📰 Rainy Day Reads

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - the newsletter with the unmitigated gull to ask you to share us with your friends!

Here are a few items in today’s edition:

• Messy weather today, so be prepared ☔

• Tax cuts + utility increases in Quispamsis 📉

• Saint John opens community grants applications 📝

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

Brace for Rain and Wind Today 🌧️

Heavy rain and strong winds are set to hit Saint John Region this morning and continue through tomorrow. Expect 30-50 mm of rain and wind gusts up to 90-100 km/h, which could cause localized flooding, flying debris, and power outages.

The municipalities are advising residents to:

• Clear gutters and catch basins.

• Secure loose items.

• Drive cautiously and avoid water-covered roads.

• Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit.

Municipal crews and the SJ-EMO are on standby to respond as needed. To report flooding, call 506-658-4455. For power issues, contact Saint John Energy 
at 506-658-5252 or NB Power at 1 800 663-6272

The 2025 Tax and Utility Rundown for Quispamsis 📊

Quispamsis has set its 2025 budget, and here’s the financial scoop: property tax rates are down slightly, with homeowners now paying $1.2599 per $100 of assessment—a 1.78-cent drop. Businesses see a 3.03-cent reduction, bringing their rate to $2.1418.

On the flip side, sewer rates are rising from $555 to $577 annually (up $22), and water bills are climbing 4.1%. The fixed water charge jumps from $268 to $279, while usage rates also increase slightly.

For most residents, the property tax savings will help soften the blow of higher utility fees, but you might still notice a small overall increase. Full budget details, including the $37.2 million operating fund and $7 million capital plan, will be posted soon on the town’s website. 

Funding Alert for Saint John Non-Profits! 💡

Got a big idea to strengthen our community? The City of Saint John’s Community Grants Program is here to help. With over $1 million awarded since 2015, the program supports non-profits delivering services that foster inclusion, wellness, and engagement.

Grants are available for operating costs, short-term projects, and special events that align with council priorities. Whether you need funding for admin expenses, seed money for a new initiative, or support for a cultural or recreational event, this program can help make it happen.

Applications are now open. To stand out, show innovation, collaboration, and long-term impact.The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025.

Saint John Boosts Nature-Based Childcare with $125K 🏕️

Kidssa, grab your boots and bug spray—Saint John just greenlit a $125K boost for the YMCA’s nature-inspired after-school program at the Glenn Carpenter Centre. This $5-million project is transforming the 90-hectare Ashburn Lake site into a year-round hub for outdoor learning, recreation, and community events.

The new facility, opening in January, adds 90 after-school spots and expands summer camps. Mayor Donna Reardon hailed the project for its economic and social perks, while YMCA CEO Shilo Boucher said it’s 90% funded.

From snowy hikes to sunny scavenger hunts, local kids will trade screen time for stream time. (CBC NB)

Centre for Youth Care Scores $24,000! 🎉

Big congratulations to the Centre for Youth Care Inc., selected at last night’s 100 Women Who Care Greater Saint John event to receive $24,000! Since 1971, this non-profit has been supporting at-risk youth and families, focusing on building life skills, family connections, and providing a safe, supportive environment. This generous donation will help further their mission to empower vulnerable youth. Learn more about their work here.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TONIGHT

Christmas Crafting for the Soul | December 11
Get festivity creative tonight with Divine Studios! Join art therapist Alisha D'Souza and art teacher Anna Merrithew for a festive crafting session filled with joy and healing. Make Christmas cards, ornaments, and more—no experience needed. Register here: artstudiodivine.com

THURSDAY

Thursday Nights at the City Market | December 12
Get your holiday shopping done late! The Saint John City Market is open until 9 p.m. every Thursday through December. While you’re there, join the fun with Christmas Market Bingo—earn 1 stamp for every $10 spent (double stamps on Thursdays and Saturdays!) and increase your chances to win amazing prizes. Support local, shop big, and soak in the festive vibes!

Twinkle Tour 2024 | December 12 & 13
All aboard for a magical holiday journey! Gentle Path Counselling Services invites you on a festive coach tour through Saint John, Rothesay, and Quispamsis to see the twinkliest lights around. Enjoy music, caroling, games, snacks, and surprise treats from Santa! Two 2-hour tours Thursday & Friday - tickets are $25.

FRIDAY

Accessing Health Care & My Health NB App | December 13
Join Dominique Daigle from Horizon Health Network at the Rothesay Hive on Friday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. to learn how to access health care in NB and register for the My Health NB app. Bring your Medicare card and device (smartphone/tablet) for registration support. Registration is required—call (506) 799-9240 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot!

RVHS Christmas Movie Night | December 13
Grand Bay-Westfield is bringing holiday cheer to River Valley Middle School with a screening of The Grinch (Jim Carrey’s live-action version)! Join the fun on Friday, Dec. 13, at 6:30pm.Admission is just $3 at the door, with a cash canteen available for snacks. Kids under 10 must bring an adult along—no Grinches allowed!

Got an Event to Share?

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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. This is an easy one! Tell us your guess on Facebook. 

Tag @sjtoday on Facebook to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who is constantly quoting lines from movies you haven’t seen in years. 🎞️

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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