🧂 Winter’s Got Us Feeling Salty

Good morning Saint John, this is SJ Today – what's harder to find right now, a bag of salt for the driveway or a clear patch of sidewalk?

Here’s what we’re hearing today:

• City updates on sidewalks and road clearing 🛣️

• Bobby’s gets funding boost from province 💰

• When you don’t want to taco ‘bout winter anymore 🌮

Let’s get it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

SPONSORED
Make Your Mark! ✍️

Get your brand in front of eager eyes. Partner with us for prime advertising opportunities!

NEWS NOTES

❄️ Ice Locked: Sidewalks Still a Mess

Tried walking anywhere in Saint John lately? You know the deal, sidewalks aren’t just slick, they’re downright brutal. In many spots, thick, uneven ice has built up so much that walking feels more like navigating a frozen obstacle course. Some stretches haven’t even been plowed, leaving pedestrians with little choice but to tread carefully or take to the streets.

The City says crews are working around the clock, but between the sheer amount of ice and the deep freeze, progress is slow. Salt is only effective when temperatures hover around -10°C, and with colder conditions sticking around, the city is relying on sand for traction. That’s also in high demand, and retailers throughout the region are struggling to keep shelves stocked with salt and traction sand, leaving many residents empty-handed.

If you’re in Rothesay, small residential amounts of sand is available outside the gate at the town’s Work Garage at 16 Master Drive. In Quispamsis, sand is available at 18 Municipal Drive, near the Walter Jewett Field parking lot. Just be sure to bring your own container.

For now, it’s a waiting game, either for a warm-up or for crews to catch up. And while they do that, the City has a new plan to deal with another winter headache, parked cars getting in the way of plows.

🚗 No Parking: City Cracks Down on Snow-Clearing Delays

Sidewalks aren’t the only problem. With snowbanks piling up and ice making things worse, plows are struggling to get through, especially with cars still parked on the streets.

Despite the city’s parking bans and restrictions, vehicles left on the street continue to slow down snow-clearing efforts. Now, the City is stepping up enforcement, using a section of the Traffic By-Law that allows temporary No Parking signs to be put up ahead of street clearing. These signs will go up at least 8 hours in advance, and any vehicles still parked when plows arrive risk fines and even towing.

If you see a new No Parking sign on your street, take it seriously. With the mess left behind from this storm, every bit of extra space helps crews clear things out faster.

❤️ More Support for Bobby’s Hospice

Bobby’s Hospice, Saint John’s dedicated residential palliative care facility, is getting a funding boost from the province - $5.7 million over five years, a 40% increase from the previous agreement. The funding will help cover clinical care costs, ensuring the hospice can continue providing 24-hour end-of-life care with dignity and compassion.

Premier Susan Holt visited Bobby’s Hospice yesterday to see the impact of its work firsthand. Hospice Greater Saint John, which has been supporting families since 1983, says the increased funding will help them retain staff and maintain the quality of care. Bobby’s Hospice, which opened in 2010, was the first 10-bed residential hospice of its kind in Atlantic Canada.

📞 One Wrong Number Away from Fraud

A KV resident learned the hard way how easy it is to fall into a scam—just by misdialing a single digit. While trying to book a flight with Air Transat, they accidentally called the wrong 1-800 number and still ended up at what seemed like a legitimate call centre. The "agent" on the line took their personal and credit card details, which immediately triggered fraud alerts from their bank. Luckily, no money was lost.

Kennebecasis Regional Police Force (KRPF) investigated and confirmed the number belonged to a fraudulent call centre. They do have some advice though - always double-check customer service numbers before dialing, and never share financial info unless you’re certain who you’re speaking with.

^{_{*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.}}

SPONSORED
Time to Shine! ☀️

Your business deserves the spotlight. Advertise in our newsletter and be part of the morning buzz!

EVENTS
What’s Happenin’

WINTERFEST PREVIEW
👉 Week six of Fundy Winterfest is here, and the winter fun keeps rolling! Whether you’re lacing up your skates, hitting the trails, or joining in on some glowing festivities, there’s plenty to enjoy.

🌲 Trail of Hearts
Ongoing until February 21 at qplex
Take an evening stroll through the glowing Trail of Hearts at 20 Randy Jones Way in Quispamsis. This free event is a perfect way to enjoy winter under twinkling lights. Parking is available at the qplex East Parking Lot.

⛸️ Glow in the Dark Skate
February 19, 6-8pm at Rothesay Common
Break out your neon and white clothes for a night of glowing fun on the ice! Enjoy glow-in-the-dark face paint, glow sticks, music, and hot chocolate (bring your own mug). Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted for the KV Food Basket. Sponsored by Jeff Kitchen Real Estate & Vantage Build.

🏐 Co-Ed Recreational Volleyball
February 19 & 26, 7:30-9:30pm at Chris Saunders Memorial Elementary
Keep moving this winter with some friendly volleyball! Adults (18+) can drop in for just $5 per player. Enter through the school’s side door closest to Quispamsis Middle School and head straight to the gym.

⛸️ PARKa for the Course
Ongoing until February 21 at Quispamsis qplex
Grab your hockey stick, throw on a parka, and take on this one-of-a-kind winter mini-golf course! Each hole has a fun theme, making it perfect for a photo op. Free, drop-in event at the qplex East Parking Lot.

❄️ Winterfest at 4-Corners
Saturday, February 22, 12-2pm at Nerepis Community Outdoor Rink
Join in on a winter wonderland of activities, including skating, snowshoeing, snow painting, games, face painting, and s’mores over a bonfire. Hotdogs will be served, and all activities are free. Head to the intersection of Brittain Road and Campbell Road in Grand Bay-Westfield for the fun!

🔜 A couple more things to look forward to this month

🏀 UNBSJ Seawolves Host ACAA Championships | February 28-March 2

The UNBSJ Seawolves are set to bring the heat as they host the 2025 ACAA Basketball Championships next weekend at the G. Forbes Elliot Athletics Centre.

Top teams from across the Maritimes are coming to town, including fierce competitors from Nova Scotia and PEI, but the Seawolves are determined to make their mark. The men’s team is loaded with depth and firepower, while the women’s squad, in their first playoff push, is ready to shake things up.

The action starts Friday, February 28 and you get your tickets online or at the door—UNB students and kids under 12 are free.

🌮 Taco Week is Coming | February 24-March 2

Poutine Week is over, and Burger Week is still months away. So what do we do in the meantime? Tacos, obviously. Uptown Taco Week is here to fill that food festival void.

From classic street tacos to wild new combos, Uptown Saint John’s restaurants are bringing the heat this winter.

Got an Event to Share?

^{_{*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 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. Do you recognize this hexagonal pattern from somewhere? Hit reply and let us know if it looks familiar and we’ll reveal our location in Friday’s issue.

Be sure to tag @sjtoday.ca to get your photos featured!

SIDE NOTES

Today’s Tides 🌊 

Reach Readers Daily!
Need to get the word out? Our baseline ads give you the perfect spot to connect with Saint John readers. With your message right next to the latest local buzz, it’s a great way to make an impact. Let's chat about getting you featured here!*

^{_{*indicates sponsored content}}

Thanks!

Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who’s only salt concern is the rim of their margarita. 🍹🧂

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

Did I Miss Something?