The City of Saint John reports unprecedented building permit activity in the first four months of 2025, setting a new record.

The City of Saint John is experiencing record-breaking growth, with unprecedented building permit activity in the first four months of 2025. By April 30, a total of 207 permits had been received, representing a staggering $185.5 million in construction value, nearly five times the five-year average of $39.7 million for the same period.

Major institutional investments have played a key role in this momentum, accounting for just over $100 million in total value. The North End Elementary School is under construction with a permit value of $46 million, while the South End K-8 School and Community Hub, currently under review, is valued at $55.4 million.

Even without these major school projects, the City has still seen its strongest start to any year on record. The remaining $84.2 million in construction value marks the highest ever for the first four months of a year, 26% above the previous high in 2017.

“Our growth is broad-based and diversified, not reliant on any one project or sector,” says Christopher McKiel, Director of Development and Community Standards. “This strong start is driven by activity across all sectors: institutional, residential, commercial, and industrial. Confidence remains high, and we are seeing developers aggressively advancing new applications.”

Residential development continues to be a cornerstone of Saint John’s growth. Year-to-date, 144 residential units have been created, exceeding the City’s five-year average of 126 for the same period. Looking ahead, 14 additional residential developments are planned, adding more than 1,110 new housing units to the City’s landscape. With 579 new units already secured through the Housing Accelerator Fund, Saint John is well on its way to reaching its three-year goal of 1,158 new units.

"Saint John is open for business and remains dedicated to thoughtful growth that benefits the entire community," says Mayor Donna Reardon. "We are building on our momentum, meeting housing demands while making strategic investments to modernize infrastructure and strengthen the economy. These record-setting permit numbers highlight our commitment to unlocking growth and shaping a vibrant, sustainable community. Saint John may be a small city, but we are rich with big opportunities."

The City anticipates additional major developments in 2025 that are not yet reflected in the permit values, including the Museum Development on Douglas Avenue and the NextGen Pulp and Paper Expansion on Mill Street, which is currently under review for Phase 1.

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