Explore the profound impact of the Irving family on Saint John, New Brunswick, shaping its industry, culture, and community.
Even in a city frequently shrouded by Atlantic fog, the towering plumes of steam emanating from Canada’s largest oil refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick, command attention. Perched on a ridge, six colossal tanks each store a million barrels of crude oil, with dark blue letters spelling out “Irving”—the family synonymous with dominance over Saint John and much of New Brunswick.
Overlooking the Saint John River, the larger of the Irving family’s two local paper mills stands like a medieval fortress. Their railway lines weave through the city, connecting numerous smaller family-owned factories to ports under Irving’s command. The cityscape is peppered with Irving-run building supply stores and gas stations. In this city of 78,000 residents, park signs offer tribute to the Irvings’ contributions to public upkeep.
Subsidized Housing: A boy peers through a window in a subsidized housing unit, a silent observer of the city’s industrial narrative. In Crescent Valley, a neighborhood of subsidized housing, children splash joyfully in an inflatable pool under the watchful eyes of a parent, showcasing the community’s vibrant life.
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