🪧 Tomorrow the signs disappear

Good morning, Saint John! Shout out to all the moms, grandmothers, stepmoms, bonus moms, and mother figures who enjoyed Mother’s Day weekend. Now it’s time to hit the polls and hope that the flowers last as long as the politicians’ promises.

In todays edition:

Let’s check the box!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🗳️ Election day is here

After weeks of lawn signs, Facebook debates, and at least one candidate waving at traffic in the rain, today’s finally election day across New Brunswick.

Polls are open until 8pm tonight. And judging by advance voting numbers, people are actually showing up this year, with more than 83,000 New Brunswickers already casting ballots early.

Not sure where to vote or what ward you’re in? Elections NB has a quick online voter lookup tool that’ll point you to the right spot before you accidentally wander into the wrong church basement.

And if you’re still making up your mind over coffee this morning, SJ Today’s candidate Q&As are all organized by municipality and ward for one last scroll before you head out.

☕ Coffee with a Cop 

The Saint John Police are hosting two Coffee with a Cop events this week as part of National Police Week, giving residents a chance to sit down with officers for a coffee, a treat, and a conversation about neighbourhood concerns, recruitment, policing initiatives, or whatever else is on their mind.

The drop-in sessions run Tuesday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 13 from 9-11am at Ihtoli-maqahamok – The Gathering Space. If weather gets in the way, the backup location will be the community room at police headquarters.

It’s a more casual setting than most people are used to when talking with police, and the force says the goal is to build connection and open dialogue with the community.

🏗️ RICC campaign cracks $1M mark

The fundraising push behind Rothesay’s planned Intergenerational Community Complex just hit a pretty major milestone…more than $1 million has now been raised from the community.

The project, better known as the RICC, is aiming to create a shared community space for all ages and abilities, and organizers say the first million came from a mix of local businesses, families, volunteers, and community partners all chipping in to get it moving.

That still leaves a ways to go toward the campaign’s overall $3 million community fundraising goal, but it’s a solid sign that plenty of people are buying into the idea.

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

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

MONDAY

An Evening of JONES | May 11
Saint John Arts Centre hosts a unique and intimate night of theatre Monday as Nasty Shadows Theatre Co. presents two original one-act plays written and directed by Scott Shannon in memory of local artist and storyteller Andrew Jones. Described as a “fantasy memorial” rather than a biography, the performances blend storytelling, grief, humour, and surrealism into something that sounds equal parts heartfelt and haunting. It’s pay-what-you-will with limited seating, so reserving ahead is probably wise. Starts 7:30pm.

TUESDAY

Voices From The Front Lines: A Community Town Hall | May 12
Market Square’s atrium turns into a community conversation space Tuesday night as frontline workers, outreach staff, and harm reduction advocates answer questions and talk openly about substance use in Saint John. The panel includes representatives from Fresh Start Services, Avenue B, and the Centre for Youth Care, with a live Q&A for anyone wanting to better understand the work happening on the ground. Starts 6pm beside the fountain.

WEDNESDAY

Harbourside Toastmasters Open House | May 13
If your palms sweat every time someone says “quick round of introductions,” this might be worth checking out. Harbourside Toastmasters is hosting an open house at the Saint John Newcomers Centre with a guest talk from former international Toastmasters president Jim Kokocki on how public speaking skills can actually help your career. It runs noon-1:15pm and there’s also a Zoom option if you’d rather keep your speeches safely muted for now.

THURSDAY

Fundy Sea Shanty Night | May 14
O’Leary’s Pub is handing the mic back to the sea shanty crowd Thursday night for another round of maritime singalongs, choruses, and the kind of energy that makes strangers suddenly start harmonizing beside their beer. Before the Mast will lead the session, guest performers are dropping in, and there are even lyric books now for anyone ready to confidently yell “HEAVE AWAY” with the rest of the room. Free to attend. Starts 7pm.

FRIDAY

HOT TO GO | May 15
AREA 506 is throwing a full-on pop dance party Friday night at the Container Village, which means big singalong energy, DJs, and at least a few people attempting choreography they absolutely do not know. Your ticket includes a welcome drink and permission to pretend it’s 2014 again for a few hours. Starts 7pm. Ages 19+

SATURDAY

Saint John Touch a Truck 2026 | May 16
For kids, this is basically the Super Bowl of saying “woah.” Touch a Truck returns Saturday at McAllister Place with giant rigs, emergency vehicles, heavy equipment, bouncy castles, a petting zoo, and plenty of opportunities to honk something loud enough to wake up East Saint John. The event supports First Steps Housing Project and runs 10am-3pm.

Air Guitar Canada East Coast Regional Qualifier | May 16
One of the weirdest and best events of the spring is landing at AREA 506 Saturday afternoon as air guitar competitors battle for a shot at nationals and potentially the world championships in Finland. There will be invisible shredding, dramatic solos, absolutely unnecessary leg kicks, and probably one person treating this with Olympic-level seriousness. Free to attend. Starts 2pm at the Village stage.

SUNDAY

Queen Square Farmers' Market | May 17
Queen Square starts filling up again Sunday as the weekly farmers’ market season gets rolling for another year uptown. Expect local vendors, baked goods, coffee, crafts, fresh produce, and a whole lot of people pretending they’re “just browsing” before leaving with six cookies and a plant. Runs rain or shine.

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📸 Stephen Goguen | 📍 Queen Square

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who needs a reminder to hit the polls today 🌷.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher