⚖️ Big Decisions Ahead as Councils Return

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - you’re local cheat sheet for the week ahead! ✅

In todays edition:

• Meet the new guys on the job 🚨

• Council meetings return this week 🏙️

• Get out and enjoy some pop hits on Thursday 🪩

Have a great week!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

👮 Meet Saint John’s Newest Constables

Saint John’s police force just got a little bigger and a lot more capable! On January 10, Constables Benjamin Cannon, Arjun Chauhan, Owen Lohnes, and Carlo Mariano were officially sworn in at Saint John Police Headquarters after six months of training at the Atlantic Police Academy.

Chief Robert M. Bruce is excited about the new additions: “These recruits each bring something unique to the team. We’re looking forward to the positive impact they’ll have on our commitment to keeping Saint John safe and vibrant.”

So, if you see them out and about, don’t be shy—give a wave and maybe save the “I swear I wasn’t speeding” line for another time.

🏒 Sea Dogs Split Series with Mooseheads

The Saint John Sea Dogs and Halifax Mooseheads swapped wins in a weekend home-and-home series.

Saturday night in Halifax, Olivier Groulx’s hat trick powered the Dogs to a 4-3 overtime win, snapping their losing streak. But Halifax bit back Sunday, rolling into TD Station and skating off with a 5-1 victory—their first of 2025.

The Dogs, now 17-22-0, are back at TD Station Friday to host the Charlottetown Islanders.

CIVIC NEWS
TONIGHT’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

Councils throughout the region have had a long holiday break, but return to their respective chambers this week. Here’s a rundown of what’s on the agenda as they kick off 2025.

⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting

On the agenda for Tonight’s Saint John Common Council meeting:

• Housing Accelerator Fund: Zoning and Subdivision By-Law Amendments (3rd Reading)
  Key zoning and subdivision amendments to support housing projects are up for final approval. These changes aim to streamline development and increase housing availability.

• Community Development Fund Agreement: Main Street Active Transportation Improvements
  Council will discuss a funding agreement to enhance active transportation infrastructure along Main Street, improving pedestrian and cyclist safety.

• Medical Education Scholarship Proposal
  Councillor Norton is advocating for the creation of a scholarship in partnership with the New Brunswick Medical Educational Foundation to support local medical education.

• Proposed Zoning By-Law Amendment - 125 Gault Road (1st and 2nd Reading)
  A public hearing will consider zoning changes for 125 Gault Road to align with the city's development goals.

• South Bay Well Field Emergency Pump Purchase
  A request to approve the emergency purchase of a pump for the South Bay well field to maintain essential water infrastructure.

See full agenda

The meeting begins at 6pm in the City Hall Council Chambers. The public is welcome to attend or watch online or on Rogers TV.

📝 Rothesay Council Meeting

On the agenda for Monday’s Rothesay Council meeting:

• Kennebecasis Regional Police Force Building Expansion Update
  Council will receive an update on the proposed expansion of the KRPF building, including timelines and budget considerations.

• Power Outages Concern
  An email from a resident regarding recurring power outages will be referred to the CAO for review and possible action.

• Donlyn Drive Development Agreement Discharge
  A proposal to discharge a development agreement for Donlyn Drive will be discussed, potentially paving the way for new property use.

• Snow Plow Equipment Pre-Order
  Council will consider the pre-order of snow plow equipment, aiming to address winter maintenance needs efficiently.

• Insurance Coverage Review
  The town’s insurance coverage for 2025 will be reviewed based on recommendations from Treasurer MacDonald.

See full agenda

The meeting begins at 7 PM in the Town Hall Common Room. The public is welcome to attend or watch online via livestream.

📊 Grand Bay-Westfield Council – Regular Meeting

On the agenda for Monday’s public session:

• Council Calendar for 2025
  Council will review and approve its calendar of meetings and priorities for the year ahead.

• Canada Community-Building Fund Approval
  Updates on funding allocation for community infrastructure projects under the Canada Community-Building Fund.

• SPCA Contract
  A contract with the SPCA for animal control services will be reviewed.

• Recreation Hub Planning
  Discussion about next steps for developing the town’s recreation hub.

• Sponsorship Request – Greater Saint John Chinese Cultural Association
  Council will consider a request for sponsorship to support upcoming cultural events.

See full agenda

The meeting begins at 7 PM at the Community Centrum – Grand Bay Room. The public is welcome to attend or view the livestream.

📌 Grand Bay-Westfield Council – In-Camera Session

Prior to the public meeting, the council will hold a closed session at 6 PM. Topics include:

• Human resources

• Local governance reform updates

• Legal and development updates from the CAO

• Fundy Regional Service Commission matters

Note: The in-camera session is not open to the public.

➡️ Quispamsis regular council meetings return January 21, 2025.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

📅 COMING UP THIS WEEK

TONIGHT

Retro Film: Raising Arizona | January 13
Calling all Coen Brothers fans! Don't miss Raising Arizona, a fast-paced farce at the Imperial Theatre on January 13th at 7:00pm. Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, this 1987 classic stars Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter as an unlikely couple who go to extreme lengths to have a child, stealing one of a set of quintuplets. Chaos follows, as a bounty hunter is sent after them. Tickets are just $10—enjoy a Coen Brothers classic on the big screen!

TUESDAY

Taxing New Brunswick Info Session | January 14
Join Jerry Iwanus, former assessor with Service New Brunswick, at the Kennebecasis Public Library on January 14th from 6:30-7:30 for an insightful discussion on property tax reform in New Brunswick. Jerry, author of Taxing New Brunswick: An Insider’s Guide to Successfully Challenging Your NB Property Assessment, will explain how the property assessment system works and provide tips on how to challenge your property assessment. This event is free and open to all!

THURSDAY

UNBSJ Business Mixer | January 16
Join the UNB Saint John MBA program for a fantastic networking opportunity! This Thursday from 4-6pm at 40 Charlotte St, meet the current class of MBA students and connect with local business leaders. It’s free, open to all, and no registration required—just come ready to mingle with some future leaders!

PowerPop Girls | January 16
Get ready for the PowerPop Girls Maritime Drag Tour at Five and Dime in Saint John on January 16th! Doors open at 8:45pm with showtime at 9:15pm. Enjoy a drag performance inspired by the Powerpuff Girls and featuring hits from Chappel Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX, presented by BILF, FILF, and Dahlia Dior, with special guest Justin TooDeep. Presale tickets are $10, door tickets are $15—so grab yours fast and hot to go! 

FRIDAY

Opening Reception for New Exhibitions | January 17
Celebrate the start of 2025 with fresh art at the Saint John Arts Centre on January 17th from 5-7pm. Join the featured artists for the opening reception and explore new works including Navigating by Studio Art Quilt Associates Atlantic Canada, The Listeners by Alison Gayton, Mother by Jaclyn Trecartin McAdam, Showcasing the Beauty of Africa by Alheri Bingi, and Heartbeat 1 by Carolyn Klotz-Mosher. It’s a free, inspiring evening to kick off the year with creativity!

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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 still saying ‘Happy New Year’. 🙄

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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