Saint John officials report the removal of 20 encampments from designated banned areas as part of the city’s Housing for All initiative aimed at tackling homelessness.
Progress Update at City Council
City council received a concise infographic update during its latest meeting, highlighting advancements in clearing these sites. Coun. Gary Sullivan noted the positive developments, stating, “The Housing for All report certainly shows improvement.”
In early December, only nine encampments had been cleared from the red zones—areas prohibited for tents since September—with 18 still present and no firm deadlines outlined. The latest figures show 20 sites removed between September 23 and January 30. Officials indicate that 41 encampments were relocated and 21 cleaned up, though details on remaining sites remain undisclosed.
Visible Improvements in Key Areas
Sites near Garden Street hill and Crown Street, both along routes to uptown, now appear largely tent-free. Sullivan observed, “You can see things are much cleaner than they were in the fall.” He expressed cautious optimism, attributing the changes possibly to municipal efforts or winter cold driving residents to warmer options. “It’s the middle of winter; it’s awfully cold to be in tents,” he added. “I think a lot of people have been seeking out alternative shelter.”
Sullivan hopes that with service providers, green zones, and provincial partners, red zones will stay clear come spring.
Zone System and Support Options
The strategy designates red zones as no-tent areas, green zones for transitional housing units, and yellow zones permitting seasonal tents. City shelters complement these as relocation options for displaced residents.
The Human Development Council’s latest data reveals 249 individuals facing chronic homelessness in Saint John as of December.
Transitional Housing Success
Two new sites opened recently: one on Thorne Avenue and another on Egbert Street, each with 27 units. Early this year, 26 units on Egbert Street and 24 on Thorne Avenue were occupied. Sullivan praised the team, saying, “Kudos to our staff who have been able to navigate everything they need to make that happen.”
