🤗 Smile for the Traffic Camera

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today - A newsletter for locals in the know and we’re totally cool with you sharing!

This issue includes:

• Today is Giving Tuesday 💗

• Will Saint John be the only city in the province to install traffic light cameras? 🚦

• Let’s cram a cop car full of food🥫

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Local Feature
Today is Giving Tuesday 🫶

Today’s the day to give back! While there are so many amazing organizations across our region, we’ve highlighted a few below that are doing great things in our community. Of course, any good deed for a cause you believe in is a great way to use this day—so let's make it count!

Imperial Theatre
A $5 donation gives a free seat to a child attending a school show—this season alone, 2,882 students will experience the magic of live theatre for free, with bus subsidies included. Donate here.

P.R.O. Kids
Help kids pursue their passions in sports, music, and art with 100% of donations going back to local youth. Imagine the opportunities your support can create! Donate here.

Saint John Theatre Company
Your donation supports 180+ performances, school tours, and education programs each year, bringing creativity and inspiration to our community. Donate here.

YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick
From sending kids to camp to helping seniors stay active, every dollar builds a stronger, more inclusive community. Donate here.

Bobby’s Hospice
Provide nourishing meals and compassionate care for those on their end-of-life journey. Every contribution brings comfort to patients and their families. Donate here.

Whether it’s a donation, volunteer time, or spreading the word, every little bit helps keep our community strong. Let’s show some love to the local organizations that give so much to us!

Know any local nonprofits that could use some extra promotional support?

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NEWS NOTES

Smile for Safety or Pose for Pocket Pick? 📷

Are red light cameras coming to Saint John? With speeding complaints tripling since 2020, the city is exploring the idea to curb bad driving habits. Public works director Tim O'Reilly says it’s time to weigh the costs of cameras against the benefits, like improved safety and fewer crashes.

Here’s the snag -  while cameras catch offenders, the province keeps 100% of the fines, leaving Saint John to cover the costs. Other cities, like Moncton and Bathurst, are holding off, but Saint John seems ready to dive into the details.

Could cameras save lives and free up police for bigger tasks? Maybe. For now, it’s all about the business case. Until then, ease up at intersections—it could just be a matter of time before drivers in Saint John get their closeup. (CBC NB)

Honouring Those in Blue and Beyond 🚔

The Kennebecasis Regional Police Force celebrated its finest at the Annual Awards Ceremony this past Friday. Officers, civilians, and community champions were recognized for their exceptional service and dedication, with awards ranging from the Community Service Gold Commendation to the Achiever Award.

Deputy Chief Mary Henderson and Board Chair Kevin Darling presented the honors, applauding winners like Cpl. Lindsey Mott, Linda Russell, and Bob McLaughlin for making the KV community stronger every day. Congratulations to all!

Market Bingo Has Us Shopping 🌟

Get your holiday hustle on at the Saint John City Market’s Christmas Market Bingo! Here’s the deal - every $20 you spend earns you a stamp on your bingo card—and if you shop on Thursday evenings (5–9pm) or Saturdays (7:30am–5pm), those stamps double. Translation - shop smarter, not harder.

Fill your card by December 21st, and you’re in the running for a prize so sweet it’s basically Christmas morning in a box! A one-night stay at the Delta Saint John, $100 Uptown Dollars, and $50 in City Market Money. 

The draw happens at 6pm on December 21st, so grab your bingo card at the Market and start stamping. Think of it as shopping with a purpose...and the purpose is winning!

Last Call for Faces of Fusion Nominations 👏

The countdown is on! Fusion Saint John is wrapping up nominations for this year’s Faces of Fusion awards, and the deadline is end of day today. These awards recognize individuals who are making Saint John a better place in categories like Entrepreneur/Business, Environmental/Sustainability, Arts & Culture, Saint John Champion, and New ‘Johner.’ Don’t miss your chance to nominate someone!

TONIGHT’S COUNCIL MEETING

📊 Quispamsis Town Council Meeting

On the agenda for tonight's Quispamsis Town Council meeting:

• Ritchie Lake Environmental Study
  Fundy Engineering will present on the Ritchie Lake baseline assessment and management plan, and council will consider applying for a grant for a water quality study.

• 2025 KV Daytime Transit Pilot Project
  Councillor Biggar will provide an update on the proposed pilot project aimed at improving local daytime transit services.

• Development Proposal - 258 Hampton Road
  Council will review a request to amend the development agreement for the Elmtree Hill Multiple Residential Apartment Development at 258 Hampton Road.

See Full Agenda

The meeting begins at 6 PM in the Council Chambers at Quispamsis Town Hall. The public is welcome to attend or you can watch the live stream.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

WEDNESDAY

Wine Wednesday at The Five & Dime | December 4
Here’s something to wine about! Every Wednesday from 5pm ‘til close, enjoy great deals on bottles like Pinot Grigio for $20, Sauvignon Blanc for $26, and more, all while vibing to classic vinyl tunes. Visit 40 Grannan Street for the perfect mid-week unwind!

THURSDAY

Yip Cider’s Customer Appreciation Night | December 5
Join Yip Cider for an evening of fun, gratitude, and great company at their 3rd Annual Customer Appreciation Night! From 6-9pm, enjoy live music by Dave Hansen (7–9pm), free appetizers, and exclusive deals like BOGO 50% off draft ciders and 15% off Yip apparel. Plus, you could win a fabulous Yip prize! It’s their way of saying thanks for your support—cheers to another amazing year!

A Cowboy Christmas | December 5
Get ready for laughs with The Phoenix’s western holiday comedy! Doors open at 6:30pm with dinner served at 7pm and the show beginning at 7:45pm. Choose between a $25 Dessert & Show ticket or a $60 3-Course Dinner & Show ticket. 

SATURDAY

Cram a Cruiser Food Drive | December 7
Help turn a police cruiser into a holiday sleigh! The Kennebecasis Regional Police Force is hosting their annual “Cram a Cruiser” event at the KV Superstore from 11am-1pm. Drop by with donations for the KV Food Basket and meet the officers making spirits bright. Your generosity could make a world of difference this season—plus, when else do you get to see a cop car filled with food?

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📸 @Eunice Flores | 📍 King Square

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SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

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Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone whose had one too many speeding tickets! 💨

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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