🚦 Welcome to the no cone zone

Good morning, Saint John! An exotic bird was rushed to Tiggywinkles vet clinic (yes, really) in the UK last week after being found on the side of the road, unable to fly. Turns out it was just a run-of-the-mill seagull that somehow bathed in curry. After a splashy bath, it had no problem taking flight. Sounds a lot like me trying to get home after too many portions at Royal King on Wednesday night… 🐦

Here’s what we’re scoopin’ up today:

• Drive free, Harbour Bridge opens up🚦

• Takin’ back the streets 🧢

• Holiday roads: sip cocoa, not spirits 🎁

Happy hump day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🚗 Harbour Bridge Back in Business

The Harbour Bridge is fully open again. All four lanes. No cones. No surprise merges. Crews quietly pulled the last restrictions mid-day yesterday, and long-term closures are off the board for now. So from here till spring it’s just luxurious 2-lane commutes in both directions…what a time to be a Johner!

Work shifts to the Chesley Drive ramps next year, with the full rehab still tracking for 2028. For this week, enjoy the rare sight of a wide-open Harbour Bridge while you plan your route to the west side for a hike at the Nature Park and some za at Romanos.

👀 New Safety Team Hits the Streets

Saint John is rolling out a new Community Safety and Security Team. It’s a 24/7, non-police crew focused on keeping things calm in Waterloo Village, uptown, and around the shelters. They’ll handle the “this feels weird but not 911-weird” stuff with de-escalation, education, and a friendly presence, only looping in police or outreach when needed.

The City has also launched a Community Resilience Fund for small businesses and non-profits dealing with damage, security issues, or general disorder. Grants go up to $7,500, or $25K for group projects, with priority for the areas feeling it most. Round One is open now through March 31.

The city’s hoping this two-year combo of more eyes on the street and support for local businesses makes public spaces feel safer without feeling like Mr. Lahey had to call in the heavies.

🚓 Festive RIDE Rolls Out

The annual Festive RIDE campaign is back, which means Saint John Police and their KV counterparts will be popping up all over the place this month with checkpoints and roaming patrols looking for impaired drivers. Think of it as the holiday tradition nobody actually wants, but everybody needs.

MADD Canada says nearly 78,000 impaired-related charges and suspensions happen in a year across the country. That’s nine an hour, which is… not the stat you want to be part of. Officers here will include drug-recognition experts, so if someone thinks they’re being subtle, they’re not.

Police are asking everyone to plan ahead, pick a sober driver, and generally not turn December into a demolition derby. And if you spot someone who probably shouldn’t be behind the wheel, they want to know.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Two more sleeps until Uptown Sparkles

Step into the magic of Uptown Saint John on Friday, December 5! The evening kicks off at 5pm with live music, cozy fire pits, marshmallow roasting in King’s Square, and festive surprises around every corner. Don’t miss the Mayor’s Tree Lighting at 6pm — the official start to a night of sparkle and be sure to bring an ornament for the tree! Then you can stroll Uptown, shop, be merry, and soak in the local holiday spirit!

All outside programming depends on weather. Full map and activations are at Uptown Sparkles.

What we’re most excited about

Iridology Pop-Up at The Corn Crib | 1–6 PM
Curious what your eyes can tell you about your health? Rachelle Wood, Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Iridologist, is offering 25-minute mini readings with personalized assessments and expert diet and supplement recommendations. Discover early signs of imbalance and ways to support natural healing. $80 per reading ($40 deposit). Call or email to reserve your session.

BGC of Greater Saint John Holiday Market | 4–9 PM
Get into the Sparkles spirit while supporting a great cause! The BGC of Saint John is hosting their first-ever Holiday Market with a 50/50 Holiday Gold Rush, raffle prizes from vendors, and Photos with Santa from 4–9 PM ($20, emailed afterward) at the Atrium at Market Square! Entry is a suggested $2 donation, with all proceeds going to support programs at the BGC. Shop, snap, and spread some holiday cheer!

In Pursuit Sparkles Pop-Up | 5–9 PM
In Pursuit is keeping the festive energy going with four local businesses joining for live pop-ups: Eleven, Timeless Trinkets, Erin Elleker, and Eastern Brims with tattoos on site. Swing by for unique finds and a little extra sparkle before the night wraps up!

Imperial Theatre Family Film Fest | 5–8 PM
Warm up with some holiday classics before wandering Uptown. The Imperial Theatre is showing free short films for the whole family: Charlie Brown Christmas at 5pm , Frosty the Snowman at 6pm, Mickey’s Christmas Carol at 7pm, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at 8pm. Drop in, grab a cozy seat, and fuel up for a sparkling night!

Saint John City Market Sparkles | 5–9 PM
See the Market the way we like it best… glowing with holiday lights and buzzing with festive energy. Cozy up by the outdoor fire pit, browse 15+ pop-up vendors, including Balemans! Plus, enjoy free hot chocolate while supplies last, and check out specials from regular vendors. Stroll, shop local, sip something warm, and soak up the holiday spirit. The Market is a can’t-miss Sparkles stop.

Holly Jolly Jazz & Blues at Trinity Galleries | 7 PM
Back for a second year! Trinity Galleries is hosting intimate holiday jazz and blues performances, jingle-jangling through classics and a few surprises. Limited seating, so book early…call 506-634-1611 or email [email protected]. A cozy, musical stop to add a little extra sparkle to your Uptown Sparkles evening.

Day After Sparkles Pop-Up | Saturday, Dec 6 - 10 AM
No need for post-Sparkles FOMO — In Pursuit is hosting another mini pop-up with Modern Messybun, The Bread Box, and Maritime Women Apparel. Perfect for gifts and sweet treats to keep the festive vibes going!

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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 recognize this spot, hit reply and send us you best guess. The location and any correct guesses will be revealed in Friday’s issue.

Tag @sjtoday.ca on Facebook to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

On This Day - December 3, 1944 
A dark moment in Saint John’s maritime history. The Canadian merchant ship Cornwallis, returning from Barbados, was torpedoed off the coast of Maine by German submarine U-1230. Of 48 crew members, only five made it out alive. A stark reminder of the risks our local sailors faced during World War II.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with the last person you waved to when walking by Thandi 🍛!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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