🏖️ Tourism Hot Takes?

Good morning, Saint John! Could this be the start of the great thaw? A few days of rain and highs of 4-5°C might get things moving…messy, but we’ll take it!

Here’s what we’re talking about today:

• YMCA announces 2025 Red Triangle gala 🔺

• What’s the best tourist attraction in NB? 🏖️

• The SPCA could have a new home 🐶

Happy Tuesday!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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NEWS NOTES

🏆 Celebrate Community Leaders at the YMCA Red Triangle Awards

The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick’s 35th Annual Red Triangle Awards Gala is set for Wednesday, April 23, celebrating two outstanding community leaders, and you’re invited!

This year’s Red Triangle Award goes to Janet Thompson-Price, a lifelong advocate for newcomers who has spent decades championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Meanwhile, the Leader to Watch Award honours Cameron Keyes, a dedicated young leader making a real impact as a community champion.

The gala, presented by Emera New Brunswick, supports the Strong Communities Campaign, ensuring YMCA programs remain accessible to all. Tickets are $125 each or $1,000 for a 10 pack.

Support the Y, celebrate local leadership, and enjoy a night of inspiration! Get more info or contact Kendra Gautreau at [email protected] for tickets. 

💬 Tourism Talk, What’s Your Hot Take?

Ever had a strong opinion about the best beach, most underrated attraction, or the one thing tourists must try in NB? Now’s your chance to spill. Explore NB is asking locals to dish on what makes this place great and what could be better. With tourism bringing in $2.5 billion a year and supporting 40,000 jobs, they want fresh ideas to keep things booming. So, got thoughts? Take the survey and let ’em know!

🐾 Saint John SPCA Moves Closer to a Bigger, Better Home

Great news for Saint John’s four-legged citizens, the SPCA is one step closer to a much-needed new facility! A unanimous yes at the Planning Advisory Committee meeting means 801 Loch Lomond Rd. could soon be home to a shelter actually designed for animals.

Right now, the SPCA is cramming up to 150 animals a day into a drafty, industrial space. The new location? Bigger, better, and built for wagging tails and tiny paws.

Manager Joan Richardson is hopeful, and the council seems on board. The next steps are a public hearing on March 10. If all goes well, the SPCA will soon have room to breathe, and plenty of space for all those fluffies waiting for their forever homes! ($)

💼 New Program Matches Saint John Teens with Jobs

A new initiative is helping local high school students gain real-world skills while filling urgent staffing needs. The Government of Canada is investing $149,250 in Kaleidoscope Social Impact Inc. to launch the School to Work Pipeline, connecting 20 students with part-time jobs in hospitality, tourism, and trades.

This program gives teens valuable experience and supports local businesses, building a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.

⚡ Saint John Energy Joins Forces for a Smarter, Cleaner Grid

Saint John Energy is teaming up with municipal utilities across the Maritimes to deliver smarter, cleaner, and more reliable power. As part of the new Maritime Municipal Electric Utility Alliance (MMEUA), they’ll share expertise, modernize infrastructure, and push forward on renewable energy.

For Saint John customers, this means a stronger, more efficient grid, expanded clean energy, and tech upgrades like advanced metering to improve service. “By working together, we can drive innovation and deliver real benefits to our communities,” says Saint John Energy’s Glen Fillmore.

The goal of the alliance is lower costs, fewer outages, and a power grid built for the future, without losing the strong local service customers rely on.

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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

TODAY

Storytelling & Leadership with Greg Hemmings | February 25
Local filmmaker Greg Hemmings, known for his powerful, socially impactful storytelling, joins Rising Tide Toastmasters to share insights on leadership, communication, and the art of a great story. Open to all, this session is a chance to learn from one of the best. Attend in person at ConnexionWorks or join via Zoom. Runs this morning 7:15-8:30am.

Attracting & Retaining Employees | February 25
Hiring’s one thing, but keeping great employees is another. Elizabeth Rowe, founder of Italian by Night, is leading a workshop at ConnexionWorks to help business owners build a workplace culture that attracts top talent and keeps them engaged. If you’re struggling with staffing, this is a chance to learn from someone who’s done it right. Runs 6-9pm at ConnexionWorks.

WEDNESDAY

Skate with the Sea Dogs | February 26
Meet your favourite Sea Dogs players at the Nerepis Community Rink! Grab an autograph, chat with the team, and enjoy a fun afternoon. Open to everyone, including local hockey organizations and minor teams. 5-7:30pm.

THURSDAY

Trivia Night at Five and Dime | March 1
Trivia is back and better than ever at Five and Dime, now powered by 13 Barrels Brewing! Grab your team or go solo for a night of laughs, competition, and $6 pints. Epic questions, prizes, and bragging rights await! 7pm - Seating is first-come, first-served.

SATURDAY

Saint John Open Table Tennis Tournament | March 1
Serious about table tennis? Don’t wait! This open tournament at the Irving Oil Field House has just 48 spots, and they’re filling fast! With TTCAN ratings on the line, eight competition tables, and medals up for grabs, it’s set to be a high-energy showdown. Registration closes Feb. 26, but spots are first come, first served, so act fast! Secure your entry here.

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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 who’s ducky boots are ready to rock. 🦆

-Geoff Walsh - Publisher

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