🔥 What’s Hot This Week? Hint: It’s Not the Mews’ Heating System

Good morning, St. John’s. This is St. John’s Living — the local newsletter that’s as Canadian as a moose wearing hockey skates.

In this week’s St. John’s Living:

• Another delay in opening the new Mews Centre 🏊‍♀️

• The Brier is coming back to town in 2026 🥌

• Ski and snowshoe trails are open at Pippy Park 🎿

Let’s get into it…

Digest

🏊‍♀️ No Mews is not good Mews

There’s been another delay with the opening of the new Mews Centre. The original opening target date of fall 2023 is now long off in the rearview mirror. Creeping up on two years behind schedule there is now an issue with the heating and cooling system. There is no new timeline for opening.

🥌 Brier will rock St. John’s in 2026

After hosting amazing crowds in 2017 and seeing our local boys win their first title, we’re pretty excited to have the Brier coming back to St. John’s from February 27-March 8, 2026. Tickets go on sale this March 6th.

🎿 Pippy Park is open for skiing and snowshoeing

The trails of Pippy Park have been groomed and are ready for action. If you don’t have any skis or snowshoes, no worries! You can rent some from the Winter Activity Centre in North Bank Lodge starting February 11.

Local Business

• Black Tulle Boutique, a new spot to thrift at 31 Peet Street, is having their Grand Opening sale on February 8th.

• Missing Cherry Blossoms already? Volcano Bakery is now making heart-shaped cherry chocolates.

• Say goodbye to Sirens and hello to Houston Country Bar. A new country-themed bar is coming to George St from the same guy who just re-branded Velvet back to Junctions.

• Big Cheese Pub & Grub in Mount Pearl is undergoing a name and menu change that will be announced soon. What do you think it should be called?

What’s Happening

Wednesday

⚔️ Have you ever wanted to learn how to wield a sword? Sign up for an evening of swordplay with Terra Nova School of Swords at the library. Workshop for adults and teens 14+.

♟️ Wednesday night means Mario Kart and board games at The Black Sheep! Backgammon, crib, chess, battleship and other board games are available. You can also bring along your own games.

Thursday

🎨 Have you been harbouring a crush on a local artist? ART CRUSH is your chance to celebrate all things art, and all things love! Mix ‘n mingle with local artists, make a valentine and enjoy a pint.

🏒 St.  John’s Senior Caps take on the CB Blues at Mary Brown’s Centre at 7pm.

🖼️ St. Michael’s Printshop’s final 50th anniversary show, emerging on coastal margins, will be opening today from 6-8pm at 235 Water St. The exhibition showcases print media by recipients of the Don Wright Scholarship – a unique year-long residency dedicated to supporting emerging and early career artists. 

Friday

🛍️ If you’re into oddities, curiosities, and antiques, the Valentine’s Bizarre at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market is for you. Music, food, over 50 vendors, and psychic readings.

🎹 Enjoy a special night of candlelit jazz at the Battery Cafe with the Liam Kovich Trio.

🛥️ All aboard for an unforgettable journey of love, adventure, and heartbreak when The Majestic Film Series presents Titanic.

Saturday

🐴 Now that we finally have some snow, come out and enjoy an early Valentine’s sleigh ride with your love at Lester’s Farm.

🎤 Let go of fear to create the life of your dreams at the Fearless Women’s Summit this weekend. In person tickets are sold out but virtual tickets are still up for grabs.

🎶 Come out and watch the youth of the city put on a show. The annual St. John’s Youth Talent Show is taking place at 2pm at the D.F. Cook Recital Hall. Support your local stars of tomorrow.

♻️ Do you have any clean glass jars and bottles that you want to get rid of? NewfoundSAND will be at the Farmer’s Market to collect them and repurpose them.

Sunday

🏀 Newfoundland Rogues go up against the Jamestown Jackals at Mary Brown’s Centre at 4pm.

🛍️ Looking for a fun, local gift for your Valentine? Swing by the BEE My Valentine craft fair at The Capital and shop over 70 vendors.

🎸 School of Rock is going to take you back to the 80s with a Radiohead vs Nirvana showdown on a Sunday morning.

🎹 Enjoy a blend of jazz, soul, and Afro-Caribbean classics and modern compositions at Slainte with Mozayic.

Monday

❤️ Make a special gift for your love this Valentine’s Day with a stained glass heart. Learned stained glass techniques including cutting, grinding, and soldering.

Tuesday

🕺 If you’ve ever wondered about the spontaneous dance that breaks out during a Swing dance social, this is your opportunity to learn it! Join Lindy Hop on the Rock for a Shim Sham lesson.

🔥 Missing the glow of Christmas lights? The lighted walk at Manuels river will be lit up until the end of the month and tonight there will be campfires and hot chocolate.

Municipal News

⚖️City Council Meeting

On the agenda for today’s Committee of the Whole meeting:

• Three new members of the Built Heritage Experts Panel have been recommended.

• See full agenda

The meeting is at 3 PM 4th Floor City Hall. The public is welcome to attend.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading St. John’s Living today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who always keeps their stick on the ice.