The City of Saint John is taking applications for the 2026 Ethnocultural Small Grant Program.
The grant program offers funding to help groups establish themselves in the city, grow their capacity, and increase awareness of their cultural contributions.
Two grant options are available. The Ethnocultural Establishment Grant will offer up to $1,000 for new or emerging ethnocultural groups seeking to become formally established as a not-for-profit organization.
The Ethnocultural Awareness Grant will offer up to $2,500 for incorporated not-for-profit ethnocultural organizations looking to increase visibility and connect with new members and the broader community.
The deadline for applications is Aug. 31. Submissions will be reviewed in two cycles; one that runs Jan. to Apr. and is reviewed in May, the second that runs May to Aug. and is reviewed in Sept.
Groups that have previously received an Ethnocultural Grant must submit their outcome report by Jan. 31 before applying again.
Applications can be submitted online through the City of Saint John website, where the program policy and guidelines are also available.
The federal government is providing $628,068 to support a youth gang‑prevention project in Saint John.
The funding, announced Friday by Saint John—Kennebecasis MP Wayne Long on behalf of Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, comes through Public Safety Canada’s Youth Gang Prevention Fund.
The money will support the John Howard Society of New Brunswick’s Youth Horizons program, which works with youth and young adults ages 12 to 24 who may be at risk of gang involvement.
Long noted that Saint John continues to face challenges related to at‑risk youth, housing and homelessness.
He explained that the federal government wants to keep communities safe by funding in prevention as well as enforcement.
“Keeping our communities safe means investing in young people and ensuring they have access to the supports they need to succeed,” he said.
He added that the Youth Horizons project will help equip youth with “tools, stability, and opportunities” that steer them toward brighter futures.
Long also highlighted the John Howard Society’s long‑standing role in supporting vulnerable youth in the region.
Program focuses on early intervention and intensive support
The Youth Horizons program centres on early intervention and aims to help young people make safer, more informed choices.
Staff will work with participants to develop personalized care plans and provide mental‑health supports, life‑skills development and intensive case management.
Public Safety Canada stated that the Youth Gang Prevention Fund supports community‑based projects that help prevent at‑risk youth from joining gangs and offer exit strategies for those already involved.
Susan O’Neill, the John Howard Society’s senior manager of operations, explained that many young people are still struggling with mental‑health and addiction needs, especially since the pandemic.
She said existing services do not always reach youth at the right time.
“We don’t seem to have the right program services at the right time for them,” she said.
“We want to be able to have something that’s intensive, integrated, holistic, that can meet those needs.”
Susan O’Neill, senior manager of operations with the John Howard Society of New Brunswick. Image: Alex Allan | Acadia Broadcasting
O’Neill outlined that the program is adapted from an intensive case‑management model used by the John Howard Society of Newfoundland for adults.
The youth version includes a continuous feedback loop that allows staff to track outcomes, gather frontline insight and adjust services as needed.
Each participant will receive a psychosocial assessment and individualized support from trained case managers.
She pointed out that Saint John’s industrial history and pockets of deep poverty create unique challenges for youth in the region.
O’Neill said that former clients often return later in life as parents or community members, which she views as evidence of long‑term impact.
Bill Bastarach, the society’s executive director, emphasized that the Youth Horizons model gives youth facing serious challenges the space, trust and support needed to step away from violence and justice involvement.
He said the program’s work with families, communities and partners helps youth build life skills, stronger relationships and a sense of belonging.
The John Howard Society plans to expand the Youth Horizons model to other branches across Atlantic Canada over the next five years.
A touching message written on a chalkboard inside the John Howard Society’s Saint John office. Image: Alex Allan | Acadia Broadcasting
The organization says shared challenges across the region make shared solutions essential.
Public Safety Canada explains that the National Crime Prevention Strategy provides funding to projects that help prevent and reduce crime in Canada and increase knowledge about effective prevention methods.
A call for applications launched in 2024 made $123.5 million available over five years for community‑based crime‑prevention initiatives.
The city is inviting residents to attend a public information session to do with the design of a new extension to Harbour Passage.
The extension would go from the intersection of Broad St. and Carmarthen St. to Rockwood Park.
The project is a part of the city’s commitment to new development for transportation and public spaces.
The information session will be held at the Trinity Anglican Church, located at 115 Charlotte St. on Feb. 12 from 3p.m. to 7p.m.
“Representatives from the City of Saint John along with the project design team from Englobe Corp. and UPLAND Planning & Design Studio will be available to answer questions and collect public feedback,” the city said in a statement.
The Saint John Police is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Daniel Burton, 34. He is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant.
A warrant was issued on Feb. 9 for the individual’s arrest after Burton breached the conditions of his statutory release by failing to return to Parrtown Community Correctional Centre in Saint John, New Brunswick.
Burton is a federal offender currently serving a sentence of over 8 years for a host of charges including armed robbery, motor vehicle theft, failure to comply, and various stolen or falsified credit card use related crimes.
Burton (in image) in outfit last seen in.
Burton is described as 5’11”, 159lbs, brown hair, brown eyes, and a dark beard. He was last seen wearing a black winter coat, black pants, a red and black ballcap and red sneakers.
He has tribal tattoos on both upper arms, reading “Burton” on his right forearm, and “Ryleigh” on his left forearm.
Police warn the public to not approach the subject. Anyone who sees Burton or has information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Saint John Police at 506-648-3333.
Anonymous tips can be given to the Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also submit an Anonymous N.B. Crime Stoppers tip or by using the P3 Tips app.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and president and CEO of Port Saint John Craig Bell Estabrooks met in Ottawa today to announce the increase of Ontario goods being exported through Port Saint John in the last year.
In 2025, Port Saint John saw a 153 per cent increase in goods from Ontario headed for international markets.
Estabrooks says the port has many container services that go on a daily and weekly basis from Saint John to Europe, making transatlantic trade a big focus.
“What we have seen is a growth in exports from Ontario to our port and then to markets in the transatlantic. We think that is a special development for us at Port Saint John and it’s something we are very proud of,” Estabrooks said.
The growth in exports has amounted to a nearly 600 per cent increase in goods moved from Ontario through the port over the last five years.
Premier Susan Holt said during the news conference that New Brunswick is playing a critical role in world-class shipping hubs and helping build the Canadian economy, which will bring Canada to global markets.
“Our continuous investment in Port Saint John and its growth ensures economic stability – not just for today – but for the long-term, making New Brunswick a cornerstone of Canada’s trade network,” Holt said.
“When provinces work together, Canada competes and wins.”
Ontario exports made up 31 per cent of Port Saint John’s total exports in 2025, showing how this kind of collaboration drives international trade opportunities.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the increase in the amount of exports from his province moving through Port Saint John includes major categories such as vehicles, metals, forestry, and agricultural products.
“Over the past year, I’ve worked closely with other premiers, including Premier Holt, to make genuine free trade within Canada a reality. We have to diversify our trade across the world and not be so reliant on our American friends; that is exactly what we are doing,” Ford said.
Premier Ford identified the benefits of free trade in Canada could add $200 billion to our economy, add four to six per cent to our GDP, and create opportunities for workers and businesses across the country.
“I know Port Saint John has already seen rapid growth in the last few years and I’m pleased to hear the federal government recognizes the need for even more expansion as soon as possible,” Ford said.
The update is good news for workers in Ontario and New Brunswick, but Ford says there is more work to be done. He says the country needs to double down on the plan to build and upgrade national infrastructure that will help Canadian goods reach new markets.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Premier Holt, industry leaders, my fellow premiers, and the prime minister as we build a stronger, more resilient, more competitive and more united Canadian economy so we can protect our workers from sea to sea to sea.”
Saint John has announced events for its featured week of Fundy Winterfest.
Winterfest brings together the communities of Saint John, Quispamsis, Rothesay, Grand Bay-Westfield, Hampton and St. Martins for inclusive winter programming designed to support wellness and strengthen community connections.
Saint John’s featured week includes the following events:
Puzzle Challenge (Jan. 25 – Feb. 1)
WHERE: Saint John Public Library – Central Branch, 1 Market Square WHAT: Race the clock to complete a 500‑piece puzzle in under two hours, solo or in teams of up to four. Register by calling 506‑643‑7236 or emailing bibliolib-sj@gnb.ca. Daily time slots available.
Frosty Finds Challenge (Jan. 25 – Feb. 7)
Each community will hide a small cache in a public spot during their featured week. Saint John’s cache is available Jan. 25 to Feb. 7. Track down a hidden cache using posted clues and photo hints on the Fundy Winterfest Facebook page. Each punch on your ballot earns an entry toward Winterfest prizes. Ballots are available at City Hall or can be printed from home, by clicking HERE.
Winterlicious Chop Chop Restaurant Week (Jan. 26 – Feb. 1)
Hosted by Uptown Saint John. Enjoy seasonal menus and special offerings from Uptown restaurants. Details at www.chopchopsj.com.
Rockwood Glows
WHERE: Lily Lake, Rockwood Park (55 Lake Drive South).
WHEN: Jan. 31, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Traffic and Parking Information
Due to the event, vehicle access into Rockwood Park will be restricted from 3 to 8 p.m. Barricades will be in place at the main gate, with the checkpoint located at the Lake Drive South entrance on Mount Pleasant Avenue.
Visitors wishing to park inside the park during this time may use the Fisher Lakes parking lots. Saint John Transit will provide shuttle service between Fisher Lakes and Lily Lake from 4 to 8 p.m.
Community members with disabilities who require accessible parking should speak with staff at the traffic checkpoint for assistance.
Temporary Dog Park Closure
To support drone setup and testing for the evening light show, the Saint John Dog Park will be temporarily closed on Jan. starting at 12 p.m. The park will reopen Feb. 1.
Schedule of Activities
Lantern‑Making Workshop, Interpretation Centre, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Astronomy Club, Interpretation Centre, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Photo Booth, Interpretation Centre, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Guided Rockwood Hike with First Nation Storytellers, departs from Interpretation Centre at 1 p.m.
Snowshoeing (Inside Out Adventure). First come, first served, 4 to 6 p.m.
Face Painting at Interpretation Centre, 4 to 6 p.m. (line closes at 6 p.m.)
Ice Skating on Lily Lake, 4 to 7 p.m.
Bonfires along Lake Drive, 4 to 7 p.m.
DJ Beats on Lily Lake Beach, 4 to 7 p.m.
Food for Purchase, 4 to 7 p.m.
Saint John Skating Club Performance on Lily Lake, 6:30 to 6:50 p.m.
NEW: Drone Light Show over Lily Lake at 7 p.m.
Saint John Sea Dogs Skills Competition
WHERE: Peter Murray Arena, 711 Dever Rd.
WHEN: Feb. 5, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.
Free public skating will follow the competition.
City Market Workshops
WHAT: Learn to Crochet Granny Squares
WHERE: Saint John City Market Solarium, 47 Charlotte St.
WHEN: Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
No registration required. While supplies last.
WHAT: Chocolate Making & Handcrafted Flower Bouquets (Saturday, February 14, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.)
WHERE: Saint John City Market Solarium, 47 Charlotte St.
A Saint John councillor announced he’ll be seeking a promotion this spring.
Coun. Barry Ogden announced on Facebook Thursday night that he’ll run for mayor of Saint John in the municipal elections in May.
“I love Saint John and have always loved trying to make things better for everyone,” Ogden said in the post.
Ogden was first elected to Saint John Common Council in the May 2021 elections.
He currently represents Ward 2, which includes Millidgeville and the city’s north end.
New Brunswick will hold municipal elections May 11.
Incumbent Saint John Mayor Donna Noade Reardon told Acadia News earlier this month that she had not yet made a decision on whether she’ll run again. She has served in the role since 2021.
