🎃 Trick or treat before hitting the street

Good morning, Saint John! Hopefully you won’t need to tie down the Halloween decorations this weekend. A giant inflatable pumpkin escaped in Iowa and rolled through downtown. Around here, it probably would have hit a pothole and become squash…

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Connect with our engaged community. Advertise with us and let your business shine!

Lepreau’s next chapter starts with the tab ⚡

Planning for more nuclear power at Point Lepreau comes with bills before anything gets built. The province has introduced legislation that would let NB Power track eligible nuclear pre-development costs in a separate account, with oversight from the Energy and Utilities Board.

The proposal would prevent NB Power from collecting those amounts before April 1, 2030. In the meantime, the province says it will pursue federal funding and private investment to reduce or cover the balance, aiming to keep those costs off ratepayers’ bills.

This is a proposed way to handle planning expenses, with funding still to secure. It doesn’t approve a new reactor.

Quispamsis is making room for a solar discussion ☀️

Quispamsis wants residents’ thoughts on solar energy before there’s a specific project to debate. The Town has opened a community solar energy survey, asking what kinds of development would suit the community and what role municipal government should play in supporting or regulating it.

Residents can also mark a map with places they think solar farms would be appropriate or unsuitable, then explain their choices. A useful assignment for anyone whose local planning opinions usually reach an audience of one person in the passenger seat.

Responses are open until November 29. The feedback will help inform future planning, policies and decisions, including considerations around location and landscape impacts. No particular solar project is attached to this survey, making this an opportunity to help shape the approach before a proposal arrives.

French immersion gets a little more permanence 📚

Parents planning around French immersion could get one less moving target. The province introduced amendments Wednesday that would put Grade 1 and Grade 6 entry points into the Education Act, giving the existing pathways protection in law.

Those entry points currently live in provincial policy. The proposed change would mean future governments need to take changes through the legislature, where they would face debate and scrutiny. A little more predictability for families already trying to remember which day requires sneakers, a library book and something made from a cereal box.

The amendments would also preserve flexibility for students to enter outside the usual grades with superintendent permission. The bill still needs to pass, and the entry grades themselves would stay the same. Full provincial announcement.

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

Get your brand in front of eager eyes. Partner with us for prime advertising opportunities!

Weekend Preview

THURSDAY

Outdoor Outdoor Film Festival | October 29
Big adventures, comfortable seating. This collection of short films explores outdoor playgrounds around the world, with special attention to Atlantic Canadian filmmakers. At Imperial Theatre at 7pm. Tickets are $40.

Doubt, A Parable | October 29–31
A school principal suspects a beloved priest, and certainty becomes hard to come by. Atlantic Repertory Company’s drama continues at BMO Studio Theatre with 7:30pm performances Thursday through Saturday. Tickets are $55 or $45 for students. Mature themes.

FRIDAY

Discover Día de Muertos! | October 30
Learn about the Mexican celebration honouring loved ones who have died, hear the stories behind its traditions and try pan de muerto, its traditional bread. At PRUDE’s office in Market Square from 6–8pm.

Vocational Training Centre Casino Night | October 30
Put on your poker face for a good cause. VTC’s second annual Casino Night brings casino-style games, prizes and a silent auction to Exhibition Park from 6:30–10pm. Proceeds support employment opportunities and skill-building programs for adults with disabilities. Tickets are $25. Ages 19+.

Dances & Spells with Ventus Machina | October 30
Five woodwind players have a few tricks up their sleeves. Ventus Machina’s Halloween program includes The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, familiar to anyone who remembers Mickey Mouse’s disastrous housekeeping in Fantasia. At St. Malachy’s Memorial High School Auditorium at 7:30pm. Children 12 and under attend free.

JB Smoove | October 30
He’s spent years making Larry David uncomfortable. Now it’s Saint John’s turn. JB Smoove, best known as Leon Black on Curb Your Enthusiasm, brings his stand-up to Imperial Theatre at 7:30pm. Regular tickets are $75–$85.

Crazy Babies’ Ozzy Tribute | October 30
All aboard for a loud start to Halloween weekend. Crazy Babies bring their tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath to Lily Lake Pavilion at 8pm. Consider it a warm-up for waking the dead.

SATURDAY

Trick or Treat at Market Square | October 31
Put those costumes to work early. Market Square hosts indoor trick-or-treating starting at 1pm, with more than 10 treat stations throughout the building. All ages welcome. Bring a treat bag and look for the posters marking participating stops.

Saint John Sea Dogs vs. Moncton Wildcats | October 31
The Wildcats come calling on Halloween, which seems like an excellent reason to boo. The Sea Dogs face Moncton at TD Station at 4pm, leaving time for hockey before the evening’s candy collection.

Y2K Halloween Dance Party | October 31
Your questionable early-2000s wardrobe finally has another purpose. DJ Livin’ Large spins ’90s and 2000s hits at Hampton Brewing Co. starting at 8pm, with a costume contest and fires going outside. The party takes place outdoors under cover, so dress for more than the decade.

SUNDAY

Memory Café — Saint John West | November 1
Spend the afternoon with good company and familiar tunes at St. Mark’s United Church from 1–3pm. This free gathering welcomes people living with dementia, their families, friends and anyone interested. November’s program covers dementia-friendly communities, with music from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.

Alebrijes Gala Production | November 1
The fantastical creatures of Mexican folk art come to life through dance, music, visual art and storytelling at Imperial Theatre. This original, all-ages production is part of Día de los Muertos Atlantic Canada and starts at 5pm. The show runs 90 minutes. Tickets are $50.

🎟️ Looking for something else? Browse all of this week’s local events.

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

📸 Giussepy Rossell | 📍 Crown Street

Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!

🌅 7:59am | 🌇 6:16pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

Your Spot Awaits!

Ready to reach more Saint John locals? Our baseline ads are the perfect fit! Delivered alongside each day's news, events, and community highlights, your message has a prime seat. Find out how you can grab this space and get in front of the city!*

_{^{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows how to carve a pumpkin 🎃!

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher