🧁 Making Desserts Great Again!

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - where Fridays are welcomed in and given unlimited fridge privileges.

Here’s what’s cookin’ for the weekend:

• JLM Patisserie has got a sweet thing goin’ on Princess St 🍰

• The City is looking at making it easier to build new housing 🏛️

• From hockey games to holiday fun, there’s lots to do 📍

Enjoy!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

FOODIE FRIDAY
JLM Patisserie Wants Restaurants to Care About Good Desserts Again

Wednesdays are officially the sweetest day of the week, thanks to JLM Patisserie on Princess Street. Every week, owner Jessica Mackenzie and baker Courtney host a pop-up at their location, drawing dessert lovers from across the Saint John Region—and they’re on a mission to make people and local restaurants care about good desserts again.

“Baking was always soothing to me, but it took time to figure out it could be my path,” Jessica says. “I spent two years at Saint Thomas University before realizing it wasn’t for me. After years of renting kitchens and doing market events, I spotted this uptown space and took a leap of faith. Now, people make Wednesdays their treat days. How cool is that?”

Jessica and Courtney’s menu changes weekly, with ideas sparked by everything from online videos, social posts or random inspiration. “Boring isn’t a thing for us,” Jessica laughs.

Their new holiday menu is packed with festive goodies, including cheesecake variety packs featuring flavors like Almond Chocolate Orange and Gingerbread Eggnog. There’s also a DIY Cookie Box for at-home decorating and a Holiday Treat Box stuffed with brownies, truffles, and seasonal squares and Jessica’s signature shortbreads—baked thin and golden brown using her grandmother’s cherished recipe. “It’s not the norm, but the flavour is amazing,” Jessica says.

“We’re just two bakers creating dessert magic. Some ideas might be scary or weird, but we stand behind every single thing we make,” Jessica adds.

Follow JLM Patisserie on Facebook or Instagram for weekly menus, and be sure to place your special orders to ensure a sweet holiday season!

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NEWS NOTES

🏚️ Zoning Changes Could Bring More Homes, Fewer Rules

Big changes could be coming to Saint John’s neighbourhoods. The city is proposing updates to its zoning by-law to make housing more flexible, affordable, and community-focused. Think four-unit homes on one lot, 6-storey buildings in mid-rise zones, and easier rules for adding granny flats or garden suites. Parking? Optional for affordable units and reduced near transit routes. Plus, new developments will need better landscaping and shared spaces.

Why does this matter? More housing options could mean lower rents, more vibrant neighbourhoods, and fewer vacant lots. It’s also a step toward sustainable growth, encouraging density instead of sprawl.

Want to weigh in? The city’s hosting a public hearing on December 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Your voice matters! (City of Saint John)

⌨️ Writers This Could Be Your Big Break

Got a killer idea for a one-act play? Saint John Theatre Company wants you! Their Script Happens competition is open to New Brunswick residents with a flair for drama—on stage, not at family dinners. The prize? Seeing your masterpiece performed during the June showcase.

Submissions close January 15, so grease(?) up your typewriter or dust off the laptop and unleash your inner playwright. Comedy, tragedy, or something in between—this could be your shot at local theatre fame.

Not a writer? No worries—there’s always next year, or at least a comfy seat in the audience! Get the full details. 

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EVENTS
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

TONIGHT

Jazz Night at Trinity Galleries | November 22
How about a little unwind time to end your week at Trinity Galleries, the coolest corner in Uptown? Tonight from 7-9pm, enjoy live jazz that hits all the right notes, surrounded by stunning art and a laid-back vibe. Sip on drinks from the full bar, nibble on snacks, and let the music take over. $10 cover gets you in on the fun—every Friday night.

Pink in the Rink Weekend | November 22-23
This Friday and Saturday, the Sea Dogs are going pink for a great cause! During Pink in the Rink, fans can watch the Sea Dogs take on the Charlottetown Islanders while the players sport special, limited-edition pink jerseys. These jerseys will be available for purchase through in-arena raffles and an online auction. Fans can also grab discounted tickets using the promo code PINK, with $5 from each ticket supporting Breasts Ahoy, a local dragon boat team of breast cancer survivors. Get your tickets and don't miss out on this exciting weekend of hockey and giving back!

SATURDAY

Lancaster Santa Claus Parade | November 23
Catch Santa on the west side! The Lancaster Santa Claus Parade begins at 1 PM, bringing festive floats, music, and holiday cheer. Bundle up, claim your viewing spot early, and expect some west side traffic woes. Saint John Transit detours and service interruptions will run from 12:30 to 2:30 PM. Parade runs rain or shine!

Watercolour Cards Pop-Up | November 23
Looking to stand out this holiday season? Swing by In Pursuit Uptown this Saturday for stunning, hand-painted watercolour cards by local artist Renee Ward. From 10am-5pm, you’ll find unique creations perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Skip the generic store-bought stuff—these cards will have your friends thinking you moonlight as an art collector.

Frosty Fun Night | November 23
Kick off the family’s Christmas season with a double feature of Rudolph and The Grinch at the Kent Theatre! Enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks, and popcorn, plus a festive photo op in front of the Christmas tree.

Christmas with The Ennis Sisters | November 23
Get ready for a festive evening at the Imperial Theatre with the JUNO-winning Ennis Sisters! This powerhouse trio from Newfoundland will dazzle you with their Celtic-infused holiday tunes, heartfelt ballads, and harmonies that’ll have you tapping your toes. Show starts at 7:30 PM—grab your tickets before they’re gone!
Tickets: $45 adult | $40 member

SUNDAY

Saint John Voices | November 24
Got words? Share them at Saint John Voices this Sunday at Wasted Day Brewing! Poets, storytellers, and lyricists alike can take the stage for a friendly, no-pressure night of creativity. Sign up by 6 PM to snag a reading spot and enjoy featured readings, live tunes, expert feedback, and local author merch. Whether you’re performing or just soaking it all in, it’s a must for word lovers everywhere!

Got an Event to Share?

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YOUR PICS
WHERE WERE WE WEDNESDAY?

In honour of YMCA Peace Week, we visited the Mural for Peace on the Aquila Tours building at 10 St. James Street. Designed by Soha Soltan, an artist from originally from Egypt, the mural beautifully reflects the diverse cultures of Saint John. It’s a vibrant symbol of the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick’s commitment to building peace and fostering inclusion in our community.

Don’t forget to tag @sjtodaynewsletter in your pics for a chance to be featured in future issues!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found something useful inside, share it so everyone you know can get a taste 😋

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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