We Celebrate Our Heritage

Saint John is Canada's oldest incorporated city. Our heritage is visible through what is now one of the largest and most diverse collections of historic properties in Canada.

• Approximately 6,000 of Saint John's 27,000 buildings qualify to be placed on Canada's National Registry. To date this registry contains only 12,800 buildings, making Saint John an important part of Canadian heritage.
• We preserve and celebrate our history.

The Value Of Our Heritage

There are measurable economic benefits in maintaining and enhancing this important part of our history and our culture.

• The property values in the Preservation Area have increased 57% more than those outside the Preservation Area in our city since the Preservation By-Law was put in place in 1981 (measured between 1981-1996).
• The Preservation Area is the first location in Saint John to have a bidding war on real estate sale prices. In July 2004, a building sold on Germain Street within one (1) hour of being listed for $290,000 - $30,000 above the asking price.
• Heritage development has proven to be more stable and more consistent than traditional real estate development. In excess of $40 million dollars has been invested in Saint John’s Preservation Area since the Preservation By-Law was enacted.
• Visitors from all over the world arrive in Saint John and marvel at the beauty of the Preservation Area. The cruise ships and tourism industries bringing an estimated $30 million dollars a year directly to our local economy.
• Saint John's architectural landscape also provides a timeless environment for the film industry. Numerous Canadian, American and international film companies have chosen Saint John because of its historical richness and architectural uniqueness.

Supporting and Preserving Our Heritage

• The Preservation Review Board, which administers the Preservation By-Law, has approved 99.5% of the 1600 applications received since 1991 - demonstrating the commitment to being both pro-development and vigilant in protecting Saint John's greatest assets for the future.
• In recognition of our efforts in historic preservation, Saint John has been awarded with the national Prince of Wales Prize from the Heritage Canada Foundation.

Play a Part in Preserving Our Heritage

Please contact local urban development decision makers to encourage their support for heritage preservation and development in Saint John:

• City of Saint John Mayor and Council
• City of Saint John Manager's Office
• City of Saint John Planning and Development Office
• Uptown Saint John
• Saint John Waterfront Development Partnership
• Saint John Port Authority