🙊 Holiday Trash Talk

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - The friendly little newsletter that Santa’s elves just can’t get enough of!

In today’s issue:

• A Saint John affordable housing project has been funded 💰

• Takin’ out the trash this holiday season 🚚

• Grand Bay-Westfield lights & display contest 📍

Here we go!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
Let’s Get Your Name Out There! 🔊

Connect with local families and build your community presence. Advertise in our newsletter today!

NEWS NOTES

Building More Than Walls in Saint John 🏠

Here’s a holiday gift that doesn’t fit under the tree: 56 new homes are coming to Saint John! Thanks to a hefty $18.1 million investment by the federal government’s Affordable Housing Fund, the Steepleview Development on Cliff Street will provide safe and affordable housing for seniors, women and children, and Indigenous Peoples.

The project is funded through contributions from all levels of government, local organizations like the Knights of Columbus, and land equity from the Diocese of Saint John. Construction is part of a broader effort to address housing needs across New Brunswick.

Holiday Trash Talk 🗑️

‘Tis the season for turkey dinners, too much packaging—and a tiny bit of trash confusion. The Fundy Regional Service Commission is here to save the day (and your bins) with their handy-dandy waste collection tool. With holiday schedules all shook up, you can avoid bin blunders by simply entering your address right here. Voilà! Your full collection schedule appears faster than Santa’s sleigh. Skip the guessing game and spend your holidays worrying about what’s under the tree—not what’s at the curb. Your neighbours (and your bins) will thank you!

Prince William Street Detour ⛔

Starting today, Prince William Street is closed to northbound traffic between Princess and Grannan Streets from 7am-6pm for crane lift operations. The detour runs for three days, but the road reopens each evening.

Expect some delays, follow detour signs, and keep an eye out for workers and pedestrians. Sidewalk signs are up to keep your stroll on track. Crane’s in action, so plan accordingly!

Saint John Police Help Those in Need 🎄

The Saint John Police are celebrating the success of their 2024 Holiday in a Box initiative. On December 13, over 600 boxes filled with necessities and gifts, along with 225 additional gift cards, were distributed to five priority neighbourhoods across the city.

Chief R.M. Bruce expressed his gratitude, saying, “Once again, the citizens of Saint John, along with sports teams, schools, businesses, and individuals, stepped up to deliver for those who may have gone without a little holiday cheer.”

These thoughtful boxes are now making the season brighter for vulnerable adults in our community.

Light Up Your Night in Grand Bay-Westfield 🌟

Holiday lights are sparkling all across the Saint John Region, but in Grand Bay-Westfield, there’s a map to guide your way! Use the interactive map to find the best festive displays, or pick up a printed copy at the Town Office.

While you’re cruising, join the scavenger hunt. Spot four items to enter the prize draw, or find six for a bonus chance. It’s all happening now through January 3, with winners announced January 6.

TONIGHT’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

📊 Saint John Common Council Meeting

Here are a few of the items on the agenda for tonight’s Saint John Council Meeting:

Housing Accelerator Fund Zoning Amendments
Public hearings start to discuss zoning by-law changes tied to the Housing Accelerator Fund. These reforms aim to streamline approvals and encourage new development, addressing Saint John’s growing housing needs.

Charlotte Street Reconstruction Funding
Council will consider reallocating $100,000 from the Shamrock Park Fence Replacement project to cover a budget variance for the Charlotte Street Reconstruction. The contract value for the project, spanning King Square South to Princess Street, would also increase from $602,565.50 to $700,653.65.

Snow Angels Program Proposal
A resident has proposed a Snow Angels Program to assist neighbors with snow removal this winter. Council will review and refer it to the Chief Administrative Officer for further consideration.

See the Full Agenda

The meeting starts at 6pm in City Hall’s Common Council Chamber. Attend in person, watch on Rogers TV, or stream it live on the City’s online.

📊 Quispamsis Town Council Meeting

Here are a few of the items on the agenda for Tuesday’s Quispamsis Council Meeting:

Ice Time & Costs for KV Minor Hockey
Representatives from KV Minor Hockey will present on the challenges of ice availability and rental costs. Expect a discussion on how the town can better support local hockey programs.

Rezoning for 236 Hampton Road
A public hearing will address a rezoning application for 236 Hampton Road to transition from single-family residential to integrated development. The proposed change could shape the future of this growing community space.

Sewerage and Water Utility By-law Amendments
Council will vote on third and final readings of amendments to the Sewerage Utility and Water Utility by-laws. Updates may impact utility services and rates in 2025.

See the Full Agenda

The meeting starts at 6pm in the Council Chambers at Quispamsis Town Hall. Residents are welcome to attend in person or watch the livestream online.

SPONSORED
Looking for New Customers? 🛍️

We can help! Advertise with us and be seen by readers enjoying their morning coffee!

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TUESDAY

TIFF: Fallen Leaves at Imperial Theatre | December 16
Don't miss Fallen Leaves, a charming and poignant film by Aki Kaurismäki, showing at the Imperial Theatre as part of TIFF Film Selections. In modern-day Helsinki, two lonely souls searching for love meet by chance in a karaoke bar, but their path to happiness is filled with obstacles. With lost phone numbers, mistaken addresses, alcoholism, and a delightful stray dog, this film is a heartwarming journey about the unpredictable nature of love and connection.

WEDNESDAY

10th Annual Rothesay Mayor’s Tree Lighting | December 18
Get ready to celebrate the holiday season at the 10th Annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting in Rothesay, now rescheduled for December 18th from 7-8pm. Join Mayor Nancy Grant and Council for an evening of festive fun featuring live music by Rock n’ Roll Cowgirl. Enjoy a skate on the ice, a stroll around the Common, and the holiday sights and sounds. Plus, NB Power will be serving hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies, so be sure to bring your mug! Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item to support the KV Food Basket.

THURSDAY

Holiday Movie Series at Haven Music Hall | December 19
Get cozy this holiday season at Haven Music Hall with their FREE Holiday Movie Series! This Thursday, don’t miss Muppets Christmas Carol (1992) at 9pm. Enjoy a night full of festive fun with $2 popcorn, $5 domestic cans of beer, and all the holiday cheer you can handle. Doors open at 8:30 pm—so grab your friends, settle in, and get ready for a classic Muppet holiday adventure!

Got an Event to Share?

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

YOUR PICS
@SJTODAY

📸 @Ray Ouellette | 📍 South End Saint John

Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Be Part of the Local Scene!
Looking to connect with the Saint John community? Our baseline ads get your message into the daily mix of local news and updates. Short, sharp, and impactful, it’s the perfect way to reach readers right where they are. Reach out to learn more!*

^{_{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who is on the nice list. 📋

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

Did I Miss Something?