Saint John is a city with incredible history, character, and potential—but like any community, it needs care. One of the most pressing issues we face today is the growing number of vacant lots that are not being maintained. These neglected spaces are attracting enormous amounts of garbage, and they’re becoming eyesores in our neighbourhoods.
If everyone could lend a hand—cutting grass, picking up litter, or even just maintaining the strip between the sidewalk and the road—it would make a huge difference. Clean streets and well-kept properties create a sense of pride and safety. People love to live in tidy, cared-for communities, and Saint John deserves to be one of them.
Over the years, volunteers have stepped up in remarkable ways. We’ve cleaned over 500 vacant lots and painted 300 homes—acts of kindness and commitment that have helped restore dignity to our city’s streets. But there’s still so much more to do, and everyone can play a part.
Saint John faces unique challenges. We have double the national poverty rate, the lowest number of university students in Atlantic Canada, and many homes that need care and attention. But we also have something powerful: community spirit. For 28 years, the Marigolds and Murals initiative has brought colour, creativity, and hope to our neighbourhoods. Every mural painted, every flower planted, every wall cleaned tells a story of resilience and pride.
To truly move forward, we must also fight for what’s ours. We need to keep and control our university funding here in Saint John and retain our industrial tax revenue. These resources are essential to building a stronger, more educated, and more equitable city.
Saint John is worth the effort. Every time you pick up a piece of trash, mow a lawn, or encourage a neighbour to paint their home, you’re helping to build a better future. Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep caring.
Love ❤️ Saint John.
