📦 What’s in the box?

Good morning, Saint John! A Dartmouth man just got his wallet back after 51 years under a floor. Inside was his Dartmouth High ID(I know that place), a $1.50 movie ticket for Hamlet a dollar bill. Image, a home reno that puts money back in your pocket.

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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Big boxes, bigger guesses 🛒

Quispamsis could be getting a lot more shopping carts. SmartCentres REIT is proposing a roughly 142,000-square-foot shopping centre on Millennium Drive beside McEsso, with 535 parking spaces. No tenants have been named, but that won’t stop anyone from requesting a Costco.

According to allNewBrunswick, the company is exploring a purchase of the land and needs variances for fewer parking spaces and loading bays, plus a smaller setback. Town staff raised no objections. The Planning Advisory Committee was scheduled to review the requests Monday night, but there’s no word yet on the outcome. ($)

Skate expectations ⛸️

An activity where the price and temperature both hover around zero? It’s that time again. Saint John’s free skating season starts Friday, October 9, with sessions at Charles Gorman, Peter Murray and Stewart Hurley arenas through March 31.

There are skates for everyone, tots five and under, and adults 55+. The new Tyke and Puck sessions let kids seven and under practice skating and hockey skills with a parent or guardian. A seasonal waiver is required.

And if you’re looking for something to help burn off the turkey this weekend, Thanksgiving Monday brings free public skates at Charles Gorman and Peter Murray from 2:30–3:45 PM. Check PlaySJ’s schedules before heading out.

Got opinions? The province has gas 💬

New Brunswick is reviewing the future of natural gas development, and you don’t have to save your thoughts for the comments section.

An online survey is open until October 23 to help assess whether the conditions tied to the province’s moratorium still reflect current science, technology, markets and regulatory practices.

The review covers First Nations rights and priorities, natural gas resources, potential health and environmental impacts, economic benefits and public support. Feedback will help inform what comes next.

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

Bingo Bash: Through the Decades | October 10
Give thanks for all those boy band lyrics taking up space in your brain. Head to the Kent Theatre at 8pm for music bingo covering the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s, with singalongs, prizes and a $150 grand prize. Cards are played on your phone, so bring it charged and leave the dabber home.

🙋 Want to win a pair of tickets? Hit reply with BINGO! We’ll announce the winner in Friday’s issue. Can’t wait? Use code SJTODAY for $10 off admission.

Belmont Street Raingarden Planting | October 14
Get your hands dirty for a cleaner neighbourhood. Join ACAP Saint John at 105 Belmont Street at 6pm to plant a rain garden that helps filter stormwater and gives local wildlife a welcoming patch of green. No experience needed, and planting materials are provided; wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.

Rothesay HIVE Fashion Show | October 14
Good style has no age limit. Models of different ages and cultures will showcase Boutique Zekara and Youghall Beach Co. fashions at the Bill McGuire Memorial Centre, with doors opening at 7pm. Admission is by donation to the Rothesay Intergenerational Community Complex campaign, with light refreshments, a cash bar, a 50/50 and raffle baskets.

Florida Beach Cleanup | October 17
Give the Loch Lomond watershed a little garbage relief. ACAP Saint John’s cleanup runs from 9am to noon at Florida Beach, 207 Route 820, with bags, gloves and litter pickers provided. Register through the listing, bring water and wear sturdy shoes or rubber boots.

Table Topics in Your Neighbourhood | October 17
Big ideas welcome. YALI is bringing people ages 15–30 together for a relaxed discussion led by Apathy is Boring about the communities they want to build. It starts at 10am at 1 Market Square, Suite W301 (PRUDE Inc. Office), with refreshments provided and registration required.

BGC Greater Saint John’s Diamond Dinner | November 13
Dress up, dig in and do some good. BGC Greater Saint John’s fundraiser starts at 7pm at the Trade & Convention Centre, with multicultural food stations, live and silent auctions, beauty experiences, dancing with DJ Steve and a chance to win a diamond pendant. Tickets are $80, supporting local children and youth.

There's plenty more happening. Find all this week’s local events here.

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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. Not sure about the story on this, but we imagine someone from Harvey Station did it…know where this is? Hit reply and give it your best shot. We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue!

We know you’ve got some incredible local pics! Share ‘em! Hit reply and send them our way to share with other SJ Today subscribers!

🌅 7:33am | 🌇 6:47pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s digging at the walls for some local morning info ⛏️!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher