💥 Ever Hear of a Speccy?

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today! We’re only two more sleeps from Valentine’s Day, which means only three more sleeps until we’re falling in love with discounted candy. 💝 

Here’s what we’re unwrapping today:

• What the heck’s footy? 🤾‍♂️

• Minimum wage is on the rise 📈

• Snow in time for Winterfest! ❄️

Enjoy!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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LOCALS YOU SHOULD KNOW
🏉 BRINGING FOOTY TO SAINT JOHN

Steve Weaver Crawford didn’t just bring his love of Australian Rules Football to Saint John, he’s building something bigger. What started as a few people just kicking the ball around has grown into a real club, a tight-knit community, and a vision for a local league.

Aussie Rules, or "footy," is a fast-paced, high-scoring game traditionally played on massive cricket fields, usually 180 to 200 meters long. In Steve’s native Melbourne, it’s not uncommon to see 100,000 fans in the stands watching the 18 players on the field… for each team. But here, they make it work with 11 per side. It’s a sport that blends elements of soccer, rugby, and football, with constant movement and no offside rule, just plenty of running, passing, and leaping for big catches ("marks").

Steve, who grew up with the sport, started playing in Saint John just to get a game going, but as more people joined in, New Brunswick’s first club was born—the Saint John Bulldogs. Named after his favourite team in Melbourne, his goal was to share the excitement of footy with a new audience and create a space where anyone, no matter their skill level, could get involved. The club is co-ed, open to all ages, and players decide their own level of contact. More than anything, it’s about having fun, staying active, and building a strong sense of community.

That sense of community extends beyond Saint John. The Bulldogs have joined AFL Canada-Atlantic, traveling across the Maritimes to PEI, Sydney and Halifax for club matches. Steve’s long-term goal? Establish a local league right here while building a competitive team that can represent Saint John at the regional level.

Growing the game in Atlantic Canada comes with challenges like smaller fields, fewer players, and limited awareness, but Steve is up for it. And with each kick, mark, and goal, footy is finding its footing in Saint John.

Want in? The Bulldogs are in pre-season training indoors at the Irving Oil Field House every other Tuesday from 8:30-10 pm, and newcomers are always welcome. A six-session pass is $50 to cover field rentals. Think of it as a small price for big kicks.

And if you have no idea how Aussie Rules works? No worries.This video breaks it down better than we ever could (find out what a speccy is too).

NEWS NOTES

💰 Minimum Wage Going Up April 1

New Brunswick’s minimum wage is rising from $15.30 to $15.65 an hour on April 1—a 2.3% increase (or 35 cents more per hour). The province says the bump, tied to inflation, is part of ongoing efforts to help workers keep up with rising costs.

Right now, about six percent of workers in the province earn minimum wage, down slightly from last year. The increase might not be huge, but with the price of everything climbing, every bit helps.

⛹️‍♂️ Book Your Spring Field Time 

The City of Saint John is now accepting applications for the Shamrock artificial field and arena floor season this spring. If you're looking to lock in time for your team or event, here’s what you need to know:

• Outdoor field season: April 1 – May 15

• Arena floor season: April 14 – September 19

• Application deadline: Friday, February 21

You can find full details and applications on the city’s website. 

🏡 Tiny-Home Community Gets Council Nod, But Concerns Still Loom

The Sunnyside Tiny Home Community project in east Saint John received unanimous support from council on Monday, with plans moving forward for 75 to 80 homes near Fernhill Cemetery. However, concerns were raised about the concentration of the homes in one location. Some nearby residents worry about clustering such a large number of homes in a single area, questioning the long-term impact on the neighbourhood. United Way Maritimes, leading the project, reassured council that the community would be well-managed, with services in place to support all residents, including those with varying needs. The project still requires one final vote but looks set to break ground this spring.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

WINTERFEST PREVIEW
👉 Week five of Fundy Winterfest is here, and the excitement continues with more snowy adventures, winter fun, and festive activities! With some heavy snow expected on Thursday, it’s the perfect time to get your gear ready for an action-packed weekend.

⛸️ Skate with Sea Dogs
Tonight, February 12, 6-8pm at Rothesay Common
Lace up your skates and hit the ice with the Saint John Sea Dogs! Wear your favourite hockey jersey for a chance to win a signed Youth Sea Dogs Jersey. Hot chocolate will be served, and non-perishable food items are accepted in support of the KV Food Basket. Free, family-friendly event!

🌲 Moonlight Snowshoe & Stargazing Adventure
Tonight, February 12, 6:30-8:30pm at Wells Recreation Park
Bundle up and join River & Trail Outdoor Company for an enchanting snowshoe hike along the Wells Recreation Trails. Afterward, enjoy stargazing with Cliff Valley Astronomy and a cozy bonfire. This event is free and open to all ages. Don’t forget to bring your snowshoes (or contact River & Trail Outdoor Company to rent some)!

❄️ Fiesty Friday Snowshoe
Friday, February 14, 1:15pm at Quispamsis qplex
Grab your snowshoes and join the KV Walkers on this annual Winterfest trail adventure! Explore the qplex grounds, and feel free to bring icers and poles. It’s a fun, weather-dependent activity. On February 14, they’ll be exploring the Trail of Hearts, which runs through February 21.

💖 Valentine’s Day Snowshoe Mingle
Friday, February 14, times vary at Rockwood Park
Celebrate Valentine's Day with free guided snowshoeing adventures at Rockwood Park, complete with hot chocolate and a warm bonfire! Sign up in advance and enjoy a scenic winter wonderland with family and friends. Be sure to check weather conditions and register via the Inside Out Nature Centre.

⛸️ PARKa for the Course
Ongoing until February 21 at Quispamsis qplex
Grab your hockey stick, don your parkas, and take part in this quirky winter mini-golf activity! Each hole features a cool theme, perfect for selfies. This free event is drop-in, so swing by and give it your best shot. First-come, first-served at the qplex East Parking Lot.

❄️ Family Day in Quispamsis
Monday, February 17, 9am-4:45pm at Quispamsis qplex
A full day of family fun awaits! Join in the ice skating (2:45-4:15pm), snowshoeing, youth hockey, and the Trail of Hearts. Plus, don’t miss out on prizes!

☕ Family Day in Grand Bay-Westfield
Monday, February 17, 11am-2pm at Westfield Golf and Country Club
Bring your family to Grand Bay-Westfield for a day of free activities! Enjoy live music, snowshoeing, hot chocolate, and games. There’s even a snow sculpture contest! Cask & Kettle Irish Grand Bay-Westfield will be open for extra warmth.

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LOCAL PICS
WHERE ARE WE? 📸

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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 has a sweet tooth! 🍡

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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