City of Saint John launches urban heat mapping project to address growing risks of extreme heat

Fog can’t hide the heat anymore. Summers in Saint John are getting hotter, more humid, and more uncomfortable as climate change continues to intensify.

To better understand and address the impacts of extreme heat, the City of Saint John has launched a new initiative to study the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, areas in the city that retain and amplify heat more than surrounding regions. The project is being carried out in partnership with local consulting firm Bloom Funding and environmental non-profit ACAP Saint John.

The Urban Heat Island effect refers to how built-up city spaces, such as paved roads, rooftops, and concrete-heavy areas can become significantly hotter than nearby parks or rural zones due to their ability to absorb and trap heat. With less greenery and more hard surfaces, urban areas can experience dangerously high temperatures, particularly in neighbourhoods with low tree canopy and limited shade.

“The Urban Heat Island effect explains why it can feel significantly hotter waiting at a bus stop on Water Street than sitting on a bench in Rockwood Park, only a few kilometers away,” says Roxanne MacKinnon, Executive Director of ACAP Saint John. “It also highlights the vital role tree coverage plays in our urban neighbourhoods to help shade and cool public spaces, making everyday life more comfortable.”

Through temperature loggers placed across the city’s urban centre and drone-assisted mapping, the project will gather data to identify which neighbourhoods are most affected by heat. The goal is to pinpoint high-risk zones and recommend strategies to reduce heat exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations such as seniors, outdoor workers, those without stable housing, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

“It's new for us in Saint John to have to worry about extreme heat, but climate change is making it a problem here too,” says Maria Murphy, Vice President of Development and Social Sustainability at Bloom Funding. “We want to hear from residents: Where is it too hot? What bus stops need shade? Does your walk to school, the grocery store, or the park need better coverage? We want to ensure that those most affected by heat have their voices heard as we work toward solutions.”

Public engagement is a key part of the project. Residents are invited to participate in one of three upcoming community sessions:

Monday, September 15 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Nick Nicolle Community Centre

Friday, September 26 | 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Harbourfront Extension (Rain location: Market Square Theatre)

• • This session will be led by Knowledge Keeper Elder Lapskahasit Cihkonaqc (Chris Brooks) from Sitansisk (St. Mary’s) First Nation.

Tuesday, October 7 | 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Virtual via Zoom

A survey is also available through the City’s Shape Your City online engagement platform for those who are unable to attend in person.

“The urban heat vulnerability assessment is an important step in our broader work to build a climate-resilient Saint John,” says Samir Yammine, Director of Asset Management and Environmental Performance with the City of Saint John. “By identifying where the greatest heat risks are, we can prioritize investments in tree planting, shade infrastructure, and public cooling solutions in the areas that need them most.”

The project is supported by funding from the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation initiative.

To learn more about the project or to complete the online survey, visit www.shapeyourcitysaintjohn.ca

 Here to help – For inquiries related to municipal services, contact the City of Saint John Customer Service Centre at (506) 658-4455, email [email protected] or visit us in person on the Ground Floor of City Hall, 15 Market Square, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.