All About The Neighbourhood

About All About The Neighbourhood

Uptown Saint John isn’t just where they work—it’s who they are. All About the Neighbourhood is hosted by grandfather-grandson duo Bob and Jake McVicar, a hyper-local look at the people, stories, history, and change shaping uptown and Greater Saint John. From new developments and policy shifts to neighbourhood wins and real talk on what’s next, they bring grounded insight every episode. They’re real estate pros, yes—but first, they’re community builders with deep roots and a love for the city. Thinking of buying or selling uptown? You’ll know who to call.

Publisher

McVicar & McVicar

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Nov 2025

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Oct 2026

   More Than a Stage: How Theatre Builds Stronger Neighbourhoods

   In Episode 8 of All About the Neighbourhood, Bob McVicar sits down with Stephen Tobias, Executive Director of the Saint John Theatre Company, at the BMO Studio Theatre in Uptown Saint John. They chat about the evolution of the Saint John Theatre Company, from its roots as a volunteer-led organization to its growing presence in the heart of Uptown. Stephen shares how the transformation of 112 Princess Street helped create new opportunities for performances, programming and community connection, and how investing in arts and culture can contribute to a vibrant neighbourhood. They also look ahead to the Theatre Company's ambitious redevelopment of the historic Sydney Street Courthouse, including the vision for a new mid-sized theatre and production space while preserving an important piece of Saint John's built heritage. To close out the episode, Bob wraps things up by sharing the latest local real estate stats you should know.

2. 

   28 Jul 2026

   Why Everyone Loves Kingston- Local Living with Chef Jesse Vergen

   Join Bob and Jake McVicar for another episode of All About the Neighbourhood, this time from beautiful 2 Dunhams Wharf Road on the Kingston Peninsula. This week, they're joined by special guest Jesse Vergen, owner of the Saint John Ale House and The Smoking Pig, to chat about growing up in Kingston, the unique lifestyle the peninsula offers, and why so many people love calling this community home. From small-town charm and waterfront living to the easy connection between Kingston, the Kennebecasis Valley, and Saint John, it's a conversation full of local insight and great stories. Then, Jesse heads into the kitchen to show Bob and Jake how to prepare a simple, delicious dish using one of The Smoking Pig's popular BBQ take-home packages—perfect for easy summer entertaining. As always, Bob and Jake wrap up the episode with the latest local real estate numbers and market insights to keep you informed about what's happening across the region. Whether you're thinking about making a move or simply love discovering the communities that make Southern New Brunswick special, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

3. 

   18 Jun 2026

   The Story Behind 23 Harding Street

   With Jake away enjoying a fishing trip, Bob is flying solo this week on All About the Neighbourhood. Joining him is long-time real estate investor Adam Pottle to share the story behind 23 Harding Street—a new build that generated plenty of attention from the moment it hit the market. Adam discusses the vision for the project, the building process, and the strong response from buyers, including an open house that attracted so much interest many visitors assumed the home was a renovation rather than a brand-new build. Priced at $559,900, the home offers 1,300 square feet of living space, three bedrooms, and a spacious backyard. Bob and Adam also discuss what makes the location so appealing, from its proximity to the new South End school to nearby restaurants, bars, local markets, and other amenities that continue to make the area one of Saint John's most desirable neighbourhoods. Bob also breaks down the latest Saint John real estate numbers! Whether you're curious about what buyers are looking for, what makes a neighbourhood stand out, or what it really takes to bring a successful build to market, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of the city's most talked-about new homes.

4. 

   21 May 2026

   Inside Saint John’s Next Chapter with Mayor Donna Reardon

   What makes uptown Saint John so special, and where is the city headed next? In Episode 5 of All About the Neighbourhood, hosts Bob and Jake McVicar sit down with newly re-elected Mayor Donna Reardon for a candid conversation about the city she’s called home for more than 40 years. From the charm and walkability of uptown to the exciting developments shaping Greater Saint John’s future, Mayor Reardon shares her perspective on growth, community, heritage preservation, and why people continue to choose Saint John as home. The episode also takes a deep dive into the local real estate market, with Bob and Jake breaking down the latest trends across uptown and Greater Saint John. Why is competition still so fierce? Which neighbourhoods are heating up? And what does the city need most when it comes to housing? If you care about the future of Saint John, real estate, community growth, or simply love hearing stories about the neighbourhoods that make this city unique, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

5. 

   15 Apr 2026

   Reviving a Landmark: The Story of 170 Germain

   Episode 4 of All About the Neighbourhood features a conversation with John Cushnie— developer and former professional artist — as he shares the story behind his ambitious restoration of a historic Germain Street church. Bob and Jake sit down with John to explore his unique path from the art world into real estate, and how that creative background shapes the kinds of projects he takes on today. They dive into his vision for the church: bringing it back to life as a true community hub, with space for artists, a school, and administrative offices — all while preserving its historic character. In the second half of the episode, Bob and Jake break down what’s happening in the Saint John real estate market. They unpack the latest numbers from Q1 2026, including a 9% drop in sales activity alongside a 3.5% increase in median prices, and discuss what global uncertainty, ongoing inventory shortages, and local demand mean for buyers, sellers, and the future of the city. A grounded, insightful episode that blends community storytelling with real market perspective.

6. 

   6 Mar 2026

   All About the Neighbourhood: The Hidden Magic Behind Uptown Saint John's Doors

   In this episode of All About the Neighbourhood, Bob and Jake McVicar open the doors to an 1890s home on Orange Street and unpack what it truly means to live, invest, and build a life Uptown.As a grandfather–grandson real estate team rooted in the community, Bob and Jake blend lived experience with market insight. They share stories of restoring century-old homes, raising families in historic spaces, and helping clients fall in love with properties that are anything but cookie-cutter.The conversation explores the architectural evolution of Uptown Saint John, from Victorian and Edwardian homes to 1920s builds and Craftsman details. Behind modest façades, they reveal what makes these homes unforgettable: soaring 11–12-foot ceilings, intricate crown mouldings, original fireplaces, and craftsmanship that simply isn’t replicated today.They also challenge the long-standing fixation on Germain Street as the “iconic” Uptown address, highlighting the many vibrant blocks and hidden gems that define the neighbourhood’s real character.Rewinding to the 1980s, Bob and Jake reflect on a very different Uptown — boarded-up storefronts, empty upper floors, and quiet streets. From there, they trace the decades of private investment, public revitalization, and grassroots belief that sparked the renaissance we see today.Along the way, they dive into:-Why old homes offer character you cannot manufacture-How lifestyle and affordability once pulled young professionals out of corporate cubicles and into Uptown living-The dramatic appreciation of property values — and what today’s buyers need to know-Why hyper-local knowledge is essential when purchasing 100+ year-old homes-Tight inventory, rising demand, and what it actually takes to secure a home in the neighbourhoodThe episode closes with a rapid-fire Q&A on what they love most about Uptown, what they hope never changes, and what excites them about what’s ahead, from new schools and infill housing to transformative developments like Fundy Quay and 99 King.If you care about heritage, growth, and the future of Saint John’s most storied streets, this one’s all about the neighbourhood.

7. 

   23 Dec 2025

   Christmas in the South End: Real Estate, Renewal & Uptown Spirit

   This week, Bob and Jake are back with Derek Riedle for a festive chat from a brand-new build on Harding Street—right in the heart of uptown Saint John’s deep south end. They’re talking real-time renewal, neighborhood nostalgia, and why this part of town is finally getting the attention (and investment) it deserves. Expect hot takes on walkability, Christmas traditions, and the kind of community that makes you want to stick around—and maybe even build something. Also: stews, stray Christmas Eve guests, and a nod to It’s a Wonderful Life. Because of course. Tune in for a little warmth, a little insight, and a look at what’s next for south of Queen.

8. 

   12 Nov 2025

   Roots, Real Talk, and Real Estate with Guest Co-Host Derek Riedle

   In the very first episode of All About the Neighbourhood, grandfather-grandson duo Bob & Jake McVicar (https://bobmcvicar.ca/)sit down with longtime friend and guest co-host Derek Riedle to kick things off. Jake shares how he went from corporate life at IBM to building a career in real estate alongside his grandfather. He dives into everything from launching an Airbnb business to restoring Uptown’s historic gems. Bob, a well-known voice in the community, reflects on the city’s growth, challenges, and what makes Saint John’s economy real—not just buzzwords on a pitch deck. Together, they talk family business dynamics, the city’s authentic edge, and why they’re betting big on Saint John’s future. It’s a conversation about roots, resilience, and the neighbourhood they’re proud to call home.

Contact All About The Neighbourhood

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.