🎁 Best Gift Ever – Harbour Bridge at Full Capacity

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - the newsletter that knows no one does the one-for-one traffic system quite like a Saint John driver.

Here’s whats on the road ahead:

• Only four more sleeps ‘til the Harbour Bridge is back to full speed 🚗

• Local teacher receives Governor General’s award 🏆

• Quispamsis gets lit 🌟

Happy Tuesday!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

LOCALS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Connie Shea’s Class Uncovering Local History

Connie Shea, a teacher at St. Malachy’s Memorial High School, just brought home the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching. But she’s quick to say it wasn’t a solo effort—it was her students’ passion for uncovering untold local stories that earned the national spotlight.

Through the Hidden Histories project, her students dove into Saint John’s past, uncovering stories that deserve more than a footnote in history books. They researched, created postcards, and shared the stories of unsung heroes from First Nations, Black, 2SLGBTQIA, and women’s history. The goal? To make history more inclusive and show how the people of New Brunswick have shaped the world.

When she’s not inspiring the next generation of historians, Connie keeps a ‘cool people who did cool things’ list of New Brunswickers. Including a few favourites of hers like Edward Mitchell Bannister, the St. Andrews-born artist turned abolitionist whose work once hung in the Smithsonian, and Lena O’Ree, a civil rights trailblazer who broke barriers in 1950s Saint John. And yes, we think Connie’s probably earned a spot on that list too, though she might not admit it.

When asked what the award means to her, Connie shared that it validates the importance of bringing marginalized voices to the forefront. However, she isn’t stopping there. Hidden Histories 2 is already in the works, with her students exploring the stories of Black Canadians from the Maritimes. Stay tuned for more details on this project soon - it’s local history worth celebrating!

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NEWS NOTES

Westsiders, the Bridge Break Is Almost Here 🌉

Saint John drivers, take a deep breath (and maybe a victory lap), this is the final week of construction on the Harbour Bridge for this season. Come December 1, we’re back to full traffic flow across all lanes for a glorious, construction-free reprieve – just in time to dodge holiday road rage!

Yes, there are still two years left in this multi-phase, multi-frustration project. And sure, we’ve endured the Chesley Drive ramp chaos and Reversing Falls bottlenecks since April. But think of it as Saint John’s version of a long-running drama – and the season finale is just a few days away.

So, hang tight this week, keep those speeds down, and savour the light at the end of the construction zone. Full lanes are coming… and even if only for a few months, they’re our lanes. (DoT)

Market Mingle Brings Festive Fun and Free Cookies 🍪

The City of Saint John is throwing a holiday bash at the City Market on Thursday, December 5, from 5-7pm, and everyone’s invited! This Market Mingle is your chance to soak up the season, meet new faces, and snack on free cookies and hot chocolate (yes, free).

Explore the festive vibes, chat about your favourite holiday traditions, and maybe even win a prize or two. Bonus points if you show up early enough to snag the best snacks from local vendors. And with free charter buses running from McAllister Place and UNB, getting there is a breeze. (City of Saint John)

Holiday Dreamland Lights Up Quispamsis 🎄

The Holiday Dreamland display is back at the Arts and Culture Park, lighting up the season with a dazzling 50,000 to 60,000 lights! This year’s display features light-covered animals, presents, toys, Santa with his reindeer, and even a gingerbread house that could give Buddy the Elf a sugar rush.

The annual Tree Lighting ceremony kicked off the festivities, and now you can enjoy the glow nightly from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. through the start of 2025. It's like stepping into a holiday card—only brighter! (Town of Quispamsis)

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PAC MEETINGS

Planning Advisory Committees are meeting around the region tonight. Check out the agendas and join the discussions by watching live or attending in person.

📊 Saint John PAC
See Full Agenda
6 PM, 2nd Floor Boardroom, City Hall. Watch live stream.

📊 Quispamsis PAC
See Full Agenda
6 PM, Town Hall - Council Chambers. Watch the live stream.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TONIGHT

Foggy Docs Screening | November 26
Foggy Docs returns tonight with Someone Lives Here, a gripping documentary at the BMO Studio Theatre. The film tells the story of Toronto carpenter Khaleel Seivwright, who crafted tiny shelters for unhoused individuals during the pandemic, sparking both global acclaim and intense backlash from city officials. Stick around after the screening for a thought-provoking Q&A with the filmmakers and local advocates. Tickets are $15 + fees—be part of the conversation on the housing crisis.

WEDNESDAY

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | November 27 - December 1
Step into a world of pure imagination as Willy Wonka’s magical factory comes to life at the with Saint John Theatre Company! This scrumdiddlyumptious production, directed by Stephen Tobias, blends whimsical wonder with lessons about kindness and golden manners. Perfect for all ages, it’s a delightful treat featuring enchanting music and Roald Dahl’s timeless charm. Don’t miss your chance to grab a golden ticket—this is a feast for the senses you won’t want to skip! Tickets start at $36.

THURSDAY

The BE Event | November 28
Busy pros and leaders, this one’s for you. Spend the day at Lily Lake Pavilion exploring growth, resilience, and authentic success with a powerhouse lineup of speakers. From cultivating a "lemonade mindset" to rewriting your life’s narrative, you’ll leave energized and equipped for transformation. Packed with practical tools and inspiring talks, it’s the ultimate leadership recharge. Grab your ticket and get ready to BE your best self!

Outstanding Business Awards | November 28
Show some love for the local entrepreneurs who keep Saint John buzzing! The Saint John Chamber’s Outstanding Business Awards (OBAs) are your chance to cheer for the innovators, dreamers, and doers making waves in our community. Grab your tickets, bring your enthusiasm, and let’s celebrate our local legends in style!

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who knows how to zipper merge! 🤐

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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