🔥 Burning Questions & Election Heat

It’s maple season, and it’s everywhere. Syrup on pancakes, maple desserts at every restaurant, maple-flavoured dog treats…I even bought maple cologne at the City Market over the weekend. 🍁

Here’s what’s in the air this morning:

• Official Rules for Backyard Fires in SJ 🧯

• Give it up for 911 Operators 🎧

• Federal Election candidate forums scheduled this week 🧑‍🏫

To be clear, no one is selling maple syrup cologne in the market, but they should!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🔥No More Backyard Bonfires

Thinking of kicking off spring with a big ol’ blaze in the backyard? Think again. Saint John just lit up a brand new Outdoor Fire By-Law, and unless your setup is clean, contained, and in line with provincial burn days, that fire pit is officially off-limits. Only approved recreational units are allowed now - no bonfires, no burning junk, and no lighting up beside the shed.

Fires must be attended, far from buildings and brush, and fueled only with clean wood. Safety gear (like a hose or bucket) is a must. If your setup wouldn’t impress your know-it-all neighbour, maybe you better brush up on the details…Check the fine print (and save yourself a fine) by reading this handy FAQ.

📞 “911, What’s Your Emergency?” – Let’s Hear It for the Real First Responders

They don’t wear badges or sirens, but the folks at Saint John’s Public Safety Communications Centre are always first on the scene, by phone, that is. It’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 13–19), and we’re tipping our headsets to the calm, collected voices behind every 911 call. From Saint John to Sussex, these pros handle emergencies, dispatch help, and talk people through their worst days, 24/7. It’s a lot. One call really can change a thousand lives, and they’re ready every time.

Shout out to the ones who answer before the sirens ever start.

🗳️ Catch the Local Federal Candidate Face-Offs This Week

The Human Development Council is hosting two Federal Election candidate forums this week, and it’s your chance to hear from all the local contenders.

On Tuesday, Saint John–Kennebecasis will appear at Kent Theatre (12:00 PM–1:30 PM). Hear from Armand Cormier (NDP), Wayne Long (Liberal), David MacFarquhar (Green), Austin Venedam (Libertarian), and Melissa Young (Conservative). 

Then, on Wednesday Saint John–St. Croix candidates will appear at Carleton Community Centre (12:00 PM–1:30 PM). Andrew Hill (NDP), Gerald Irish (Green), Karen Ludwig (Liberal), Keith Tays (Libertarian), and John Williamson (Conservative) will be there.

Can’t make it in person? No worries, both forums will be live-streamed on the Human Development Council’s Facebook page.

It’s a chance to hear directly from the candidates and get the details on their platforms. You can find the details and live streams here.

Nothing in this section is sponsored, they’re just things you need to know. I’ll always indicated when something is sponsored.

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL & COMMITTEE MEETINGS

🏛️ Rothesay Town Council Meeting – Monday April 14, 2025

• Closed Session Report – Council will review matters discussed in a previous closed session.

• Big Financial Picture – Council will receive the audited 2024 Rothesay financial statements, with presentations by town staff and auditors from Teed Saunders Doyle.

• Streetlights and Summer Transit – New street lighting on Hampton Road and a proposed daytime summer shuttle service in the Kennebecasis Valley are both up for review.

• Truck Shopping – Staff are recommending the purchase of a tandem plow truck and an additional works truck, both for 2025 operations.

• Arena Upgrades – Reports are in for replacing the Rothesay Arena’s compressor and the roof at Rothesay Common, along with a new service building at Wells Park.

See the full agenda. 

The meeting starts at 7pm in the Town Hall Common Room. You can attend in person or watch via livestream.

🏙️ Grand Bay-Westfield In-Camera Council Meeting – Monday April 14, 2025

• Regional Transport and CAOs – Discussions will cover regional transportation issues and updates from the Fundy Regional Service Commission’s Chief Administrative Officers.

• Fiscal and Tax Reform – The Mayor will update Council on key fiscal reforms, property tax changes, and the School Steering Committee.

• CAO’s Update – The CAO will present on the ERP system (Vadim iCity), upcoming 2026 council orientation, infrastructure projects, and the Genesis financial position.

See the full agenda.

The meeting starts at 6pm at the Community Centrum in the Grand Bay Room. This is an in-camera session, so details won’t be publicly available. The next regular council meeting is April 28, 2025

🏛️ Quispamsis Council Meeting – Tuesday April 15, 2025

• Closed Session First – Council will begin the meeting behind closed doors to discuss labour matters, contract negotiations, and items protected by legislation.

• Age-Friendly Planning – Council will hear a presentation on ways to make Quispamsis more accessible and inclusive for older adults, as part of a provincial initiative.

• Code of Conduct Review – A proposed Code of Conduct by-law returns for further discussion, outlining expectations for council behaviour and accountability.

• By-law Framework in Focus – Staff will present a new framework for reviewing and updating town by-laws to keep local regulations current.

• Policy Review Next Steps – Council will revisit ongoing work to modernize municipal policies, following a staff report from earlier this year.

See the full agenda. 

The meeting starts at 4:30pm in the boardroom at Quispamsis Town Hall, with the public session beginning at 5pm. You can attend in person or watch via livestream. 

🏗️ Saint John Planning Advisory Committee – Tuesday April 15, 2025

• Rezoning on Douglas Ave – A former institutional building at 6 Douglas Avenue could be converted into 15–18 residential units if a proposed rezoning from Community Facility to Urban Centre Residential is approved.

• Limiting Salvage Yards – City staff are recommending a zoning change to ban scrap and salvage yards in Medium Industrial zones, restricting them to Heavy Industrial areas to better protect nearby neighbourhoods.

See the full agenda.

The meeting starts at 6pm in Council Chambers at City Hall. It can also be viewed via livestream.

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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

American Cats: The Good, the Bad, and the Cuddly | April 15, 2025
The Foggy Docs series wraps up this season with this eye-opening documentary exploring Ontario's controversial stance on cat declawing. Amy Hoggart of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee brings her signature humor to a serious issue, mixing heart-wrenching moments with adorable kittens. After the screening, enjoy an insightful Q&A with film representatives and local community members. The event starts at 7:30 pm at the BMO Studio Theatre.

WEDNESDAY

Open Mic Poetry | April 16
The Write Cup is hosting an open mic night this Wednesday to celebrate National Poetry Month - this year’s theme: family. Whether you're bringing a well-worn notebook or just coming to listen, all are welcome. It kicks off at 6:30pm at Market Square, and the vibe is cozy, welcoming, and probably a little emotional (in the best way).

THURSDAY

What’s in the Box? | April 17
The Saint John Arts Centre’s annual fundraiser returns Thursday at 7pm, and it’s part mystery, part masterpiece. “What’s in the Box?” features gourmet bites, fine wine, and surprise art pieces—all in support of local programming, including their Artist’s Fee initiative. It’s a great excuse to dress up, snack well, and back the arts.

Comedy Night at HBC | April 17
Nova Scotia’s own Nikki Payne hits the Hampton Brewing Co. taproom Thursday night with fresh new material - joined by a cast of delightfully dysfunctional comics from across the Maritimes. Doors open at 7:15pm, show starts at 8pm, and laughs are pretty much guaranteed. 

FRIDAY

80s Happy Hour | April 18
Five & Dime is rewinding to 1985 with a throwback party that’s big on neon, hair spray, and retro jams. Swing by between 4-7pm for $5-$6 drink specials, classic tunes, and all the radical vibes. Costumes encouraged - because nothing says Friday like leg warmers and a synth-pop soundtrack.

SATURDAY

Lorneville Earth Day Cleanup | April 19
Explore Lorneville Inc. is back with its 9th annual Earth Day cleanup—and you’re invited to get your hands (a little) dirty for a good cause. Meet at the Lorneville Community Centre at 9am sharp for a quick safety briefing before heading out in groups to tackle trails, woods, and roadside litter. Bags and gloves provided (or bring your own), and yes, ATV folks are welcome too.

SUNDAY

90s Trivia Night | April 20
Break out the butterfly clips and brush up on your Friends quotes, Gahan House is hosting a ‘90s Nostalgia Trivia Night this Saturday at 6:30pm. Expect questions on everything from Tamagotchis to Titanic. It’s free to play with a food or drink purchase, but spots fill fast - reservations are recommended at gahan.ca.

Got an Event to Share?

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who won’t admit that they secretly prefer table syrup 😲.

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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