Saint John Chamber of Commerce: Position on Proposed Uptown Truck Access Restrictions

November 7, 2025

Mayor Donna Noade-Reardon
City Hall
15 Market Square, Saint John NB
E2l 1E8

Saint John Chamber of Commerce: Position on Proposed Uptown Truck Access Restrictions
Keeping Uptown Saint John Accessible, Vibrant, and Open for Business

The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce represents hundreds of local employers who form the backbone of our city’s economy. Our members, from restaurants and retailers to logistics and service providers, are deeply concerned about the proposal to restrict delivery truck access in Uptown Saint John.

While the MoveSJ Transportation Plan seeks to balance livability and traffic management, the current direction being signalled by the City of Saint John risks creating unintended economic harm to the very businesses that make Uptown vibrant.

“These trucks are not a nuisance — they are the lifeblood of every business that calls Uptown home.”
— Judith Mackin, Tuck Studio

Restaurants, hotels, and retailers depend on consistent and timely deliveries of goods — many of which require large vehicles due to scale and frequency. Limiting delivery times or reducing loading zones will not improve livability; it will disrupt operations, raise costs, and make Uptown less competitive.

“We already face challenges with theft, safety, and slow foot traffic. Adding new restrictions feels like another barrier to keeping our doors open.”
— Holly Singh, Thandi’s

A Call for Balance and Collaboration

Saint John’s Uptown once had the bustle of a true city core, where people lived, worked, and shopped daily. Today, we’re fighting to bring that energy back. With no full-service grocery store, several storefront closures, and ongoing safety concerns, we need to make it easier, not harder for businesses to thrive and residents to shop locally.
Other cities that have successfully balanced goods movement and livability have done so through data-driven curb management, not blanket restrictions. Smart loading zones, off-peak delivery incentives, and collaborative design are proven to reduce congestion without choking commerce and can help pave the way forward.

Our Recommendations

1. Publish the Data: Release the evidence behind the proposal concerning delivery volumes, curb usage, traffic conflicts, and projected economic impacts.

2. Protect Essential Access: Guarantee sufficient, convenient loading zones for Uptown businesses.

3. Pilot Smart Solutions: Test digital loading zones or targeted restrictions before implementing city-wide changes.

4. Collaborate on a Curb Access Charter: Co-develop rules with the Chamber, Uptown SJ, and residents to ensure equitable, workable policies.

“We all want a beautiful, walkable Uptown but that vision only works if shops can get their goods, serve their customers, and keep people employed.”
— Shannon Merrifield Saint John Chamber of Commerce

Our Ask
Before moving ahead with restrictions, we urge City Council to meet with the Chamber and Uptown business community to co-design a balanced approach that supports both livability and economic vitality.
Together, we can keep Uptown Saint John thriving, accessible, welcoming, and truly alive.

Sincerely,
Shannon Merrifield