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SJ Today
February 04, 2025
Good morning, Port City! This is SJ Today. The good news? The tariffs are on hold for now, but they still have us craving a little NB-made liquid celebration…🥃
It today’s edition:
Two local families have new homes 🏠
The West Side business opening doors 🔑
How fast can the Irish actually run? 🍀
Let’s get it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🏡 New Habitat Homes for Two Local Families
Two Saint John families just got the keys to their very own homes, thanks to Habitat for Humanity NB and a little help from the province. The non-profit builds affordable houses with support from local businesses, donors, and volunteers, plus provincial government funding that chips in $70K per unit. With Habitat’s affordable mortgage model, these homes are built to be life-changing. Since 2023, the partnership has helped 17 families across the province find a place to call home.
💰 Got Budget Ideas? The Province is All Ears
Think you could balance the books better? Now’s your chance! The province wants your input on the 2025-26 budget—where to spend, where to save, and what matters most (health care, housing, affordability, etc.). They’ve even put together a pre-budget consultation paper so you can see the numbers before throwing in your two cents (or maybe a few million). Send your ideas by email, fax (what?), or old-fashioned mail by February 28.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL BUSINESS
🚪 Parley + Hatch - Doors with Stories to Tell
When Laura Weil moved to Saint John, she found it, as she puts it, "serendipitous." After spending years in the window and door business, she arrived in a city where doors aren't just something you open and close—they're practically a local treasure. So, naturally, she started Parley + Hatch, where she crafts custom fiberglass doors that blend the city’s rich history with modern style.
Each door she designs is a nod to the past, built with modern fiberglass that mimics wood without the worries of warping or rotting. The process? Laura describes it as “straight out of Star Trek,” using a simulator model and nickel vapour to mimic real wood. Her Plank door is a standout, featuring sleek vertical lines that bring a modern twist to classic design.
And if you’re wondering whether her creations fit with the city’s historic charm, Laura has had success working with the heritage board on a case-by-case basis. It’s all about finding the right balance and preserving the soul of Saint John while adding curb appeal and efficiency to your home. Each project is a thoughtful process, and Laura’s doors have been approved with the right details and a little local know-how.
Stop by her workshop and showroom on the west side and you’ll get a sneak peek at the magic happening behind the scenes. And, let’s be honest, you’ll leave with a door story... and probably a killer cup of coffee, because Laura’s also got that down to a science.
🌈 New Rainbow Entrepreneurship Program Launches in Saint John
Saint John is stepping up support for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs with the launch of the Rainbow Entrepreneurship Program. This free initiative, in partnership with Envision Saint John and Fusion Saint John, offers one-on-one mentoring and a dynamic workshop series to help aspiring business owners and creatives. Topics covered include e-commerce, branding, taxes, strategic planning, and more. The program aims to provide essential skills and resources for building successful businesses. The kick-off event is on February 19 from 5:30–7pm at Envision Saint John. Please register in advance on Eventbrite. If you interested in being a mentor, reach out to [email protected].
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
CIVIC NEWS
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
With only one council meeting in the region this week, here’s an overview of what’s going on.
⚖️ Quispamsis Council Meeting
There’s a council meeting in Quispamsis tonight at 6pm, but the agenda wasn’t posted by press time. Watch for the agenda to be posted here sometime today.
The meeting will be live streamed here.
📈 Saint John Growth Committee
On the agenda for today’s Growth Committee meeting:
Housing Accelerator Fund Updates
An update on the Housing Accelerator Fund program and grant status.Growth at a Glance
A report on key trends and developments in the city's growth strategy.Ethnocultural Grant Review
A summary of the grant’s impact from January to December 2024.
The meeting begins at 12 PM in the 2nd Floor Boardroom, City Hall. The meeting can be viewed via live stream.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
✏️ With so much going on this week around Winterfest, we’re looking ahead to a few more upcoming events you might want to pencil in.
Curling Day in Canada Glowspiel | February 22
Get ready for a glowing good time at the Carleton Curling Club’s Curling Day in Canada Glowspiel! Teams of four will compete under the blacklights—wear your brightest gear for this one-day curling event. Only 12 teams can join, with two games (one in the morning, one in the afternoon), plus lunch provided. Cost is $100 per team ($25 per person).
Multicultural Ramadan Bazaar | February 23
Celebrate Ramadan like never before at the first-ever Multicultural Ramadan Bazaar, hosted by the Bangladeshi Community of Saint John and ACPS of Saint John. From 2-6pm at the Bill McGuire Centre in Rothesay, this vibrant event brings together diverse cultural traditions with delicious food, unique crafts, and beautiful henna art. Explore clothing, jewelry, and handmade goods while enjoying breathtaking views of the Kennebecasis River. It's a day of community, culture, and connection—bring the whole family and join the fun!
Pete's Pub St Paddy's Dash | March 16
Lace up your shoes and don your best green gear—it’s time for Pete’s Pub St Paddy’s Dash! This fun-filled 3km race is raising money for the Red Head Stray Cats, and it’s all about good vibes, community, and, of course, chili and buns at the finish line. The dash kicks off at Picaroon’s General Store at 10am, but you can get a head start by registering at Alex & Lily’s or racing early on March 12 at 6pm. Ready, set, run!
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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📸 Aman Aleid | 📍 Lilly Lake Pavilion
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SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 3:43 AM(Tue 04 February) | 7.88 m(25.85 ft) |
Low Tide | 10:03 AM(Tue 04 February) | 1.0 m(3.28 ft) |
High Tide | 4:12 PM(Tue 04 February) | 7.52 m(24.67 ft) |
Low Tide | 10:27 PM(Tue 04 February) | 1.2 m(3.94 ft) |
💝 Share the Love This Valentine’s While Supporting a Great Cause
This February, send a Digital Heart through Heart & Stroke NB’s campaign and show you care. Whether as a Valentine’s message or in tribute or memory of someone special, these e-cards are a heartfelt way to support heart health in our province. Every heart shared helps make a healthier New Brunswick possible.*
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who loves a good New Brunswick beer. 🍻
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher