A round‑the‑clock safety team and new business fund are being introduced in Saint John.
The city announced a two‑year pilot program that will see a Community Safety and Security Team deployed in Waterloo Village, Uptown, and near local shelters.
The team will operate around the clock, focusing on prevention, education and respectful de‑escalation rather than enforcement.
Mayor Donna Noade Reardon said the initiative is designed to complement police services. “This is an addition to the police,” Reardon said.
“They don’t have the authority, they’re not police, and they’re going to work from a different angle on this.”
Saint John Police Chief Robert Bruce said the new team will not carry out law enforcement duties but will work alongside police and community partners to support public safety.
Commissioner Amy Poppenroth said team members will be trained in Narcan administration, mental health awareness, trauma‑informed practice and de‑escalation.
She added that the team will connect residents with services and involve police or outreach workers only when necessary.
The city is also introducing a Community Resilience Fund to help small businesses and non‑profits manage the impacts of crime and visible disorder.
Grants of up to $7,500 per year are available for individual applicants, while collective projects involving multiple businesses may qualify for up to $25,000.
Nancy Tissington, executive director of Uptown Saint John, said the fund reflects the city’s responsiveness to business concerns.
“It’s very helpful to have this from the city. They’ve leaned in and have listened to our small business community,” she said.
Applications for the first round of funding are open until March 31, 2026, with grants awarded in April. The city said eligible expenses for this round include costs incurred between September 1 and March 31, 2026.
Priority will be given to areas most affected by crime, including Waterloo Village, Rothesay Avenue and Uptown Saint John.
The announcement came alongside an update on the city’s Housing for All strategy.
Cara Coes, senior manager of community support services, said Saint John has opened two green zones with 54 units, relocated 15 people from red-zone sites and cleaned 14 encampments.
She said homelessness remains a challenge and that staff will return to council in the new year with an amended implementation plan.
Together, the safety team, resilience fund and housing strategy reflect Saint John’s broader effort to strengthen confidence in public spaces, support businesses and provide services for vulnerable residents.
