In brief
The Irving family heavily influences Saint John, New Brunswick, as their businesses control a significant portion of the local economy, including an oil refinery and paper mills. While they provide substantial employment opportunities, local residents express concerns over the environmental costs and consequences of living in an industrial landscape dominated by the family’s operations.
The Irving family’s presence in Saint John, New Brunswick is unmistakable, especially against the backdrop of its foggy port cityscape. Rising steam from Canada’s largest oil refinery, located here, has become a defining feature of the skyline. The refinery is connected to giant tanks, each capable of holding a million barrels of crude oil, prominently branded with the Irving name—a testament to the family’s dominance in not just this city, but also across New Brunswick.The family owns a prominent paper mill that towers over the Saint John River, resembling a medieval fortress and indicating its crucial role in the local economy. Furthermore, rail lines and roads crisscross Saint John, facilitating operations between various Irving-owned factories and ports. As a result, the streets are lined with Irving-branded building supply stores and gas stations, marking their extensive influence in this community of 78,000 residents, where local parks often bear signs recognizing the family’s contributions.However, this influence comes with a considerable cost. Numerous residents voice concerns about the impact of industrial activities on their health and environment. The reliance on the Irving family for employment raises complex questions regarding sustainability and the overall quality of life within the community. Many find themselves contemplating whether the jobs provided by the family’s enterprises outweigh the environmental and societal ramifications of living in a heavily industrialized locale.As the Irvings continue to play a significant role in shaping the economic landscape of Saint John, the community grapples with the challenge of balancing the promise of employment against the risks posed by industrial pollution and health implications. The future of Saint John thus hangs in a delicate balance as its residents seek to navigate these conflicting realities.
