💡 What's going in Brunswick Square?

Good morning, Saint John. A truck hauling $800,000 in dimes flipped on a Texas highway this week, spilling coins everywhere. Here, we just have potholes that’ll shatter your piggybank 🐷!

Here’s what we’re rollin’ today:

• Imagine a booming Brunswick Square 🛍️

• Quispamsis wants your input on sports 🏀

• Famished for fiddleheads 🍽️

Have a great day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🏢 Can Brunswick Square Get Its Groove Back?

Right now, it’s mostly Lawtons, a lotto booth, the Tim’s and a few food joints holding down the fort, but a new leasing team says Brunswick Square’s empty halls might not echo forever. Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic has taken over leasing duties and says interest is picking up, thanks to lower rents, new energy, and the location right in the heart of the pedway.

Early wins include an events company opening up shop on the pedway level… along with those ride-on plush animal toys that are already terrorizing shoppers without kids at McAllister Place (let’s hope they stay contained). Another tenant is apparently this close to signing, though no names yet.

The long-term dream? A fresh mix of stores, offices, and something…anything!, to make that food court feel less like a scene in I Am Legend. ($)

📣 Quispamsis Wants to Know How You Use Local Sports Facilities

Got a game on the go or a court you’ve conquered? Quispamsis is revamping how its community spaces - arenas, fields, and courts - are booked, and they want your input.

The Town is hosting a virtual Community Information Session to shape their new Recreational Facility Allocation Policy, and they’re looking for feedback from everyone who uses local spaces. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or just a casual volunteer, your voice counts!

Join them Wednesday, May 7th, 6-7pm via Zoom. It’s the perfect chance to let them know how your pick-up game could use a little more love. Register now and make sure your favorite local spot is part of the plan!

🚧 Main Street Slowdown Starts

Construction setup began late Monday, so expect slowdowns today on Main Street between Union and Chesley. As we told you last week, the city’s $3.4M makeover includes cutting vehicle lanes to make room for cyclists and pedestrians…complete with new barriers, crosswalk signals, traffic lights, and sharper on/off ramps. It'll last at least 16 weeks.

🥬 How You Fiddle with Fiddleheads

We’re cooking up a spring feature on fiddleheads…and want to hear from you! Got a family recipe, a wild seasoning trick, or just the way Nan always made them? We’ll be asking a local chef for their fancy take, but we’d love to put your homemade version side by side.

Send us your go-to fiddlehead prep by Thursday and you just might be featured! You can hit reply or fill out our submission form here.

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THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

ℹ️ We weren’t able to include the agenda for the Quispamsis council meeting in yesterday’s issue, as the Town Clerk hadn’t released it by press time. But it’s live now, and here’s what’s on deck for tonight’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

🏛️ Quispamsis Committee of the Whole - Tuesday, May 6, 2025

• Closed-door talks: Council will enter a closed session at 4:30pm to discuss two contract-related items.

• Policy update next steps: Staff will present follow-up on a Feb. 18 policy review.

• Code of Conduct by-law: A draft version of By-law No. 068 will be reviewed and discussed.

• Procedural rules check-in: Staff will walk through a framework for reviewing By-law No. 066.

See the full agenda & staff report.

The meeting begins at 4:30pm at Quispamsis Town Hall and moves into open session at 5pm. You can attend the open session or watch via livestream.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

👩‍👧‍👦 Mother’s Day is this weekend…don’t forget! Whether it’s brunch, flowers, or a creative outing, there’s plenty to do with her. Time to spoil the special lady in your life!

SATURDAY

Mother’s Day Flower Fest at Public Gardens | May 10–11
Head to the Saint John Public Gardens for two days of blooms, baskets, and tea with Mom. Hosted by the Horticultural Association, this Mother’s Day weekend sale includes greenhouse plants, henna art, and tea and scones from 11am–5pm (with early plant sales starting at 9am). No on-site parking, but helpers are happy to tote plants to your car nearby.

Mother’s Day at Kingston Market | May 10
Kingston Farmers Market is back for another season starting last weekendSaturday from 8am–1pm, and there’s definitely something there for mom. Browse local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts in the charming setting of the Kingston market square. Whether you’re shopping with Mom or shopping for Mom, it’s a sweet way to kick off the season.

Mother’s Day Perfume Workshop | May 10
Head to Fundy-St. Martins for a cozy afternoon of crafting your own custom scent with East Coast Mystic. You’ll blend natural aromas, learn the why behind what you love, and walk away with a bottle of handmade perfume — or two, if you're feeling inspired. It’s $25 per bottle and space is limited, so best to message ahead. Workshop runs about 1.5 hours.

Mother’s Day Market in Hampton | May 10
Hampton United Church is hosting a cheerful Saturday market just in time for Mother’s Day, running 9am-2pm. Expect local makers, unique finds, and a lunch canteen served up by the UCW crew. Whether you’re shopping for Mom or out with her, it’s a sweet way to spend the morning.

Mother’s Day Crystal Bracelet & Tea Workshop | May 10
Celebrate the day with a hands-on afternoon at 30 O’Brien Street, where you’ll make a crystal bracelet and take part in a group tea leaf reading. Hosted by It’s In Your Nature Creations, this two-hour workshop blends creativity, calm, and connection — a lovely mix whether you're a mom or just in need of a moment. It’s $40 per person and space is limited.

Mother’s Day Tea in Milford | May 10
The Milford Memorial Community Centre is hosting a charming midday tea to mark the occasion, complete with a light lunch and plenty of warm vibes. It starts at 11am and is an adults-only gathering, no kids this time around. Seating is limited, so you’ll want to register ahead by phone or through their Facebook page.

SUNDAY

Mother’s Day Kickoff at Queen Square | May 11
The Queen Square Farmers Market returns for its 15th season this Sunday from 9am–2pm — and it’s landing right on Mother’s Day. Expect the usual spread of fresh local produce, handmade goods, and crowd-favourite eats, all with that spring-in-the-air vibe. A great stop with Mom or a quick pick-up spot for a last-minute gift.

Mother’s Day Brunch at TSA | May 11
The TSA Curling Club is pulling out all the stops for their Mother’s Day buffet. Think shakshouka, waffles, omelets, sourdough with herbed butter, and cinnamon buns to finish it off. It runs 2.5 hours and costs $31 for adults and $14 for kids under 12, taxes included. Come hungry!

Mother’s Day Taproom Tunes | May 11
A rare Sunday matinee at Hampton Brewing brings powerhouse singer Kendra Gale back to the stage. Born in St. Andrews, she’s got the kind of voice that fills a room and lyrics that hit you right in the gut. Whether you’ve seen her on Twitch or this is your first time, she’s a must-hear. The show starts at 3pm and there’s no cover so bring mom in for a pint.

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who might like to hear our 2 cents. 🪙

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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