🌎 From Blacks Harbour to the World

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today and as you get over the hump today, we’re bustin’ ours to drum up some more local info for you. 🐪

Here’s what’s going on today:

• NB Firefighters at the Ready 🧯

• From Blacks Harbour to the world 🌎

• Meet some special doggos this weekend 🦮

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

👨‍🚒NB Firefighters Ready to Help California

New Brunswick’s wildfire heroes are standing by to assist with the devastating California fires. After a national call for help on Friday, 23 provincial firefighters completed their fitness tests by Sunday and are ready to deploy.

“When neighbours need help, you step up,” says Natural Resources Minister John Herron. Local businesses are pitching in too—J.D. Irving is contributing two planes, with Cooke Aquaculture and Ocean Capital also offering transport.

This marks another proud moment for NB’s highly trained wildfire team, which helped fight 144 wildfires across Canada last year.

🛢️ Irving Oil Stays in the Family

After nearly two years of "Will they, won’t they?" drama, Irving Oil announced it’s not for sale. The company wrapped up its strategic review by naming 30-year veteran Jeff Matthews as president and CEO.

Founded in 1924, Irving Oil runs the massive refinery we all know in east Saint John and sends most of its products south of the border. While no Irvings remain in top leadership, the name and its presence here are sticking around—for now. (CBC)

🩺 Naloxone Kits Available at UNBSJ for Opioid Overdose Emergencies

UNB Saint John is offering naloxone (NARCAN) kits across campus to help reverse opioid overdoses. These kits are available in key locations including residences, the cafeteria, and through UNB Security. In the event of an overdose, it’s crucial to call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available. The university also provides training sessions and support for all students, faculty, and staff. For more details, visit the UNB Safe App or the website.

💬 Have Your Say on the Future of Saint John’s North End 

The City of Saint John is hosting an open house to gather input on the North End Secondary Plan. It's your chance to chat with City reps, share your thoughts, and hear updates on plans for the area.

📅 Wednesday, January 22, 2025
🕒 3:30-5:30pm & 6-8pm
📍 Nick Nicolle Community Centre (85 Durham Street)

Drop in, share your feedback, and help shape the future of your neighbourhood! Can't make it? Check out the City’s Shape Your City page to get involved or learn more about the North End Plan.

🐕 Grand Bay-Westfield Dog Owners Sit Up!

Starting February 1, Grand Bay-Westfield’s Animal Control Officer takes over services in Ward 2 (Brittain and Campbell Road areas). New Town-issued dog licenses will be required once your DocuPet tag expires—don’t forget proof of vaccination!

Where to get your tag:
Grand Bay-Westfield Town Office - 609 River Valley Drive
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

For questions or concerns, contact the Animal Control Officer at (506) 653-1958 or email [email protected]. Full details at grandbaywestfield.ca/animalcontrol. Keep your pup legit!

🎣 Cooke Aquaculture: How Did They Reel in the World?

Ever wonder how a small salmon farm in Blacks Harbour turned into a $4-billion global seafood powerhouse? Cooke Aquaculture, a name everyone around here knows, started 40 years ago with Glenn Cooke, his brother, and their dad raising 5,000 fish in wooden tanks. Fast forward, and Cooke now runs everything from fish farms to food production, using a vertically integrated approach that’s straight out of the Irving playbook.

And it’s not just salmon. Shrimp, sea bass, and even chocolate (hello, Ganong partnership!) are part of Cooke’s empire. Curious about their global reach and why New Brunswick seems to breed such big family businesses? Check out this feature in The Globe and Mail for the full story. ($)

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

SATURDAY

Talking Tropicals Workshop | January 19
Cedarcrest Gardens is hosting an informative workshop Saturday at 1pm, featuring Amy Cleveland. In the "Talking Tropicals" session, Amy will walk you through the needs of houseplants, how to choose the right tropical plant for your space, and the best lighting conditions for each variety. Whether you’re new to plants or looking to grow your collection, this workshop is perfect for all plant lovers!

Meet New Justice Facility Dogs | January 19
Drop into the KV Oasis Youth Centre this weekend to meet Iker and Winston, two of New Brunswick's newest accredited Justice Facility Dogs. Iker, a 3-year-old Golden Labrador Retriever Cross, and Winston, a 1.5-year-old Golden Labrador Retriever Cross, were both raised and trained by the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides in Ontario. These dogs are trained to help victims of crime and trauma, offering calming support in times of crisis. 

REGISTRATION OPEN

Axe Throwing Tournament for a Cause | February 22
How are you at chuckin’ an axe? Join Habitat NB for their 2nd Axe Throwing Tournament at Woodchucks in Saint John, starting at 1:00 PM. Registration is open now, with only 24 spots available. Your $50 entry includes a limited-edition t-shirt, a chance at top prizes, and the satisfaction of helping fund affordable housing projects across the province. All proceeds support Habitat NB’s mission. Email [email protected] to register!

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LOCAL PICS
WHERE ARE WE? 📸

Watch this spot each Wednesday for a random snap from somewhere in the Saint John Region. Where are we? Only true locals will know the answer. This is an easy one! Tell us your guess on Facebook. 

Tag @sjtoday on Facebook to get your photos featured!

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 needs a boost out of the midweek slump! ☕

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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