🐶 Protect Your Pup!

Author

SJ Today
April 07, 2025

Good morning Saint John! If you’re dreading another Monday, today is also National Beer Day – so, there’s something to look forward to. 🍻

Here’s what we’re cracking into this morning:

  • Irving pulls parking lot proposal ❌

  • Protect your pup from parvovirus 🦠

  • High School Musical kicks off this week 🎭

Cheers to a great week!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Connect with local families and build your community presence. Advertise in our newsletter today!

NEWS NOTES

🛑 Parking Lot Proposal Hits the Curb

JDI’s plan to turn part of Wolastoq Park into a 500-stall parking lot is officially off. After a tense council meeting ended in a tie, Mayor Donna Reardon cast the deciding vote in favour of a five-year temporary rezoning -  a compromise meant to balance industry needs with public pushback.

Irving wasn’t having it. They withdrew the application on Friday, calling the city’s conditions unworkable. For now, the park stays a park.

🐾 Parvovirus Alert: Keep Your Pups Protected

Heads up, dog owners! A rise in canine parvovirus cases has been reported in New Brunswick, following similar outbreaks in Nova Scotia. While not new, it’s a virus that has vets on edge.

Look out for symptoms like sudden, watery diarrhea and vomiting. If your dog starts showing signs, it’s best to contact the vet. While there’s no cure, vaccines are your dog’s best defence. Keep up to date with shots, and avoid places where the virus could be lurking.

🍩 Little Boss on the Beat 

The Saint John Police are handing over the badge, but only to someone under 4 feet tall and under 13. The annual Chief for a Day contest is back, giving one lucky local kid (aged 5-12) a chance to run the show during National Police Week, May 11-17. All it takes is a one-page essay about your hero. Deadline is May 9, and yes, the day includes sirens, squad cars, and likely some donuts.

💸 Grand Bay-Westfield's Spring Grant Program Now Open

Got a community project in Grand Bay-Westfield? The Town’s spring 2025 Community Grant Program is offering up to $12,000 to support local ideas, big or small! Whether you’re an individual, group, or organization, if your project aligns with the town’s goals, they want to hear from you.

Apply by April 30, 2025, for a chance to bring your vision to life. The application form is available online or at the Town Office…easy peasy! Just fill it out and email it in, or drop it off.

THIS WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETINGS

⚖️ Saint John Council Meeting - Monday April 7, 2025

  • Money for Greener Buildings – Council will review a Natural Resources Canada grant agreement to boost energy efficiency in municipal and water facilities.

  • Big Fixes Coming to Main Street – Upgrades to Main Street’s active transportation infrastructure are up for approval, including new work to make walking and biking safer.

  • Audit Call on Snow Response – Councillor Sullivan will formally request an internal audit of the city's winter management plan.

  • Paving Priorities – City staff will update timelines for milling and repaving local roads under the asphalt resurfacing contracts.

  • Zoning Change for Crisis Care – A final reading is scheduled for a by-law amendment that would allow a crisis care facility, a key step in local housing and health efforts.

The meeting starts at 6pm at City Hall. You can attend in person or watch via livestream or on Rogers TV.

📐 Quispamsis Planning Advisory Committee - Tuesday April 8, 2025

  • Garden Suite Request – A proposal is on the table to add a secondary dwelling (aka a garden suite) at 20 Evergreen Park Drive. If approved, it could be a small step toward easing KV housing demand.

  • Rezoning Recap – Council will officially receive notice of decision from PAC on the rezoning of 236 Hampton Road.

The meeting starts at 6pm, Tuesday, at Quispamsis Town Hall and can also be viewed via livestream. 

🏛️Hampton Town Council - Tuesday April 8, 2025

  • New Development Agreement – Council will vote on a development agreement for 41 Centennial Road, potentially paving the way for more housing or commercial use near the town centre.

  • New Home on Logie Drive – A building permit request is up for review for a single-family home on Logie, signalling continued residential growth.

  • Budget Adjustments – Council will look at updates to the 2025 general operating and capital budgets.

The meeting starts at 7pm on Tuesday at Hampton Town Hall. Public is welcome.

We can help! Advertise with us and be seen by readers enjoying their morning coffee!

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

Here are a few things to look forward to this week. Don’t forget to send us your events any time!

TONIGHT

Biblio Cup Book Club | April 7
Love books? Join the first meeting of The Biblio Cup Book Club at The Write Cup Bookstore Café. Whether you're new to book clubs or just looking for more, this is the perfect chance to meet fellow book lovers, discuss future reads, and shape the club's direction. It’s all happening at 7 PM.

Retro Film: The Maltese Falcon | April 7
Catch the classic The Maltese Falcon at the Imperial Theatre. Follow detective Sam Spade, played by Humphrey Bogart, as he navigates a web of deceit and danger over a priceless statuette. This iconic 1941 film kicks off at 7 PM. Tickets are just $10. Don’t miss this timeless noir thriller!

TUESDAY

Trivia Night at Gridiron Brewing | April 8
Get ready for a night of laughs and friendly competition at Gridiron Brewing’s Trivia Night! Whether you're bringing a team, joining one, or flying solo, it's free to play. Grab a beer, test your knowledge, and enjoy a fun, laid-back evening. It all starts at 7 PM!

WEDNESDAY

High School Musical – Opening Night | April 9-12
Catch Rothesay High School’s production of High School Musical on opening night! Join the fun at 7 PM for a lively performance filled with music, dance, and school spirit. Doors open at 6:30 PM. This show runs for 3.5 hours, so come early to get settled!

THURSDAY

Fauré’s Requiem with Symphony New Brunswick | April 10
Join Symphony New Brunswick and Choeur Louisbourg for a powerful performance of Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem. Featuring soprano Kirsten Leblanc and baritone Samuel Chan, this classical masterpiece is sure to stir the soul. The concert takes place at the Imperial Theatre at 7:30 PM. Tickets start at $20 for students, with a special rate for members and free entry for children 12 and under.

FRIDAY

Handworks Underground - The Artists Client | April 11-12
For two days only, Handworks Gallery opens its doors to an exclusive Studio Sale. Local artists will showcase unique artworks, including original pieces on paper and canvas, experimental art, and hidden gems straight from their personal collections. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to snag something special at a great price. This in-person event is a must for art lovers!

Got an Event to Share?

*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.

YOUR PICS
@SJTODAY.CA

📸 Anton K Visuals | 📍 Irving Nature Park

Tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Low Tide

2:17 AM(Mon 07 April)

2.01 m(6.59 ft)

High Tide

8:27 AM(Mon 07 April)

7.19 m(23.59 ft)

Low Tide

2:53 PM(Mon 07 April)

1.65 m(5.41 ft)

High Tide

9:06 PM(Mon 07 April)

6.97 m(22.87 ft)

Be Part of the Local Scene!

Looking to connect with the Saint John community? Our baseline ads get your message into the daily mix of local news and updates. Short, sharp, and impactful, it’s the perfect way to reach readers right where they are. Reach out to learn more!*

*indicates sponsored content

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who can’t wait for patio season! 🌞

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

Did I Miss Something?