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- ❌ Woods are calling, city says no
❌ Woods are calling, city says no
SJ Today
August 26, 2025
In partnership with:
Good morning Saint John! With the teachers back at it this week, and students in class a week from today… enjoy the calm while it lasts. 😏
Here’s what’s up this morning:
Crown lands have reopened 🏞️
Calling all (future) cars 🚓
Free passes to King’s Landing 📜
Happy Tuesday!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
SPONSORED
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NEWS NOTES
🌲 Crown lands open, city trails still closed
Good news for anyone itching for a forest stroll: most Crown lands reopened at 12:01 this morning. The “bad news” (well, the safety news) — Saint John’s trails, including Rockwood, Little River Reservoir, and Tucker Park, are staying off-limits for now. City officials say the woods are still super dry, close to homes, and even a tiny spark could spell disaster.
So while you can explore provincial lands, stick to beaches, playgrounds, Harbour Passage, and city squares for now. The burn ban remains in effect, and city trails will only reopen once the rain gods finally show up for an extended pour.
🏊♂️ Last splash at the qplex
If you’ve been meaning to squeeze in one more cannonball, this is the week. The pool at the qplex is closing for the season Friday, August 29…right on cue as summer staff wrap up and school bells loom next week.
The forecast looks tailor-made for a goodbye swim: maybe a shower today, but sunshine and mid-20s Wednesday through Friday. After that, the Firefly Splash Pad will stay open as long as the weather holds. So grab your towel, soak up the heat, and make that final dip count…pumpkin spice season is already lurking around the corner.
👮♂️ Future cops wanted
Ever thought about a career with a badge? The Kennebecasis Regional Police Force is recruiting for its Cadet Sponsorship Program, which covers tuition and pays you while you train.
Info session is Thursday, August 28 at 6pm, 126 Millennium Drive. Bring your questions and see if policing could be your next move.
💡 SJRH keeps the lights smart
Turns out Saint John Regional Hospital isn’t just good at saving lives… it’s also good at saving watts. The Regional just snagged a national ENERGY STAR “Building of the Year” award for hospitals, its third win in four years. Sussex Health Centre got the nod too, marking Horizon’s latest double win.
The recognition comes thanks to upgrades in heating, ventilation, and lighting, plus staff who tinker and tweak systems so the place runs leaner. Six Horizon hospitals now carry ENERGY STAR certification. Translation: less wasted energy, fewer emissions, and (we hope) lower bills. Who knew efficiency could look this good in scrubs?
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
SPONSORED
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Free Pass to the Past | September 2-14
Kings Landing has been bringing history to life for over 50 years, and now you can check it out for free. From September 2–14, swing by your local public library to grab a Pass to the Past, good for one visit anytime September 6–14. Cost: nada. Bonus: you get to wander the past without worrying about homework, deadlines, or Wi-Fi.
WEDNESDAY
Follow Along Tai Chi with Paul Kasdan | August 27
Ease into your morning with a peaceful Tai Chi session in King’s Square. Paul Kasdan guides all ages and experience levels through mindful movement, balance, and relaxation. Bring water and wear comfy clothes, and enjoy a calm outdoor start to your day. Session runs 10–11am, free to attend with registration recommended. Rain plan in place, registrants will be notified.
THURSDAY
Yip Cider Comedy Extravaganza | August 28
Saint John’s first Kingston Peninsula comedy festival lands at the Yip Cider Dome with James Mullinger and a lineup of top Canadian comedians. Expect two hours of nonstop laughs with Brad Rice, Brady Manderville, Cive Lucas, Josh Kotsabasakis, Michelle Lynn Petite, and Adam Blanchard. Doors at 6pm, show starts 7pm. Seats are limited so grab your tickets before they disappear!
FRIDAY
Uptown Beach Ball Swing Dance | August 29
Kick off your Friday with swing at the Waterstreet Dinner Theater! Start with a free intro lesson at 7pm, no partner or experience needed, then hit the dance floor at 8pm with live swing tunes and a special performance. Bring your summer dresses, Hawaiian prints, or nautical flair. Lesson is free, social dancing $15. All ages welcome for a night of sand, jazz, and fun!
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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📸 Jeff Morehouse | 📍 Uptown
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SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 2:26 AM(Tue 26 August) | 7.58 m(24.87 ft) |
Low Tide | 8:38 AM(Tue 26 August) | 1.15 m(3.77 ft) |
High Tide | 2:46 PM(Tue 26 August) | 7.51 m(24.64 ft) |
Low Tide | 8:58 PM(Tue 26 August) | 1.27 m(4.17 ft) |
✨ Return to the Sea with the Selkie Story
Ever heard the Selkie story from Celtic folklore? It’s a tale of transformation, belonging, and finding your authentic self — themes that ring especially true in midlife. This evening gathering weaves folklore with fibre art, reflection, and ceremony, guiding you to create a felted keepsake of your own. Friday, Aug. 29, 6–9pm, Saint John West (location details after registration). $75, supplies included. Register here.*
*indicates sponsored content
🎸 LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
TUESDAY
Quispamsis Arts & Culture Park | The Retronators | 7pm
Fusion East Taproom | Karaoke with Michelle Stewart | 7pm
Portland United Church | Just the Four of Us Plus One with Shirley Cochran | 7pm
WEDNESDAY
Vito’s KV, Rothesay | FourOneSix | 7pm-9pm
Shannex, Parkland in the Valley | Eddie Chase and the Graffiti Four | 2pm-4pm
Grand Bay Unity Park | Snacktime Supervisors | 7pm
Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with a teacher! 👩🏫
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher