Overhead view of Carleton Martello Tower with its fire command post in July 2026.
Restoration project
Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site
Canada’s national historic sites, such as the iconic Carleton Martello Tower, reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history. Investments in the conservation and restoration of national historic sites protect Canada’s rich heritage for future generations.
Since 2016, the Government of Canada has invested $27.5 million in the preservation and restoration of the Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site recognizing the central role the Tower plays in the identity and heritage of Saint John.
Background
In 2015, Parks Canada conducted an assessment of Carleton Martello Tower to evaluate its condition and long-term sustainability. The assessment identified significant deterioration resulting from prolonged exposure to harsh coastal conditions, compounded by the added weight of the Second World War command post.
These factors led to water infiltration and structural challenges, making major conservation work necessary to protect the Tower’s integrity for the future.
The project is being conducted in two phases:
Phase I (completed in 2021): Work included installing a temporary roof and drainage system, and structural stabilization (stonework and internal supports).
Phase II (2024 to present): Includes replacing the fire command post with a lightweight replica, stabilizing the brick vault ceiling, conserving heritage features, upgrading building systems (mechanical, electrical, safety systems), and improving interior and exterior safety.
A temporary tarp was installed on the Tower in early 2024 to protect it from the elements, particularly during sensitive repairs involving moisture and temperature control. It helped prevent further deterioration while allowing specialized conservation work to be carried out safely and effectively.
Current Status
The Carleton Martello Tower restoration project is approaching completion. The last stages of the second and final phase of the project include final structural repairs, upgrading building systems, conserving heritage elements (windows, doors, hardware), and adding new access to exterior stairs.
The protective tarp has been removed, restoring the iconic Fire Command Post to the Saint John skyline. Substantial work completion is anticipated in fall 2026, with the Tower scheduled to reopen for the 2027 visitor season.
While the Carleton Martello Tower remains closed in 2026, visitors can experience the site by exploring the grounds, Visitor Centre, exhibit gallery, and interactive artifact displays.
Explore the Tower’s fascinating history through an animation that highlights its evolution over time, and the restoration work currently underway.
Carleton Martello Tower Restoration | Parks Canada
Transcript
Martello towers were a 16th century example of innovation and adaptation. British military were so impressed by these simple but highly effective circular fortifications that they deployed them throughout the British Empire. The towers were part of an elaborate signaling system to alert defensive forces of hostile ships. More than a dozen were erected to defend British colonies in North America. Carleton Martello Tower was constructed during the War of 1812 to protect Saint John and its strategic river from American invasion. The tower's interesting architectural features include an arched ceiling, a gunpowder magazine on the ground floor, and a soldiers barracks that were initially only accessible by a removable ladder. Alas, like many old forts, the tower has been repeatedly damaged by water infiltration. The top section is particularly vulnerable to the elements, and its roof has been completely replaced several times. The largest modification to the old tower was added for Second World War defense. This addition, the fire command post, helped keep the port of Saint John's safe from attack made of solid concrete. The fire command post was far heavier than previous wooden roofs. Now, more than two centuries after its initial construction, the long standing tower needs a serious makeover. The ambitious conservation plan consists of two phases. The work will begin by stabilizing the interior brick arched ceiling. Exterior scaffolding will then allow masons to repair stonework on the outside wall, to help ensure that water does not enter the tower. Temporary waterproofing and a drainage system will be installed. The exterior wall and the internal core of the original stone tower will be dismantled and rebuilt. Higher strength mortar and anchor ties will reinforce the masonry walls. Noticeable displacement and irregularities will be corrected to realign the walls. After stones are cleaned and repointed, new stones will be added to reduce the size of existing mortar joints. Phase two will begin by cutting small sections of the fire command posts heavy concrete walls for later integration in the new structure. World War II era doors, windows and hardware will be removed and conserved. The fire command post will then be dismantled and removed. The new fire command post will be rebuilt with lighter material, incorporating small sections of the original concrete, as well as the salvaged doors, windows and hardware. Effective drainage and a permanent waterproof barrier will be built into the envelope to maximize the longevity of the tower. Finally, the interior arched ceiling and central brick pillar will be conserved once the work is completed. Carleton Martello Tower will reopen to the public. The restored tower will continue to stand Sentinel over Saint John for many years to come.Related links
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