📋 31 Steps to a Better Uptown

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - where sometimes creating fun little news updates for you is so exciting we send it a little early…🕚 🙈

Here’s what’s going on today:

• The new stairs are here! 🪜

• David Myles sets record at Brunswick Square 🥫

• Vinyl Roadshow is pullin’ in to town ▶️

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

New Elevator in the Pedway is Up and Running! 🛗

Cue the fanfare—Saint John’s shiniest upgrade is officially here! The long-awaited Saint Patrick Street pedway project is finally complete, and that sparkling new elevator is open for business. After months of construction (and complaints about the escalators being removed), the revamped space now features wide, modern stairs and a sleek new elevator to improve accessibility and whisk you between levels.

And let’s be real, this is the most thrilling Uptown conveyance news since Market Square updated their escalators in 2018. So be sure to bring the kids for a ride on the shiny new elevator this weekend.

Depending on your route, you’ll need to recover your energy somewhere. If you huffed it up the 31 new stairs, Rocky’s is waiting at the top with a cold one to help you forget how out of shape you are. If you opted for the gravity-assisted descent, Pepper’s Pub is at the bottom to console you with something tasty (moneybags and sprouts, please!). Either way, we’re back to making good use of our amazing pedway. Now if they’ll just keep all the doors open…

SJ Hits All the Right Notes for a Record-Breaking Singing for Supper 🎤

David Myles and Saint John proved once again that holiday spirit thrives in the Port City. The beloved Singing for Supper concert returned to Brunswick Square Thursday, raising an astounding $22,022.75 for local food banks through The Harbour Lights Campaign—a record-breaking total for the event.

With festive classics and a few signature Myles tunes filling the atrium, Saint Johners dug deep to support their neighbours in need. Volunteers were busy collecting food and cash donations, while merch sales added even more to the tally. David himself was thrilled, posting online, “Thank you SJ for once again showing me that generosity is alive and well in this province!!”

He also issued a playful challenge to Fredericton, where his next stop is later today: “#FREDERICTON, are you gonna take that? Or can we do even better tomorrow?”

Good luck, Freddy. 

Driver’s Licence Renewals During Postal Strike 🚗📬

If you’ve renewed your driver’s licence online and received email confirmation, you're good to go—no need to renew again. Due to the postal strike, mailed reminders for renewals are on hold.

To avoid confusion, sign up for email reminders and opt out of paper ones. Your licence is valid once payment is processed, and law enforcement can check expiry dates in the system. If you renewed in person, you’ll get a temporary licence and proof letter.

Be sure to double-check your licence and registration to make sure everything’s up to date!

Saint John Transit Holiday Hours 2024-2025 🎄🚌

Planning your holiday travel? Here’s what you need to know about Saint John Transit’s schedule:

• Christmas Eve (Dec 24): No service after 6 pm

• Christmas Day (Dec 25) & Boxing Day (Dec 26): No service

• New Year’s Eve (Dec 31): Regular service

• New Year’s Day (Jan 1): No service

• Regular service resumes on Dec 27 and Jan 2

Don’t forget - Multi-ride fares will increase starting January 1, 2025. For full details, click here.

Top Clicks of the Week 🏅 

Monday: R2 Captial bought Place 400
Tuesday: Municipal By-Election results
Wednesday: 100 Women Who Care ward $24k to CYC
Thursday: SJCC’s Community Free Store (tomorrow)

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TONIGHT

Art Bingo Fundraiser | December 13
Get ready for a night of art history, bingo, and fun at the Art Bingo Fundraiser on December 13 at Haven Music Hall! Hosted by Lindsay Jacquard, the evening kicks off at 8 PM with bingo cards for just $5. All funds raised support Third Space, Saint John’s only itinerant artist-run centre. Enjoy drinks, win prizes, and help keep the arts alive in our community—don't miss this one-of-a-kind event!

SATURDAY

Vinyl Roadshow at Wasted Day | December 14
Spin into the holiday season at Wasted Day on December 14th from noon to 4 PM with the Vinyl Haven Roadshow. Crates of vinyl treasures, including a curated Christmas collection, will be available for browsing. Guests can enjoy local craft beer, house cocktails, and festive drinks from the Holiday Cheers menu while hunting for the perfect addition to their collection or a gift for a vinyl lover.

Merry Little Market | December 14
Bring some cheer to your Christmas shopping at the Merry Little Market! Action Cheer Athletics is hosting their first-ever holiday market at Parkway Mall on December 14th from 11 AM to 3 PM. Shop over 20 local vendors offering everything from jewelry to baked goods, all while supporting a great cause. Admission is $2, which includes one raffle entry, with additional tickets available. Proceeds will go towards new tumbling equipment and sponsoring a family in need this holiday season. 

SUNDAY

Christmas Carols in the Park | December 15
Find your voice at Unity Park in Grand Bay-Westfield on Sunday, 7-8pm for an evening of Christmas carols. Enjoy the holiday cheer with hot chocolate for everyone! For the little ones, there's a scavenger hunt and a special treat to make the night even more magical. Bring the whole family and celebrate the season together.

Supper Club with a Festive Twist | December 15
Join Chroma NB on December 15 for a festive Supper Club at 5 PM! Learn how to make delicious hors d'oeuvres, then stay from 6-8 PM for a holiday social featuring hot apple cider, music, and tasty bites. It’s a perfect chance to mingle, celebrate, and get in the holiday spirit. All ages are welcome—just bring an adult if you’re a little one!

Uptown Snow Ball | December 15
Get into the holiday spirit at the Uptown Snow Ball on December 15 at the Kent Theatre! Enjoy a beginner-friendly jazz and swing dance lesson at 6 PM, followed by a social dance from 7-10 PM with jazzy holiday tunes and a special performance. Dress festive formal and dance the night away—no partner or experience required!

Got an Event to Share?

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

LOCAL PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸

On Wednesday we snapped a pic in one of our favourite year-round lit up spots - Jardine’s Alley! Shouts out to Tiffany Dobson & Cindy Sykes for correctly guessing over on our facebook page! Check in next week to see if you know where are.

And as always - Tag @sjtoday on facebook to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows that late is better than never and early just means you care 💌

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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