Welcome to billfarren.ca

Saint John is one of the most interesting cities in North America from a historic standpoint and the many firsts accomplished by residents in this city. Historically, Saint John was founded on May 18th, 1783 by the United Empire Loyalists. Saint John was the first incorporated City in Canada on May 18th, 1785. Canada's first chartered bank was established here in 1820, called The Bank of New Brunswick. Saint John has many other firsts for our country such as the first paid police force in Canada and the first museum in British North America. The first steam locomotive to be built in Canada was built here in 1858 at the Pheonix Foundry. The first 10 hour work day in Canada was rung in by the Labourers Bell in Saint John as well. These are just a few of the firsts for our City.

As well as having a rich, historic place in Canada's history, Saint John has a number of notable people that came from our City including:

Louis B. Mayer (1876-1958) was the founder, owner, and production head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM Studios). He was also the founder of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Hollywood in 1927. The Academy is responsible for the Oscar Awards ceremony among other things.

Donald Sutherland (1934- ) has starred in several television and movies productions including “Casanova,” “Eye of the Needle,” “Klute,” and Academy Award winning “Ordinary People,” and the movie “M*A*S*H.”

Miller Brittain (1912-1968) was known internationally and applied the “Ashcan School” (social realist concepts) to his paintings of flowers and ordinary people. One of his paintings is displayed in the Saint John Regional Library at Market Square, another, a mural, is on display at the Saint John Regional Hospital .

Fred Ross (1927- ) is the first New Brunswick artist to be exhibited at the art gallery of the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. (1994) Eight of his works are in the collection of the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa. Fred Ross is a major contributor to New Brunswick and Canada's art world.

The City of Saint John also has its share of well known musicians such as Ken Tobias who is a singer, songwriter and producer. Philip Thomson is an internationally known concert pianist. Harold Friars was a music arranger on Broadway.

The City of Saint John also has many authors such as Dan Ross (1912-1995) who had over 325 novels in print. He had both national and international best sellers. Steward Trueman a newspaper columnist and author and winner of the Stephen Leacock award for humour. Flora Kidd, who recently passed away, was an internationally known romance novelist.

We also have a vibrant, nationally recognized, heritage district of homes and business sites including the beautiful Centre Beam Place. Our Imperial Theatre and Harbour Station are second to none. Saint John is also the home of Symphony New Brunswick and the Saint John Theatre Company, now renovating their new home on Princess Street. These are but a few of the many firsts, famous people, heritage, and culture that the City of Saint John is proud of.

As a Councillor of the City of Saint John, I continue my pledge that I will work hard on behalf of the citizens residing in Saint John West, Ward 1 and of Saint John. I will make myself available to you to discuss your concerns and to provide assistance wherever and whenever possible. If you have any questions about moving to our City or maybe thinking of setting up a small or large business give me a call.

Yours truly,