Federal investment of over $3 million boosts Saint John’s tourism and cultural sector

June 30, 2026 · Saint John, New Brunswick· Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
 

New Brunswick Museum

Investment: $1,500,000 (non-repayable) – ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP)

This project supports early-stage investments required to revitalize and expand the New Brunswick Museum (NBM), a key cultural and tourist destination in Saint John. Planned activities include heritage stone conservation, landscape architectural planning, exhibition design, Indigenous monitoring studies, upgrades to interim facilities, auditorium acoustic improvements, and the relocation of collections. The redevelopment of the NBM will modernize one of the province’s primary cultural institutions, improving the quality and accessibility of exhibits and public programming.

City of Saint John – Canada Games Aquatic Center

Investment: $971,520 (non-repayable) – ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF)

This project supports detailed design work, technical studies, and analysis required to renovate the Canada Games Aquatic Centre in the City of Saint John. These early-stage investments will ensure the facility meets the standards necessary to host aquatic events as part of the 2029 Canada Games. The proposed upgrades will enhance the functionality, accessibility, and performance capabilities of the centre, enabling it to accommodate national-level competitions and high-performance athletes. As a key sport and recreation asset, the modernized facility will strengthen Saint John’s capacity to host major sporting events.

The Imperial Theatre

Investment: $401,309 (non-repayable) – ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) and $250,938 from the Regional Development Corporation (RDC)

The Elevate Your Experience project supports capital upgrades at the Imperial Theatre, focusing on improved accessibility, energy efficiency, and technical capacity. Key investments for Phase One of the project include the replacement of aging sound equipment with advanced systems incorporating assisted hearing technology, upgrades to the building’s LED lighting control panel to enhance energy performance, and retrofitting of the main entrance with wider, automated doors to meet current accessibility standards. These improvements will enhance the quality of performances and audience experience while ensuring the venue is accessible to a broader range of patrons. The upgrades will also reduce operating costs through improved energy efficiency and modernized systems.

Envision Saint John

Investment: $216,550 (non-repayable) – ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP)

This project supports the successful delivery of the 2027 World Men’s Curling Championship, taking place March 27 to April 4, 2027, at TD Station in Saint John. The event will bring together 18 international teams, along with athletes, officials, and spectators from across Canada and around the world. In addition to hosting the competition, the project includes the implementation of legacy initiatives aimed at strengthening local capacity for future sporting events and advancing sport development in the region. The championship is expected to generate significant economic benefits, with projected direct expenditures of $14 million in the Saint John region and an estimated $16 million in total economic activity across New Brunswick.