🍻 Changes Coming to Liquor Laws

Good morning, Saint John! Anyone else feel like they were woken up by the sunshine yesterday? The good news is, we've got a sunny, warm weekend ahead! 🌞

Here’s what’s warming up this morning:

• GNB loosening liquor laws 🍷

• Meet your new neighbours 👋

• Fly Fishing Film Festival Contest 💥

Enjoy the day!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🏗️ Saint John’s Housing Increases

Saint John had a record year in housing, with 486 new units completed in 2024. 85% were apartments, most of them in Millidgeville and the north end. Single homes and townhouses made up the rest.

With the rental vacancy rate now at 4% and rents up 7% to an average of $1,133, the market is feeling the new growth. And with a housing crunch still in play, it likely won’t take long to fill these spots.

Construction is already underway on 586 more units, with a shift toward the uptown, west, and east areas. Plus, 125 affordable units are already built, and another 231 are coming soon. Saint John is well on its way to hitting its goal of 1,124 units by 2026! 

🍺 Fewer Barriers on Booze

New Brunswick is cracking open its liquor laws, with new legislation aimed at making it easier to buy, sell, and sip across provincial lines. The changes would open the door for local brewers and distillers to reach more Canadians while giving NB drinkers access to new varieties from across the country.

And for those who’ve made the classic beer run to Quebec? The province is scrapping personal exemption limits, meaning you won’t have to think twice about how much you’re bringing back, just be sure to leave room for cheese curds. 

🌍 Meet Your New Neighbours: Saint John’s Welcoming Campaign

Saint John is rolling out the welcome mat in a big way with Our Region, Our Home, a new campaign celebrating newcomers and their impact on the city. Run by the Saint John Local Immigration Partnership (SJLIP), the initiative shares personal stories from recent arrivals, like a Ukrainian couple shaping the arts scene, a Mexican family putting down roots, and a Tajikistani nurse caring for locals at the regional.

The campaign officially launches Friday at the Saint John Sea Dogs game, with videos, newcomer-led activities, and a t-shirt conversation starter…because what better way to meet your new neighbours than over a hockey game? Check out the full campaign here.

💳 Skimmer Scammers on the Prowl

The Kennebecasis cops are waving the fraud flag, warning folks to watch out for credit card skimmers - sneaky little devices that swipe your card info without your permission. These high-tech pickpockets have been popping up across Canada, and local businesses are already on alert, checking their machines for anything suspicious.

Your best defence? Keep an eye on your statements, give those card readers a once-over before tapping away, and if anything looks fishy, report it to your bank. Because the only thing worse than a surprise charge on your account is realizing it wasn’t for something fun.

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💥 Contest Time

🎣 Win Tickets to the Fly Fishing Film Festival! 🎥

New Brunswick’s fishing season kicks off next month, but you can get a head start with the Fly Fishing Film Festival, coming to Wasted Day Brewing on March 30. We have a pair of tickets to give away - here’s how to enter:

📲 Watch this reel on Instagram, like it, and follow us (@sjtoday.ca). That’s it! We’ll pick a winner on Monday, March 24. 

🤝 Big thanks to the Hammond River Angling Association for sharing local fishing footage with us - check it out in the reel below!

sjtoday.ca

204 followers

View more on Instagram

💡 No IG? No problem! Like us and the reel on Facebook to enter.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TODAY

Spring Tide Shantyfest | March 20-22, 2025
It’s going to be a weekend packed with maritime music, history, and culture as the Fundy Sea Shanty Festival takes over Uptown Saint John. Celebrating the city’s seafaring history with sea shanties, lively performances, workshops, and culinary events, there’s something for everyone! Highlights include knot-tying workshops, an Irish Céilí dance session, and themed dining experiences like "Seafood Chowder & Shanties" at Steamers. Whether you're taking in a workshop at Market Square, enjoying music at Trinity Church or cozying up at O’Leary’s for an authentic singalong, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Get the full schedule of events here and make your shanty plans!

Tick Talk Information Night at Avenue Animal Hospital | March 20
Got questions about ticks and heartworm? Avenue Animal Hospital is hosting an informative session with Dr. Alison Messina on March 20 from 6-7 pm. Learn about the different types of ticks, the diseases they carry, and the best prevention methods for your pets. Plus, watch a live demonstration of the testing process. Snacks, refreshments, and a chance to ask your questions will be provided.

FRIDAY

Crying Shames EP Release Show | March 21
Don't miss this all-ages show at Haven Music Hall on March 21! Crying Shames is celebrating their new EP Str8ness Isn't Real, joined by ER & the Other and Moncton's Real Rejects. Doors open at 8 pm, with the show starting at 9 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
Get ready for a night of great local music!

No Jokes Barred Comedy Show | March 21
Get ready for a wild night of comedy at Wasted Day Brewing! No Jokes Barred, Saint John’s legendary comedy showcase, is back with an all-star lineup hosted by Jon Forward. Expect everything from squeaky clean to bold humor, featuring Adam Blanchard, Ryan Whittaker, Jeremy Scott, and more. Doors open at 8 pm, with the show kicking off at 8:30 pm. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Plus, grab a 2-for-1 deal before they sell out!

SATURDAY

Birding for Beginners | March 22
Want to connect with nature? Join Hank Scarth from the Saint John Naturalists Club for a fun and informative workshop at the Rockwood Park Interpretation Centre. From 9am-12pm, you’ll learn birding basics, how to identify local species, and get tips on using binoculars. The session includes outdoor practice time and a chance to ask all your birding questions. Space is limited – sign up today. Free to attend with an optional donation.

Theresa Melanfant at Water Street Dinner Theatre | March 22
Don’t miss the Queen of The Blues, Theresa Melanfant, as she returns to the Water Street Dinner Theatre for a soulful evening with her musical partner Scott Medford. Doors open at 7:00pm, with the show starting at 7:30PM. Experience the raw power and emotion of her performance. 

Bob Flight Live at Drifter Brew Co. | March 22
Join us for a night of live music with Bob Flight at Drifter Brew Co. in Rothesay! Enjoy cold beer, great tunes, and an awesome atmosphere as Bob takes the stage from 7 pm to 9 pm. Admission is free, so bring your friends and make it a night to remember!

SUNDAY

Swiftie Trivia Night | March 23
Calling all Swifties! Get ready for an Enchanted evening at Gahan House Port City with a Taylor Swift-themed trivia night. Test your knowledge of all things T-Swizzle as you journey through her eras, with fun questions that’ll have you yelling "I Knew You Were Trouble!" Grab your squad (4-6 people) and come in your best Swiftie outfits. Prizes for the top team! Reserve your spot now before it fills up!

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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 who’s starting to show a little spring in the step! 👟

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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