😲 Do These Voter Turnout Numbers Surprise You?

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - the newsletter demanding a recount on how many cookies we’ve been accused of consuming so far this month!

Here’s what’s up this morning:

• New local councillors in Saint John Ward 3 & Fundy St. Martin’s Ward 1 ✅

• Yappy Howl-days to the SPCA 🐶

• The Saint John Library is celebrating a special birth-tay 🫶

Check it out!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

Low Turnout, Tight Margins in Ward 3 🗳️

Municipal by-elections brought low turnout across the province, but Ward 3 in Saint John was practically running on empty with just 9.96% showing up to vote. Still, the race had plenty of action! Mariah Darling took the win with 375 votes, beating Ryan Moore by 106, while Adam Donnelly and Kevin McCann tied for third at 114 votes. Proof that a few votes can go a long way!

In Fundy-St. Martins, turnout was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 6.43%, with Tom Raithby narrowly beating Lyndsay Epton by just 14 votes.

Check out results from all 10 contests across the province.

Rothesay Tree Lighting Postponed🎄 

In typical maritimes fashion the weather is changing to not be as wintry as hoped, so the 10th Annual Mayor's Tree Lighting at the Rothesay Common has been pushed to next Wednesday, December 18th, at 7pm.

Mayor Nancy Grant and the gang will still bring all the festive vibes—live music, skating, holiday lights, and warm treats. Don’t forget to bring non-perishables for the KV Food Basket.

Holiday Cheer at the SPCA 🐾

The Saint John SPCA has a couple of key updates to share as we head into the festive season!

First up, adoptions are taking a little holiday break. The shelter will pause adoptions from December 19th until the New Year, with the last chance to bring a furry friend home on December 18th. Interested? Get those applications in now!

And if your gift list includes some extra love for animals, the SPCA's Christmas Wish List has all the details. From cat toys and dog treats to laundry detergent and gift cards, your donations can make tails wag and purrs louder.

Let’s keep the holiday spirit alive for every paw and whisker waiting for their furever home.

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

GOT A STORY IDEA?

TONIGHT’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

📋 Saint John PAC Meeting

Saint John’s Planning Advisory Committee meets tonight and these are a few of the items they’ll be discussing:

• Fee Refund Process: Proposed bylaw amendments aim to streamline planning fee refunds, enhancing customer service.

• 125 Gault Road Development: Rezoning for townhouses and mid-rise units, plus street and lot subdivision plans.

• 9 Waring Street Variance: Request to expand a vacant 5-unit building into 12 units with adjusted zoning requirements.

• 49 Adelaide Street Variance: Similar proposal for retrofitting a 3-unit into 12 units.

See Full Agenda

The meeting is scheduled for 6pm in the Common Council Chamber at City Hall. You can watch the livestream here.

📋 Quispamsis PAC Meeting 

Here’s a look at a few of the items on the agenda for tonight’s Planning Advisory Committee in Quispamsis:

• 236 Hampton Road Rezoning: A proposed rezoning to accommodate an "aging in place" community.

• Detached Garage Dwellings: A zoning text amendment to allow dwelling units in detached garages.

• 22 Myrtle’s Way Update: A clarification limiting the number of bedrooms to three in a previously approved project.

See Full Agenda

The meeting is scheduled for 6pm in Council Chambers. You can watch via livestream.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TONIGHT

100 Women Who Care Greater Saint John | December 10th
Celebrate generosity, community, and Brittany Merrifield’s birthday at the final 2024 gathering of 100 Women Who Care! Taking place this evening, the inspiring event begins at 5:30pm in the Trinity Royal Room at the Delta with a 5:45pm kickoff. Bring a friend, make a difference, and help hit the “100 for 100,000” goal. Hear from three amazing charities, cast your vote, and see the impact unfold—all while raising a glass to giving.

SJTR Ladies' Christmas Run | December 10
Get ready to celebrate the season on the trails with Saint John Trail Runners! This festive ladies' night kicks off at 6:30pm from the Q-Plex parking lot. The 6-7 km route features easy gravel terrain, some single track, and a dash of holiday magic with twinkling lights along the way. Mid-run, runners will pause for hot chocolate and cookies at a cozy pit stop. Christmas attire is encouraged—because nothing says holiday spirit like running in Santa hats!

WEDNESDAY

RVMS Home and School Chase the Ace | December 11
Deadline to buy tickets for Chase the Ace is Wednesday at 9pm! $5 each, 3 for $10, or 7 for $20. Email [email protected] or visit Scholten’s Grand Bay. Weekly draws are live on Facebook every Thursday at 7pm.

THURSDAY

Happy Birth-Tay | December 12
The Eras Tour might be over, but the party’s just beginning! Young Swifties (ages 7+) are invited to the Saint John Free Public Library, Thursday at 6pm, to celebrate Taylor's big day(a day early) with friendship bracelet-making, karaoke, and Swiftie trivia. Don’t forget to dress as your favourite era. 

Christmas at Sea Shanty Night | December 12
Can’t wait for Spring Tide Shantyfest? Get a holiday dose of maritime cheer at O’Leary’s Pub! Dive into a festive evening of 1800s sea shanties and seasonal songs, all in support of the South End Food Bank. Sing along, soak up the sailor vibes, and spread some yuletide goodwill. Starts at 7pm with donations at the door.

Got an Event to Share?

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📸 @Matthew Clifford | 📍 Treadwell Lake

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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 always goes back for another shortbread 🍪

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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