Good morning, Saint John! Monday after Halloween has its perks. There’s candy to steal from the kids, leftovers from overestimating your trick-or-treat traffic, and whatever’s 50% off at the grocery store. We’ll need the sugar…The pumpkins have barely made it to the green bin and we’re already being pushed into Christmas.

In today’s edition:

  • Rothesay lays groundwork for golden years 🏠

  • Speed cameras approach a yellow light 🚦

  • Taking care of quizness this Wednesday 🧠

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

Room to stay in Rothesay 🏠

Staying in Rothesay as you get older could get a little easier. Finding a friend willing to help move the couch remains your problem.

A joint investment of more than $28 million will upgrade the town’s wastewater treatment facility and extend municipal services to support Legacy Village, a seniors’ housing development on Villa Madonna Road.

The housing-related work includes roughly a kilometre each of water, wastewater and stormwater pipes, enabling up to 89 homes. The larger share of the funding goes toward the treatment facility on Maliseet Drive, including ultraviolet disinfection.

No opening date or application details were included. For now, it’s the plumbing that gets things moving.

A little more shelf control 📚

The next time your kid says there’s nothing to read, you’ve got about 50,000 counterarguments.

Students in New Brunswick’s anglophone school districts now have free access to Rally Reader, a digital platform with more than 50,000 English-language titles, funded by RBC.

Parents can download the app, create an account and select their child’s grade to find suitable books. Reading practice tools offer feedback and track progress, with no ads interrupting the plot. Families can register here.

Data centres get a zoning check 💻

Fundy Shores wants future data-centre proposals to come with a stop at council before anyone starts plugging things in.

A proposed rural-plan amendment would require developers to seek rezoning for a data centre, giving council the ability to reject an application or approve it with conditions. The process also includes a temporary prohibition while the rules are being considered.

It’s a local angle on the wider debate around the proposed Lorneville development, with Fundy Shores working to spell out how proposals would be handled within its own boundaries.

Residents can speak at a public hearing November 17 at 6pm at Musquash Fire Station #2, 1270 Route 790 in Dipper Harbour. Written comments are accepted until December 1. The amendment hasn’t been approved.

*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETING

⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting | November 2, 2026 - 6pm

On the agenda for the Saint John Common Council meeting this evening:

  • Traffic cameras could wait for public input - Council will consider holding off on red light and speed cameras while seeking public feedback, with results due back in 2027. Estimated costs could reach $300,000 annually per device, while ticket revenue currently goes to the province.

  • Alternatives to speed cushions proposed - Councillor Gina Hooley wants staff to compare options such as lane narrowing with existing speed cushions, including costs, speed reductions and effects on neighbouring streets and emergency vehicles. Her motion also calls for potential pilot projects.

  • Neighbourhood business rules face review - Councillor Ryan Moore wants the city to review permits for businesses operating in residential areas, including neighbour consultation and enforcement of ongoing compliance and public safety requirements.

  • Cenotaph repairs targeted before Remembrance Day - Council will receive an update on replacing missing bronze plaques with etched granite at the King’s Square Cenotaph. Work is underway, with completion targeted before Remembrance Day.

  • Business security grant rules considered - Council will consider adjustments to the Community Resilience Fund policy, clarifying eligible security expenses, funding limits and reimbursement requirements. The program offers eligible businesses and nonprofits up to $7,500 annually.

The public is welcome to attend in person at City Hall’s second-floor council chamber, view on Rogers TV, or watch via live stream.

Every friend group has someone who knows every song, someone who remembers every movie, and someone who confidently gets both wrong. Bring all three.

SJ Today’s, Geoff Walsh hosts Trivia Night at Beer Bread starting this Wednesday at 6:30pm. Round up a team of 2–6 for food, drinks, and a little friendly competition. Bragging rights and prizing could have you wanting to be quizzed each week!

Let us know you’re coming! Hit reply with your team size and we’ll save you a table.

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

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

TUESDAY

Raine Maida & Chantal Kreviazuk | November 3
Raine Maida and Chantal Kreviazuk bring their I’m Going to Break Your Heart tour to the Imperial Theatre for an all-ages show at 8pm. Doors open at 7:30pm, advance tickets are $66.25 for the balcony or $81.25 for orchestra seating. Both increase by $5 on show day.

THURSDAY

Dessert Bridge Party | November 5
Portland United Church hosts an afternoon of bridge and dessert starting at 2pm. Gather your card-playing friends and reserve a table ahead of time by calling 506-632-4030. Admission is $15 per person and includes dessert.

FRIDAY

Club Rewind: The Coldplay Show | November 6
This Coldplay tribute comes to Kent Theatre with a set featuring “The Scientist,” “Adventure of a Lifetime,” “A Sky Full of Stars” and other favourites, accompanied by 3D visuals. Doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets are $40 in advance through the Imperial Theatre ticket system or $50 at the door.

SATURDAY

Live & Local with The Farraige Band | November 7
The Farraige Band performs at Market Square at 2pm as part of the Live & Local series. The group mixes traditional Celtic music and sea shanties with modern folk influences. Admission is free, making it an easy afternoon outing, and a pop-up bar will be available.

Flavours of the Valley | November 7
Sample food and drinks from Kennebecasis Valley restaurants, wineries and breweries at the qplex from 7–9:30pm. Presented by Saint David’s United Church, the fundraiser also includes live and silent auctions and a cash bar. Tickets are $75, with proceeds supporting outreach and community care programs. Call 506-847-7137 for ticket information.

Got an Event to Share?

*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.

YOUR PICS
PETS ABOUT TOWN 🐾

Carmen booked the window seat. No departures planned. ☀️

Your pet’s doing something more photogenic than answering emails. Hit reply with a photo of your pet enjoying life in our little part of the world, their name and where their picture was taken. 🐾

SIDE NOTES

🌅 7:04am | 🌇 5:10pm

Today’s Tides 🌊

High Tide

5:19 AM(Mon 02 November)

7.12 m(23.36 ft)

Low Tide

11:34 AM(Mon 02 November)

1.76 m(5.77 ft)

High Tide

5:47 PM(Mon 02 November)

7.39 m(24.25 ft)

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who could use a sugar rush this week 🍬!

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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