There is a lot to celebrate in the City, old and new. Here are a few notable milestones the corporation of the City of Saint John has achieved.
Please note this list is not exhaustive.
2019
Completion of the Safe Clean Drinking Water Project, bringing quality, award-winning drinking water to Saint John Water customers.
2014
Completion of the Harbour Clean-up project, ensuring the Saint John Harbour is 100 percent sewage free.
2012
City earns “Cultural Capital of Canada” designation.
1996
As an early adopter of implementing energy efficiency measures in relation to municipal facilities, the City of Saint John became one of the first Canadian municipalities to create a Municipal Energy Efficiency Program (MEEP).
1967
The District of Simonds (east), and the City of Lancaster (west) amalgamated with the City of Saint John. The sculpture ‘Progression” on the front of City Hall recognizes the amalgamation.
1908
Canada’s first public playground, the Allison Ground Playground, opened thanks to the work of Miss Mabel Peters.
Mid-1800s
Rockwood Park is constructed, designed by Calvert Vaux, one of the designers of New York City's Central Park. Today, the 2,200-acre regional park is the outdoor jewel to the city.
1880s
One of the North America’s first sewage systems is built.
1849
The Saint John Police Force was established.
1845
Saint John’s first street lights were lit.
1844
First gas works commenced.
1837
Lily Lake anchored the first municipal water supply.
1797
First City Hall building built on Market Square.
1786
Fire service established.
1785
The City of Saint John was established and named by Royal Charter amalgamating (The Town or District of Parr) Parrtown and Carleton. Only white inhabitants of the United States or Europe were granted all rights and privileges as stated in the Charter. Black Americans and people of colour could only be granted said privileges by the Mayor. They would then be known as “Freeman.” The Charter was amended in 1849 to read “Notwithstanding anything in the said Charter to the contrary contained, any black person or person of colour may become a free citizen of, and be admitted to the freedom of the said City.”
1604
Sieur de Monts and Samuel de Champlain arrived at the mouth of the present-day St. John River on June 24, 1604- and named the area in honour of Saint-Jean-Baptiste.