🤔 We need to clear something up

Good morning Saint John! About yesterday’s “new candidate”…yes, Frankie for Mayor was our April Fools’ bit, and while most of you caught it, a few emails did point out we never actually named her. You can watch her campaign video here. Quick note, we’re off for Good Friday and back Tuesday…Happy Easter, baby 🐰!

Here’s the lowdown for the day:

Have a fantastic weekend!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🚗 How do you actually get around?

The region is trying to figure that out and they need your help.

The Fundy Regional Service Commission just launched a new travel survey asking residents across Saint John and surrounding communities how they move day-to-day. Where you go, when you go, how you get there. It all feeds into a future regional transportation plan.

That info helps shape future transit routes and long-term planning around the region, so it’s a chance to weigh in before things get mapped out.

It takes about 20 minutes, and they’re giving away five $100 gift cards if you complete it.

👉 Take the survey here

🌱 The not-so-pretty side of spring

The snow’s finally backing off, the sun’s sticking around a little longer… and yeah, everything it was hiding is making a grand return. We’re talking wrappers, cups, mystery debris, and the less glamorous “gifts” left behind by neighbourhood dogs (and the occasional deer with zero shame).

The City’s Green Machine is back May 1 to June 14, giving community groups a fully stocked trailer to tackle the annual spring cleanup. Supplies like grabbers, bags, gloves, the works. You can book it now through the City, just give them a couple weeks’ notice.

If you’ve been cursing out the mess in your neighbourhood, now’s your chance to team up with your neighbours and do something about it.

🚧 Water Street taking a little spring break

If your usual uptown loop includes Water Street…it’s about to take a timeout.

Starting Monday, April 6, the stretch between King and Princess is closed to through traffic for about 12 days while the City gets into some infrastructure upgrades. It’s a full closure, both directions, all day, every day, with detours pushing drivers toward Union, Crown, and Broad.

The good news is businesses are staying open, so you can still get where you’re going… just maybe not the way your muscle memory wants to.

And while no, this isn’t the annual patio install at Wasted Day Brewing (they tell us that’ll be mid May)…it does feel like a reminder that we’re not far off from patio beers on Water Street. Real infrastructure first… patio season right behind it.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW

THURSDAY

Port City Power vs Halifax Hoopers | April 2
Fast-paced hoops, loud crowd, and a legit night out at UNBSJ. Port City Power hosts the Halifax Hoopers at 7pm, with tickets starting at $12. Courtside if you’re feeling bold, general admission if you just want to be in the mix. Easy play for a Thursday night with friends or family.

YMCA Trivia Fundraiser | April 2
Big Tide Brewing turns into trivia central for a good cause. Teams of 2–8 go head-to-head across six rounds (plus bonus and photo rounds), all supporting local youth heading to the Y World Council Conference. Doors at 6:30pm, trivia at 7pm. Expect laughs, a little friendly trash talk, and prizes for the winners.

FRIDAY

Easter Egg Hunt at Yip Cider | April 3
Good Friday plans, sorted. Yip Cider is running three timed egg hunts (12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm), plus face painting, games, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Food and cider flowing all afternoon, outdoor setup, so dress for it. Bring a basket and maybe a backup plan for when the kids refuse to leave.

Good Friday Mud Run | April 3
The annual “let’s get absolutely filthy” tradition is back in Grand Bay-Westfield. Meet at the Murry Street bog at 11am, run the power lines, hit the tunnels, finish at Cranberry Shack. If you know, you know. If you don’t, prepare accordingly.

The Yellow Door Gallery Open Hours | April 3
A new art space has quietly opened its doors uptown. The Yellow Door Gallery on Prince William Street is showcasing contemporary work, with a focus on emerging artists and underrepresented voices. You can drop in this Friday from 2–6pm (or book an appointment), browse what’s on the walls, and even take something home if it speaks to you.

Snowed In Comedy Tour | April 3
Canada’s biggest comedy tour makes its Saint John stop at the Imperial at 7:30pm. A stacked lineup of stand-ups, quick hitters, and the kind of jokes that land even better in a full theatre. If you’ve been meaning to get out for a laugh, this is an easy yes.

SATURDAY

Right Good Clothing Swap | April 4
One of those events that always delivers. Bring up to 10 quality pieces, leave with a fresh stack of new-to-you finds. Upstairs swap, downstairs vendor market, bar, coffee, good music. Runs 11am–3pm at the Trojans Rugby Club. If your closet needs a spring upgrade, this is your chance for a fresh start!

Saturday at the Market Easter Fun | April 4
It’s Easter this Saturday at the Saint John City Market. Festive bunnies will be roaming from 10am–3pm handing out treat bags (while they last), plus a free egg decorating station at The Blue Pelican from 11am–2pm. Add in live music from Dillon Ryan (12–3pm), and it’s a pretty easy stop whether you’re bringing kids or just popping through.

Parabolus -A Complete TOOL Experience | April 4
Geoff Pick. A full-on TOOL tribute show that goes deep into the catalogue, not just the hits. Expect the full sonic and visual experience at the Imperial at 8pm, built for die-hards but still plenty fun if you just want a loud, immersive night out.

SUNDAY

Tribute to John Prine Matinee | April 5
A Sunday afternoon hang at Steamers (1:30–4pm) celebrating one of the greats. Expect a room full of local musicians including Kylie Fox, Brent Mason and more taking on John Prine’s catalogue, plus a crowd that knows the words.

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📍 On Wednesday we shared this pic and asked if you knew where we were… and if you’ve ever taken the uptown shortcut from Germain Street up to Charlotte, you’ve definitely passed this spot…along with what one reader calls ol Miss Understood. Shoutout to Edgar D., Sacha L., and Suzy F. for knowing their local shortcuts.

Share your local pics with us…tag @sjtoday on IG or SJTodayNewsletter on FB.

🌅 7:02am | 🌇 7:53pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that likes a little more local info in their morning basket 🧺🐣.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher