Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Uptown Saint John Inc. Annual General Meeting. It was great to see so many members come together to connect, share updates, and recognize the businesses that continue to shape Uptown.
Each year at the AGM, we recognize milestone anniversaries, celebrating five-year increments for businesses within our BIA boundary. Acknowledging what it takes to build something and keep it going through changing seasons, shifting trends, and the day-to-day work.
This year’s AGM was held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Saint John Harbourfront Hotel in the Menahqwesk Room. Over breakfast, members had the opportunity to connect with one another, hear updates reflecting on 2025, and look ahead to the year ahead, with 52 attendees, including business members, board members, and guests. We were also pleased to welcome guest speaker Paul MacKinnon, CEO of the Downtown Halifax Business Commission and Chair of the International Downtown Association Canada, who shared insights in his presentation, “Downtown Halifax Vision 2030”.
Uptown Saint John Inc. is the Business Improvement Association (BIA) for 26 blocks in the uptown core, representing over 500 businesses. We focus on supporting and promoting the BIA as a whole while assisting local businesses through advocacy, promotion, placemaking, and maintaining clean, welcoming streets. With more than 80% of businesses locally owned, Uptown continues to be shaped by businesses that bring character and consistency to the area.
The blend of fresh, new businesses alongside beloved, long-standing ones is what makes Uptown such a vibrant place. Milestone anniversaries are a reminder of the time, effort, and commitment it takes to be part of that.
As part of reflecting on 2025, we were proud to recognize the following milestone anniversary recipients:
10 Years
The Corn Crib Natural Foods
5 Years
Hats On The Square
LebanOn The Go
The Blue Pelican Bath & Body
15 Years
Duke Creative Collective Inc.
Element5 Spa & Salon
30 Years
Rocky’s Sports Bar
Trinity Galleries Inc.
35 Years
Brunswick Square Dental
The Saint John Theatre Company Inc
45 Years
Backstreet Records
100 Years
Keirstead’s Flower and Gift Shop
240 Years
The City of Saint John
To this year’s recipients, congratulations, and thank you for being part of the Uptown Saint John business community!
Each business in Uptown Saint John plays a role in the day-to-day life of our community, contributing to the experience, the economy, and the sense of place that keeps people coming back.
Happy To See You Here
The Uptown Saint John Business Improvement Association (BIA) is a not-for-profit that supports over 500 businesses located within a defined Uptown boundary. Membership is automatic and is based on location, as seen on our map linked below. 82% of our Uptown businesses are independently owned, supporting local here means backing real people and a thriving community.