All posts by b nice

Semper Doctrina—we are always improving and adapting.
local

Assessed Value Could See a 1.5¢ Drop per $100

Taxpayers in the City of Saint John could be looking forward to a bit of a break on their property taxes next for 2026.

The city’s finance committee voted Oct. 29 to recommend to council a budget that includes a 1.5-cent reduction on property taxes. The cut would bring the rate down to $1.535 per $100 of assessed value.

Property assessments would seea a slight decrease, with the assessed value falling by 1.5 cents per $100 of value. While modest, this change reflects subtle shifts in market conditions and valuation adjustments.

For property owners, the impact will likely be minimal — for example, a property assessed at $250,000 would see its taxable assessed value reduced by approximately $37.50.

This drop may signal a cooling trend in certain segments of the market or adjustments in assessment methodologies. Stakeholders are encouraged to review their property assessments and stay informed about local valuation trends.

Cruise

What’s special about this visit

We’re thrilled to announce that the luxury cruise ship Crystal Serenity will arrive in Saint John, New Brunswick on Thursday, November 6, 2025—marking not only a spectacular visit, but also the official close of the 2025 cruise season for the port. Cruise

🎉 What’s special about this visit

  • The ship is scheduled to arrive at 09:00 AM and depart at 19:00 (7:00 PM).

  • With approximately 740 passengers on board for this call, it’s a graceful finish to a busy season.

  • This port call is officially listed in the daily vessel report for the Port of Saint John as “Visiting Cruise Ship” on November 6.

✅ Why it matters

For Saint John:

  • This visit wraps up the 2025 cruise-ship schedule, signalling the end of waterfront activity until next spring. According to port data, the 2025 season runs through to this date.

  • Each cruise call injects economic activity into the region—local shops, tours, restaurants and port services all benefit from the influx of visitors.

  • It’s a chance for the port and the city to celebrate a strong season: reflect on the visitor numbers, the local business engagement, and look ahead to 2026.

🛳 For visitors & ship-spotters

  • If you’re in Saint John that day, arriving around the harbour in the morning will give you a front-row seat to this luxury vessel docking.

  • Dress warmly and bring a camera—the November harbour light can be stunning, and the “end of season” energy gives it extra atmosphere.

  • For the cruise passengers aboard the Crystal Serenity, they’ll enjoy what the city has to offer: waterfront views, local history, the vibe of the Fundy City setting.

🗓 Quick snapshot

  • Ship: Crystal Serenity

  • Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025

  • Arrival: 09:00 AM at Port of Saint John

  • Departure: 7:00 PM

  • Passengers onboard: ~740

  • Significance: Marks the official end of the 2025 cruise ship season for the port

Here’s to a memorable send-off for the 2025 season in Saint John—and to the promise of welcoming many more ships in the years ahead!

Breaking News, local

Former Saint John mayor Ivan Court has died

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Ivan Court, former Mayor of Saint John, New Brunswick, who passed away in October 2025.

A life of service

  • Ivan Court served as Mayor of Saint John from May 28, 2008 to May 28, 2012.

  • In addition to his mayoral role, he had been a councillor for many years — his engagement in municipal governance spanned over a decade.

  • He was described by the City of Saint John as “a lifelong Saint Johner, educator, and public servant.”

His impact

During his term as mayor, Ivan Court oversaw city affairs at a time of change in our community. He brought experience from his role as councillor and from his background in education, aiming to connect local governance with the needs of residents.

Our remembrance

Today, we remember Ivan Court not only for his title of Mayor, but for his dedication to Saint John and its people. He leaves behind a legacy of municipal leadership rooted in local values and community commitment.

A message of sympathy

To his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched in public service: may you find peace in the legacy he leaves behind and comfort in the memories of his contributions.

 

baseball

A quiz about world series

Quiz Questions

  1. Which team has home-field advantage in the 2025 World Series between the Blue Jays and Dodgers?

  2. In Game 1, the Blue Jays erupted for a huge inning. How many runs did they score in their big inning?

  3. Which Blue Jays player smashed the first pinch-hit grand slam in a World Series in Game 1?

  4. In Game 2, the Dodgers won behind a complete game by their starter. Who was that pitcher?

  5. What was the score in Game 2 of the series?

  6. The Blue Jays’ big inning in Game 1 came against which Dodgers starter (who left early)?

  7. Which two Dodgers hitters hit solo home runs in the seventh inning of Game 2?

  8. The series schedule shows Games 1 and 2 in Toronto and the next games in Los Angeles. On which date did Game 3 take place?

  9. How many years had it been since the Blue Jays last appeared in the World Series before 2025?

  10. What is one key “X-factor” teams have identified for the series (for either team) — in a short phrase?

Answers

  1. The Toronto Blue Jays had home-field advantage. SI+1

  2. They scored nine runs in that big inning. MLB.com+3MLB.com+3ESPN.com+3

  3. The player was Addison Barger. MLB.com+1

  4. The pitcher was Yoshinobu Yamamoto. ESPN.com+2CBS Sports+2

  5. The score was 5-1 in favour of the Dodgers. ESPN.com+1

  6. The starter was Blake Snell. MLB.com+1

  7. The two hitters were Will Smith and Max Muncy. ESPN.com+1

  8. Game 3 took place on Monday, October 27, 2025. MLB.com+1

  9. It had been 32 years since their last appearance (since 1993). ESPN.com+1

  10. Example X-factor: “Getting to the opposing starter early” or “Dodgers’ offense needing to wake up”. (Multiple correct answers possible.) E