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- 🌸 Spring Clean for a Good Cause
🌸 Spring Clean for a Good Cause
SJ Today
March 14, 2025
Good morning Saint John, I have it on good authority that the ‘Guinness shortage’ has been sorted and you should be able to enjoy the good stuff this weekend at any of the local spots that pour it. 🍀
In today’s issue:
Summer construction projects 🦺
Give to the Free Store 📦
Can ya sing a shanty? ⚓
Have a great weekend!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
🚧 A Summer of Detours and New Sidewalks
If you thought last summer’s Charlotte Street construction was the grand finale of uptown roadwork, think again. The city is rolling out another season of digging, paving, and rerouting, but this time, they’re staggering start dates to keep the chaos somewhat contained.
First up: Carmarthen Street (mid-to-late April), where water mains and sewers are getting a glow-up alongside new sidewalks and bike lanes. Charlotte Street joins the party in June, while St. James Street waits until mid-July. All work is expected to wrap by September—assuming the construction gods allow it.
Residents are cautiously optimistic, mostly hoping they’ll still be able to park near their homes. The good news? The city promises smoother roads and prettier streetscapes. The bad news? Expect some creative detouring in the meantime. ($)
🛍️ Free Store Taking Donations This Saturday
Thanks to SJ Today subscriber Jenn Burnes for submitting this one! A local pop-up Free Store is gearing up for its next event on March 29 at the Nick Nicolle Community Centre, where anyone in need can pick up clothes, food, and essentials—no strings attached.
Organizers are collecting donations this Saturday (March 16), from 3-5pm at the Peel Plaza Parking Garage (75 Carleton St.), with one final drop-off on March 22 at the same time and location.
Jenn, who dropped off items at a previous event, says she loves that donations go directly to people in the community, not to a corporation. “If you could make someone's life easier, or bring a smile to their face even for a little while, especially when it is so easy to do, why wouldn't you?" she said.
Most-needed items include clothing for children and men, but all gently used essentials are welcome (no large furniture or used personal hygiene items). More details at @freestoresj.
👮♂️ New Chief for Kennebecasis Police
The Kennebecasis Regional Police Force has tapped a seasoned veteran for its top job. Mike Young, currently acting deputy chief in Saint John, will step in as chief on March 24, replacing the retiring Steve Gourdeau. With 26 years of service under his belt, including leading major crime and tactical teams, plus a UN peacekeeping stint in Haiti, Young brings plenty of experience to the role. He’s also racked up awards for his policing work, including a nod for pandemic response.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored. ($) indicates a third-party subscription may be required.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
💥 AREA 506 Announces 10-year Anniversary Line Up
Saint John’s biggest summer music fest is back, and it’s bringing some serious Canadian rock power. Alexisonfire, Arkells, and Broken Social Scene will headline the 10th annual AREA 506 on NB Day weekend, joined by Matt Mays, The Motorleague, Ria Mae, and more. Expect three days of music, food trucks, and waterfront vibes. Passes are on sale now, with early bird pricing at $229. Single-day tickets drop April 1.
⚓ Spring Tide: A Farewell to Winter Shantyfest | March 20-22
If you’ve got anything left in the tank after St. Paddy’s Day, set sail for Uptown Saint John as the Fundy Sea Shanty Festival brings three days of maritime music, themed dining, and hands-on workshops. With six shanty-singing groups, knot-tying lessons, a family-friendly Irish Céilí, and chowder singalongs at Steamers, this fest is packed with fun. Haven’t grabbed tickets yet? Hop to it—there’s too much good stuff to miss!
🇮🇪 Looking for St. Paddy’s Plans?
We rounded up all the best local St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Tuesday’s issue - from live music to Irish feasts and where to find the best pints. If you missed it, [check it out here] and plan your weekend before the green beer runs dry!
*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? 📸
📍 On Wednesday we went for dinner and snapped a pic of this pic of what we assume is a Bricklin - with legs - and enjoyed some pizza at Beer Bread uptown. This poster size pic is hanging predominately in the dining room, yet no one had the right guess. Suppose that means it’s time for you to go grab some pizza, or explore the rest of their amazing menu, and see this one for yourself!
Tag @sjtoday to get your photos featured!
SIDE NOTES
Today’s Tides 🌊
High Tide | 2:22 AM(Mon 17 March) | 7.57 m(24.84 ft) |
Low Tide | 8:36 AM(Mon 17 March) | 1.24 m(4.07 ft) |
High Tide | 2:42 PM(Mon 17 March) | 7.38 m(24.21 ft) |
Low Tide | 8:52 PM(Mon 17 March) | 1.47 m(4.82 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone that loves a good horn section! 🎺
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher