9 Quick Facts About Saint John's Historic Buildings
Most important for the growth and prosperity of our city is for the citizens
and visitors to know and understand the value that preservation and celebration
of our Historic Buildings (referred to as "Built Heritage") has
brought to us in true and measurable terms.
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:
