💼 What’s in Uptown’s $766K plan

Good morning, Saint John! Collins Dictionary has named “mogging” its word of the year. It means outshining the competition, which you help us do every time you open this email. We appreciate the support….and the chance to use youth slang before someone tells us to stop.

Here’s what else is happening today:

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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Uptown’s plans come with a price tag 🧾

Uptown Saint John has a $766,487 spending plan for next year, and commercial property owners would pick up the tab through the area’s business improvement levy.

The proposed 2027 budget includes $121,700 for Clean & Safe, $86,500 for beautification and $100,000 for urban design and placemaking. Another $223,986.80 would fund promotions and communications, with $229,300 for operations and administration and $5,000 for advocacy.

The proposed levy is 20¢ per $100 of non-residential assessment within the Business Improvement Area. For a property assessed at $1 million, that works out to an increase of $400 annually.

Those dollars support the district where people shop, work, eat and get walked by their dogs.

Council will consider the proposal November 30 at 6pm. Written objections are due to the City Clerk by November 25.

A little help before a bigger crisis 🏠

Keeping a young person housed can come down to a grocery run, an overdue bill or a way to get to work. Centre for Youth Care wants dependable funding to help cover those gaps.

The Saint John organization is raising $200,000 by December 15 for its Belonging Restored Fund. Reaching that goal would unlock a further $200,000 from the J.T. Clark Family Foundation.

The contributions would become part of a permanent endowment, with income supporting CYC’s programs over time.

CYC says its work last year included 535 youth check-ins and 22 housing-stability interventions, including helping 11 young people secure housing. Its support ranges from rent and utility assistance to transportation, employment help and connections with family and community.

The fund is intended to keep that practical help available when a young person needs it, including when the problem arrives well before payday.

A song to remember 🎵

With Remembrance Day one week from today, Saint John-area songwriter Andrew Clark has released “Out On The Line,” inspired by his grandfather’s First World War service. His grandfather cared for horses carrying supplies and troops to the front lines and passed down stories of the trenches. Watching 1917 years later prompted Andrew to turn those memories into a song, released last week.

More boots on the sidewalk 👟

Saint John’s $780,000-a-year security pilot is putting more emphasis on foot patrols and overnight checks. Feedback from 33 businesses and residents generally praised the service, but suggested neighbourhood conditions hadn’t improved. Councillors questioned its reach and value, with another assessment due in February.

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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.

SJ Today Trivia at Beer Bread | November 4
Bring your smartest friend and the others. Join SJ Today’s Geoff Walsh at Beer Bread at 6:30pm for trivia, friendly competition and Chef Ryan’s food specials, plus $5 pints, $6 wines and $7 Old Fashioneds. Teams of 4–6. Hit reply with your team name and headcount, and we’ll save you a table.*

An Evening of Hope | November 4
David Cleminson shares his experience of loss and lessons about grief, healing and resilience at Cineplex Cinemas Saint John from 6:30–8pm. Admission is by donation, supporting the Compassionate Grief Centre’s local programs and counselling. Reserve a ticket ahead of time. Doors open at 6pm.

Fibre Fest | November 5
Bring your crochet, quilting, embroidery, rug hooking or another fibre project to the Community Centrum’s River Valley Room in Grand Bay-Westfield. This free gathering welcomes all ages from 6:30–8:30pm, with no registration required. Bring your own materials and use the back entrance. The group meets Thursdays, so there’s another chance next week.

Sea Dogs Watch Party | November 8
Watch the Saint John Sea Dogs take on the Charlottetown Islanders without making the trip to P.E.I. Market Square will broadcast the away game on the Atrium’s big screen at 3pm, with games and prizes planned for fans. Wear your team colours and join other supporters for the afternoon.

BGC Greater Saint John Diamond Dinner | November 13
BGC’s annual fundraiser moves to the Saint John Trade & Convention Centre at 7pm, with multicultural food stations, auctions, beauty experiences and dancing with DJ Steve. Every ticket includes entry into a diamond pendant elimination draw. Tickets are $80, supporting programs for local children and youth. A $900 VIP package includes 10 tickets, a reserved table and table side bar service.*

Community Pancake Breakfast | November 15
The New Apostolic Church hosts a community pancake breakfast at Lakefield Elementary School in Quispamsis from 10–11am. Everyone is welcome, with donations collected for Saint John Community Food Basket. A church service follows at 11am.

Hot Chocolate at the Santa Claus Parade | November 21
St. Luke’s Anglican Church opens its doors from 6–8pm during the Santa Claus Parade, offering hot chocolate, free parking, washrooms and a place for families to warm up. Plan to be outside by 6:15pm to watch the parade.

Magic Moments at Market Square | November 22
Magician and illusionist Remi Boudreau performs on Market Square’s Atrium stage from 1–1:45pm. Squiggle & Dot will also offer free face painting from 12:30–2pm. The afternoon is free and open to all ages, giving families an indoor outing with both a show and an activity.

Saint John Y Service Club 100th Anniversary Dinner | November 23
Celebrate a century of the Saint John Y Service Club at St. Luke’s Anglican Church. A meet-and-greet begins at 5:30pm, followed by a full turkey dinner at 6pm. Admission is by donation. Register by November 9 by emailing Michael Saunders at [email protected]. Parking is available on the Metcalf Street side.

Creative Night at Chroma | November 26
Members of the queer community are invited to Chroma at 6:30pm to work on creative projects and spend time together. Bring something you’re making, or use the supplies available to try something new. You’re welcome to come along without a project or materials.

Bad Words for Uptown Fridge 3 | November 28
Katelin Dean headlines an evening of comedy at Wasted Day Brewing at 7:30pm, joined by host Brian Giles, Chris Hovey and Cive Lucas. Five dollars from every ticket supports Uptown Fridge. Tickets are $15 through November 27 or $20 on show day, plus fees, and are available through the event page.

*Sponsored event listing.

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. Seems like an easy one, but let’s see if you know it. Hit reply with your best guess. We’ll reveal the location and correct answers in Friday’s issue!

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-Geoff Walsh, Publisher