💭Two Cents on City Spending

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - is anyone else’s feed filled with patio pics?Let’s hope the sun keeps shining for the rest of the week!

Here’s what we’re scrolling through this morning:

• Celebrating Accessibility Week ♿️

• Help Decide Saint John’s Budget 💰

• Community Info Sesh: SJ Green Zones 🟩

Let’s get it!

-Guest Editor

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NEWS NOTES

♿️ Spotlight on Accessibility

New Brunswick is marking AccessAbility Week with a big push to break down barriers and open up opportunities for everyone. Acting minister Jean-Claude D’Amours says it’s about creating a culture of inclusion across the board. From hiring practices to playgrounds, every piece of the puzzle matters.

Here in Saint John, the city’s getting in on the action with a lineup of events this week to celebrate community spirit and highlight progress.

We reached out to Karen Powell, an accessibility advocate and power wheelchair user to get the real story on what’s working and what still needs fixing in Saint John.

“It’s not just ramps or elevators,” she says. “It’s about giving everyone the same freedom to live, work, and play in our city - without second thoughts.”

From fighting for more accessible parking to safer sidewalks and better designs, Karen says there’s still a long road ahead - but she’s already seeing small wins as more people recognize the barriers and speak up.

“I would love to see the city do a campaign on ableism and on barriers so all people become aware and start to include us in all aspects of daily life, like able bodied people currently have.”

Let’s keep the conversation going, Saint John. Next time you’re at an event, a new building, or just strolling the streets, think about what could be done better.

💰 Help Shape Saint John’s Spending - Without Getting Out of Your Pajamas

Ready to wield your civic superpowers? The City of Saint John is cracking open the piggy bank (a.k.a. the municipal budget) and wants your two cents. They’ve launched a snazzy public engagement page, Shape Your Budget, on the Shape Your City Saint John platform. This is your chance to tell City staff and Council what should, or shouldn’t, get more cash in the next operating budget.

Should we pour more into playgrounds? Jazz up transit? Or maybe it’s time to give those potholes some extra love? Here’s your chance to say so! The quick 5-10 minute survey wraps up June 20, so don’t snooze. The City will share what they heard from you in the fall, but until then, channel your inner budget boss and click your way to city shaping glory.

Have you say here. 

🏠 Housing for All: Green Zones and Tiny Homes Community Info Sessions
The city is putting some serious pep in its housing step! Saint John’s Housing for All Strategy is rolling out Green Zones and teaming up with 12 Neighbours Inc. to bring in transitional housing, you know those tiny homes with wraparound support…

Want the inside scoop? Pop over to the info session happening tonight from 6-8pm, at Loch Lomond Villa. Let’s get neighbourly!

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Thanks to our subscribers for keeping us in the loop with your submitted events. Check out upcoming fundraisers, theatre, and local community gatherings.

Book Reading and Conversation with Ayelet Tsabari | June 4
Join award-winning author Ayelet Tsabari for an intimate evening at the Saint John Jewish Historical Museum, where she’ll read from her debut novel, Songs for the Broken Hearted. Moderated by writer and community member Lynn Bessoudo, this free event starts at 7pm, with a reception and book signing to follow. Come for the stories, stay for the connection!

🎭 THEATRE TALK

Symphony New Brunswick: Twin Flames | June 4
Symphony NB wraps up the season with a fiery finale featuring the award-winning folk duo Twin Flames at the Imperial Theatre. Their powerful vocals and rich harmonies will light up the stage in this one-night-only performance at 7:30pm. Tickets range from $20 for students to $46 for adults, and kids 12 and under are free! Let’s end the season on a high note.

Martin Levac: Phil Collins & Genesis…Live | June 6
Martin Levac is back at the Imperial Theatre, diving deep into the Phil Collins and Genesis catalogue in a show that’ll bring back all those songs that defined your life’s soundtrack. Expect a night of hits, memories, and great music at 7:30pm. Tickets are $45 for adults and $40 for members.

Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure | June 12, 13 & 14
Get ready to fly back to the ‘80s with InterAction’s hilarious panto take on Peter Pan! Packed with epic throwback tunes, big laughs, and chances for you to join the fun, this high-energy musical adventure is sure to have you singing and dancing all night. Catch it at St. Malachy’s High School - doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm.

🤲❤️ LOCAL FUNDRAISERS

Bootin’ It for Vets Fun Run | May 31
Lace up for a meaningful morning at the first-ever Bootin’ It for Vets Fun Run! It’s all about laughter, connection, and showing love for the Ridgewood Veterans Wing residents. Every registration fee goes straight to the Ridgewood Veterans Comfort Fund, making sure veterans feel the comfort and joy they deserve. 8am-1pm.

Saint Mary’s Band Fundraising Concert | June 5
Join the Saint Mary’s Band and Port City Second Chance Bands for an evening of music to help repair their rehearsal space after a fire. The Saint Mary’s Band, New Brunswick’s oldest community concert band, has been delighting audiences since 1903. It’s a heartwarming night of music and community spirit, with tickets at $30. Let’s help them play on!

ArtLove Event - Call for Artists | June 13
Get ready for an explosion of colour and creativity at the ArtLove Event! This live painting showdown brings local artists to the stage in a high-energy battle of brushes, all for a good cause - proceeds go to P.R.O. Kids Saint John. Cheer them on at the City of Saint John’s vibrant gathering, and if you’re an artist itching to join the fun, sign up to compete! Let’s see who’ll paint their way to the final in Shediac this September!

Got an Event to Share?

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LOCAL PICS
WHERE ARE WE? 📸

Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. If you think you know where this wise owl calls home, hit reply to give us your best guess! We’ll reveal the location and any correct guesses in Friday’s issue.

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with your favourite patio pals! 🌞🍺

-Guest Editor

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