🚧 This road’s down a lane

Good morning, Saint John! Instead of whining about Monday, let’s all just embrace the fact it’s officially National Wine Day. Seems healthier.

In todays edition:

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🚧 Churchill Boulevard down to one lane this week

Another week, another Saint John road squeezing everyone into a single lane.

Traffic on Churchill Boulevard, at the corner of Somerset, will be reduced starting today as crews complete infrastructure upgrades in the area. The work is expected to last about five days and will affect both directions around the clock.

Businesses (like Poppn and Dan’s Country Market) will remain open during construction, with signage posted throughout the area. 

🏠 New supportive housing units opening in Saint John

Nine new supportive housing units for young adults are about to open on Thornbrough Street in Saint John, targeting people aged 19 to 25 who are at risk of homelessness.

The project is being run by Centre for Youth Care and will include bachelor-style apartments, rent support, and on-site services to help residents get on more stable footing.

Residents are expected to begin moving in within the next few weeks, which, in this housing market, probably counts as winning the lottery without the fun part.

🎓 Two local students score $75K scholarships

Two local high school students just got a pretty solid graduation gift from UNB…$75,000 each.

Harbour View High’s Ella Coffin and Hampton High’s Tyler Murray have been named recipients of the prestigious Currie Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded to just four students across Atlantic Canada this year.

Ella has been involved in drama, music, student leadership, and teaching ballet to younger kids, while Tyler has tutored math and chemistry students, volunteered in labs, and captained volleyball teams.

Both are heading to UNB this fall.

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Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!

MONDAY

Quispamsis Town Council Swearing-In Ceremony | May 25
Quispamsis makes it official Monday night as Mayor-elect Mary Schryer and the new town council are sworn in at Town Hall. The ceremony starts at 6pm in Council Chambers and will include remarks from Schryer and outgoing Mayor Libby O’Hara. The public can attend in person or watch live on the town’s YouTube channel.

Junk Journal Workshop Fold, Fill & Create | May 25
Got a drawer full of random scraps, receipts, paper bits and “I should make something with this someday” energy? This cozy creative workshop at Oh My Soul on O’Brien Street turns all that into art. Participants will build fold-out journal folders, learn junk journaling techniques, and leave with something personal and handmade. Supplies are included, seats are limited, and no experience is needed. Starts at 6pm. $20.

Senior Dental Care Plan Reapplication Help | May 25
If you or someone you know needs to reapply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, the Senior Resource Center in Brunswick Square is offering a helping hand. Staff will walk seniors through the annual reapplication process and explain what documents to bring along. The session starts at 1:30pm and registration is requested by phone or email.

TUESDAY

International Cooking Class Indian Cuisine | May 26
The Irving Oil Field House kitchen is about to smell incredible. This hands-on cooking class with guest chef Ridhima Dixit will teach participants how to make authentic Indian dishes while learning a few tricks behind the spices and flavours along the way. The best part? You get to eat what you make. Runs 6:30-8:30pm. $25 with ingredients included.

WEDNESDAY

Asian Heritage Month Cultural Exchange | May 27
The Saint John Newcomers Centre is bringing together the Indian and Filipino communities for an evening of culture, conversation, and connection. Expect stories, traditions, community members sharing their heritage, and a welcoming atmosphere for anyone curious to learn more about the cultures helping shape modern Saint John. Free to attend at the SJNC Community Hub on Prince William Street from 6-7:30pm, but spots are limited.

THURSDAY

58th New Brunswick Export Awards | May 28
One of New Brunswick’s biggest business nights returns to the Saint John Trade & Convention Centre as exporters from across the province gather to celebrate innovation, growth, and global success stories. The evening includes a networking reception at 5:30pm followed by dinner and the awards ceremony at 6:30pm. Expect a room full of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and companies helping put New Brunswick products and ideas on the world stage.

FRIDAY

WordSpring 2026 & NB Book Awards | May 29-31
Writers, readers, aspiring authors, and notebook hoarders unite. WordSpring returns for a weekend of workshops, open mic events, publishing sessions, and literary celebrations, including the 11th annual NB Book Awards at Lily Lake Pavilion. Most public events are free, and this year’s guest speaker is comedian and author James Mullinger.

SATURDAY

Waterfront Concert Series Ria Mae | May 30
AREA 506’s Waterfront Concert Series gets rolling with East Coast pop favourite Ria Mae taking over the waterfront Saturday night. Expect a packed crowd, harbour views, and the annual moment where everyone collectively realizes summer event season has officially arrived.

SUNDAY

Rothesay Community Fest | May 31
Touch-a-trucks, inflatable obstacle courses, farm animals, BBQ, giant bubbles, sports demos, lawn games, and a massive bottle drive are all part of this community fundraiser supporting the Rothesay Intergenerational Community Complex. The event runs 11am-3pm at the Rothesay Arena and Rothesay High School properties, with activities moving indoors if the weather turns ugly.

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Barkley knows how to enjoy a sunny Uptown weekend...ice cream at the Container Village! Thanks to Stephen for the snap.

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🌅 5:44am | 🌇 8:58pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who needs to stop and smell the rosé 🍷

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher