🐋 Wild Ones of SJ

Good morning Saint John! If you’re slow waking up this morning, take a lesson from a 33-year-old puffin off Machias Seal Island…still parenting like a pro and proving that age just means more time to wing it in style. 🐦🎩

Here’s what’s up this moring:

• City Market’s getting a quiet glow-up 🛠️

• UNB helps film whales for Apple TV+ 🐋

• Nuclear shutdown? Totally normal, promise ⚡

Happy Monday!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

📍The City Market’s Quietly in Motion

There’s a quiet transformation underway at the Saint John City Market, and one of the most recognizable public sculptures in the city is about to make a comeback.

If you remember the tall wooden sculpture that once stood outside Market Square…that’s Timepiece, a 25-foot, three-tiered column of carved figures and a clock mechanism, commissioned by John Hooper in 1983. Removed in 2022 for restoration after decades of weather damage and some unfortunate vandalism, it’s been in storage ever since. Now, thanks to support from city staff, the Community Arts Board, and the Hooper family, Timepiece is finally getting a permanent (and weatherproof) new home inside the City Market.

That’s just one piece of a much larger refresh outlined in the City Market’s 2023 Strategic Plan. The market is set to shift from its current three-aisle layout to two, with shorter stalls down the centre, wider pathways, and a new public seating area that can double as a small performance stage.

Wild Carrot has already moved into a new space as part of the early changes, and the vision ahead includes upgrades like better accessibility, a mezzanine level, updated washrooms, new signage, and even a “Graffiti Alley” featuring murals on North Market Street.

“With the City Market’s 150th Anniversary next year,” says market manager Andrew MacDonald, “you can expect lots of exciting changes and a flurry of activity around this Saint John landmark.”

The full rollout will take time, but the direction is clear. The market isn’t just Saint John’s oldest institution…it’s about to become one of its freshest.

🎬 Saint John Scientists Land a Whale of a Credit

When Apple TV+ drops The Wild Ones this week, keep an eye out for a cameo from…Saint John.

UNB’s Dr. Kimberley Davies and grad student Jillian Carter helped capture some of the rarest footage ever shot of the endangered North Atlantic right whale and they did it just off our coast.

Armed with hi-tech camera tags, a couple of boats, and a whole lot of patience, the team helped film whales actually behaving underwater…not just swimming around looking majestic, but showing how they move, feed, and unfortunately, how they get tangled in fishing gear.

The episode features footage so rare it’s basically the Bigfoot of marine science - except real, and starring a local research crew.

⚡ Time for a Nuclear Nap

Point Lepreau is going offline Monday for a planned maintenance outage… not to worry, this one’s on the calendar.

NB Power says they’ll be tackling over 23,000 tasks (which sounds like our inbox after a long weekend), including everything from pump maintenance to a full generator rewind…basically swapping out the stator windings that were temporarily patched last year.

Lepreau is expected back online by December, just in time to keep us warm for the holidays. In the meantime, NB Power’s other power plants, and some strategic power importing, will pick up the slack.

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

⚖️ Rothesay Council Meeting | July 14, 2025 – 7:00pm

Key Highlights:

• Delegations include P.R.O Kids Manager Greg Cutler and Kennebecasis Regional Police Chief Mike Young with Board Chair Kevin Darling.

• Consideration of traffic light issues at Church/Grove/Hampton intersections and a Gaga Pit request from Kennebecasis Park Elementary.

• Updates on financial reports including KRJBPC audited statements and Rothesay’s unaudited general and utility fund statements.

• New business features a public art installation proposal at Wells Canopy Building and updates on Wiljac Street reconstruction and KVGo summer shuttle service.

• Ongoing discussions on Marr Road/Chapel Road signalization and consumer fireworks by-law amendments remain tabled.

See the full agenda here.

Attend in person at Town Hall Common Room or watch via livestream.

⚖️ Grand Bay-Westfield Council Meeting | July 14, 2025 – 7:00pm

Key Highlights:

• Community grant presentations and post-secondary bursary draws.

• Discussions on Housing Accelerator Fund marketing and amendments, plus a credit card policy revision.

• Review of the Transit Study contract with UNB and updates on economic development fund criteria.

• Consideration of the Vendor Events Policy and Council Orientation for 2026.

• Monthly reports include animal control, building, and fire-rescue updates.

See the full agenda here.

Attend in person at the Community Centrum Grand Bay Room or watch via livestream.

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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!

TONIGHT

My Neighbor Totoro Screening | July 14
Catch the beloved animated classic by Hayao Miyazaki at the Imperial Theatre. Follow Satsuke and her little sister Mei as they move into a countryside home, where they meet magical forest spirits including the gentle giant Totoro. This family-friendly film, rated G and in English, runs at 12 King Square South with tickets priced at $12.50.

TUESDAY

West Side Tunes on the Lawn | July 15
Saint John West is hosting “Tunes on the Lawn” at St. Mark’s United Church from 7 to 8pm. Local musicians led by Del Worden will play lively tunes guaranteed to get your toes tapping. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a free, friendly summer evening with friends.

Nutrien Career Fair | July 15 & 16
Stop by the Crowne Plaza Harbour View from 11am to 8pm both days to explore trades career opportunities with Nutrien. Recruiters will be onsite focusing on heavy duty and industrial mechanic roles in Saskatchewan. Bring your resume and be ready to discuss your experience and interest in relocating. This screening event helps speed up the hiring process for applicants.

WEDNESDAY

Loyalist House Yard Sale | July 16
Find books, clothing, household items, and more at the Loyalist House yard sale. All proceeds support the museum. Payment accepted by cash or card. Note there is no on-site parking. The sale runs for three hours at 120 Union Street.

THURSDAY

Rockwood Reads Summer Reading Club | July 17
The Saint John Free Public Library is bringing the Summer Reading Club fun to Rockwood Park’s Interpretation Centre. Enjoy story walks, songs, games, and more outdoors. Join the party every other Thursday through mid-August for family-friendly fun.

Rockin’ Uptown Guided Walk | July 17
Join ACAP Saint John and Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark at 3pm outside Market Square for a guided walk exploring Saint John’s unique geology and how it shapes the effects of climate change. This free, all-ages event starts at The Gathering Space near the boardwalk stage and offers a fresh perspective on the city’s history and environment.

FRIDAY

Colin James Live | July 18
Canadian blues-rock legend Colin James takes the stage at AREA 506 on Water Street. With over 20 albums and decades of hits, he’s bringing his signature sound to Saint John for one night only. Tickets are $59 for general admission or $79 for VIP access, which includes the viewing deck and VIP bar perks.

SATURDAY

Moonlight Bazaar | July 19
Jupiter rises over Uptown this year as Saint John’s signature street festival returns for a night of music, food, art, and pop-up surprises. From rooftop performances to fire dancers and glowing vendor stalls, it’s an evening the whole city orbits around. Here’s hoping the skies stay clear!!

SUNDAY

Bounce for a Cause | July 20
Head to KENT West for Atlantic Canada’s largest bouncy castle event supporting a great cause. Enjoy a BBQ, treats, prizes, and meet Milo the Parrot along with a service dog in training. Admission is $10 per hour per person, with all funds helping a young girl get a life-changing service dog. Bring the whole family for fun with purpose.

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, don’t be a sitting duck…share it with someone who needs a little morning flight! 🦆

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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