Rockwood Park is a precious gem in our city and is one of the largest urban parks in Canada. We love it for many reasons and in all seasons. We the quiet spaces and trails, to enjoy the water, birds, trees, and natural environment. We use it for biking, birding, running, and swimming. Developing this park will decrease its ecological, recreational and aesthetic value.

If you don't believe that any part of Rockwood Park in Saint John, New Brunswick should be designated as surplus, rezoned or sold, please sign this general petition. However please know that the best way to ensure the city hears your concerns about specific threats to Rockwood Park is to write a letter to Saint John's Common Council. 

To learn about today's threats to Rockwood Park, check out our website where we have a new form letter to help get you started. You can also visit our Facebook Group.


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History of this Petition 

This petition was started in 2017 in response to a proposal to rezone 13 acres of Rockwood Park for medium-density residential development (i.e., 1671 Sandy Point Road). This was the second time this part of Rockwood Park had been on the chopping block. Strong public opposition motivated the Common Council to abandon the plan and we declared a victory but knew that we would probably be back here again. 

In 2019, the City proposed zoning amendments to allow wind and solar projects in Parks and Natural Areas - including Rockwood Park. Again, we rallied around this issue to say "Rockwood Park and other parks are not the places for wind or solar projects. There are several reasons why: habitat disturbance, infrastructure clearing, noise, and pollution."

In 2024, the City quietly designated 13 acres of the park (i.e., 1671 Sandy Point Road) surplus. Next, the land will likely be rezoned, sold and developed. Visit our website to learn more about the current situation. 

Ultimately, we want the City of Saint John to develop a plan for the long-term preservation of the current land mass of Rockwood Park. This may involve putting all of Rockwood Park under a conservation covenant. Currently, the Mayor says that only 500 acres out of 2,200 acres are protected under a conservation covenant. This is only 23%. That is not enough.