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🏊 Canada Games, Wolastoq Park & Kids Cuts
SJ Today
April 03, 2025
Good morning, Saint John! Ever read SJ Today from the salon chair? Probably not one shaped like a car... well, it’s a thing now! 🚗
Here’s the lowdown for the day:
Canada Games return 🏆
Special Council meeting tonight 🌇
Salon for kids opens in Saint John 🫧
Let’s get into it!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🏅 Saint John & Moncton Set to Host 2029 Canada Games
The Saint John Region and Moncton are teaming up to host the 2029 Canada Summer Games, bringing thousands of athletes, volunteers, and fans to New Brunswick for two weeks of top-tier competition. Both cities expect a big economic boost, upgraded facilities, and a chance to show off our region on the national stage!
Premier Susan Holt put it best: “We’re excited to welcome folks from across the country and show off everything we love about our beautiful province.” Translation? World-class competition, plenty of hospitality, and some of the nation’s best beer to celebrate the wins.
💼 Helping PhDs and MDs Find Meaningful Work
Our region has serious brainpower, but internationally trained PhDs and MDs often hit a wall finding work. Enter the International Postgraduate Pilot Initiative, a new program from Envision Saint John and friends, helping highly skilled newcomers actually put those degrees to use.
The 2025 pilot will take on 10 participants, offering career coaching, networking, and a crash course in making their qualifications count. With UNB, ConnexionWorks, WorkingNB, the YMCA, PRUDE Inc., and the United Way pitching in, it’s a full-court press to get these pros where they belong. Applications are open until April 30.
🗣️ Council Keeps the Mic Hot, No Time Limit Cuts
A motion to cut public hearing speaking times from 10 minutes to five was narrowly shot down at the last city council meeting. Counc. Barry Ogden had hoped to make meetings more efficient after some residents missed their turn to speak earlier this year. But a majority of councillors stuck with 10 minutes, arguing it's fair and manageable. ($)
⚖️ Special Council Meeting Tonight on Wolastoq Park Zoning
A special City of Saint John council meeting will be held this evening at 5:15pm to discuss the controversial zoning change for JDI’s Wolastoq Park development. The public hearing will focus on rezoning 221, 251, and 271 Lancaster Avenue. Attend in person or watch via livestream. See full agenda here.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored. ($) Indicates a third party subscription may be required.
LOCAL BUSINESS
✂️ Grand Opening This Weekend - Bubbles Salon for Kids!
Getting a kid’s haircut shouldn’t be an ordeal, and at Bubbles, it’s not. Located at the Superstore on Rothesay Ave., this new Saint John salon is designed just for little ones, and their parents, who know the struggle of finding a welcoming space for wiggly, nervous, or sensory-sensitive kids.
Local mom Alex Weaver Crawford knows that struggle firsthand. “I asked my hairdresser, who I love, ‘Would you take my kid?’ And he was like, ‘I don’t do kids.’” The few options she did find? “Not a great experience.” That frustration led her to create Bubbles, inspired by the kid-friendly salons she grew up with in Calgary and saw in Australia.
With a background in architecture and design, Alex set out to create a fun, engaging space for kids. The salon features kid-sized styling stations, including a taxi cab, a carousel-style pony, and a vintage car (with more fun seats on the way). It’s a place where kids can be themselves, no judgment. “Meltdowns? Bring them on,” Alex says. “You don’t want to get your haircut today? That’s fine.”
The space also caters to sensory-sensitive children. There's a dedicated room featuring a customizable, low-light, low-noise area where kids can ease in before their appointment. “If a kid needs time to get comfortable, we make that happen,” Alex explains.
Staffing has been just as intentional. Alex is building a team of stylists who genuinely enjoy working with kids, including parents looking for flexible hours and specialists in textured hair.
Bubbles is also about community. The salon has partnered with BGC Greater Saint John to provide free haircuts to kids in need - one for every Bubbles hoodie sold. Alex hopes to collaborate with other local businesses for family-friendly initiatives.
Understanding that parents need weekend options, Bubbles is open Wednesday to Sunday, because sometimes Sunday is the only day to cross one more thing off the list.
The grand opening is this Saturday, kicking off Saint John’s newest family-friendly destination, where haircuts are fun, stress-free, and easy to fit into your busy schedule. Book your appointment now!
*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’
Weekend Preview
Here’s a peek at some of the fun and exciting events happening around the region this weekend.
TODAY
Pop-Up Wedding Dress Sale | April 3
Head to the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre for a one-day-only bridal event! From 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, browse over 600 designer wedding gowns (sizes 2-28) at discounts up to 80% off. General admission is free, or grab an Early Access VIP ticket for $40 to skip the line, get first dibs on dresses, and apply the cost towards your gown purchase.
First Thursdays at Wasted Day | April 3
Join Fusion Saint John for their First Thursday event at Wasted Day Brewing, from 5-7 pm. Whether you're flying solo or bringing friends, it's a relaxed evening of making new connections and great conversation. No RSVP needed, just show up! The venue is accessible upon request, with gender-neutral bathrooms available. See you there for a fun evening out!
FRIDAY
Grunge Happy Hour | April 4
Slip into your one-stars and kick off the weekend at Five & Dime on Friday from 4-7 pm with a throwback Happy Hour featuring DJ Dan spinning all your favorite 90’s grunge and alternative rock tracks! Enjoy drink specials like $6 microbrews, $5 highballs and Moosehead, and $6 house wine. Come for the tunes, stay for the vibes – grab your friends and relive the glory days!
Friday Jazz at Trinity Galleries | April 4
This Friday night, catch the smooth sounds of jazz pianist Robby Robichaud and bassist Pat Chnapz at Trinity Galleries! The music starts at 7 pm, with doors opening at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $20, and reservations are recommended, but drop-ins are welcome. For reservations, call 506-634-1611.
Kylie Fox Live | April 4
Catch Kylie Fox at the BMO Studio Theatre on April 4 as part of her There Are Only So Many Great Nights tour. With her five-piece band, she'll perform songs from her acclaimed album Sequoia (2024), featuring harmonies, flute solos, and intimate storytelling.
SATURDAY
Author Bill Hicks at The Write Cup | April 5
On Saturday, The Write Cup Bookstore Café is hosting Bill Hicks, author of the picture book I Rust, Therefore I Am. It’s the perfect opportunity to chat with the author, grab a copy, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of this popular new spot.
Doctor Mother Father Live | April 5
Head to Haven Music Hall & Café on April 5 to catch the legendary locals Doctor Mother Father, joined by Radiator and Scout Mouse! Doors open at 8 pm, with the show starting at 9 pm. This all-ages event is just $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
Snowed In Comedy Tour | April 5
Laugh the night away with the Snowed In Comedy Tour at the Imperial Theatre! Celebrating 16 years of uproarious success, this Canadian comedy powerhouse features four top comedians: Just for Laughs winner Dan Quinn, Great Canadian Laugh Off winner Paul Myrehaug, 6-time Canadian Comedian of the Year nominee Pete Zedlacher, and Debaters' regular Erica Sigurdson. With years of accolades and standing ovations, this show promises a flurry of laughs! Tickets are $25.
Sandman Metallica Tribute | April 5
Get ready for an unforgettable night as Sandman, a top Metallica tribute act, takes the stage at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre! Experience the high-energy performance that brings Metallica’s legendary hits to life. Tickets are just $45 – don’t miss out on this amazing tribute show!
SUNDAY
Farm Life Experience | April 6
Get outdoors and experience farm life at Belding Hill Farms on April 6! Meet friendly animals like pigs, sheep, cows, and bunnies, and explore the farm with Farmer Luke & Jill. Enjoy fresh air, beautiful scenery, and hands-on learning about agriculture. The farm is open 10am-4pm, and it's the perfect weekend outing for families or animal lovers.
Trivia Night at Cask & Kettle Westfield | April 6
Trivia returns to Cask & Kettle in Westfield on April 6! Gather your team and test your knowledge for a chance to win prizes while enjoying $6 mimosas, Caesars, and draughts, plus $4.50 wings and things. The fun starts at 6:30 pm - call ahead to reserve your spot at 506-217-9511!
*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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SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 4:03 AM(Thu 03 April) | 8.13 m(26.67 ft) |
Low Tide | 10:25 AM(Thu 03 April) | 0.76 m(2.49 ft) |
High Tide | 4:39 PM(Thu 03 April) | 7.52 m(24.67 ft) |
Low Tide | 10:51 PM(Thu 03 April) | 1.39 m(4.56 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who needs some additional reading. 📖
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher