As Saint John, New Brunswick, navigates the dynamic economic landscape of late 2025, local businesses, particularly in the vibrant Uptown area, continue to adapt to evolving challenges. With the holiday season approaching, a period crucial for many retailers, the focus on creating a secure and welcoming environment is paramount. Recent months have seen businesses express growing concerns over rising disorder, impacting staff, customer confidence, and daily operations. In response to these pressing issues, the City of Saint John has unveiled significant new initiatives aimed at bolstering safety and providing crucial financial support to the business community.

These measures, championed by the Saint John Region Chamber, represent a collaborative effort to foster a stronger, safer, and more confident environment for everyone in the city.

Addressing Uptown Business Concerns

The Saint John Region Chamber has been a vocal advocate for its members, formally raising concerns about increasing disorder with both the City and the Province. This advocacy highlighted the need for targeted, collaborative action to address the impact on businesses. The City’s recent announcement directly aligns with several of the Chamber’s recommendations, marking a positive step forward.

Introducing the Community Safety & Security (CSS) Team

Launching in February 2026, the new Community Safety & Security (CSS) Team will establish a continuous, non-police presence across key areas including Uptown, Waterloo Village, and the vicinity of local shelters.

This 24/7 team is designed to provide immediate, practical support for businesses by:

• Enhancing customer and employee confidence through a visible, trained safety presence.
• Offering rapid, on-the-ground support for non-emergency issues that often disrupt business.
• Reducing strain on business staff by shifting low-level safety concerns to trained professionals.
• Ensuring better coordination with police, EMS, and outreach services when necessary.
• Implementing a proactive, prevention-focused model to reduce disorder before issues escalate.

This initiative is a crucial first step towards creating a more predictable and welcoming environment for workers, customers, and visitors alike.

The Community Resilience Fund: Financial Support for Businesses

In addition to the CSS Team, the City has launched a Community Resilience Fund, with applications now open. This fund is designed to help businesses manage and recover from the impacts of crime, vandalism, and other safety-related disruptions.

Key aspects of the fund include:

• Up to $7,500 available per business for eligible upgrades and repairs.
• Up to $25,000 for collective projects undertaken by the Uptown BIA or groups of four or more businesses.
• Funding can be used for security upgrades, prevention tools, property repairs, and collaborative safety projects.
• Cost-sharing models are in place, covering 50% of costs for small businesses and up to 75% for non-profits.
• Priority areas for funding include Uptown Saint John, Waterloo Village, Rothesay Avenue, and Thorne Avenue.

The first round of applications for the Community Resilience Fund closes on March 31, 2026, with eligibility retroactive to September 1, 2025. This program offers tangible relief and supports investments that enhance resilience and safety for businesses.

For full program details and to apply, businesses can visit the Shape Your City Saint John website.

The Saint John Region Chamber emphasizes its ongoing commitment to advocating for long-term, system-level solutions and encouraging strong collaboration between municipal and provincial partners. They will continue to share member feedback and ensure the voice of business remains central in shaping future actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new safety initiatives in Saint John?

The City of Saint John has announced two new initiatives: the Community Safety & Security (CSS) Team and the Community Resilience Fund.

When will the Community Safety & Security (CSS) Team be operational?

The CSS Team is scheduled to launch in February 2026, providing a 24/7 non-police safety presence.

What areas will the CSS Team cover?

The CSS Team will cover Uptown, Waterloo Village, and areas surrounding local shelters.

What is the Community Resilience Fund?

It’s a fund offering financial support to businesses to help them manage and recover from the impacts of crime, vandalism, and safety-related disruptions.

How much funding can a business receive from the Community Resilience Fund?

Individual businesses can receive up to $7,500, while collective projects by the Uptown BIA or groups of four or more businesses can receive up to $25,000.

What types of expenses are covered by the Community Resilience Fund?

Eligible expenses include security upgrades, prevention tools, property repairs, and collaborative safety projects.

When is the deadline to apply for the first round of the Community Resilience Fund?

Round 1 applications close on March 31, 2026, with eligibility retroactive to September 1, 2025.