The Market Place Park is located on the City’s west side, next to the Carleton Community Centre. The park is a hub of activity for all ages and abilities. It features several playground structures, including one for toddlers, basketball nets, a skateboard park, outdoor resistance exercise equipment, a splash pad, and a ball diamond. There is also an active community garden.

Housing is the cornerstone of healthy neighbourhoods and individual well-being. Through its Affordable Housing Action Plan, the City of Saint John is being proactive to address the affordable housing crunch to ensure a strong, vibrant and growing community. The City has developed a comprehensive and targeted five-year plan to foster better housing outcomes for the community. 

Like communities across North America, Saint John needs to address challenges around affordable housing. 

Although housing is not a legislative responsibility of the municipality, Council has recognized that the City must take action to help foster a more affordable housing environment.  

With input of community stakeholders and the public, the plan leaves no rock unturned. It identifies nearly 40 proposed actions, including:  

• Improve coordination across governments and sectors.

• Explore incentives for non-market housing initiatives.

• Make sure existing policies and by-laws support housing needs.

• Investigate long term solutions to deliver housing more efficiently through community partners and the municipality.

The Saint John Affordable Housing Action Plan was adopted by Common Council in October 2022.  

Development of the Plan 

Development of the action plan was a two-year collaborative project between non-profit affordable housing partners, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Government of New Brunswick, and the City of Saint John. The plan identifies the actions needed to guide the community’s response to maintain and create safe, suitable, and affordable housing options for all Saint John’s residents. 

The Affordable Housing Action Plan was based on a housing needs assessment conducted by SHS Consulting. The plan will address any gaps in the Saint John housing continuum related to supply and affordability. The strategic directions, policies, and actions in the implementation framework are expected to focus on the transitional and supportive housing, non-market rental housing, and low-end market rental components of the housing continuum, targeted to the priority groups in need. 

What are Residential Zone Parking Permits?

A Residential Zone Parking Permit makes it easier for residents to find curbside parking in their designated zone by exempting permit holders from the two-hour parking limit that’s otherwise enforced. The permit does not guarantee a parking space.

Please note the following additional requirements and rules:

• Residential permit holders are exempt from the 2-hour limit—but are still subject to all other traffic regulations such as parking meter regulations and signs prohibiting or restricting parking, stopping, or standing.
• A person must reside on a street for which the Residential Zone Parking Permit is issued. 
• A permit will be issued only to residents who do not have access to off-street parking. 
• A permit is effective as soon as it is issued. 
• A permit may be issued to more than one vehicle per dwelling unit.
• The permit will not be renewed until all tickets have been paid in full. 

How much does the permit cost?

Annual permits cost $75.00 (HST included) per vehicle per year. The HotSpot app/website accepts payment through credit card, visa/debit card or a prepaid credit card. Alternatively, you can purchase your permit at City Hall located at 15 Market Square, Saint John at the Customer Service Front desk, Monday to Thursday (excluding holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

How can I purchase a permit?

Residential Parking Permits can be purchased through the HotSpot app/website, which allows customers the ability to manage their own residential permits through the application. Purchase a permit here.

What documents are required to purchase a permit?

1. REGISTRATION (INDICATING CURRENT UPTOWN ADDRESS); and

     • If the information on the registration cannot be changed (ex: parents name, company vehicle), please also provide the insurance policy showing the corresponding policy information and the applicant named as an insured driver on the vehicle.

2. PROOF OF RECENT RESIDENCY IN THE UPTOWN AREA – (ONLY ONE IS REQUIRED); and This documentation must be presented upon renewal each year.

     • Recent copy of lease or rent receipt indicating address (within 2 months)

     • Current utility bill for service at that address (power, telephone, cable etc.) (within 2 months)

     • Other current business type mail (bank or credit card statement etc.) (within 2 months)

   3. NO OUTSTANDING PARKING TICKETS

     • All parking tickets must be paid in full

The Parking Department allows uptown residents to purchase temporary residential parking permits for their visitor (100km outside Saint John) or for new residents to the city to provide time to update vehicle registration prior to purchasing an annual residential pass.

How does enforcement know if I have a permit?

While there are no hanging tags required, once a permit is purchased through the HotSpot app/website, by-law enforcement officers monitor and enforce the residential parking program through a scan by license plate system. There are currently 6 residential zones in the South-Central Peninsula.

How do I renew my parking permit?

Residents need to reapply each year for a permit and resubmit digital copies of proof of residency to complete the application. Residents can purchase their 2024-2025 permit as of April 15, 2024. Residential parking permits are NOT transferable.

To reapply please log in to the HotSpot app/website and apply for a new Residential Parking Permit for the 2024-2025 season here.

I need help and/or have more questions regarding my application, who can I contact?

If you require assistance for your application, please contact HotSpot customer support at 1-855-712-5888 or online support@htsp.ca.

For the City of Saint John Customer Service Centre call 658-4455 or email service@saintjohn.ca

I am unsure if I have outstanding parking tickets?

If you are unsure if you have any outstanding parking tickets, please contact 506-658-4455, Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  

Payments can be made via 506-658-4455, in person at the City Hall customer service or online by using this link: https://ipn.paymentus.com/rotp/sjpt  

The Carleton Community Centre delivers wellness and quality of life programs and activities in the City's west side. It offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities and supports the personal growth of residents through educational and social opportunities.

Grant intake now open between October 15, 2024 and November 15, 2024

Affordable Housing Grant Program

The City of Saint John Affordable Housing Grant Program will help increase the number of affordable units in the community by incentivizing non-profit and private sector housing developers. As part of the City’s Affordable Housing Action Plan, the program has been designed to make use of a one-time $800,000 funding allocation to the municipality.

Grant Amount

Non-profit housing organizations can receive $10,000 per affordable unit up to a maximum of $200,000. Private developers can receive $8,000 per affordable unit up to a maximum of $160,000. In addition, each project can receive up to an additional $50,000 in bonus funds for projects that are innovative or address a market gap. Funding will be committed through grant cycles until all budget is expended.    

Program Eligibility

The Program is intended as a top up for projects eligible for existing Provincial/Federal government funding programs for affordable housing. More information on program eligibility and scoring can be found in the “Frequently Asked Questions” or “Affordable Housing Grant Program Policy” documents.

Applying for a Grant

Application forms can be obtained on the city website, or by request by emailing affordable@saintjohn.ca for more information. The first grant cycle will open on July 15, 2024 and end on August 22nd, 2024. After all applications are evaluated, a second grant cycle may open, subject to available funding.