👀 What’s happening at 10:55?

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Good morning Saint John! Scientists have discovered monkeys in Gibraltar are apparently eating dirt to settle their stomachs after crushing tourist junk food all day. Maybe we can learn something from the monkeys. Try grabbing a handful of dirt after an afternoon of samples at Costco.

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🚔 Police oversight review calls for more transparency

The City of Saint John has released an independent review of local police governance, and the short version is the Police Commission model is staying, but the city says it needs to be more open, visible, and connected to the public.

The review was launched last year to look at how police oversight works in Saint John, especially as expectations around transparency and accountability continue to grow across Canada.

Among the recommendations are clearer reporting to council and the public, stronger community engagement, and making sure policing priorities better match what residents actually want to see focused on.

City officials say the goal now is to modernize the system, not replace it.

📱 The 10:55 symphony is coming

At exactly 10:55am today, phones across the province are going to light up, buzz, and scream in perfect unison. Offices, coffee shops, job sites…all of it, one big group performance.

It’s a scheduled test of the Alert Ready system, run by the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization. The alert will hit TV, radio, and compatible wireless devices, complete with that unmistakable tone and a message confirming it’s just a test. No action needed.

The test is part of Emergency Preparedness Week, running May 3 to 9. This week everyone is encouraged to get a handle on the risks in their area, put together a basic emergency plan, and make sure they’ve got an emergency kit ready.

When the chorus hits at 10:55, we bet you’ll jump, just like everyone else, even though you’re reading this. 

🏫 Province buys Catholic schools

The province has bought four local Catholic school properties from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint John in a $22-million deal, including St. Malachy’s, Saint Rose, St. Francis, and St. John the Baptist, AllNewBrunswick is reporting.

For years, the province had been paying roughly $2.35 million a year to lease some of the buildings. With those leases expiring, and schools like St. Malachy’s and Saint Rose still expected to stick around long term, the province says buying them outright made more sense.

Two of the schools are already being replaced by new schools now under construction, but they’ll keep operating in the meantime.

There’s also some deep Saint John history tied into the deal. The Saint Rose property was once home to brewer James Ready’s operation.

🅿️ Free parking… on the weekend.

In a move that may shock uptown regulars, the City is offering free overnight parking Thursday through Saturday nights in the Entertainment District until October 31.

From 6pm to 7am, you can leave the car without doing the ol’ when do I have to move this math.

The zone runs Water to Charlotte, King to Duke, with most on-street spots already free after 6pm and City lots included overnight (garages excluded).

Daytime rules still apply. Don’t be ridiculous.

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Sometimes it starts with a full remodel. Sometimes it’s just one part of the room that needs to change.

Bath Craft works with Saint John homeowners on bathroom upgrades including tubs, showers, wall systems, walk-in tubs, and accessibility improvements. Whether your priority is style, easier cleaning, better function, or safer access, they can help you figure out what makes sense for your home.

Locally owned and operated, Bath Craft offers free consultations to help you get started.

Here are some more events sent to us by our readers. Don’t forget to submit your events any time by clicking here.

Meet the Candidates for Mayor | May 6
The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce hosts this mayoral forum Wednesday from 5-6:30pm at NBCC Saint John’s Grandview Avenue campus, where candidates will share priorities, answer questions, and connect with voters ahead of the election. It’s free to attend, but registration is required.

Creative Connections Annual Art Show | May 9
L’Arche Saint John hosts this one-day art show Saturday from 2-4pm at the Saint John Arts Centre, featuring work from 18 local artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Visitors can meet the artists, explore a mix of mediums, and purchase pieces while supporting a program focused on inclusion and community.

Mother’s Day Bake Sale for Latimore Lake Cat Rescue | May 9
Global Pet Foods East (80 McAllister Drive) hosts this Saturday bake sale with cookies, breads, cupcakes, and more available throughout the day, raising funds and collecting donations for local cats in care.

Afternoon Tea in the Atrium | May 10
Market Square hosts this Sunday tea from 2-4pm, with guests enjoying tea, light fare, and a mimosa in the atrium. Tickets are $35 and available through The Write Cup.

Discovering the Haskap Berry Seminar | May 11
The Senior Resource Center at Brunswick Square hosts this Monday session at 1:30pm on the third level, offering a look at the health benefits and uses of haskap berries. Seniors are asked to register in advance to attend.

Municipal Heritage Trail Clean-Up | May 13
The Grand Bay-Westfield Youth Council leads this volunteer cleanup Wednesday at 6pm, meeting at the Community Centrum parking lot. Gloves and bags are provided, and all ages are welcome to help keep the trail clean.

Harbourside Toastmasters Open House | May 13
Harbourside Toastmasters hosts this open house Wednesday at 12pm, with both in-person and Zoom options, offering a chance to learn how the program builds communication and leadership skills.

For Every Season Quilt Show | May 15–16
The Marco Polo Quilters Guild hosts this two-day show at St. Luke’s Anglican Church on Main Street, running Friday 1-8pm and Saturday 10am-5pm, with handmade quilts, local vendors, and a chance to meet the makers. Admission is $5, free for kids 12 and under.

Dominion Park Beach Cleanup | May 16
The Dominion Park Community Association hosts its annual cleanup Saturday from 9am-12pm, bringing volunteers together to help maintain the park while learning about upcoming restoration plans. The City’s Green Machine will be on-site, with refreshments provided.

Non-Artist Portrait Artist of the Year | May 24
The Sussex Art Club hosts this event Sunday from 2:30-4:30pm at 12 Maple Avenue, where local “non-artists” create portraits of a live model in support of Sussex Regional High School’s visual arts program. Tickets are $15, with snacks included.

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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. It’s a promising sign, but can you identify the location? Hit reply with your best guess and we’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue!

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone likes a little grit with their appetizers 🫔.

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher