😱 Property assessment got you reeling?

Good morning, Saint John! Anyone else get excited before bed thinking about how good that morning coffee’s going to be? Pour a big one—it’s only Tuesday! ☕

Here’s what we’re pouring over:

• Property assessments are out 💸

• City reviewing proposal for Wolastoq Park 🏞️

• Poutine Fest is coming 🍛 

Cheers!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
Spread the Word! 📣

Share your local business story with our readers. Advertise in our newsletter for maximum reach!

NEWS NOTES

📬 Property Assessment Notices Are Here
New Brunswick property owners are checking their mailboxes today as 2025 property assessments were officially sent out yesterday. Thanks to a hot real estate market and new builds, the province’s assessment base jumped 8.7% this year, reaching $97.2 billion. Not happy with your numbers? You can request a review by Feb. 19, free of charge. Details on how to do this are included with your notice or available at Service NB online.

🔎 Understanding Your Assessment, from an Insider
Opening your property assessment notice can be a little nerve-wracking—but we’ve got you covered. Former Service NB assessor and author Jerry Iwanus (Taxing New Brunswick: An Insider’s Guide to Successfully Challenging Your NB Property Assessment) has written an exclusive guest column for SJ Today. In Your Property Assessment Notice is Here – Now What? Jerry shares insider tips, breaks down the process, and explains when it’s worth filing a review. Curious? Read his full guide here!

🎭 Saint John Theatre Company Gets a Boost for the BMO Studio Theatre! 

The spotlight is on the Saint John Theatre Company, which just scored a $50,000 grant from the Government of Canada! This investment will help update the BMO Studio Theatre with new equipment and improvements, ensuring it remains a special place for local performances and arts events. The news came as part of a $2.8 million cultural boost for New Brunswick announced yesterday in Fredericton. 

🏆 Quispamsis Cyclist Recognized for Canadian Para-cyclist Award

Quispamsis’ own Alexandre Hayward was a finalist for the 2024 Canadian Para-cyclist of the Year award, finishing strong with 29.1% of the vote. While he didn’t claim the top spot, Hayward’s recognition among some of Canada’s top para-cyclists is definitely a noteworthy achievement! Congratulations to Alexandre for representing Quispamsis on the national stage!

Got a Local Scoop?

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

CIVIC NEWS

🌳 City Review of Wolastoq Park Changes Coming Up

You’ve probably heard by now about the changes proposed for Wolastoq Park. JD Irving is looking to add more parking for workers at the nearby pulp mill, which would involve redesignating part of the park for commercial use.

Now, the City of Saint John is preparing to consider these amendments to the Municipal Development Plan and Zoning By-Law at the regular Council meeting on February 10. If you’re curious about the plan, it includes keeping 70% of the park for public use, along with a new pedestrian bridge, safer staircases, a running trail, and improved bus stops.

Want to weigh in? You can register for the public hearing by emailing [email protected].

See JDI's full plan here.

🏗️ Hampton’s New Community Hub Kicks Off Capital Campaign

The new Regional Multipurpose Centre in Hampton is taking shape, and now the fundraising begins! Aiming to raise $4 million, the Capital Campaign is officially underway to help complete the 44,000-square-foot facility. Led by Mark Bettle, the campaign will offer community members the chance to contribute and leave a lasting legacy. Want to learn more or get involved? Reach out to Jennifer at [email protected].

SPONSORED
Be the Talk of the Town! 🏙️

Put your business in the hands of your neighbors. Advertise with us and watch your audience grow!

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Here are a few things to look forward to in the weeks and months ahead.

Uptown Poutine Fest | January 27 - February 2
Finally, something to banish those winter blues—a big ol’ helping of comfort food, and we’re leading the way! Uptown Poutine Fest is back, bigger, cheesier, and even more mouthwatering than before. From January 27th to February 2nd, we’re diving into a smorgasbord of poutines, piled high with gravy, cheese, and fries crispy enough to make you want to do a happy dance. First stop? Whoever’s serving up tater tots—we’re all about those little crunchy potato nuggets of joy!

Saint John Theatre Company Presents The Price | February 19-22, 2025
Saint John Theatre Company brings Arthur Miller’s Tony-nominated masterpiece to the stage, where estranged brothers face unresolved conflicts after their father’s death. Catch this powerful exploration of family dynamics at the BMO Studio Theatre. Tickets are $30 regular and $25 for Main Stage subscribers. Performance times are 7:30pm. Industry Night is February 19 with $25 tickets for theatre-makers. 

Love on Tap: Speed Dating | March 12
Ok dudes, ready to find your match without swiping left or right? Get out from behind the screen and join the fun at Churchill’s Pub & Steakhouse! Plenty of women have already signed up, so guys get movin’! The first round is for the 40-55 crowd from 6-7:45pm, followed by Group 2 (30-45) from 8-9:30pm. For $35, you’ll get a complimentary drink to help kickstart the conversation. It's your chance to meet someone who actually shows up! Hurry, space is limited.

Got an Event to Share?

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

YOUR PICS
@SJTODAY

📸 Nan Labadens | 📍 Saints Rest Beach

Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Eyes on You!

Want to catch Saint John’s attention? Baseline ads in SJ Today put your message front and center, mingling with the latest news and stories. It’s a simple, effective way to be seen by locals. Ready to stand out? Let’s make it happen!*

^{_{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who could actually benefit from a little less caffeine. 📤 

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

Did I Miss Something?