Growth continues to be a popular word for Saint John’s Common Council.
At a special meeting on Wednesday, councillors endorsed eight key priorities for accelerating growth across the city.
Those priorities are divided into four infrastructure projects and four advocacy efforts.
The infrastructure projects include:
- Innovative Central Peninsula Learning Commons
- Redevelopment of Fundy Quay
- A new multi-purpose recreational facility
- Expanding lands and investment in the City’s industrial parks
The Innovative Central Peninsula Learning Commons is a province-led project which has been underway since 2019.
“It is an innovative new school that will also be a community hub to support and revitalize the South-Central Peninsula neighbourhood. The city is eager to see the design and construction stages of this project advance,” reads a release from the City of Saint John.
During the meeting, Deputy Mayor John MacKenzie mentioned the learning commons is more than just a school.
“It’s (also) about building a complete community with wraparound services to serve our children and families in need,” said MacKenzie.
The redevelopment of Fundy Quay is well underway, however, “continued advocacy and investment by all levels of government is crucial to securing full build out of the project and unlocking further investments,” the release reads.
Councillor Greg Stewart mentioned that the redevelopment has been “instrumental” for the city’s growth.
“We can all see that things are well underway on-site, however, all of us on council and city staff understand the importance for this to remain at the top of everyone’s priorities, to ensure nobody takes their foot off the pedal.”
With the city’s aging arenas, creating a new multi-purpose recreational facility can attract and retain residents, and draw visitors, said the city.
“A new facility would improve community wellness and service offerings and boost the attractiveness of our region,” reads the release.
The four catalytic advocacy efforts include:
- Comprehensive tax reform
- Matching dollars for bilateral projects
- Affordable housing
- Post-secondary education
“Saint John has long called for comprehensive tax reform to ensure more local tax dollars stay in the city, and to help maintain strong and sustainable municipal services,” said Councillor Joanna Killen.
“Currently, the province collects significant property tax for its own purposes that is disproportionately high compared to other provinces … the time for modernizing our outdated tax system is now, as tax reform is a key lever through which government can ensure economic growth,” continued Killen.
When it comes to matching dollars for bilateral projects, Councillor Paula Radwan mentioned it can benefit the city’s climate change-related infrastructure.
“Currently, more than $36 million … in green infrastructure funding is available from the federal government, so the city is calling on the province to unlock these federal funds by providing the required provincial matching funds. These dollars would help make critical investments in climate-related infrastructure, and able the creation of a green economy.”
Radwan added it would also support the city’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2040.
Councillor David Hickey discussed affordable housing. He mentioned it is critical to residents and key to the community’s success.
“Saint John is in a housing crisis with more than 30 per cent of residents struggling to afford housing, and in my ward 50 per cent of our children are living in poverty without housing security or food security.”
“Our growth is putting a strain on the housing supply, especially affordable built housing … to effectively respond to these challenges the city of Saint John has embarked on an affordable housing action plan, which will generate bold action to create safe, and affordable housing for all Saint John residents.”
Finally, the city and council recognize the importance of post-secondary education opportunities.
“It is critical to growth, attracting and retaining our youth and developing a talent and leadership pipeline. The city will work with post-secondary institutions, other levels of government, and the business community to expand programs at UNB Saint John, and New Brunswick Community College,” reads the city release.
These eight catalytic projects and effort will build on the momentum of current priorities and plans the city already has established, it said.
