May to September residency application is now OPEN
Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday May 15th, 2024.
Artist Opportunity
The City of Saint John invites artists and artist-led groups, to submit Expressions of Interest to be selected for the 2024 May-September Artist in Residence Program.
Community engagement remains at the heart of this program, which is open to artists practicing in all mediums including but not limited to:
- visual (painting, sculpture),
- literary (poetry, collective works),
- performance (dance, music, opera, theatre, musical theatre),
- new media (film, television, radio, audio, video, animation, digital), or
- multidisciplinary and the intersectionality therein.
Artists should note this is not a live-in residency. Permits may be issued for temporary use of public spaces for artistic creation and presentation
Program Goals
- Connect residents to Arts and Culture
- Creatively animate public space(s) indoor or outdoor.
- Provide opportunities for artists to engage with the public to showcase their creative practices.
- Advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in the arts.
- Broaden the community’s experience of the arts.
- Contribute to placemaking and community pride
Roles and Responsibilities
The City of Saint John will:
- recognize the artist is the City’s May-September Artists in Residence
- provide access to municipal facilities and venues (as available);
- coordinate permits for public space(s) (as appropriate);
- promote project information with a webpage on saintjohn.ca (other sites created and managed by the artist may also be utilized in the delivery of the project);
- provide administrative assistance, web services, event coordination, graphic design, and project promotion;
- award a $5,000 (CAD) budget to selected artist which includes artist fees and funding to cover other costs directly related to the project; and
- provide an opportunity for presentation and celebration at the end of the residency.
The City will also provide marketing and promotional collateral at its own expense.
The Selected Artist will:
- commit to engaging community members in creative experiences including but not limited to two public residency engagements;
- deliver the selected project within the program’s timeline and budget;
- promote the project via social media;
- provide regular progress updates to staff;
- be available to speak with the media; and
- attend a debriefing session at the end of the residency period.
Scope of Work
As part of the program, the artist will be expected to undertake a selection of the following residency engagements, to be agreed upon between the City and the Artist:
- artist talk;
- workshop class or self-guided, public activity; and/or
- virtual or physical exhibition/display of completed work.
The successful project for this community-based arts initiative should engage residents and visitors to Saint John and promote an appreciation of Arts and Culture.
Expressions of Interest should outline the project concept and indicate how the artist will engage with the community.
While the artist’s process is as important as the resulting artistic products, projects should produce an outcome such as, but not limited to, a temporary installation, performance, recording, creative collaboration, exhibition, or community experience that can be shared and celebrated with the public.
Eligibility requirements
This opportunity is open to all artists residing within the City of Saint John. Artists should have proven experience engaging the public and working collaboratively with community members or other artists. They must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada and be 18 years of age or older to qualify for this opportunity.
Previous City of Saint John Artists-in-Residence and City of Saint John employees are not eligible to apply.
Fundraising activities are not eligible.
A strong web/social media presence/following is considered an asset.
Eligibility requirements
Following the evaluation of proposals, the funding support unit will look at prioritizing applications from the following Indigenous and equity-seeking communities:
- Mi’gmaq, Wolastoqiyik, and Peskotomuhkatiyik Nations
- Inuit
- Métis
- IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, People of Color)
- People with visible and invisible disabilities
- Refugees / Immigrants / Newcomers
- 2SLGBTQIA+
The City of Saint John recognizes that people identify themselves in many ways. Terms used to self-identify are continually evolving. People can change their identities or the ways they want to identify over time.
The project budget (managed by the artist) is $5,000 and includes, but is not limited to, all costs associated with the creation and implementation of the residency project including:
- Artist fees (including research, development, and administration)
- Materials (including any supplies, studio expenses, services, or equipment)
- Disbursements will be made throughout the project as per a negotiated schedule of deliverables. Additional funds secured by the artist through project-related grants, awards and prizes may be used to supplement the project budget.
Upon acceptance, the artist will enter an Artist Agreement with the City of Saint John.
The recommended artist or artist-led groups will be chosen through a juried selection process. Artists will be evaluated on their qualifications and experience, body of work, merit of proposal, and capacity to engage with the community.
The City’s Arts Grants Committee will review proposals based on program goals and selection criteria outlined below. Staff may be engaged to vet permits, land use, etc.
Expression of Interest
Artists will be scored based on their previous body of work and experience; capacity to engage the community; ability to deliver work of high artistic quality on time and on budget; as well a project proposal that is realistic and achievable and has a vision for community involvement.
Submission Deadline: Wednesday May 15th , 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
- Expression of Interest (1-page, maximum file size 2 MB – pdf, doc or docx) Include a project proposal that describes desired outcomes and a vision for community involvement.
- Artist Resume (up to 3-pages, maximum file size 2 MB – pdf, doc or docx)
- Support Materials – Include up to 3 samples of your artistic work to support your proposal. (e.g., photos of artworks, short writing samples, links to video or sound files. Maximum file size 5 MB – pdf, doc, docx, jpg, jpeg or png – text field available for links.)
- Applicants should include letters of support and/or agreement for collaborating community groups, organizations, or private landowners if proposed artwork will be placed on private property.
Evaluation Criterion
Qualifications and experience (20%)
- The artist’s professional experience, interests and talents complement the program (5%)
- The artist has demonstrated experience and inventiveness in working collaboratively with community members (5%)
- The artist has the knowledge and skills required to facilitate, coordinate, promote, and administer the project on time and on budget (10%)
Quality of project proposal (40%)
- The project proposal outlines a project that will creatively animate public space(s) (10%)
- The project proposal has a vision for community involvement in their practices (10%)
- The project proposal will produce an outcome such as, but not limited to, a temporary installation, performance, recording, collection, creative collaboration, exhibition, or community experience that can be shared and celebrated with the public (10%)
- The preliminary project proposal is realistic and achievable (10%)
Realization of proposal (40%)
- The proposed project will creatively animate public space(s) (10%)
- The artist’s plans for cultural programming and community engagement are strong (10%)
- The proposed project demonstrates a connection to the city and/or relevance to the citizens of Saint John with potential for positive impact in the community (20%)
Please note that late proposals will not be accepted.
General Provisions
Artist Agreement: The successful artist(s) will enter into an Artist Agreement with the City of Saint John. Upon notification of being awarded the project, the successful artist will have a 7-day period to finalize and sign the agreement.
Conflict of Interest: Applicants must disclose any potential conflicts of interest in their submission, including any which may involve City employees, Council members, or members of the Saint John Community Arts Board.
Reserved Rights: The City of Saint John and the Saint John Community Arts Board are not obliged to accept any of the submissions and reserve the right to not recommend any proposal or finalist and to terminate or re-advertise any project.
Saint John Transit service enhancements focus on North/South routes and Route 1 East/West, beginning July 3, 2023
Route 25 (Millidgeville/North) will be discontinued and will be split into Route 24 North End and FLEX Millidgeville.
The Saint John Transit Commission is pleased to announce Phase 3 enhancements as part of the Transforming Transit project.
Enhanced schedules, new features and technology, and improved industry and system standards are making our transit service more financially and environmentally sustainable and providing more Saint John residents with better and more accessible transportation options.
This transformation is guided by principles that consider Saint John’s people and geography, industry standards, passenger and stop data, route modelling, and a comprehensive study of the transit system conducted by Stantec.
New Route and Flex Zone
Route 25 (Millidgeville/North) will be discontinued and will be split into Route 24 North End and FLEX Millidgeville.
NEW Route 24 North End
The Old North End will be serviced by Route 24, a new route that will run from Metcalf Street through the North End back to Place 400 where transferring will be available every 15 minutes. Hourly service will begin at 6:30 am and continue to 5:45 pm Monday to Friday. Saturday service runs from 10:30am to 5:45 pm.
NEW FLEX Millidgeville
Areas in Millidgeville currently served by Route 25 will be serviced by FLEX Millidgeville. The new zone does not include University Avenue. Transit service and stops beyond Brothers Cove on Kennebecasis Drive and along Sandy Point Road will be discontinued.
Bus service will be available from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm Monday to Friday, and 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays.
Hours for booking
You can book on the app during service hours.
Telephone booking is available from 6:30 am until 5pm weekdays and 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays.
Riders can travel stop-to-stop within the Millidgeville FLEX zone or transfer to Routes 3 or 9 North (University/Hospital) at a new stop at 608 Millidge Avenue (old Station 8). Riders who want to transfer to Route 3 or 9 East (Uptown/ McAllister Place) will transfer at the existing stop at the corner of Millidge Avenue and Woodward Avenue.
FLEX is an on-demand service that goes to stops where it’s requested within a zone instead of following a fixed route. The new Millidgeville FLEX zone will include all areas previously covered on the Millidgeville portion of Route 25 offer longer hours of service.
To access FLEX, riders can download the “Saint John Flex app” via the Apple Store or Google Play. Riders can use the app on their phones or tablets or call 506 652-3539 (FLEX) to schedule a pickup at their nearest stop. Transit planners encourage Saint Johners with friends, family, neighbours and co-workers in Millidgeville to help them set up a Saint John Transit FLEX account and take advantage of this new transit service.
Signage will be posted throughout the zone.
Riders are encouraged to book trips in advance for best service. The intent is to provide service within half an hour of a rider’s request.
Exact schedules for the fixed routes and the Millidgeville FLEX zone information will be available in saintjohn.ca in the coming weeks.
Fixed Route Service Enhancements
Route 1 (E/W)
Monday to Friday
The second most used line in the city, running from the Irving Oil Field House (East) to the Lancaster Mall (West) will run every 15 minutes during peak hours (6:35 am to 10:00 am, and 2:35 pm to 6:30 pm) with half-hour service during off-peak hours. Route 1 service begins at 6:05 am and ends at 10:55 pm. Saturday and Sunday service will remain as is.
Route 3 (E/N)
Monday to Friday
The first run on Route 3E will begin at UNB Saint John at 6:00 am. The last trip on Route 3N will depart from McAllister Place at 10:20 pm and arrive at UNB Saint John at 11:00 pm. The last trip Route 3E will depart from UNB Saint John at 11 pm and arrive at McAllister Place at 11:40 pm.
Route 15 (S)
Monday to Friday
The first run on Route 15S will begin at Lancaster Mall at 6:20 am.
Route 21 (South End) and Route 23 (Crescent Valley)
Monday to Friday
Service on these lines will begin at 6:25 am and end at 9:20 pm. Buses will run every 30 minutes until 6:20 pm, with hourly service during evenings. Service previously began at 7:35 am and ended at 6:20 pm and ran hourly. Saturday will remain the same as the current service. There is no Sunday service on this route.
Route 20 (Wright Street)
Monday to Friday
Hourly service will begin 6:10 am and continue until 6:25 pm. Service previously began at 7:40 am and ended at 6:05 pm. Saturday service will be hourly from 9:50am to 5:25pm. There is no Sunday service on this route.
FLEX West users who book using the telephone, telephone booking hours are 6:30 am until 5:00 pm. This change is to accommodate service expansion to Saint John Transit service.
Trip Planning
Riders can download the “Transit” app using Google Play or the App Store for trip planning. The Transit app integrates fixed routes and FLEX zones and also allows riders to book Flex rides.
About Transforming Transit
Riders began to see the results of the Transforming Transit project in October 2022.
Riders have seen frequency increases on rapid lines, extended service hours on other routes and the introduction of FLEX service in demand service. FLEX routes and shorter routes in the city are being serviced by six, 20-foot leased electric Karsan eJest buses.
Nestled on the powerful Bay of Fundy, Saint John is a beautiful, historic, and vibrantly urban city—surrounded by breathtaking and rejuvenating nature experiences. You can have it all. Whether you live in or visit Canada’s first incorporated city, you’re sure to be caught up in its gorgeous historic architecture, eclectic shops and restaurants, and rich arts and culture experiences. You’ll also be swept away by its natural attractions.
In order to flourish, Saint John must enhance its ability to achieve measurable growth in three target areas: population, employment and tax base.
A standing Growth Committee, established by Saint John Common Council in 2016 has been tasked with reviewing opportunities and challenges related to growth.
We must maximize our ability to grow through strategic and immediate actions.
The Roadmap for Smart Growth is an economic growth and development strategy. The Growth Committee conducted best practice analysis and consulted with a number of sources, including economic development agencies, local developers, volunteers and partners in order to identify the new direction for the City of Saint John’s economic development efforts and actions outlined in the strategy.
Saint John will be the most welcoming community in New Brunswick.
Our community can no longer watch our population decline. We need to have a focused and coordinated approach to growing our population. The Population Growth Framework will help our community to build on our existing efforts and will spur action around the things we can influence.
In order to be effective at population growth, we will need every level of Government, local businesses, stakeholders, and our whole community working together to achieve growth.
The strategies outlined in the framework are thirty new or enhanced actions that we will take as a community to grow our population. Many of the actions will require coordinated work plans and leveraged funding. Each action will be coordinated by a lead organization, and they will be supported by partnering organizations.
For over 25 years the City of Saint John has been a leader in implementing best practices in energy efficiency.
2020 | Understanding Climate Change in Saint John: This report serves to inform residents, businesses and policy makers in the City of Saint John of the social, economical and environmental impacts of Climate Change. (Published by by ACAP Saint John) | |
2019 | The City's Corporate and Community GHG and Energy Action Plans are adopted by Saint John Common Council. The Corporate Plan aims to reduce GHG emissions by 30% and the Community GHG emissions by 9% by 2025. | |
2018 | The Saint John City Market undergoes significant energy upgrades. | |
The Pedestrian and Transit Strategy Reports are completed as part of MoveSJ. | ||
2017 | Saint John Common Council adopts the Asset Management Policy and Roadmap that aims to integrate climate change into decision-making about infrastructure assets, such as roads, buildings, and water and wastewater systems. | |
The MEEP program receives national recognition with the Quest Smart Energy Communities Award - Local Public Service Sector. | ||
2016 | City partners with Saint John Energy to launch an energy efficiency awareness program for elementary school students. | |
2015 | Saint John Energy donates a leading edge solar digital lighting system for Lily Lake Trail in Rockwood Park. | |
The City of Saint John, in cooperation with Saint John Energy and the Saint John Parking Commission, install the first Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station at Peel Plaza Parking. | ||
The City's Parks and Recreation Service launches the Green Machine, a 14’ trailer equipped to support community. | ||
2014 | The City of Saint John celebrates 100 per cent completion of the Harbour Clean Up Project. | |
2013 | One Peel Plaza, the new HQ for the Saint John Police Force, is recognized with the Premier’s Award for Energy Efficiency. The Police Headquarters is a LEED Gold Building and received a $1 million grant and $10 million in low interest loans toward the energy efficiency measures. | |
2012 | The first Public Energy Monitoring Dashboard System in New Brunswick using real time data was installed in 2012 at the City Hall to monitor and report on energy and water performance at the Saint John Transit building. | |
Saint John Common Council adopts the new Municipal Plan which includes energy and environmental policies and by-laws to address: Climate Change, Energy Efficiency, Renewal Energy, Green Urban Design and Energy Monitoring. | ||
The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of New Brunswick recognizes the City of Saint John with the Showcase Award for Engineering Excellence for the Eastern Wastewater Treatment Facility. | ||
2011 | City wins two awards: Premier's Award for Energy Efficiency: Energy Efficiency Champion Premier’s Award for Energy Efficiency, project – Commercial New Premier’s Award for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency Champion Construction, Saint John Transit |
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2010 | A trail and bikeway strategic plan is presented to Common Council. | |
Saint John Transit Unveils Parcobus | ||
Saint John Sustainable Energy Management Team awarded Milton F. Gregg Conservation Award by the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. | ||
The City of Saint John is recognized among the Top 13 in North America for Best Energy Management Practices Commission for Environmental Cooperation. | ||
2008 | City performs and energy audit on all four city arenas. By this time, more than 70 energy retrofit projects have been implemented in more than 50 buildings and facilities. A state-of-the-art Energy Management Control System (EMCS) allows for remote energy monitoring of individual buildings. | |
City awarded Federation of Canadian Municipalities-CH2M HILL Sustainable Community Award. | ||
City of Saint John adopts Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. | ||
2006 | City of Saint John joins Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) | |
2004 | City of Saint John wins Canadian Association of Municipal Administrator (CAMA) Environment Award | |
1996 | The City of Saint John adopted a Municipal Energy Efficiency Program (MEEP), pre-empting Kyoto. The MEEP is a city-wide program to reduce municipal operations energy consumption. The program was initiated by conducting the first comprehensive annual analysis of energy consumption and related costs of municipal operations. |
Update (May 1, 2024): Provincial recycling program now in effect for Saint John
The City of Saint John would like to make residents aware of changes to curbside recycling collection services. As part of the Province of New Brunswick’s recently expanded Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, management of all curbside recycling collection will become the responsibility of a third-party service provider, Miller Waste, beginning May 1.
All recycling collection inquiries should be directed to Miller Waste including replacement totes, schedules and missed collections:
Phone: 1-833-644-1163
Email: nb@millerwaste.ca
The ReCollect app is currently being updated and will still be the best source for determining your pickup day. In the meantime, residents can go to NB Recycling Guide_CitySaintJohn to find your recycling schedule.
A non-profit called Circular Materials (https://www.circularmaterials.ca/) is coordinating this EPR expansion. The recycling collection service provider for Saint John is Miller Waste.
What residents need to know about their curbside recycling collection
- As of May 1, residents will have new curbside recycling pickup dates and times. Collection schedules will be managed and implemented by Miller Waste and details about the changes are expected to be communicated by Circular Materials in the coming days.
- The ReCollect app is currently being updated and will still be available and the best source for determining your pickup day.
- There will be no changes to the types of materials that can be recycled under the new program.
- There are no changes to collection of your garbage or compost as a result of this program.
The change comes as a result of the Province of New Brunswick’s expansion of the EPR program to paper and packaging under the Designated Materials Regulation and is being implemented in municipalities throughout the province
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Improved curbside garbage, recycling and compost collection services are now underway with the enhanced Waste Wise Program. CLICK HERE to learn more.
For eligible residential properties, the City of Saint John collects your household garbage and organics on one week and two week schedules, Monday through Friday. To keep your neighbourhood clean, please do not place your waste curbside before the following timeframes.
For daytime collection, place your waste curbside between 10 p.m. the evening before collection, and 7:30 a.m. the day of collection. For nighttime collection, place your waste curbside between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Please note: As of October 23, 2022, recycling, compost and garbage waste for nighttime collection must be placed curbside before 10:00 p.m.
Collection schedules are subject to change as of October 23. Use the ReCollect tool below to find your collection schedule.
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 City of Saint John, through the work of the Community Arts Board, offers two grant streams for artists and arts organizations to receive funding:
Artist in Residence Grants
Open to artists residing within the City of Saint John practicing in an artist medium including but not limited to:
- visual (painting, sculpture),
- literary (poetry, collective works),
- performance (dance, music, opera, theatre, musical theatre),
- new media (film, television, radio, audio, video, animation, digital), or
- multidisciplinary and the intersectionality therein.
There will be three rounds of Artist in Residence applications in 2024: January to April, May to August, and September to December.
Applications will be posted on this website under "Artist in Residence Application" when the call to artists opens.
Community Arts Funding Programs
Registered non-profit organizations incorporated in New Brunswick and located within the City of Saint John are eligible for Community Arts Board funding. If the applicant is an unincorporated non-profit, an eligible organization must accept funding on their behalf and partner with them on the project.
There are two rounds of Community Arts Funding in 2024: Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter.
Applications will be posted on this on this website under "Application Form for Grants Funding" when the round is open.
For more information contact artsandculture@saintjohn.ca
Saint John Transit continues to enhance service beginning
December 27, 2022
FLEX on-demand service will replace Routes 13 and 14 Churchill/Milford on January 9, 2023
Guided by principles that considered Saint John’s people and geography, industry standards, passenger and stop data, route modelling, and a comprehensive study of the transit system conducted by Stantec. Service enhancements, new features and technology, and improved industry and system standards will make our transit service more financially and environmentally sustainable, and provide more Saint John residents with better and more accessible transportation options.
Route 1 East extension (December 27)
The Route 1 Rapid Line running between the City’s East and West Sides will extend to serve the Irving Oil Field House East. Lancaster Mall West will be the last stop on Route 1. Riders travelling between Lancaster Mall and Fairville Plaza on the Golden Mile can transfer to Route 15.
Route 15 Harbour Bridge route change (December 27)
Service on the Route 15 Harbour Bridge Community Line running between the West Side and Uptown via the Harbour Bridge will extend to serve Fairville Plaza. To accommodate this extension, Route 15 will now travel along Ludlow Street. Stops on Champlain, Charlotte, Duke Streets will close, and stops will be added on Ludlow Street. Temporary signage will be posted to announce closed stops.
On-demand FLEX service replacing Routes 13 and 14 (January 9, 2023)
FLEX is an on-demand service that goes to stops where it’s requested within a zone instead of following a fixed route. The new West FLEX zone will include all areas previously covered by Routes 13 and 14, will extend further west than the current bus service, and will offer longer hours of service.
To access FLEX, riders can use the SpareLabs app or simply call Transit to schedule a bus pickup at their nearest stop. Transit planners encourage Saint Johners with friends, family and neighbours who use Routes 13 and 14 to help them set up a Saint John Transit FLEX account and take advantage of this new transit service.
Riders can travel stop-to-stop within the West zone or transfer to Route 1 East at the Lancaster Mall or to Route 15 at the Lancaster Mall or Fairville Plaza.
Riders in the area will notice that several stops will close and new stops will be opened. Temporary signage will be posted.
Transit planners believe that FLEX will deliver better service for riders by allowing them to travel when they want. This service will be available all day from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm Monday to Friday. FLEX service will be available from 10 am until 6 pm on Saturdays. The intent is to provide service within half an hour of a rider’s request.
Further information about FLEX West service will be provided on saintjohn.ca/transit and on buses in the coming weeks. “Pop up” events will also taking place to introduce riders to the service.
20-passenger electric buses
This past summer, Saint John Transit conducted a successful pilot of an electric Karzan Jest bus on various routes throughout the City. Residents can expect to see six of these late model, leased 20-passenger buses providing on-demand FLEX service and running on short community routes.
Service on Route 12 Martinon will operate as usual, including stops in the FLEX west zone.
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Mid 2023 will see new technology and more enhancements
In 2023 riders will see further service enhancements. Enhancements are scheduled for early summer 2023. Enhancements will include streamlined community routes and the introduction of additional on-demand FLEX service zones.
Other service enhancements planned for 2023 include:
- Increased frequency on Rapid and Community Lines
- Electronic fares
- Automated stop announcements
- Wayfinding, signage and stop improvements
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Additional benefits
As of December 1, CNIB cardholders who present their cards to a upon boarding a bus can ride Saint John Transit for free. This is one of the service enhancements approved by the Saint John Transit Commission as part of the Transforming Transit project, and is designed to increase accessibility to the system.
This past October, service hours were also extended on Routes 9 and Routes 15. Common stops on Routes 3 and 9 now have 15-minute frequency during peak hours. Route 15 now begins two hours earlier in the morning.
To make our transit service more usable, digital displays on buses now indicate the direction in which a bus is travelling.
The Transforming Transit project is the result of a comprehensive study of the City’s transit system which was completed in 2020. Based on the results of the study, service enhancements and features were designed and developed to enable Saint John Transit to operate more sustainably, attract new riders and better serve current riders, adopt new technology, and introduce industry and system standards.
Improved curbside garbage, recycling and compost collection services are now underway with the enhanced Waste Wise Program.
An information sheet describing the program has been delivered with the new carts and totes and can also be found HERE.
Program Highlights:
- Curbside recycling:
- All residents will receive two recycling totes. A blue recycling tote and lid for your paper/ boxboard /cardboard recyclables, and a green recycling tote for plastics and metals.
- There is no limit to the amount of recycling households can place at the curb. The colour of the container does not matter; however, contents must be properly sorted by paper and cardboard or plastics and metals.
- Garbage bag limits:
- One full city-issued garbage cart (approximately two large garbage bags)
- For households that will not receive a garbage cart and will continue to receive bag collection (South-Central Peninsula, Old North End and Waterloo Village):
- A limit of one bag per weekly pickup
- A limit of one bag per weekly pickup
- Garbage Bag Tags for excess garbage:
- Bag tags are required when allowable garbage bag limits are reached and additional bags need to be used.
- Bag tags can be purchased for $2 per tag at the City Hall Customer Service Centre and other locations across the city. Find a full list of vendors HERE or seen below.
- Bag tags are available for purchase at locations across the City including City Hall.
Vendor location | address |
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City Hall Customer Service Centre | 15 Market Square, Saint John, NB |
Kanes Corner | 40 Loch Lomond Rd, Saint John, NB |
Best Stop Ultramar | 111 Bayside Dr, Saint John, NB |
Forest Hills Variety | 557 Westmorland Rd, Saint John, NB |
Airport General Store | 4105 Loch Lomond Rd, Saint John, NB |
At Your Convenience | 113 Adelaide St, Saint John, NB |
Saint John Regional Hospital Gift Shop | 400 University Ave, Saint John, NB |
Jean Coutu | 35 University Ave, Saint John, NB |
South End Convenience (George’s) | 131 St. James St, Saint John, NB |
Jim Bob's Variety | 1059 Manawagonish Rd, Saint John, NB |
Ludlow Convenience |
213 Ludlow St, Saint John, NB |
Lancaster News Mart & Smoke Shop | 621 Fairville Blvd, Saint John, NB |
Shawn's Variety | 131 Broad Street, Saint John, NB |
*Residents may request bag tags to be mailed to them by contacting the Customer Service Centre at 658-4455. A minimum order of one full sheet (13 tags) and payment by credit card is required.
- Curbside compost will continue to be offered under the new program.
- The bulky items pick-up service will continue to be offered to all customers, by appointment, by contacting Customer Service at 658-4455.
Urban bag tags
Residents who live in the South-Central Peninsula, Old North End and Waterloo Village areas of the city will be required to place an urban bag tag on their garbage bags prior to pickup.
Urban bag tags are mailed to residents living in those areas twice a year in January and July.
Medical Waste Support Program
Do you or someone in your household have a medical condition that results in additional waste that cannot be recycled?
The City of Saint John’s Medical Waste Support program is designed to assist those who regularly need to dispose of extra garbage due to medical reasons. For those who qualify, the program provides garbage tags for 52 additional bags tags per year at no cost.
To protect your privacy, all tags provided are standard City of Saint John Excess Garbage Bag Tags. Applications are accepted throughout the year and must be renewed annually.
How to apply and program details:
- Download and complete the (PDF). The form must be signed by a Physician or Nurse Practitioner before it is returned to the City as outlined in the application.
- Only paper copies of this form will be accepted.
- If you do not access to a printer, you can call 506-658-4455 and arrange to have a form mailed to you.
- Once received, the application will be reviewed for accuracy. Incomplete forms will be returned to the applicant.
- If there are multiple residents who live in the household requiring extra tags, a separate form must be filled out for each resident.
- If approved, 52 City of Saint John excess garbage bag tags will be mailed to the address provided.
- This program excludes personal protective equipment (PPE).
Applications must be renewed annually on the anniversary date of the applicant’s program approval by filling out a Medical Waste Support Renewal Form (PDF). The application renewal date will be provided in a letter that accompanies the tags.
Please visit the "Related Documents" section of this page for application forms.
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We can all make improvements in the amount of waste we generate in our lives, and become more responsible for our waste. Waste Wise Saint John is an initiative that aims to help residents reduce waste through education, resources, and enforcement.
Composting
Composting reduces landfill waste, thereby extending the life of the landfill. Plus, animals and birds will not be attracted to your garbage if there is no food product in it, which makes for cleaner properties and streetscapes. But did you know that it even makes economic sense to compost? The FRSC fee for compost is $40 per metric tonne, compared to the $108 per tonne of garbage. We save money and help save the planet when we compost.
For composting tips, please visit the Fundy Regional Service Commission website here.
Recycling
You can reduce household waste by nearly 50 per cent when you recycle!
Household electronics can be recycled at the Crane Mountain Landfill Hazardous Waste Depot and at other depot locations throughout the city. This is a free program.
For more recycling information including a blue bin map, visit Fundyrecycles.com.
Preventing a mess
You can help prevent garbage from making a mess of yards, sidewalks or streets. Secure your containers during inclement weather, and cover your garbage with an old blanket or tarp to prevent animal and bird interference—crews will leave your covering behind when they clear your street. Remember, you are responsible for your garbage and any loose refuse resulting from weather, animals, or otherwise.
Eight Catalysts for Greater Prosperity
Saint John Common Council is committed to working across governments and sectors to unlock the City and region’s growth potential. To do this, Council has identified eight high-impact priorities that will spur growth by addressing critical infrastructure and building stronger partnerships.
Why?
Growth won’t just happen on its own. To be successful we must focus our resources on priorities that align with our growth strategies and will have the greatest potential impact. The priorities also help focus the support of our partners in the federal and provincial governments. We are seeking strategic investments that will help deliver the most benefit.
01 Innovative Central Peninsula Learning Commons
This new urban school will also be a community hub to support and revitalize the south-central peninsula neighbourhood. The project has been underway since 2019 with significant community involvement. The Government of New Brunswick is the lead on the project and is selecting a site. We are eager to advance to the design and construction stages of the project.
02 Redevelopment of Fundy Quay
Site preparation has begun for this mixed-used project that will transform Saint John’s urban waterfront and boost tourism. Two thirds of the $27.4 million project, or about $18.4 million, has been funded by the federal and provincial governments, with the remainder funded by the City of Saint John. Continued advocacy and investment by all levels of government is crucial to securing full build out of the project over the next 10 years and unlocking further investments.
03 New Comprehensive Recreational Facility
A large multi-purpose facility has been prioritized to replace aging arenas (some that are close to 50 years old) and provide modern, functional space for other sports, recreation, and the arts. A more modern facility will not only improve community wellness and service offerings, but it will also boost the attractiveness of our region.
04 Investment in Industrial Parks
The City is looking to expand lands and investment in its industrial parks to fuel economic growth by attracting new businesses and skilled workers. More lands and investment are needed to ensure the City is positioned to capitalize on emerging growth opportunities in sectors such as green energy, advanced manufacturing and transportation and logistics. These investments will enable these sectors to operate efficiently without adversely impacting the quality of life in residential neighbourhoods.
01 Comprehensive Tax Reform
Saint John has long called on the Province for comprehensive tax reform to ensure more local tax dollars stay in the City to help maintain strong and sustainable municipal services. Currently, the Province collects significant property tax for its own purposes that is disproportionately high when compared to other provinces. In alignment with the Province’s Sustaining Saint John Plan, the time for modernizing our outdated tax system is now.
02 Matching Dollars for Bilateral Funding
Currently, more than $36 million in green infrastructure funding is available from the federal government. The City is calling on the Province to unlock these federal funds by providing the required provincial matching funds. These dollars would help make critical investments in climate change-related infrastructure, further enable the creation of a green economy, and support the City’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2040.
03 Affordable Housing
About one third of Saint John residents struggle to pay for housing. Affordable housing is important to our residents and key to our community’s success. Our collective ability to provide access to safe, affordable housing will enable us to achieve growth and improve the sense of belonging for those who call Saint John home. The City is looking for federal and provincial support as it embarks on creating and delivering on its Affordable Housing Action Plan.
04 Post-Secondary Education
The City aims to work with post-secondary institutions, other levels of government and the business community to expand programs at UNB Saint John and NBCC to spark growth and innovation across our region. Strong and vibrant educational opportunities are critical to growth, attracting and retaining our youth, and developing a talent and leadership pipeline.
Through a number of new initiatives, the City of Saint John is committed to providing an enhanced customer support experience for those who live and do business in the city. Our customer service team is the link between residents, businesses and the services the City provides.
In the past, customer service was provided by individual departments at various locations throughout the City. In 2015, the City brought Building, Planning and Infrastructure services under one umbrella creating the One Stop Development Shop. One Stop is a great success and ensures that developers, builders and homeowners have easy and convenient access to these services in one place.
This “one stop” customer service concept has expanded to encompass all City services. The City of Saint John is excited to provide convenient access to City service to Saint John citizens and businesses through a variety of channels – in-person, telephone, email, web portal or mobile devices/apps.
The City continues to work towards the enhancement of municipal service delivery through:
- Establishment of a Dedicated, Integrated Team
Employees have come together from all areas of the organization to form the Customer Service Centre bringing with them their knowledge and experience. This dedicated team is central to providing consistent, timely and quality responses to customer requests for information and assistance with services and programs offered by the City of Saint John.
- Convenient In- Person Access
The new Customer Service Centre is located on the Ground Floor of City Hall, at 15 Market Square, which is accessible through the Main Entrance or via the elevator on the Pedway Level of the Shoppes of City Hall. At the Centre, customers can make payments, get information on City services or meet with the Development Team all in one place. Customer Service staff at the Reception Desk are also available to check in visitors to City Hall who have meetings with City staff.
Through self-serve directories, users can find the information they are looking for using the “Wizard” as their guide.
Coming Soon
- State of the Art Customer Relationship Management(CRM) Technology
In the coming months, the City will introduce a new Customer Relationship Management software solution to modernize customer service delivery through centralized service request tracking, call recording, enhanced work prioritization and improved workflows and processes. This new system features detailed reporting and analytics which facilitates better decision-making for operations and future planning.
The new CRM will also provide a Customer Web Portal a convenient and easy-to-use method for submitting and checking the status of service requests.
- One Telephone Number for City Services – 658-4455
The City of Saint John will move to a one-telephone number access system for all departments, inquiries, complaints, etc.
If you’re considering a move to Saint John, there’s really just one thing you need to know: our residents have a history of being the happiest people in Canada*. Why is that? Might be the people—we’re a friendly, warm, and welcoming bunch. Might be the location—on the stunning Bay of Fundy. Could be that it’s the perfect mix of urban energy, outdoors-y fun, and creative vibe. Then again, it could be that your incomparable lifestyle is also unbelievably affordable. Ready to find your version of happy in Saint John?
*(Canadian Institute for Advanced Research)