🏝️ Last Week of Tax Break

Good morning Saint John! It’s Monday, it’s cold but we’re officially less than six weeks away from spring. ⏳

In todays addition:

• Tax holiday almost over 💸

• Axe throwin’ pro heading to world championships 🎯

• Busy week for local councils 📅

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🏆Faces of Fusion Winners

Friday night, Fusion Saint John’s Faces of Fusion event was a celebration of our local changemakers! Congrats to this year’s award winners:

• Business/Entrepreneurship Award: CORE Health Group

• Environmental/Sustainability Award: Roxanne MacKinnon of ACAP Saint John

• Arts/Culture Award: Christiana Myers

• New Johner Award: Mohamed Bagha of Saint John Newcomers Centre

• Saint John Champion Award: GenNext

• Honorary Award: Dominique Leger of In Pursuit

Big shoutout to the Fusion SJ team for another great event! As a volunteer-run, non-profit organization, Fusion does a fantastic job creating opportunities to connect and showcase the incredible talent in our region. Their efforts in promoting Saint John as a place to build your life make a real impact. Looking forward to more events that highlight the people who make our city shine!

🐶 Sonics Take Inaugural Dog Bowl 

The very first Dog Bowl did not disappoint! In a thrilling Championship Game, the Sussex Sonics fought hard to beat St. Malachy’s 6-5 after a nail-biting tie at 5-5 going into the third. What a way to crown the first-ever champs!

Earlier, Kennebecasis Valley showed their dominance with a 9-2 win over Rothesay in the Consolation Game. Talk about some fierce competition this weekend!

And a huge shoutout to Sussex’s Bryce Cunningham, the Dog Bowl MVP! He earned a well-deserved invite to the Sea Dogs’ Training Camp in August. 

🪓 Local Axe-Thrower Heading to the Big Leagues

If you’ve never thrown an axe at Woodchucks uptown, you don’t know what you’re missing. Just ask Brent Henderson. A few years ago, he showed up for a party, chucked a hatchet, and somehow wound up as one of the top axe throwers in Atlantic Canada. In fact, he’s now heading to the World Axe and Knife Throwing Championships in Wisconsin this April. Brent says the sport is as much about camaraderie as it is about skill, and he loves helping rookies find their groove. Brent’s top tips are to keep throwing, don’t overthink it and most importantly don’t stand too close to the target. 

🛍️🍹Last Week of Tax-Free Bliss 

Like any good holiday, we know it has to end sometime and here we are in the final week of the HST break. Whether it was saving dough on clothes for the kids, stocking up on romance novels, enjoying an extra pint at the pub or a dinner out without the sting of tax, it’s been a short but sweet ride. The final push is on, and our last day on that pleasant beach of savings is this coming Saturday. 

So, before the taxman comes knocking, treat yourself to one last hurrah. Grab that extra bottle of wine, indulge in a fancy meal, or stock up on those jigsaw puzzles, while you still can. Your wallet will thank you later, but your taste buds might not forgive you if you don’t take advantage.

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

⚖️ Saint John Common Council Meeting

On the agenda for Monday’s Common Council meeting:

• Trans Canada Trail Expansion
  Council will review a report on expanding the Trans Canada Trail through Saint John, with recommendations for next steps.

• Rezoning & Development on Lancaster Avenue
  A public hearing will be held for proposed zoning changes affecting 221, 251, and 271 Lancaster Avenue (Wolastoq Park). 

• Outdoor Fire Regulations
  Final approval is up for debate on updates to the city’s bylaw on outdoor fires.

• Public Transit & Airport Access
  A letter calling for improved bus service to the Saint John Airport will be referred to the Transit Commission for review.

See the full agenda.

The meeting begins at 6 PM at City Hall and is open to the public in person. You can also watch on Rogers TV or via live stream. 

🏡 Rothesay Council Meeting

On the agenda for Monday’s Rothesay Council meeting:

• Renforth Ice Fishing Access
  A resident’s request regarding access to ice fishing at Renforth will be reviewed by the CAO.

• Local Improvement Levies
  Council will consider assessments for local improvement levies in Kennebecasis Park and Mulberry Lane.

• 2025 Asphalt Resurfacing & Infrastructure Projects
  Updates on this year’s road resurfacing plan, plus discussions on new lighting for Wells Park and equipment purchases for town maintenance.

See the full agenda. 

The meeting begins at 7 PM at Town Hall and is open to the public in person and can be watched via live stream. 

🚫 Grand Bay-Westfield Council Meeting Canceled

The regularly scheduled council meeting for this evening, has been canceled. The next meeting is set for Monday, February 24.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!

TUESDAY

Learn to Lift at VIBE | Tuesdays in February
Ready to start your lifting journey? Join VIBE The Fitness Studio at 10am on Tuesdays this February for their 4-Week Learn to Lift program. Perfect for beginners, this class focuses on building strength, confidence, and proper form with personalized coaching. Class packs and regular memberships work for this session. 

WEDNESDAY

Fundy Winterfest Moonlight Snowshoe | February 12
Explore the Wells Recreation Trails on a night time snowshoeing and hiking adventure with River & Trail Outdoor Company, starting at 6:30pm. After the hike, enjoy an astronomy observation of Jupiter, Saturn, and more with Cliff Valley Astronomy, plus a cozy bonfire and hot chocolate. No snowshoes? No problem—winter boots or ice grips can work depending on conditions. Bring your gear or rent from River & Trail! All ages welcome, and don't forget a donation for the KV Food Basket.

THURSDAY

Fundy Sea Shanty Night | February 13
Set sail to O'Leary's Pub for Fundy Sea Shanty Night starting at 7pm. Join the group Before the Mast as they perform love songs and classic sea shanties in tribute to St. Valentine. It’s a night of music and history and no cover charge, just bring your voice and your love for the open sea. 

SATURDAY

Family Day Fun at Saint John City Market | February 15
Celebrate Family Day with a variety of free activities at the Saint John City Market! From cookie decorating and face painting to family photos, games, and a big-time bubble show, there's something for everyone. Warm up with hot chocolate, enjoy live music by Charis Daigle, and cozy up by the bonfire to roast marshmallows. Join in the fun starting at 11am at the market.

Plant Market at Kent Theatre | February 15
Calling all plant lovers! From 12pm to 3:30pm, the Kent Theatre will host a vibrant plant market featuring vendors from across NB and NS. Browse a variety of plants, from rare finds to beloved classics, plus plant accessories and themed items. Enjoy free admission, a door prize ticket, and refreshments. Arrive early for the best selection and prize chances!

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SIDE NOTES

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that is counting the days until they can get back in the garden. 🌻

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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