🪧 What would you ask about?

Good Morning, Saint John! Hope you got a little sunshine yesterday. It also marked the unofficial start of yard season…you know the moment. One neighbour decides it’s go time, and just like that, the whole street is behind schedule. It looks like a bit more sun today, then a grey stretch through the week, but the weekend’s hinting at a bounce back 🤞

In todays edition:

Here we go!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🗳️Some races heating up, others already decided

The ballot is officially set for May 11, and around here it’s shaping up to be a mix of real races… and a few “no need to print signs” situations.

Let’s start in Saint John, where things are very much on. Incumbent Donna Reardon is back in the race and facing a pair of challengers, including Barry Ogden and Blaine Harris. If you haven’t had any door knockers yet, you can bet they’re coming, not to mention debates and probably a few spicy comment sections.

Outside the city, it’s a quieter picture. In Rothesay, Matt Alexander is acclaimed as mayor, while Quispamsis will see Mary Schryer take the role without a vote. Same story in Grand Bay-Westfield, where Brittany Merrifield returns, and in Hampton, where Robert “Dewey” Doucet is acclaimed. Fundy-St. Martins also won’t need a mayoral vote this time around.

Across the province, more than 1,100 candidates signed up for just under 600 council seats, with a mix of crowded races and completely uncontested ones depending on where you live.

Candidates have until 5pm today to withdraw. After that, the ballot is locked.

Election day is Monday, May 11. If you haven’t checked whether you’re registered to vote, now’s a good time. You can find everything you need, including voter registration, polling locations, and the full list of candidates, on the Elections New Brunswick website.

We’re putting together something a little different for this election.

We’re planning to send the same set of questions to every mayoral and council candidate in the region, then publish all of their answers in one place so you can easily compare.

Before we send it out…

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⚖️ Rothesay Council Meeting - April 13 | 7pm

See the full agenda.

The meeting takes place at 7pm at Town Hall, with the public welcome to attend.

⚖️ Grand Bay-Westfield Council Meeting - April 13

No meeting this week - The regular council meeting scheduled for Monday, April 13 has been cancelled. The next meeting is set for April 27.

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Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!

MONDAY

Retro Film The Wizard of Oz | April 13
Imperial Theatre’s retro film series heads to Oz on Monday night with a 7pm screening of the Judy Garland classic. Tickets are $10, which is a pretty affordable trip down the Yellow Brick Road all things considered. Good one for film lovers, nostalgia fans, or anybody who still firmly believes the ruby slippers deserved more screen time.

Saint John Youth Orchestra Spring Concert | April 13
The Saint John Youth Orchestra brings both its String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble to Centre scolaire Samuel-de-Champlain for a free concert Monday at 7:30pm. Donations are welcome, and the program promises everything from lyricism to full-on energy. A strong bet for anyone who likes seeing young local talent absolutely cook.

TUESDAY

RICC Fundraiser Fashion Show | April 14
Rothesay is putting style to work for a good cause with this fundraiser for the Rothesay Intergenerational Community Complex. The fashion show takes over the Bill McGuire Memorial Centre at 95 James Renforth Drive, with doors opening at 7pm. Expect intergenerational models, looks from Boutique Zekara and River & Trail Outdoor Company, plus a cash bar, light refreshments, a 50/50, and donation-based admission.

WEDNESDAY

Youngblood Screening | April 15
The Central Branch of the Saint John Free Public Library is marking National Canadian Film Day with a free screening of Youngblood. The classic hockey drama starts at 6pm at 1 Market Square and runs until 8pm. Good option for movie people, hockey people, and anyone who likes a midweek plan that doesn’t involve spending money.

Chroma Queer Meet and Greet | April 15
Chroma NB is hosting its monthly Queer Meet and Greet at Haven Music Hall & Cafe on Union Street. The social runs for an hour and is open to all ages, with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and a relaxed chance to connect with community. Kids are welcome with an adult, and organizers have also shared accessibility details for the space ahead of time, which is always appreciated.

THURSDAY

What’s in the Box? | April 16
SJAC’s popular fundraiser is back with food, drinks, and the chance to go home with original art if luck is on your side. The event runs from 7pm to 9pm and supports local artists, youth programs, and the arts centre’s broader mission. Tickets are $100, with a tax receipt available for part of that, and attendees can also enter for the chance to buy a mystery box artwork donated by one of more than 50 local artists.

Dexter Construction Career Fair | April 16
Anyone job hunting, career curious, or just wanting to see what’s out there may want to stop by the Holiday Inn Express Saint John Harbour Side between 12pm and 4pm. Dexter Construction and Municipal Group of Companies are hosting a career fair with on-the-spot interviews, no appointment needed. Just show up with a resume and maybe your best “yes, I am very employable” energy.

FRIDAY

Coffee and Conversation | April 17
St. Mark’s United Church is serving up caffeine and gardening talk Friday morning with its latest Coffee and Conversation session. Amy Cleveland, a horticulture technician and Master Gardener, will lead a discussion on square foot gardening in raised beds from 10am to 11am at 50 Dexter Drive. Handy timing for anyone staring at a yard, a seed packet, or a raised bed that currently contains mostly ambition.

Spring Henna, Bubble Tea and Bouquet Event | April 17
This one is basically spring in event form. Hosted at Mo’Cha Bubble Tea in Rothesay, the two-hour gathering includes bubble tea, a henna design, a make-your-own flower bouquet, and a take-home favour gift. Space is limited, so it’s very much a “book first, romanticize your life second” situation.

SATURDAY

Art With Heart | April 18
The Diamond Jubilee Cruise Ship Terminal turns into an art stop this Saturday for Art With Heart, a community fine arts sale in support of P.R.O. Kids Saint John. The event runs from 10am to 4pm, with a $5 entry fee and plenty of local work to browse. It’s one of those nice double-win outings where you can support artists and a good cause at the same time.

Hampton Community Expo | April 18
Hampton’s Community Expo is all about helping people find ways to get involved locally, whether that means sports, wellness, volunteering, or community groups. It runs from 10am to 1pm at the Mike Murphy Memorial Field House, 808 Main Street, and is free to attend. Helpful for newcomers, longtime residents, or anyone who keeps saying they should probably get out more.

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📸 Miranda Lindsay | 📍 Sheldon Point Trail

Spring’s back and so are the camera rolls. Tag us on Instagram or Facebook and we’ll feature our favourites.

🌅 6:42am | 🌇 8:07pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who lets someone else worry about the yard work 😎.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher