It has been a record-breaking start to the year for growth in Saint John, according to city officials, and the momentum is expected to continue.
Saint John received 207 permits worth more than $185 million during the first four months of the year.
Chris McKiel, director of development and community standards, said that is nearly five times higher than the five-year average of $39.7 million.
“The first four months of 2025 represent the strongest start to a year we’ve ever recorded in Saint John,” McKiel told members of council’s growth committee on Tuesday.
New schools a big part
McKiel said two new schools being build in the south end and the north end account for just over $100 million of that total.
Even when taking the schools out of the equation, development activity sits at more than $84 million, which is still the highest on record.
“This shows that our growth is broad-based and diversified, not dependent on any one project or sector,” said McKiel.
“The strong start is being driven by activity across all sectors: industrial, residential, commercial, and institutional.”
Residential development also up
A total of 144 residential units have already been added this year, exceeding the five-year average of 126 units.
McKiel said 14 additional residential developments are planned, adding more than 1,110 new housing units to the city’s landscape.
“Altogether, more than 416 residential units are either under construction or nearing completion citywide,” he added.
The director said this is only the beginning in what is expected to be a milestone year for development in Saint John.
Several major developments are still to be permitted, including the New Brunswick Museum development and the NextGen Pulp and Paper Expansion on Mill Street, which is currently under review for Phase 1.
