Good morning, Saint John! England’s pumpkins are looking a little undersized after a summer drought, with some growers suggesting people paint faces on vegetables instead. Somewhere, a turnip that thought it was safe until Christmas is getting nervous.
In todays edition:
Your home’s overdue for a reading 📖
Council has a few bus replacements 🚍
A little boo for your crew 👻
Let’s get it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
Free radon kits return to circulation 📚
Your next library trip could come with a little homework for the house. Free radon test kits are back at public libraries across New Brunswick, giving homeowners a way to check for the invisible, odourless gas that can seep in through foundations.
The province estimates one in four New Brunswick homes has high radon levels. Leave the testing device in your home for at least 91 days, ideally during the colder months, then return it to the library for analysis. Kits are available until February 28, 2027, and libraries are still accepting completed tests from last year. One thing worth returning before you forget it on a shelf.
A little grit goes a long way 🪣
Free winter sand has survived a slippery policy change. The province has reversed plans to end public access at transportation depots that traditionally supplied it, following pushback from residents and municipal leaders.
Participating depots will continue making sand available outside their gates where it’s safe to do so. It’s for residential use only, so contractors and municipalities still need to source their own. Check with your local depot before loading up the buckets.
Good neighbours get their due 🏅
Some familiar local names have earned provincial recognition for helping people get ahead. New Brunswick’s first Economic and Social Inclusion Awards recognize 37 recipients working to reduce poverty and improve life in their communities.
Local honourees include Saint John’s Seth Asimakos, Joceline and Guy Léger of Quispamsis, and Saint John nonprofit, We Believe. Saint John Transit was also recognized for its accessible fare initiatives.
Get your skates on ⛸️
Saint John has some spare ice, but the booking deadline is coming in hot. Requests for the latest Flash Ice sale close tomorrow, October 20, at 4pm, with discounted arena rentals available between October 28 and November 10.
Hourly rates before HST are $83.32 for youth nonprofit groups, $145.76 for adult nonprofit groups and $189.37 for commercial bookings. Slots are first come, first served, insurance is required, and tournaments and fundraisers aren’t eligible. Check the available times and booking instructions before your group chat spends three days agreeing on a night.
THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS
⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting | October 19, 2026 - 6pm
On the agenda for the Saint John Common Council meeting this evening
Aging buses up for replacement - Council will consider a $6.3-million federal funding agreement, with an initial five-year plan to help replace up to two diesel buses annually.
Five more apartments on Milford Road - A public hearing will consider lifting a three-storey restriction at 460 Milford Road / 40 Sealedge Court to allow five additional apartments.
Security grants up for approval - Council will consider $44,492 across 15 applications to help local businesses and nonprofits pay for security upgrades and damage repairs.
Neighbourhood business rules under review - Councillor Ryan Moore wants staff to review permitting for businesses in residential areas, including community outreach, enforcement and public safety.
The public is welcome to attend in person at City Hall, view on Rogers TV, or watch via live stream.
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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!
TUESDAY
Line Dancing for Wellness | October 20
Get moving at Saint James the Less Church in Renforth from 12pm–1pm with a free line dancing session for all ages. No experience needed, just comfortable shoes and water. Register with Lisa Cheney at 506-300-9290 or [email protected].
THURSDAY
2026 Outstanding Business Awards | October 22
The Saint John Region Chamber celebrates local businesses, entrepreneurs and community organizations at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre. The reception starts at 5:30pm, with dinner and awards at 6pm. Tickets are $165 plus HST for members and $185 plus HST for non-members.
Creative Night at Chroma | October 22
Bring your knitting, sketchbook or other creative project to Chroma at 6:30pm for an evening with members of the queer community. No project underway is fine, too. Supplies will be available to help get something started.
FRIDAY
Apples and A Cappella | October 23
Apple pie or apple crisp is the first decision at Hampton Seniors Resource Centre, where doors open at 5:45pm for dessert, coffee or tea and music from Womb to Tomb. Northern Voice takes over at 7pm with Canadian songs spanning Shania Twain, Leonard Cohen, David Myles and more.
Día de los Muertos — Art & Dinner Experience | October 23
Head to Yip Cider in Long Reach at 7pm for an evening of Mexican food, art and tradition with Día de los Muertos Saint John. Tacos and churros are on the menu, with a little creativity between bites.
SATURDAY
YMCA Halloween Festival | October 24
The Glenn Carpenter Centre gets a Halloween makeover starting at 12pm, with festive activities, spooky surprises and treats around the lodge and grounds. The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick and community partners are hosting an afternoon for the whole family.
Día de los Muertos | October 24
Saint John’s waterfront hosts a free celebration of Mexican culture, art and community from 1pm–11pm. The festival connects Picaroons, the Boardwalk, Harbour Passage and the AREA 506 Container Village as Día de los Muertos Atlantic marks its fifth anniversary. Everyone is welcome to celebrate and honour loved ones who have died.
SUNDAY
Halloween Skating Party | October 25
Take your costume for a lap at Rothesay Arena from 3pm–4pm. This free family skate includes face painting, colouring, hot chocolate and treats. Bring a non-perishable food donation for the KV Food Basket.
*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 🐾
Archie’s riding shotgun and catching one last river breeze before boating season goes to the dogs. 🐾
Your pet belongs here. Hit reply with a photo and their name, and tell us what they’re up to. They could be our next Pets About Town star. 🐾
SIDE NOTES
🌅 7:45am | 🌇 6:32pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 00:34 AM(Mon 19 October) | 2.18 m(7.15 ft) |
High Tide | 6:47 AM(Mon 19 October) | 6.41 m(21.03 ft) |
Low Tide | 12:58 PM(Mon 19 October) | 2.49 m(8.17 ft) |
High Tide | 7:09 PM(Mon 19 October) | 6.66 m(21.85 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s never met a gourd they couldn’t improve 🎃.
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher