Saint John News Update — Saturday, October 24, 2026

Local news, public safety, city developments and community events

Welcome to your Saint John News Update from BevNice.ca. Here are the latest local developments and community information for Saint John, New Brunswick.

1. City Hall: Germain Street Traffic Advisory

The City of Saint John has issued a traffic advisory for Germain Street dated October 24. Residents and motorists should check the city’s official notices for the exact affected section, timing and any required detours before travelling.

Why it matters: Traffic advisories can affect access to uptown businesses, parking and weekend travel.

Source: City of Saint John — News and Notices

2. Harvest Festival Brings Activity to the Public Gardens

A traffic advisory is in effect for the Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 24.

• Location: Seely Street, from Spruce Street to Crown Street.
• Time: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Traffic change: The westbound parking lane beside the Public Gardens will be closed.
• Parking suggestion: The city recommends using parking areas at Lily Lake or near the Community Garden and walking to the event.

Motorists should follow posted signs and watch for pedestrians.

Source: Official City Traffic Advisory — Harvest Festival

3. Police Seek Information in Uptown Investigation

The Saint John Police Force is seeking witnesses and video footage connected with a reported sexual assault in the uptown area.

Police say the incident occurred during the early morning hours of October 3 near Duke Street. Officers arrested a 27-year-old man, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with relevant information or footage from the Charlotte, Duke or Germain Street area during the specified period is asked to contact the Saint John Police Force Family Protection Unit at 506-648-3303. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Source: Saint John Police Force — Official Release, October 19

4. Proposed Data Centres Raise Questions for Residents

Plans for large-scale data centres have become an important local discussion.

Global News reported on October 5, with an update on October 16, that a second potential data centre had emerged in addition to a proposal near Lorneville. The first proposal involves a 390-megawatt data centre and gas plant. Documents obtained through a provincial information request also revealed preliminary discussions involving Cross River Infrastructure Partners for another project.

Questions raised by residents include electricity costs, water use, environmental impacts and public consultation. The city said it had received preliminary inquiries and correspondence concerning the second proposal.

What to watch: Further information about project approvals, power requirements, environmental reviews and community consultation.

Source: Global News — Second Potential Data Centre Raises Concerns

5. Saint John Energy Tests New Approaches to Electricity Planning

Saint John Energy launched its Plug-In Lab in June 2026, creating a digital model of its electricity grid that allows researchers and other approved participants to simulate proposed energy projects.

The initiative is intended to help assess how technologies such as batteries, heat pumps, electric vehicles and renewable-energy systems could affect the grid.

Why it matters: Better planning could help the utility accommodate growing electricity demand and evaluate infrastructure investments before implementing them.

Source: Global News — Saint John Energy’s Simulated Electricity Grid

6. More Local Public-Safety News

Saint John police also reported arrests following a traffic complaint on Riverview Drive. According to the October 19 police release, officers found two unconscious men in a vehicle stopped in the roadway on October 13. Police reported seizing suspected cocaine, tobacco products, cash and other items.

Both men were released from custody and scheduled to appear in court on January 11, 2027. The charges are allegations, and the matters remain subject to the legal process.

Source: Saint John Police Force — Riverview Drive Arrests

7. Community Events: Saturday, October 24

Residents looking for something to do this weekend can check these local listings:

• Harvest Festival: Check the city’s traffic advisory and event information before travelling.
• Annual Saint John Zombie Walk: Listed for October 24 in the uptown area near Loyalist Burial Ground.
• Great Pumpkin Pet Party: A Halloween-season community fundraiser listed at Saint John City Market.
• Local arts and entertainment: Check current listings for performances, markets and other community activities.

Event details, schedules and availability can change. Confirm arrangements with the organizer before setting out.

Source: Saint John Daily — Local Events Calendar

What to Watch Next

• Updates on the proposed Lorneville and other data-centre projects.
• New traffic notices and city announcements.
• Further public-safety updates from Saint John police.
• Weekend community events and upcoming municipal decisions.

Closing Note

Saint John continues to balance community activities, public safety, infrastructure planning and questions about future economic development. BevNice.ca will continue highlighting local developments that matter to residents of Saint John and southwestern New Brunswick.