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Not just a puddle...
SJ Today
February 26, 2025
Good morning, Saint John! You know those puddles that look shallow but turn out to be small lakes? Yeah, I found one on foot yesterday, right after my car broke down. Lesson learned: when the snow melts, proper footwear is just as important as a working engine. Stay dry out there! 🛟
Here’s what’s making a splash today:
More child-care spaces coming by 2026 🛝
Some fun ways to spend March break 🗓️
Spend the summer at AREA 506 🌊
Happy Wednesday!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🚧 Parking Lot Proposal Hits Pause at Wolastoq Park
Saint John council has delayed a decision on a massive parking lot proposal at Wolastoq Park. JDI’s plan, tied to a $1.1-billion pulp mill expansion, seeks approval for rezoning to build 500 new spaces. Some council members are on board, but concerns over losing green space and the impact on traffic have the council thinking twice. While some want a compromise, others question if the park, located on private land, should stay as is. The proposal is now back in the hands of city staff for further talks.
👶 New Child-Care Spaces for Families Across NB
Big news for New Brunswick parents! The province is rolling out 3,600 new designated child-care spaces, with 2,031 already up and running. These spaces are being added in high-demand areas to help families get off waitlists and save some serious cash. And with support from both federal and provincial funding, the goal is to have even more spaces open by 2026. Plus, the province is making sure early childhood educators are taken care of, too, because everyone knows it takes a village.
🚰 Rothesay’s Wastewater Treatment Upgrade: Big Changes Ahead
Rothesay is getting a major wastewater upgrade, thanks to funding from Infrastructure Canada. The town is replacing its lagoon system with a sleek, new mechanical wastewater treatment facility along the Kennebecasis River. The project, led by Dillon Consulting and Jacobs Engineering, is already underway, with an environmental impact assessment in progress. Want the full scoop? Check out the project details and informational video on Rothesay's website. Have questions or feedback? Reach out by March 14.
🌸 NB Schools Go Pink for Anti-Bullying Day
Today’s the day! GNB and the Anglophone South School District are encouraging everyone to wear pink in support of anti-bullying efforts. What started in Nova Scotia as a simple show of kindness has grown into a worldwide movement, and schools throughout New Brunswick are proud to take part. Join in, wear pink, and help spread the message of kindness.
🎤 Get Ready for the Tragically Hip Musical in 2026
The Tragically Hip's legendary music is hitting the stage in a brand-new jukebox musical! It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken, named after their hit from In Violet Light (2002), will bring Gord Downie's iconic lyrics to life. Produced by Michael Rubinoff (of Come From Away fame), the musical promises a powerful mix of storytelling and Hip classics, celebrating Canadian culture. The show will premiere in Hamilton, Ontario, in 2026, with an open casting call happening March 9. Hip fans, get ready, we’re sure it won’t be long until it takes a national tour.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL BUSINESS
🚢 How Does A Summer on the Waterfront Sound to You?
If your business has been wanting to join the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village, now’s the time to make it happen. With only a couple of spaces left, now’s the time to secure a spot for 2025! Share your details here.
🎨 What’s in the Box? A Night of Art & Mystery
Step into Saint John’s vibrant art scene with an evening full of creativity, community, and a little mystery! The Saint John Arts Centre’s What’s in the Box? fundraiser returns on Thursday, April 17, from 7-9 pm. Enjoy a lively night out with great food and drinks—all while supporting local artists. Feeling lucky? You could fill out a ballot to take home an original artwork, sight unseen, from one of over 50 talented creators for just $100. Tickets are $75, with a $25 tax receipt, and mystery box ballots are optional. Come for the fun, leave with a masterpiece!
💬 Your Opinion, Please
Reader Brenda sent us an interesting idea: what if the old Exhibition Raceway became a giant skating track starting in 2026? Think Halifax’s Oval, but Saint John style. Worth lacing up for? |
*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’
March Break Fun
Looking for ways to keep the kids busy next week during March Break? Whether they’re into movies, music, crafts, or history, there’s something happening every day. Here are a few things to check out:
✍️ Henna Workshop | March 1, 10:30am
Learn about henna and get a free design at East Branch Library.
📖 Saint John Free Public Library | March 2-9
Daily March Break fun at Market Square, from a Dr. Seuss celebration to spy school, puppet shows, kids’ karaoke, and more.
🎬 Free Movie at Imperial | March 3, 2pm
Imperial Theatre is showing Chicken Run (2000) adventure for free, thanks to Alex & Lily’s.
🍃 Inside Out March Break Camp | March 3-7, 9am-5pm
Kids aged 5-13 can spend the week exploring nature at Lily Lake Pavilion. Activities include snowshoeing, snow games, arts & crafts, and nature hikes. Registration is open now—email [email protected] to sign up!
📚 Indigo at East Point | March 3-9, 1pm daily
Daily themed activities, from Lego to Bluey crafts.
🎤 Mini Pop Kids | March 4, 1:30pm
Sing and dance along to family-friendly hits at Imperial Theatre.
🧵 The Sewist Workshops | March 4-7
From theme park merch to plushies and pajamas, The Sewist has creative camps all week.
🎭 As You Like It (Reimagined) | March 6, 7:30pm
A bold take on Shakespeare at Imperial Theatre (ages 14+).
⚔️ History Talks | March 8
Dive into the Seven Years’ War and Acadian history at Place Fort LaTour with a talk at the Saint John Free Public Library at Market Square.
*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. Hit reply and take your best guess at this location!
Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 4:09 AM(Wed 26 February) | 1.46 m(4.79 ft) |
High Tide | 10:17 AM(Wed 26 February) | 7.81 m(25.62 ft) |
Low Tide | 4:37 PM(Wed 26 February) | 0.93 m(3.05 ft) |
High Tide | 10:44 PM(Wed 26 February) | 7.58 m(24.87 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that knows how to turn left from Metcalf to Main. 🚦
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher