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- 🌊 Lucky or Flooded? River Watch!
🌊 Lucky or Flooded? River Watch!
SJ Today
March 12, 2025
Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - the local newsletter that makes non-subscribers green with envy. 💚
Here’s what we’re hearing today:
River Watch is on now 🛶
New schools break ground soon ✏️
Get lucky uptown this week 🍀
Let’s get into it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🌊 River Watch is Back
Spring’s on the way, and so is the River Watch program. While we’ve been lucky with fewer floods in recent years, the risk of spring flooding is still real, especially for those living along the Saint John River.
From now until the end of the season, experts will be keeping a close eye on ice jams, snowmelt, and water levels. If you live near a waterway, it’s time to get prepared!
Here’s your checklist:
Have an evacuation plan (you’ll thank yourself later).
Move your stuff to higher ground, don't wait for the waters to do it for you.
Avoid the riverbanks, they’re dangerous this time of year.
Stay up-to-date with the latest river forecasts on the River Watch mobile site.
If you spot ice jams or rising water, give the team a call at 1-888-561-4048. Oh, and remember: ice on the river is no longer your friend - don't try to cross it!
🚧 Charlotte & King Closed for Crane Work
Starting today and running through Friday (March 12-14), Charlotte Street (Union to King) and King Street (Germain to Charlotte) are shutting down for 24/7 construction at 99 King Street- including some big crane action. One street will stay open at a time, and businesses remain accessible, but expect detours.
Transit riders: No buses on King Street during the closure. Check the city’s website for reroutes. Plan ahead and pack your patience, Saint John!
📚 Two New Schools Breaking Ground This Summer
Construction on two brand-new schools - one in the south end’s Rainbow Park and one in the north end on Ropewalk Road - is set to kick off this summer.
The south end school will replace Prince Charles and St. John the Baptist/King Edward, while the north end one will take over for Hazen White-St. Francis and Centennial. If all goes to plan, students will be cracking open fresh notebooks in their shiny new schools by September 2027.
🥏 Get in the Game This Spring with Ultimate Frisbee
If your winter workouts were mostly shovelling snow and lifting snacks, it’s time to switch things up. Saint John Ultimate’s Spring Introductory League is here to get you moving!
This beginner-friendly league is for those with zero to two years of experience, so no, you don’t need to be a frisbee pro. Each week, you’ll learn the basics, run some drills, and scrimmage. It runs Tuesdays, April 15 - May 20 at the Irving Oil Field House for just $50.
Tight budget? They’ve got some options to help. Sign up solo, grab a friend, or bring a crew because spring activity is calling!
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL BUSINESS
🍀 Get Lucky Uptown This Thursday
If you love a good deal (and a great excuse to shop), 26 Uptown Saint John businesses have teamed up for Get Lucky Uptown this Thursday, March 13. It’s a one-day-only Scratch & Save event where discounts range from 10% to 40% off - plus, if you collect five passport stamps, you’re entered to win an incredible prize package worth nearly $1,000.
“This event was a massive success last year, and people have been asking about its return for months,” says Dominique Leger, owner of In Pursuit. “Now that we’ve survived the ultra-slow and ultra-icy January & February, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome people back into the Uptown core.”
Uptown’s best boutiques, spas, galleries, and foodie spots are in on the fun! Some shops are staying open late, and at two locations, you could even score a free gift with purchase.
Check out the full lineup below and plan your route, Anne from The Feel Good Store even made a handy shopping map to help you hit every must-visit stop.
🛍️ Who’s in on the fun?
Here's the full list of participating businesses, so you can plan your ultimate Get Lucky Uptown route:
🧸 Paddington Station - Saint John’s go-to for high-quality kids’ gear, toys, and more.
👠 Urban Shoe Myth - Stylish shoes, accessories and men's footwear.
👚In Pursuit - Fresh styles, no repeats, some fun stuff you’ll love.
🕯 The Feel Good Store - Wellness goodies, unique gifts, and good vibes only.
💀 Heartbreak Boutique - Vintage-inspired fashion with an edge.
🔮 Obscurity - Where the weird and wonderful collide in a killer gift shop.
🏡 Tuck Studio - Uptown’s Modern furniture and decor destination.
👗 Together Designs - Locally designed and made clothing, jewelry and accessories.
🌿 Juniper - Sustainable clothing, skincare, and unique gifts.
🦸 Heroes' Beacon – Comic books, board games, and nerd culture paradise.
🎩 Hats on the Square – Stylish headwear for every occasion.
🎒 Walsh Luggage - Luggage, leather handbags and accessories.
🔮 Glass Roots - Glassblowing studio and gallery.
🎁 Handworks Gallery - Local art, pottery, and handcrafted gifts.
🧁 Wild Flours Sweets & Treats - Best cupcakes in the city.
💆♀️ Element5 Spa – Pampering, relaxation and more.
☕ Java Moose - Your essential local caffeine fix.
💆 Refresh Wellness Studio – Your spot for relaxation and self-care.
🏝 The Blue Pelican - Small-batch bath and body products from the City Market.
🎁 The Butcher's Daughter Gift Shoppe – Thoughtful, locally sourced gifts.
🧥 Lordon - Confident fashion, personalized for you.
💇♀️ Cedar Rose Beauty - Hair, skin, and beauty, all in one place.
✨ Emporia - Where magic, whimsy, and creativity meet.
🧺 Decor8 - Special things for around the house. (Just Added!)
🍻 Picaroons General Store - Liquid refreshment when the shopping is done.
🍕 Pomodori Pizzeria – Can’t not get wood-fired pizza to go with beer.
Hot tip: Stores have varying hours, so be sure to check with your faves before heading out!
So hit up your must-visit stops, grab your scratch card, and get lucky Uptown this Thursday! 🎉
*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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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Featured Fundraisers
Some great fundraisers are coming up this month, and we’re excited to share them with you! Want your event featured? Send it our way, and we’ll help spread the word!
Retro Roulette | March 22
Step back into the '80s at Retro Roulette, an 80s-themed casino and dance party hosted by BGC Greater Saint John at the Kent Theatre! Enjoy a cashless casino, delicious food, prizes, and a live performance by Canadian music icon Maestro Fresh Wes. Tickets for the Casino & Dance Party are $30 (includes $20,000 in Retro Roulette money, 7-9pm). Dance Party only is $20 (9pm start).
Brisket & Brew for a Cause | March 28
Head to Drifter Brew Co. for a fun-filled night supporting the KV Food Basket! Enjoy live music from the Haley McMillan Trio, a delicious dinner, silent auction, 50/50 draw, and more. Doors open at 6pm, with dinner served at 7pm. Tickets are $50.
Comedy Night for Carma Cat Rescue | March 29
Catch some top-notch Maritime comedy at this fundraiser for Carma Cat Animal Rescue! The night features local legends like host Mike Rogers, NB’s Chris Hovey, headliner John Skov Nielsen, and special guest Dan Theriault. Tickets are just $15, with part of the proceeds going to support this paws-itively great cause. Get your tickets and help make a difference! 7pm at Wasted Day.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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. If you think you recognize this picture from somewhere, hit reply and tell us your best guess!
Tag @sjtoday.ca on Facebook to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 5:31 AM(Wed 12 March) | 1.48 m(4.86 ft) |
High Tide | 11:39 AM(Wed 12 March) | 7.59 m(24.9 ft) |
Low Tide | 5:56 PM(Wed 12 March) | 1.2 m(3.94 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that’s always lucky. 🧲
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher