🏛️ We need to talk about council

Good morning, Saint John! Somewhere in Italy yesterday, elite Olympic skiers were fighting for milliseconds when a loose dog wandered onto the course and decided, you know what, I’m in this too…let’s make that the energy for today. We’re just happy to be here 🐕 !

Here’s drool for the day:

Happy Thursday!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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📲 Parking ticket texts are a scam

If the city ever texts you about a parking ticket, it’s fake. Saint John says scam messages are circulating that claim you owe money and need to click a link to pay an overdue fine. They are not real and the city does not collect tickets by text or social media.

If one lands on your phone, don’t click anything and don’t enter payment details. Report it to your provider and delete it.

Real tickets still show up the boring way. Either on your windshield or by mail to the registered owner. No surprise links, no digital shakedowns, just the classic paper version.

🗳️ Thinking of running for council?

If you’ve ever declared ‘this council is useless’ on Facebook while balancing an Alpine on your belly, flopped out on the couch, this one’s for you.

Quispamsis is hosting an information session for anyone thinking about running for Mayor or Councillor in the May 11 municipal election. The session will explain what the job actually involves, from setting strategic direction to overseeing how town programs and services are delivered. It turns out it’s slightly more complicated than typing in all caps.

Date, time and location are still to be announced, but you need to pre-register by Wednesday, March 4 through the town’s online form. Registration is confidential and only used to send you the details.

Grand Bay-Westfield is doing the same. Residents considering a run can sign up for a virtual information session on Wednesday, March 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 pm. The town’s Chief Administrative Officer will walk through what council actually does, while Elections NB’s Chief Electoral Officer will explain the electoral and candidacy process.

So if you’ve ever said ‘I could do it better’, here’s your chance to log off and prove it.

↩️ Turn left on Douglas Ave

West siders may need to find a new reason to aggressively honk at rush hour starting Thursday morning.

The weekday no-left-turn from the Reversing Falls Bridge onto Douglas is officially being retired Thursday…at least for now. The city says the restriction, one that had drivers rerouting, grumbling, and occasionally staring down a police cruiser parked like a hall monitor, was tied to increased traffic, likely caused by Harbour Bridge construction. With that seasonal work wrapped, the intersection goes back to normal.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW

THURSDAY

Winter Sky Treats with Chris Curwin | February 19
On Thursday, February 19 from 7–8:30pm, the Saint John Naturalists Club is hosting local amateur astronomer Chris Curwin for a free, all-ages presentation in Saint John. He’ll walk guests through what’s happening in the winter sky right now, including major constellations, planets and other seasonal sights. If you’ve ever looked up and wondered what you’re actually seeing, this is your night.

Nomfusi live at Imperial Theatre | February 19
South African star Nomfusi takes the Imperial stage at 7:30pm with a performance blending jazz, soul and township rhythms. Her music is shaped by resilience and activism, with a show that balances powerful vocals and storytelling. Tickets start at $45 and audiences can expect a high-energy concert rooted in personal history and global influence.

TIFF Third Thursdays Hampton screening | February 19
Hampton launches its TIFF Third Thursdays series with a 7:30pm screening at the Summit Centre featuring Canadian and international festival films. Tickets are $12.50, doors open at 7pm, and the monthly series aims to bring art-house cinema to the valley crowd.

FRIDAY

Lunar New Year Festival | February 20
On Friday, February 20, Market Square and PRUDE Inc. are co-hosting a three-hour Lunar New Year celebration in the Market Square atrium at 1 Market Square. The public, family-friendly event kicks off with remarks from Donna Reardon and includes cultural performances, music, kids’ activities and food as the community welcomes the Year of the Fire Horse together.

NBIAA Final 12 High School Basketball Championships | February 20–21
TD Station hosts the province’s top high school basketball teams for the NBIAA Final 12 championship weekend. Games run across both days with divisions from A to AAA competing for provincial titles. Tickets are available at the door and streams are offered online, making it a loud, proud weekend for school rivalries and packed bleachers.

Jeremy Hotz One Night Only | February 20
Canadian comedy icon Jeremy Hotz brings his famously miserable brilliance to the Imperial at 8pm, joined by Shackleton the Wonder Dog. The 16+ show leans into Hotz’s signature anxious humour, designed for anyone who likes their stand-up sharp and self-aware. VIP meet-and-greet add-ons are available for fans who want extra face time.

SATURDAY

Soul Train Disco at the Kent | February 21
The Kent Theatre turns into a full disco throwback with Soul Train Disco, a Saturday night dance party built around classic grooves and retro energy. Doors open for a five-hour run, encouraging costumes, movement and unapologetic nostalgia for the era of mirror balls and dance lines.

Snowshoe Night at River Valley Community Centre | February 21
River Valley Running Club hosts an evening snowshoe session on the trail loop behind River Valley Middle School starting at 7pm. Rentals are free, donations support community programming and the event welcomes beginners looking to try winter trail fun without gear investment.

Boardwalk Bingo at Grannan’s | February 21
Grannan’s heats up the glassed-in patio with a 1:30pm bingo afternoon where $20 gets a card, a welcome drink and a shot at prizes each round. It’s casual, loud and built for anyone who enjoys shouting BINGO at full volume.

SUNDAY

2026 Greater Saint John Lunar New Year Gala | February 22
On Sunday, February 22 at 2pm, the Greater Saint John Chinese Cultural Association presents the Lunar New Year Gala at the Imperial Theatre. Tickets are $20. The family-friendly production features performances from the Saint John String Quartet, Saint John Youth Orchestra, Oberig Choir and Saint John High School Choir, along with guest musician Chen Fei and a special appearance by James Mullinger to help welcome the Year of the Horse.

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-Geoff Walsh - Publisher