What’s New in Our Corner of the Kennebecasis Region

1. Trails in Saint John Now Fully Open—With Fire Safety Still in Effect
As of September 8, 2025, all City-operated parks and trails in Saint John are open again. However, fire safety remains paramount—wood/propane fires, BBQs, fireworks, and outdoor open flames are still prohibited due to high wildfire risk. Violators may face fines ranging from $140 to $2,100. Authorities urge residents to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 911. saintjohn.ca

2. Teen Writers Get a Launchpad at Uptown’s The Write Cup
A free 12-week writing workshop for teens began on September 8, coinciding with World Literacy Day. Hosted at The Write Cup bookstore café in Market Square, the program connects aspiring writers with local published authors-turned-mentors. The intent? To get students published and their work available locally—and globally. The first session kicks off on the last Monday of September and runs through December. Frequency News

3. Irving Oil’s Saint John Refinery Prepares for Major September Maintenance
Irving Oil’s massive refinery in Saint John is gearing up for a 30-day maintenance turnaround later this month. The $40 million project includes infrastructure replacements, upgrades, and inspections—running in parallel with its ongoing Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) upgrade. As Canada’s largest refinery, it’s essential for fuel supply throughout Atlantic Canada and the U.S. Northeast. Reuters

Quick Highlights

• Saint John recreation alert: Enjoy reopened trails—but stay safe, no fires allowed.

• Youth opportunity: A free, twelve-week writing workshop starts soon in Uptown.

• Economic watch: Irving Oil begins significant maintenance vital to our fuel chain.

   

Community in Motion: News & Highlights from Saint John, Rothesay & Quispamsis

1. A Community Hub Gets a Facelift
Exciting news from Rothesay: the aging Rothesay Arena is getting a serious upgrade. The federal government has committed $7 million (of a projected $12 million total) to transform the space into the Rothesay Intergenerational Community Complex, featuring energy-efficient upgrades, indoor courts, and multi-use community rooms. The final vision includes a brand-new arena, a renovated existing structure, and a community-room connector—aiming for completion by 2028.rothesay.caReddit

2. Transit Ties Strengthened with “KV Go”
Regional connectivity is leveling up with the launch of the KV Go transit pilot, bringing bus services to Rothesay and Quispamsis. As part of the Saint John Transit network, this eco-friendly option helps reduce commuter traffic and carbon emissions—and reflects growing collaboration across the Valley.CTV Newsrothesay.caWikipedia

3. A Green Measure in Quispamsis
Quispamsis is prioritizing sustainability and convenience. A new bylaw now lets residents opt-out of flyer deliveries—opting instead to have them placed in mailboxes or on doorsteps, unless a “No Flyers” sign is displayed. This aligns well with nearby Saint John’s similar policy and a forthcoming version in Rothesay.Country 94

4. Budget Updates: Taxes and Utilities
News on the financial front—Quispamsis residents can expect a modest decrease in property taxes, while water and sewer rates are rising slightly for 2025. The budget includes a $37.2 million operating fund and roughly $7 million in capital investments.sjtoday.ca

5. Population Growth: A Region on the Rise
Greater Saint John is growing! As of mid-2024, the city’s population reached approximately 78,165, reflecting nearly double the targeted growth rate. The broader metro area—including Quispamsis, Rothesay, Grand Bay-Westfield, and Hampton—now tops 142,000 residents, with the majority of growth centered in Saint John itself.Reddit

Community Sentiments (from Reddit):
Residents are buzzing with opinions—here’s what folks are saying:

“The federal government has kicked in $7 million of funding for a project to re-use Rothesay’s aging arena… part of the town’s Rothesay Intergenerational Community Centre proposal.”Reddit

Some push back on priorities:

“Nice as this is for the residents of Rothesay, I can’t say I’m overjoyed to hear that our federal government has committed millions … to make life a little better for one of the richest communities in Canada.”Reddit

Pulling It Together:
These developments paint a vivid picture of a evolving region—committed to:

• Enhancing civic spaces through modernized infrastructure (Rothesay Complex)

• Increasing regional mobility with improved transit (KV Go)

• Promoting sustainability and efficiency (Quispamsis flyer bylaw, smart budgeting)

• Managing growth responsibly amid rising population numbers

This is a region moving thoughtfully forward—but still listening closely to diverse local voices.