When you head to the polls for the Saint John municipal election, you face a clear choice. Three candidates want the mayor’s seat. Incumbent Donna Reardon seeks a second term. Ward 2 councillor Barry Ogden and local business owner Blaine Harris are challenging her. According to a recent report from CBC News, housing, homelessness and industrial expansion dominate the conversation.

Tackling the Homelessness Crisis

The city faces a growing homelessness crisis. In 2021, roughly 70 people experienced homelessness. By February 2025, that number reached 296. Following encampment fires in early 2024, the city launched a Housing For All strategy. This plan places residents in transition housing sites and relocates tents away from busy areas.

Candidate Solutions for Housing

Each candidate offers a different approach to the housing crisis. Reardon focuses on city infrastructure. She points to the Somerset ACRES housing site and green zone transition areas. These projects require city water and garbage services. Reardon says the city must advocate for provincial services and build partnerships.

Ogden supports transition sites like Neighbourly Homes but wants more affordable housing. He says the city must get people out of shelters and tents. Ogden stated, “We’ve got to get people out of shelters, which I’m not a fan of. And we’ve got to get people out of tents.”

Harris demands provincial wraparound services. He argues that placing people in small boxes fails them without proper support programs to reestablish them in society.

Balancing Industry and Neighbourhoods

Industrial expansion creates friction in Saint John neighbourhoods. Recently, Irving Pulp and Paper proposed turning Wolastoq Park into a parking lot. The company withdrew the proposal after Reardon broke a tie vote to offer a temporary lot instead. Meanwhile, the Spruce Lake Industrial Park expansion faces heavy opposition. A proposed data centre from Beacon AI Centres and VoltaGrid is currently under provincial review. Environmental filings show the project creates substantial greenhouse gas emissions.

Where Candidates Stand on Industry

Harris opposes the data centre due to its energy consumption. He criticizes the current council for ignoring Lorneville residents. However, he supports general industrial growth to create local jobs. Harris said, “It’s jobs. It’s important that we have these jobs because that’s the future and the children coming in.”

Reardon defends the industrial park expansion. She notes Saint John holds the majority of the province’s industry. She says the city needs the land for growth and works with Indigenous communities on the project.

Ogden also defends the expansion. He points out the data centre is a provincial environmental issue and no final decision exists yet.

The next council will feature new faces. Four sitting councillors are not running again. Overall, 35 candidates are competing for a seat at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is running for mayor in Saint John?

Incumbent Donna Reardon, Ward 2 councillor Barry Ogden and business owner Blaine Harris are the three candidates running for mayor.

What are the main issues in the Saint John election?

Housing, homelessness and industrial expansion are the top concerns for voters and candidates.

How much has homelessness increased in Saint John?

The number of people experiencing homelessness grew from roughly 70 in 2021 to 296 by February 2025.

What is the controversy surrounding the Spruce Lake Industrial Park?

The city approved an expansion that includes a proposed data centre. Residents oppose the project due to its high energy demands and greenhouse gas emissions.