☀️ It's Patio Season

Good morning, Saint John, this is SJ Today – What a game last night! We knew when the US beat us to get to the final, it was just to make the story more interesting. 🏒🇨🇦

Here’s whats in today’s issue:

• Foodie Friday: it’s always patio season 🪴

• Keep a screen on that fire 🧯

• Cupcakes + Dogs = 😍

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🚀 ConnexionWorks Gets $545K to Fuel Saint John’s Start-Up Scene

Exciting news for local entrepreneurs! ConnexionWorks has secured a $545,249 investment to power its Premier Entrepreneurship Program, giving Saint John’s business go-getters the tools to get their ideas off the ground. MP Wayne Long said, “ConnexionWorks is a vital resource for our local entrepreneurs, and this funding will help even more startups succeed and grow.”

With training, resources, and networking, ConnexionWorks is the perfect place to start if you're considering the entrepreneurial journey.

🔥 Saint John Gets a Fire-Ready Bylaw

Saint John is finally catching up with the rest of the province. The city council has approved a new outdoor fire bylaw, meaning no more backyard fires during provincial burn bans. Now, residents don’t need a permit for fire pits (as long as they’re using clean, dry wood and have screening to control embers). Fires must be 10 feet from buildings, and there are fines for breaking the rules, ranging from $140 to $2,100. Chief Rob Nichol says education is the goal, but let’s keep things safe and burn responsibly.

🚨 No Parking for Snow Clearing

No parking on Adelaide Street and St. John Street (Watson to Market Place) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today (Friday, February 21). Signs will be up 8 hours ahead. Cars left behind may be fined or towed. 

🏆 Top Clicks of the Week

It’s been a short week, but that hasn’t stopped you from clicking away. Here’s what you’ve been diving into the most this week:

Tuesday - Quispamsis council agenda (watch the meeting here)
Wednesday - Uptown Taco Week starts Monday
Thursday - Saint John: Nothing Happened Here Skyjack episode

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LOCAL BUSINESS
FOODIE FRIDAY

Have You Tried the Indoor Patios?

It’s no secret this winter has been wintering harder than the last few years. And while we’ve had our fair share of shovelling, salting, and shivering, there’s also been plenty to enjoy, like the new outdoor rink at Ihtoli-maqahamok - The Gathering Space or, my personal favourite, warming up inside the covered patios at Market Square.

For all the delays and controversy, these patios are actually stunning. Sitting inside, surrounded by wide-open views of the harbour while the snow falls or the sun sets? Pretty damn cool. And yet… every time I’ve been, they’ve been surprisingly quiet.

So, consider this a nudge to check them out! Whether you're sipping a drink or settling in for a meal, here’s a little reminder of what you’re missing at these great spots:

🍻 Peppers Pub / Lemongrass – If I’m here, I’m probably getting Moneybags and Pad Thai (medium spice because I’m weak) and maybe even sneaking in some brussels sprouts. Oh, and $5 NB pints until the end of February? Can’t beat that.

🦞 Grannan’s – From the lobster rolls to Power Hour, a classic is a classic! Plus, they’ve put TVs out in their patio, so if you’re looking for a cool spot to watch a game, these patios hit.

🤠 The Country Club –  New on the scene but already a solid go-to. Southern-inspired menu with cocktails that'll actually make you say yee-haw! and don’t miss the giant horse on the patio for the gram.

🍽 Saint John Ale House – A boardwalk staple, really. Whether you’re going for the tried-and-true pork bites or chicken tenders or switching it up with something new, Chef Jesse and the crew always have you covered. The view from the patio is pretty sweet too.

💬 Your Opinion, Please!

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

As February winds down, we've got plenty of fun ahead to kick off March! From tasty treats to lively tunes, there’s a lot to look forward to as we begin to shake off the winter chill.

Cupcake Day for the SPCA | February 28
If you needed an excuse to eat cupcakes, here it is! The Saint John SPCA Animal Rescue is baking up vanilla, chocolate, and carrot cupcakes to support animals in need. They’re $2.50 each or 3 for $6, and you need to order now to secure yours—pickup is next Friday, Feb. 28, from 12-4:30pm at the shelter. Email [email protected] or call 642-0920 ext. 3 to place your order. Don’t wait—these sweet treats will go fast, and every bite helps a furry friend!

Spring Tide Shantyfest | March 20-22
Uptown Saint John is about to get very nautical as the Fundy Sea Shanty Festival brings its award-winning maritime music magic to town! Over three days, six musical groups, workshops, and themed dining events will celebrate Saint John’s seafaring heritage. Sing along at Trinity Anglican, join a knot-tying demo, or sip a pint at the Shanty Pub in O’Leary’s. Check out the full schedule at fundyseashantyfest.com/springtide.

Leprechaun Leap | March 15
Saint John’s ultimate St. Paddy’s Day pub crawl is back! It’s bigger, better, and luckier than ever! This year, you can use tokens for drinks or select food items, making it a great time whether you’re raising a pint or grabbing a bite. Plus, every participant is entered to win round-trip airfare for two, thanks to Saint John Airport and Flair Airlines. So gather your crew, wear your green, and get ready to leap!

Retro Roulette | March 22
It’s time to get your groove on at the 80’s-themed Retro Roulette Casino and Dance Party! On March 22, head to the Kent Theatre from 7pm-Midnight for a night of cashless casino fun, food, prizes, and a live performance from Maestro Fresh Wes. Tickets are $30 for the casino & dance (includes $20,000 in Retro Roulette money) or $20 for the dance party starting at 9pm. 19+ event, so grab your crew, don your best 80’s gear, and support BGC Greater Saint John!

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LOCAL PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸

📍 This week, we took refuge from the ice and cozied up in the domes at Moosehead on the west side. The hexagonal shape is a perfect spot to enjoy a cold one, whether George Losier for taking a guess! Check in next week to see if you know where we are!

Tag @sjtoday.ca 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 with a killer wrist shot! 🥅

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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