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💭 Poutine Dreams Ahead
SJ Today
January 24, 2025
Good morning Saint John! Good morning Saint John! Do you hear that? It’s the collective sigh of relief that another weekend is upon us! 😮💨
Here’s the lowdown for the day:
Brighter horizon for Sunnyside tiny homes 🏡
Get your gravy boat ready 🚣
Help us with a new feature 🫶
Let’s get to scrollin’!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
SPONSORED
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Share your story with our readers and let them know what makes you unique. Advertise with us for morning visibility!
NEWS NOTES
🏘️ Tiny Homes, Big Conversations
A tiny-home community for Saint John is inching closer to reality—but not without a few bumps along the way.
The Sunnyside Tiny Home Community, proposed by United Way Maritimes, got a thumbs-up from the city’s planning advisory committee this week. The plan? Build 75-80 homes near Fernhill Cemetery and East Point Shopping. The goal? Provide permanent housing with wraparound support for people experiencing homelessness.
But not everyone’s sold. Some nearby residents and businesses worry about safety and the location, with one local business owner saying break-ins are already an issue. Meanwhile, supporters argue it’s a crucial step for tackling housing challenges in the city.
The next step is a public hearing with Saint John Common Council on Feb. 10, which will include discussions on permanently closing Sunnyside Avenue Right of Way to support the project.
🧷 Saint John’s Punk Scene Featured in The Globe and Mail
In a striking photo essay for The Globe and Mail, local photojournalist and documentarian Chris Donovan brings Saint John’s punk scene into the spotlight. His black-and-white shots capture the raw energy of local venues like Haven Music Hall, along with portraits of artists and the city’s foggy, industrial backdrop. It's a cool look at our city’s music culture. Check it out here.
🏆 Top Clicks of the Week
Here’s what you were clicking like it was your job this week—prepare to get caught up on all the local deets you missed!
Monday: Snow day information from ASD-S
Tuesday: Guest feature about when and how to appeal property assessments
Wednesday: Call for volunteers to help newcomers with tax filings
Thursday: Swing dance classes this weekend at Kent Theatre
🌟 Know a Local Who Deserves the Spotlight? Help Us Start Our New Feature!
We’re excited to introduce a brand-new feature called Locals You Should Know, and we need your help to make it awesome! Every Tuesday, we want to highlight incredible people from around the Saint John Region — whether they’re making a difference, pursuing a unique passion, or just doing something cool.
Do you know someone who fits the bill? Someone who's leading, creating, or simply inspiring others in unexpected ways? Drop us a message here and tell us about them. Let’s work together to celebrate the people who make our community great!
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
LOCAL BUSINESS
FOODIE FRIDAY
🍟✨🧀 Poutine Dreams Start Monday
Forget January blues—Uptown Poutine Week is here to warm your soul (and stretch your waistband). Starting Monday, 20+ restaurants are rolling out their wildest, cheesiest, and most mouthwatering takes on Canada’s unofficial dish. This is your chance to dive into gravy-drenched glory and make your taste buds sing.
Here’s what’s already tempting us:
Churchill's Lobster Bisque Poutine: Shucked Atlantic lobster and a bisque gravy so fancy you’ll want to eat it with your pinky out. Bonus? There’s a $37 "Showstopper" version if you’re feeling extra bougie.
Cask & Kettle’s Irish Poutine: Rosemary Parmesan fries, Shepherd’s Pie filling, and beer-battered cheese curds. Pair it with a pint of Murphy’s, and you’re basically in Dublin—without the airfare.
Britt’s Turkey Poutine: All the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner (turkey, stuffing, citrus cranberry) piled on fries. A holiday feast in every bite!
Saint John Ale House’s Big Brisket: Red wine gravy + pickles = your new winter survival kit.
East Coast Bistro’s French Onion Poutine: Caramelized onions, Gruyere, and a beefy onion gravy that turns a classic soup into a decadent dish.
We’re still waiting to hear from other Uptown legends like Big Tide, Port City Royal, VEGolution, and Lemongrass—but if these dishes are any sign, you’re going to want to bring your stretchy pants.
Can one person eat 20+ poutines in seven days? There’s only one way to find out. Check out the full menu lineup here and start planning your route—because this week will be gone faster than you can say “extra curds.”
SPONSORED BY FOGGY DOCS
An Evening of Insight and Inspiration: The Ride Ahead
The Ride Ahead is the third screening at Foggy Docs, a five-part film series showcasing acclaimed documentaries that explore themes of resilience, justice, and perseverance. This powerful film follows Samuel Habib, a 21-year-old navigating the complexities of adulthood with determination and guidance from disability activists
Stay after the film for a Q&A with SJ Today’s Geoff Walsh and Karen Powell, a Saint John resident and representative of the New Brunswick Coalition of Persons with Disabilities. As a power wheelchair user, Karen will offer her perspective on the realities of navigating infrastructure and services as a person with a disability, providing thoughtful insights into accessibility challenges in Saint John and New Brunswick.
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | 7:30 PM
BMO Studio Theatre, Uptown Saint John | Tickets: $15 + fees
EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
🗓️ Mark your calendar! Here are a few more things to look forward to over the next few weeks.
Five & Dime 80’s Party | January 31
Throw on your neon gear and step into the ultimate 80’s time warp at Five & Dime! DJ Jody will be spinning the best retro tunes—from pop anthems to synthwave beats—bringing the best of the 80’s back to life. With drink specials on brews, highballs, and wine, it’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend vibes early. Dress the part, tag your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable blast from the past!
Thandi's 15th Annual Chinese New Year Dinner | February 1
Celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake with a spectacular 8-course feast at Thandi's. This special evening features authentic dishes symbolizing good fortune, health, and happiness. The vibrant atmosphere will make for a memorable night with family and friends. Limited seats available, so grab your tickets soon for a delicious and lively celebration!
Classic Albums Live: The Eagles | February 7
Get ready for a night of iconic hits as Classic Albums Live recreates The Eagles' greatest album, note for note, cut for cut. With no costumes or impersonations, they focus purely on the music—bringing the timeless sound of The Eagles to life in its most authentic form. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable performance at 7:30 PM!
*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 WERE WE WEDNESDAY? 📸
📍 It’s been a chilly week, so on Wednesday, we warmed up with a coffee and the cozy glow of the fire at Catapult Coffee & Studio, Uptown. Big shoutout to Margot Stafford & Kathryn Melvin for correctly guessing over on Instagram & facebook ! Check back next week to see if you can guess where we are.
Tag @sjtoday.ca on Instagram to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 1:07 AM(Fri 24 January) | 2.37 m(7.78 ft) |
High Tide | 7:20 AM(Fri 24 January) | 6.79 m(22.26 ft) |
Low Tide | 1:44 PM(Fri 24 January) | 2.14 m(7.02 ft) |
High Tide | 7:55 PM(Fri 24 January) | 6.41 m(21.03 ft) |
Get Noticed in SJ Today!
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with a local we should know! ✨
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher