There’s exciting news for young people in Saint John—our YMCA is expanding the Glen Carpenter Centre, creating even more opportunities for children and youth to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and welcoming environment. Located at the former CN Wilson estate along Foster Thurston Drive, this beautiful space is becoming a hub for outdoor education, recreation, and mental wellness.
The expansion includes a brand-new building, allowing more children to participate in programs that support physical and mental health, outdoor activities, and lifelong learning. It’s a place where youth can feel accepted, supported, and inspired. In a time when many families are facing hardship, this investment in our young people is a powerful step forward.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Crabtree Foundation and family, the Carpenter and Knox families, and the many other generous donors who made this possible. Their commitment to Saint John’s youth is helping to build a stronger, healthier community.
This expansion couldn’t come at a more critical time. Our food banks have seen their busiest years ever, and poverty in Saint John continues to grow. Education and recreation are key to breaking the cycle of poverty—and Saint John is far behind in both. Compared to other cities in Atlantic Canada, we have significantly fewer post-secondary opportunities, and that gap is holding our youth back.
Having spent much of my life involved in sport, education, and food banks, I’ve seen firsthand how these programs change lives. The YMCA, along with other community organizations—from the arts to sports to education—plays a vital role in supporting young people and helping them reach their potential.
Saint John must continue to invest in its youth. We need to keep our tax dollars here, control our funding locally, and ensure that every child has access to the resources they need to succeed.
Please consider donating to the YMCA. Their work is making Saint John better—one child, one program, one community at a time.
Love ❤️ Saint John, NB.
