Spotlight What’s in the ON THE COVER AREA 506 FESTIVAL TURNS TEN Celebrating a Decade of Music, Culture & Goods on Saint John’s Waterfront 36 BACK IN TIME, FORWARD IN VISION Woody Island Resort by Boat & Bay 76
03 A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR 04 WHAT’S IN THE SPOTLIGHT 08 UPCOMINGEVENTS 20 GETTING THE FLOW GOING Canada’s Pipeline Builders are Ready to Get to Work 58 BAY STREET TO CHESTNUTLANE The Bed & Breakfast that Soothes your Soul 64 SAILING INTO SOMETHINGSPECIAL The Story of The Golden Dory 70 PREPARING FOR GROWTH Keeping Customers Happy 92 FROM CITY COMMUTES TO CABINKEYS Life Reimagined at Riverview Cottages 108 LIVING THE STARTUP How to Avoid Burning Out 114 CANADIAN ENERGY INNOVATION Unique Emissions Testing Centre Helping Move the Needle on Methane 118 A FATHER’S EMOTIONS MATTER Here’s to the Dads missing their Big Kids today 120 THE ART OF MANIFESTING You’re always manifesting, whether you know it or not 126 COFFEETALK Replacing our Shoulds with Coulds! 128 Oh CANADA 10 Interesting Facts about the Great White North
In the middle of Placentia Bay lies a former outport that’s now one of Newfoundland’s most distinctive tourism experiences. Woody Island Resort began as a small venture on resettled land and has grown into a destination known for its simplicity, hospitality, and deep local roots. Now under the leadership of Brian Seward, the resort is embracing thoughtful updates while holding onto what makes it special. We spoke with current owner Brian and the original owner and founder, Loyola Pomroy, about the past, present, and future of this off-grid island retreat. STILL KICKING AXE Big Axe Brewery’s Next Chapter When Spotlight on Business last spoke with Pete Cole of Big Axe Brewery, the team had just opened their new cedar log brewhouse on the banks of the Saint John River. Since then, much has changed - and grown. A second location, a surge in distribution, and a thriving annual beer festival have pushed the brand to new heights. But what’s stayed consistent is the heart behind the hops: a love for craft beer, community, and creating a destination that feels as familiar as your favourite pint.
All great things start with an idea, and someone with a passion to make that idea a reality. For the AREA 506 Festival, that person was Ray Gracewood. In this issue, Ray talks about how AREA 506 was an idea born from his experiences working and travelling throughout the province. Any what began as a passion project to celebrate all things New Brunswick, with the help of Darcy LeBlanc and many others, has developed into a signature event and brand for Saint John’s Uptown and the province of New Brunwick attracting residents and visitors to experience music, East Coast culture and hopistality, local goods and services. Q&A WITH MARK RODD 90 Years of Maritime Memories with Rodd Hotels & Resorts Our Conversation with Mark Rodd, President of Rodd Hotels & Resorts, takes us from the early days of the iconic Maritime brand, when there were just three cottages beside the family home in Prince Edward Island, to 90 years later, with a good mix of instinct, discipline, and not losing sight of why they started the business in the first place, growing the brand to seven properties, with over 700 rooms across the three Maritime provinces and setting their sites for further growth and they head towards the century milestone. 10
Where Dreams & East Coast Hospitality Meet WELCOME TO DOWN EAST COMFORT B&B When Natasha Fulton left her corporate life behind to open a bed and breakfast in New Brunswick, she wasn’t just chasing a dream - she was creating a home in the region that had always pulled at her heart. What began as a long-held fascination with historic homes and East Coast charm evolved into Down East Comfort Bed & Breakfast, a thoughtfully curated guest experience that blends design, hospitality, and heritage. In this feature, Natasha shares the story behind her leap into entrepreneurship, the unique details that define her B&B, and the unexpected joys that come from building something with both heart and family at its core.
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EMERGING ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
SUN, SONGS & SOCIABLES
MAGGIE ANDREW How to Sing for Money & Mean Every Word It’s been a year since we first caught up with Maggie Andrew at Sommo - and a lot has happened since. The Halifax-born artist has been steadily carving out her own lane in the Canadian music scene, earning awards, dropping bold new singles, and commanding attention with her unapologetically creative style. Her sound? A genre-blending mix of pop, rock, country, and soul - what she calls her version of alternative pop, laced with honesty, humour, and edge. We reconnected with Maggie to talk about everything she’s been up to, what’s inspiring her now, and how to sing for money and mean every word.
Sounds of Summer in the Maritimes! Summer in the Maritimes means getting outdoors and experiencing all that this part of the world offers. Locals and visitors alike take advantage of the Maritimes’ beautiful scenery, sandy beaches, and some of the best seafood in the world. But the Maritimes are also known for their music, with many bucket-list-worthy music festivals happening all across this region, offering amazing artists and venues with an intimate and interactive experience for concertgoers. We are confident that you will find the music festival that is just right for you, and these are a few of our favorites for this summer.
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