New Safety Measures to Support Uptown Businesses -Chamber response to Membership

December 3, 2025

New Safety Measures to Support Uptown Businesses -Chamber response to Membership

 

Over the past several months, members have shared concerns about rising disorder and its impact on staff, customers, and day to day operations. In response, the Chamber formally raised these issues with both the City and the Province and called for targeted, collaborative action.

 This week, the City of Saint John announced two new initiatives that closely align with several of the recommendations we advanced. These measures represent positive progress and are designed to offer immediate, practical support for businesses while laying the groundwork for more coordinated, long-term solutions.

 We applaud the City for taking these steps, and we remain committed to supporting continued collaboration between municipal and provincial partners. When government, business, and community work together, we create a stronger, safer, and more confident environment for everyone. 

 As this is an issue in all cities across Canada, we believe that it’s imperative to look at best practices in municipalities across the nation to ensure we are leading the charge on solutions. What works elsewhere may also be replicated to in Saint John as well.

 Below is an overview of what was announced and how these initiatives will benefit your business.

 Community Safety & Security (CSS) Team

Launching February 2026 — A 24/7 Safety Presence in Uptown

The new CSS team will provide a continuous, non-police presence across Uptown, Waterloo Village, and areas surrounding local shelters.

 How this supports your business:

  • Enhanced customer and employee confidence through a visible, trained safety presence
  • Rapid, on-the-ground support for non-emergency issues that often disrupt business
  • Reduced strain on your staff by shifting low-level safety concerns to trained professionals
  • Better coordination with police, EMS, and outreach services when required
  • A proactive, prevention-focused model designed to reduce disorder before issues escalate

This is an important first step toward creating a more predictable, welcoming environment for workers, customers, and visitors.

 Community Resilience Fund

Applications Now Open — New Financial Support for Businesses

The City has also launched a Community Resilience Fund to help businesses manage and recover from the impacts of crime, vandalism, and safety-related disruptions.

 How this supports your business:

  • Up to $7,500 per business to help cover eligible upgrades and repairs
  • Up to $25,000 for collective projects through the Uptown BIA or groups of four or more
  • Funding available for:
  • Security upgrades
  • Prevention tools
  • Property repairs
  • Collaborative safety projects
  • Cost-sharing designed to lighten financial burden:
  • Small businesses: 50% of costs covered
  • Non-profits: Up to 75% covered
  • Priority focus on the areas experiencing the greatest strain, including:
  • Uptown Saint John, Waterloo Village, Rothesay Avenue, and Thorne Avenue

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

This program provides real, tangible relief for businesses facing unexpected costs and supports investments that increase resilience and safety.

Full program details & application link below:

 Click here to visit Shape Your City Saint John to review the complete guidelines and apply.

 Looking Ahead: A Positive Path Forward

These initiatives signal that the concerns of the business community are being heard and acted upon. They also represent an important shift toward shared responsibility and coordinated action—to build upon a safer and more vibrant Uptown.

 The Chamber will continue to:

  • Advocate for long-term, system-level solutions 
  • Encourage strong collaboration between municipal and provincial partners
  • Share member feedback throughout the rollout of these initiatives
  • Ensure the voice of business remains an important voice in shaping future actions

 

If you have experiences, ideas, or concerns you’d like us to bring forward, please reach out to us. Your insights are essential and continue to guide our advocacy.

 

Shannon Merrifield

CEO – Saint John Region Chamber