bobby’s Hospice. Enjoy a silent auction, raffles, 50/50 draw, and more. It’s a great way to shop local and support a meaningful cause.
Lancaster 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament | July 26
Bring your team to Larche Memorial Park for a day of basketball, live music, games, and a free community BBQ. Divisions range from U12 to adult, with a $80 team entry fee. The tournament kicks off Saturday, July 26. Spots are limited, so register early and get ready to ball out with your community.
*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
📸 Janaka Jayasinghe | 📍 Saint John River
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SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 2:58 AM(Mon 21 July) | 1.11 m(3.64 ft) |
High Tide | 9:11 AM(Mon 21 July) | 7.22 m(23.69 ft) |
Low Tide | 3:24 PM(Mon 21 July) | 1.44 m(4.72 ft) |
High Tide | 9:36 PM(Mon 21 July) | 7.84 m(25.72 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who wants to be our 2,000th subscriber! 💥
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher