2011-12-12_Agenda Packet--Dossier de l'ordre du jour�', tLl�_
City of Saint John
Common Council Meeting
Monday, December 12, 2011
Committee of the Whole
Si vous avez besoin des services en frangais pour une r6union de Conseil Communal,
veuillez contacter le bureau de la greffi6re communale au 658 -2862.
1. Call to Order
4:00 p.m. 8th Floor Boardroom City Hall
1.1 Land Matter 10.2(4)(d)
Regular Meeting
1. Call to Order — Prayer
4:30 p.m. Council Chamber
3. Adoption of Agenda
4. Disclosures of Conflict of Interest
8. Delegations / Presentations
8.1 Consultant's Report-Fleet Evaluation Project
9. Public Hearings
5:30 p.m.
9.1 a) Report from City Manager: P1anSJ - Proposed Municipal Plan
9. lb) Proposed Municipal Plan By -Law
9.1c) Planning Advisory Committee Recommending Proposed Municipal Plan
9.1d) Letter of Support (Presentation)
16. Adjournment
2
The City of Saint John
Seance du conseil communal
Le lundi 12 d6cembre 2011
ComW pl6nier
Si vous avez besoin des services en frangais pour une r6union de Conseil Communal,
veuillez contacter le bureau de la greffi&e communale au 658 -2862.
1.Ouverture de la seance
16 h Salle de conference, 8e stage, h6tel de ville
1.1 Question relative aux biens -fonds — alinda 10.2(4)d)
Seance ordinaire
1.Ouverture de la seance, suivie de la priere
16 h 30 Salle du conseil
3. Adoption de l'ordre du jour
4. Divulgations de conflits d'int6rets
8. Delegations et presentations
8.1 Rapport du consultant — Projet d'6valuation du parc de vdbicules
9. Audiences publiques
17h30
9.1a) Rapport pr6sent6 par le directeur g6n6ral concernant le PlanSJ — projet du
plan d'am6nagement
9.1b) Arret6 concernant le projet du plan d'am6nagement
9.1c) Comit6 consultatif d'urbanisme recommandant le projet du plan
d'am6nagement
9.1d) Lettre d'appui (pr6sentation)
16. Levee de la seance
3
REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL
M & C — 2011 -320
9 December 2011
His Worship Ivan Court
and Members of Common Council
Your Worship and Councillors:
SUBJECT: Consultants Report — Fleet Evaluation Project
BACKGROUND:
a ®a
City of Saint John
In November 2010 staff sought and obtained Councils approval for the award of a
Call for Proposals to Mercury Associates Inc., for an evaluation of the City's Fleet
Services and Fleet Administration Sections.
This evaluation process required the successful vendor to focus of 3 key aspects of
the City's fleet operations; Governance, Business Model and Operational
Structure.
In addition to this engagement staff recommended that should the initial study
meet or exceed expectations that we would be authorized to undertake a follow -on
contract with Mercury for a "Right Sizing" review of the size, mix and
effectiveness of the existing Fleet of vehicles and equipment, related to the
services presently provided.
ANALYSIS:
Once Mercury started their research the scope of the study broadened into other
areas of related interest to the identified requirements and as a result they have
submitted a series of recommendations.
Council will find, enclosed with this report, a copy of Mercury's presentation of
their findings and recommendations. These are based on their extensive direct
experience, established processes and bench marks for fleets of a similar type and
size.
2
Page Two
ANALYSIS ... Cont'd;
In addition to Katherine Vigneau, who is representing her team of experienced
and capable individuals and who is here to provide Council with a presentation of
their findings, there was a team of experienced and very capable individuals who
work for the City in various capacities. This team consists of Troy Richard the
Manager of Fleet Services, Robert Russell the Manager of Fleet Administration,
Stephanie Rackley -Roach the Manager of Corporate Planning and Kevin Fudge
Deputy Comptroller, Finance Department.
The Staff Team, after a review of the initial findings, was satisfied that Mercury
had exceeded expectations and as previously approved by Council, engaged them
for a second phase of this project which dealt with the size and make -up of the
fleet.
The recommendations contained in this presentation and report are a combination
of short and long term initiatives aimed at providing a stable, effective and
sustainable fleet operation that will stand the test of time. These include, but are
not limited to; the development of a comprehensive policy and procedures for the
deployment, utilization and replacement of publicly owned vehicles and
equipment, the creation of a business plan that will not only cover the total cost to
maintain the fleet but will support and sustain a stable fleet replacement program
funded entirely by Operating Budget funds and the structure and operation of the
Fleet Services Section to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
The Fleet Rightsizing analysis, undertaken by Mercury, made recommendations
for adjustments to the fleet size and mix without significantly affecting the
services presently provided to the public. In addition Mercury provided fleet staff
with a process based on criteria established through best practices so that they
have the tools necessary to look beyond present fleet requirements to make
recommendations for additional reductions in the fleet size. All of these
recommendations will be made available to the various front line service
providers to assist them in determining the effects on their present levels of
service. They can then determine what adjustments they can reasonably make to
their operations to facilitate these or other equipment and vehicle reductions.
One underlying purpose and outcome of both of these studies is to provide user
departments with the information they need to make decisions about the levels of
service they provide to the public based on the actual costs to own and operate the
vehicles and equipment they need to provide the various levels of service.
5
Page Three
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
It is impossible to determine the actual cost benefits to be garnered as a result of
the adoption of these recommendations, however staff are of the opinion that there
will be more than sufficient perpetual savings to not only recover the cost of these
consultant services but to recover the only identifiable cost, that being the
purchase of a Fleet Software System necessary to support the business model and
to provide the level of detail required by both Fleet Staff and the user departments.
The Manager of the IT section has included in his Capital Budget submission an
estimated amount to cover that cost.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that Council refer this report, along with the detailed
information provided by Mercury Associates, to the City Manager and Fleet Staff
with a directive to report back to Council with;
a) The development of a comprehensive fleet utilization and
replacement policy,
b) The development of a business model that will see the complete
recovery by the Fleet Services Division of their operating costs
while providing sufficient funding from the annual operating
budget to facilitate a stable and sustainable fleet replacement
program,
C) The development of a Fleet operational model that will support an
efficient and effective division that will work cooperatively with
the user departments to provide them with the information they
need to determine the most cost effective levels of service they can
provide with the available assets, and
d) To create a process for the periodic review of the size,
configuration and effectiveness of the fleet related to service
delivery.
Respectfully submitted,
0—j 6�—
David J. Logan
Purchasing Agent
Patrick Woods
City Manager
0
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARIES
FOR
THE CITY OF
SAINT JOHN
CiLy of Bahl[ John
MERCURY ASSOCIATES, INC.
December, 2011
7
PHASE I - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Mercury Associates, Inc. (MAI) was retained by the City of Saint John (hereafter CSJ)
early in 2011 to conduct an assessment of fleet operations. The scope of work focused
on (1) an evaluation of the governance of fleet management functions, (2) a review of
the fleet business model including the chargeback system, and (3) a high -level review of
fleet operations.
In the development of a report like this, there is nothing as valuable as a working
knowledge of how the organization operates — how they conduct business, both
strategically and tactically. These are the underlying principles of any assessment with a
view towards improved maintenance and repair practices and more comprehensive
management of the fleet. Once the operational characteristics are understood, the
foundation is in hand and a meaningful review of the essential elements can begin. We
gained valuable insight of the CSJ fleet organization through on -site visits, interviews
with fleet staff and customer organizations, and review of facilities, systems, processes,
information, and quantitative data.
Motor vehicles and equipment are an essential element in the day -to -day operations
and service- delivery activities for the CSJ. In fact, the City could not provide services
without them. Thus, the primary mission of a fleet services organization is to maximize
the availability of vehicles and pieces of equipment so that their users (that is, the
organization's customers) can productively do their jobs. Accordingly, a key goal for fleet
organizations is the provision of vehicles and equipment that are suitable (to customer
business needs), safe to operate, reliable, and available when needed. A second and
equally important goal for such organizations is to provide vehicles and related services to
their customers efficiently — that is, at the lowest reasonable cost.
We want to emphasize that this report focuses primarily on opportunities for
improvement, not on the positive aspects of the fleet operations observed during our
assessment. The City has an array of fleet functions, many workers strive to do the right
things right, and work is getting done. That would not be true if all were bad. It goes
without saying that the first step toward overcoming any weakness cited in this report
already has been taken: the commissioning of this study by a qualified, independent
third party with no preconceived notions, hidden agendas, or other biases.
The Department's primary goal in having us conduct this review presumably was to
identify weaknesses that need to be overcome, not to get "a pat on the back" for things
that it already does well, already is in the process of improving, or already recognizes
need to be improved. Readers should bear this in mind as they review our critique.
There are many areas where the Materials and Fleet Management is following best
practices and therefore we have not included them in this report or have touched on
them only briefly.
Readers should also be aware that there are many dedicated and hardworking
individuals in the Fleet Management Division. In general we found that Materials and
8
Fleet Management is effective in fulfilling their mission. Across the board, the
management and technical staffs were found to be professional, hardworking, and
motivated to provide their customers with efficient services.
The CSJ owns a diverse fleet with nearly 350 vehicles or `rolling stock' and 850 pieces
of ancillary equipment and attachments. This fleet of over 1,100 units is managed and
maintained by a staff of 40 Materials and Fleet Management employees. The fleet
represents a significant investment - estimated gross replacement cost of the fleet, in
today's dollars, is approximately $47 million or roughly $42,000 per asset. The average
age of the assets in the fleet is 12 years which exceeds industry standards. The total
annual operating budget for Fleet & Materials Management is $6.9 million.
The report that follows provides a comprehensive assessment of several fleet
management and maintenance functions, from fleet replacement to work order
processes. In this Executive Summary, we have focused on a few of the core issues or
each of the major sections.
Governance - A dominant trend in fleet organizations today is the consolidation of fleet
management functions into one centralized service organization. The move toward
consolidation in the industry can be traced to the increasing cost and complexity of fleet
management endeavors and a simultaneous increase in emphasis on efficiency,
particularly in the face of competition from providers of fleet management services.
During this period, developments in such areas as computerization, personnel
management and professional development, risk management, regulation of
environmental protection, occupational safety and health, and automotive technology
have changed the definition of effective fleet management, making it prohibitively
expensive for many independent fleet management organizations to keep up. In short,
the complexity of fleet management today produces significant economies of scale that
often can be captured only through collective effort. Fleet centralization, then, is being
driven by costs, efficiencies, expertise, and liability.
The present mode of operation for the CSJ is in accordance with our recommended
best practice approach with the fleet organization reporting to a Corporate Services -type
organization.
MAI considers the centralization of fleet administration, fleet operations and risk
management functions, as they relate to fleet, to be the most effective organizational
structure for a municipality the size of CSJ. Moreover, to retain autonomy and avoid the
appearance of conflict of interest, we believe that fleet management activities should be
administered by a Corporate Services -type organization rather than a large user group.
In addition to the organizational and reporting structure, governance involves ensuring
that these organizations have the proper accountabilities and authorities in place to fulfill
their responsibilities. Authorities should be agreed by all, well- documented, and well -
understood.
9
Fleet management policies are one of the foundations for effective and uniform control
of fleet assets, their operation and maintenance. A policy should reflect the
organization's goals and allow consistent decisions to be made under quite different
circumstances. To achieve this, policies are usually quite broad in scope and must be
approved and supported by senior management. Policies are guidelines that regulate
organizational action and they control the conduct of people and the activities of
systems. The CSJ has limited fleet specific policies and procedures in place today.
Specific recommendations relative to the Governance issue for the CSJ are as follows:
• The Fleet organization is centralized and reports to an authority that is not a fleet
customer.
• The City should write an over - arching fleet responsibilities document for sign -off
by senior management that clearly delineates Materials and Fleet Management
responsibilities.
• The City should create SLAs between Materials and Fleet Management and
each of their customers. These SLAs should describe responsibilities, services,
timelines, fees, and standards for all fleet activities.
• The City should develop a comprehensive fleet policies and procedures manual.
Fleet Financial Business Model - Given the general cost - cutting pressures facing all
government jurisdictions these days making fleet costs more understandable -
especially as they relate to trade -offs between vehicle capital and operating costs - and
therefore more controllable is important.
Managing the cost of the CSJ's fleet depends upon the City's ability to accurately
accumulate, track, report and analyze cost information. Accounting structures,
practices and reports that identify the cost of fleet services in a direct and
understandable manner are the cornerstone of any efforts in fleet cost management. If
the costs associated with fleet operations are not known, incomplete or inaccurate,
effective cost management is not possible.
There are basically two ways that operating funds can be provided to a fleet
management organization to support the management, maintenance, and fueling of a
fleet: through direct appropriations to the organizational unit responsible for the costs or
through the use of a charge -back system which recovers the fleet organization's costs
through charges to vehicle users for the goods and services it provides them.
Similarly, there are two ways that capital funds can be provided to support the
acquisition of new and replacement vehicles: lump -sum amounts can be appropriated to
the fleet management organization or to the departments it serves on an ad hoc basis,
or capital costs can be amortized over the lives of the vehicles in the fleet through the
use of a reserve fund and charge -back system or a debt financing arrangement such as
a lease- purchase program.
10
Regardless of the method in which funds are provided, cost control procedures are a
critical component of an effective fleet financial management process. Appropriate
procedures enable an organization to identify, monitor, evaluate the appropriateness of,
and adjust fleet ownership, operating, and management costs regularly.
In our experience, implementation of an accurate cost charge -back system is one of the
most powerful financial management tools that an organization can implement to control
fleet related costs.
The CSJ has a hybrid fleet financial model. Most departments are charged a monthly
fee that is broken down into a replacement component (3620) and a maintenance and
repair component (3601). Police vehicles and Fire apparatus are not included in the
CSJ fleet replacement program managed by Materials and Fleet Management.
Therefore, they only pay the maintenance and repair component of the fleet charge.
Although the charges are estimated and then charged monthly, Fleet does perform a
reconciliation of actual costs and makes adjustments a few times a year. A number of
observations of the current fleet financial model are provided:
• Rates are reviewed and adjusted annually, however, they are set to be
competitive with the local market, and regularly result in a deficit for the fleet
organization.
• The rate development methodology is not thoroughly documented and thus
cannot be scrutinized, audited, defended, or reconciled to the actual costs of the
specific goods and services that the rates are intended to finance.
• The current charge -back rates do not provide cost transparency. The charges
that are levied for a particular vehicle not only cannot be reconciled to the actual
costs of furnishing that specific vehicle to a customer, but cannot easily be
evaluated by the customer as to their reasonableness or competitiveness. The
organizations paying such rates are unable to discern whether or not they are
getting good value for their money.
• The rates can create cross subsidization of costs across CSJ fleet service -
delivery activities, vehicles, vehicle types, and vehicle user organizations; and do
not promote the efficient consumption or provision of fleet resources. These are
the reasons for recommending that new charge -back rates and a rate
development methodology be developed and implemented.
Our recommendation relative to the Fleet Financial Business Model follows:
• The CSJ should replace the current fleet financial model with a service based
charge -back rate model that reflects the total actual costs of the fleet operation.
The capital or vehicle replacement component should be calculated on a vehicle
by vehicle basis and charged separately.
11
Fleet Operations - All vehicles and other pieces of motorized equipment require
maintenance and repair during their life. Since a fleet service organization's primary
mission is to maximize the availability of vehicles so that its customers can productively
do their jobs, the focus of maintenance management for such organizations needs to be
in developing practices that minimize unscheduled incidents of repair and so that
vehicles requiring repair are returned to service in as little time as possible.
Our review of fleet operations included several functional areas such as staffing,
preventive maintenance, repair quality, parts management and supply, fleet utilization,
customer relationship, fleet management information systems, performance
measurements, shop facilities, and fleet replacement planning. We found that industry
best practices were being followed in many areas (e.g., use of a fleet management
information system; tactical fleet replacement analysis — the Optimum Replacement
Point system; centralization of the commercial vehicle rental program; fuel
management; and many others). However, we also identified several areas where
opportunities for improvement exist. While we have not listed all of them in the
Executive Summary, a few of our recommendations relative to this area are provided
below:
• Accurately track and report on key performance indicators such as mechanic
productivity, fleet downtime, repair turn - around time, and others as provided in a
later section of this report (Business Planning and Performance Measures).
• Create an environment that fosters teamwork and cooperation within the fleet
organization.
• Develop a formal training program for fleet management, administrative, and
technical staff.
• CSJ's parts processes and procedures need to be formalized in a
comprehensive written procedures manual.
• The policy for holding inventory in satellite locations needs to be clarified and
published. At a minimum, fast moving parts (e.g., filters) should be stocked at
these locations.
• Conduct a comprehensive fleet rightsizing study. Assess the utilization of the
fleet in terms of both the number and types of vehicles, and identify specific
changes in both areas that would reduce fleet costs without impairing the level of
service provided by fleet users.
• Materials and Fleet Management should have a comprehensive, proactive
customer relationship management program.
• In the near -term, the CSJ should reconfigure the fleet management information
system to best meet the needs of the fleet organization today, and in the near
12
future. System changes should reflect process improvements outlined
throughout this report.
• Provide additional fleet management information system training to the
mechanics and other technicians on the use and application of the system.
• A system of key performance measures should be developed, data tracked and
reported regularly.
• Replace the Main Shop with facilities that are appropriately sized and configured
to support the fleet maintenance mission in a positive manner. A fleet
maintenance facilities master plan would determine the appropriate number of
shops and space requirements.
• Consider expanding the fleet maintenance effort at the East Shop to
accommodate additional workload.
• Develop a long -term (20 -year) strategic fleet replacement plan that identifies
annual funding requirements for fleet replacements. Replacement parameters
should be developed for specific vehicle and equipment classifications (e.g., mid-
size administrative sedan, full -size police patrol sedan, MD backhoe, % -ton 4x2
pickup truck, etc.) and based on total life -cycle cost principles. The replacement
plan should be updated annually.
• Continue to use the ORP tactical replacement analysis methodology developed
by the City to establish fleet replacement priorities.
• Manage the fleet replacement reserve fund balance to ensure that appropriate
funding levels are maintained and available to meet projected replacement
funding requirements.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to City staff for the professionalism
and courtesy that they extended to us during this study. We hope that the
recommendations contained in this report will be useful to employees involved with fleet
operations as they seek to continually improve service levels and cost performance.
A IJ O
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PHASE II - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
City of Saint John (CSJ), like many municipalities, wants to ensure that the highest
levels of service are provided to residents in an efficient and fiscally - responsible
manner. As such, CSJ is seeking ways to reduce costs without jeopardizing the
services provided to its citizens. One area under review is the number and type of
vehicles and equipment held by the various City Departments and Commission. The
City retained the services of Mercury Associates to examine the fleet in detail and make
recommendations, if applicable, for fleet size reductions. Key findings and
recommendations are presented in this Executive Summary, followed by our detailed
report describing the project.
CSJ has over 1,000 vehicles and pieces of equipment. The scope of the study
concentrated on the approximately 350 - vehicle fleet and was further narrowed down to
vehicles with at least one year of utilization data available. 282 paper surveys were
completed by users and a `Target List' of 31 vehicles was selected for further study
based on the data provided. Interviews were held with Departments /Commission to
discuss the status of the vehicles on this `Target List'. As a result, 14 vehicles were
recommended for elimination based on current utilization and assessed criticality. This
low number of recommended eliminations reflects the fact that the CSJ fleet size is very
close to optimal. Despite this small number of vehicles recommended for elimination,
the onetime cost recovery is $75,100 in resale and a recurring annual cost avoidance of
$49,883.85 in maintenance and repair for a total of $124,983.85.
In addition to the specific vehicle recommendations, a number of policy areas require
attention. CSJ does not have sufficiently detailed fleet policies in many key areas such
as eligibility for a City vehicle and personal use guidelines, service justification to renew
or acquire a new vehicle, vehicle rotation and sharing, vehicle suitability analysis, and
multi - purpose vehicle acquisition. Guidelines for personal eligibility for a City vehicle
should be established based on expected annual utilization, position, and job function.
These personal vehicle assignments should be the subject of an annual review. In
terms of vehicles assigned to Departments /Commission, the policy should reflect the
requirement to examine options other than ownership before replacing a vehicle or
acquiring a new one. There is no sharing or rotation of vehicles between
Departments /Commission and limited use of multi - purpose vehicles. Increases in both
of these areas may result in further rationalization in the future. A sample decision tree
to support the acquisition and selection of a suitable vehicle is included in the report.
Finally, it must be recognized that an effective fleet size - management program does not
start and end with this study. CSJ must use this as a starting point, create and
implement the necessary policy guidance, and continually review fleet utilization within
the City. As a basic philosophy, CSJ does not need to own all of the vehicles necessary
for service delivery. It simply has to have access to such assets when they are needed,
for the duration that they are needed, and at a reasonable cost and level of
14
convenience. As business needs change, so do vehicle support requirements and the
methodology in this report should be used to recognize opportunities for efficiencies and
capture cost savings.
15
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16
Council priorities for PlanSJ:
• Provide significant opportunities for community
engagement;
• Be a leading edge plan;
• Tackle community based issues;
• Deliver strong environmental leadership.
Council has:
• Dedicated resources to make it happen
• Championed the Plan at all stages
The PlanSJ team has delivered a leading edge,
made in Saint John Plan that creates a strong
legacy for Council
17
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Total Public Engagement
by the Numbers
January 2010 —July 2011
................................................................ ...............................
Invitations
presentations
®
have been given
Mailed for
to community
PlanSJ Events
groups _
.......................... ...............................
€
ray people visited 969
people are PlanSJ
4 the PlanSJ
Facebookfans
Storefront V
..........................................................................................................................
1 Hits to the PIanSJ
...............................
E bookmarks
!205 bsite
handed out
0 160
.......... .........
i
U people attended
Number of Draft i
PlanSJ Launch and
,yam,
Municipal Plan Copies
Storefront Opening
E Picked -up for Review
.........................................................................................................................
Number of (�'� a Number of
...............................
a Attendance at
Workshops and +�+! i Developer and
i Developer and
Open Houses ' Landowner
' Landowner
Hosted Focus Groups Focus Groups
...................................................................................................................
number of people at public workshops
...............................
October y ID
€ Attendance at j
Workshops and
• December
110
Open Houses I
Common
• 0
70 Att endance Council
at Youth
tota I
Workshops updates
Citizen
editions of I Stakeholder
Advisory
PlanSJ Groups Reached
Committee '
newsletter through 40+
meetings
Released interviews
more than
people signed up for
hits to the
the PlanSJ contact/
distribution list"'
PlanSJwebsi
` ........
.............................. ...............................
` 10,00
616written
comments
copies of "Insight" magazine
reoeived on PlanSJ
featuring PlanSJ were distributed
IL r rinm
AaaaR ►�
Like Need incentives
emphasis on & flexible urban
quality of life design criteria to
support
development
Uptown & U N BSJ
Hospital Primary
Centres serve different
purposes and should
complement each
other rather than
compete
1
Ensure space
is available
for industrial
sector to
expand
City should take a Maintain
more active role diversity of
in environmental housing
protection
Solid support 1
for the Plan J
Need balanced
transportation options
more efficient transit
serving intensification
area
kv,
Address site
specific
development
requests
Significant investment
will be needed to make
the plan a reality
r Unified port /airport
and city planning
L
Support local
food
NMI
Many changes were made to respond
to public feedback
✓Executive Summary added
✓Improved social & economic metrics
✓Stronger environmental policy
✓More support for UNBSJ
✓Policy to address large scale industry
✓Changes to address Airport development
✓Site specific land use map changes
More will be addressed in the future
as part of Zoning Bylaw,
Neighbourhood & Strategic Plans
21
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22
Shaping the best future for the City
The strong heart of the Greater Saint John Region
Healthy, unique and inclusive neighbourhoods
A progressive, robust and prosperous economy
Protecting the natural environment and ecosyste.
Growing the City smarter with complete & compact communities
An enviable quality of life, choice and experie m%.
A strong plan for action and making change
23
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hk � d4 mil! a MP`i'�n
's a leading edge Mici un A
Existing Municipal Plan
Out -dated
Unclear Vision
Lack of focus
Permits sprawl
Land use emphasis
Weak on environment
Focus on Infrastructure expansion
Traditional employment base
Car - oriented
Regulatory plan
Infrequent plan monitoring
Lack of accountability
25
Plan SJ
State of the Art
Compelling community wide vision
Urban neighbourhood enrichment
Compact complete communities
Integrated land use & urban design
Progressive environmental policies
Leverages existing infrastructure
Economic diversification
Balanced transportation
Holistic plan linked to investment
Progressive monitoring and review
Clear accountability
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• Provides an adequate supply of land
for housing
• Targets growth in areas which benefit
most and promotes efficient community
form at densities that support transit
• Promotes complete communities
where people can live, work, play & learn
• Increases housing choice quality &
affordability in all areas of the City
• Provides incentives to encourage
residential development in
Neighbourhood Intensification Areas
27
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• Invests in priority neighbourhoods
• Increases quality of parks & community
amenities
• Invests in streetscaping of major
gateways, corridors and parks
• Reinforces sense of place in
neighbourhoods, continues strong legacy
of heritage conservation
• Promotes excellence in design of new
buildings and public spaces
4;a
• Supports diversification of economy
• Maintains Uptown as centre for major office,
retail & finance
• Strengthens Tucker Park campus
• Supports retail east and west
• Encourages clustering of related industries in
industrial parks, responds to unanticipated
industrial growth
• Improves predictability for development
1
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29
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• Maximizes use of existing infrastructure
• Promotes a fiscally responsible development
pattern that enables more efficient delivery of
services
• Supports new infrastructure where it supports
delivery of the Plan
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• Implements the Sustainability Plan
• Reduces air pollution
• Protects water resources & floodplains,
manages storm water, plans for climate
change
• Connects natural systems & open space
• Leads in energy efficiency & waste
management
• Encourages local food production
GREATER SAIItTJOHII
ammunity Garde
31
• Supports transportation choice
• Encourages active transportation, implement
Bikeways Plan
• Focuses transit service in Intensification
Areas
• Connected hierarchy of streets
• Improve accessibility for all users
• Ensures parking is managed to promote transit
and urban development
• Support growth at the Airport and Port as
vital components of the national transportation
network
32
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• Delivers a holistic Plan to drive City
decision making
• Supports an integrated investment
strategy with capital budget priorities and
service based plans
• Encourages sustainable and innovative
development
• Provides accountability through a
monitoring program with: metrics, annual
report card, 5 -year review
• Creates a framework for Neighbourhood
Plans to continue strong culture of planning
& community engagement
33
Zoning
& Sub-
division
Bylaws
Neighbour Strategic Investment
hood Plans Plans Strategy
Fall & Winter 2011/12
• Public Presentation of the Final Municipal Plan (October 11, 2011)
• Council sets the public hearing date & refers to PAC (November 14)
• PAC Review (December 6)
• Public Hearing on the Final Municipal Plan (December 12)
• 1St & 2nd Reading / 3rd Reading & Adoption (January, 2012)
• Prepare Zoning bylaw & detailed plans to implement the Municipal Plan
WinierJlliacr SFrinV_/Prinirrnpz 3Jmmer %[kr. PaulliAi.tcmnr. &'Wunier"Ibmr
2010 2010 2010 2010'2011 2011
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ppurto callectrAA dir' r' jeximsc
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An.y}: mF;Pv:- i'r. -� i'o,'..'rcrk r5c#-uikir. -r in�Mudc in,. P!nn n. nt�rr.f -rt —lrt• -rs r-- r.Lx..� +. Tavitt —, v!deonnd Cih: r.r Ad—..r C —)mmi
t
01!
• Response to Public Feedback
report will be prepared to consider:
✓ More than 30 written
submissions received during
Public Presentation
✓ Both written & oral submissions
received by PAC and at the
Public Hearing
✓ Any further amendments to be
recommended to the Plan
• The report will be vetted through
the PlanSJ Citizen Committee
• Any further amendments to be
consider by Council before
Adoption (January, 2012)
W
iW
• It is a bold, innovative Plan and a
strong legacy for Council
• Recommended by staff,
endorsed by PIanSJ Citizen &
Planning Advisory Committees
• Need to move forward with the
Plan for the benefit of the whole
community; must be an integral
part of all service delivery
• Not an end, but the beginning of
planning for Saint John
01
y,it -t
www.saintiohn.ca /alansi
P 17zsl
GLIB .xMilrut aff
37
J
41•) f,r��irqq 177
BY -LAW NUMBER C.P.
MUNICIPAL PLAN BY -LAW
Be it enacted by The City of Saint
John in Common Council convened, as
follows:
1 This by -law may be cited as the
"Municipal Plan By -law of The City of
Saint John ".
ARRETE No C.P.
ARRETE CONCERNANT LE PLAN
MUNICIPAL
Lors dune r6union du conseil
communal, The City of Saint John a
d6cr&6 ce qui suit :
1 Le pr6sent arr&6 peut &re cit6 sous
le titre « Arr&6 concernant le plan
municipal de The City of Saint John ».
2(1) A Municipal Plan is hereby 2(1) Un plan municipal est par les
adopted. pr6sentes adopt6.
2(2) The document entitled "City of
Saint John Municipal Plan ", which is
attached hereto and forms a part hereof as
Schedule "A ", constitutes the Municipal
Plan.
3 A by -law of the City of Saint John
enacted on the third day of January, 2006,
entitled `By -law Number C.P. 105
Municipal Plan By -law of The City of
Saint John" and all amendments thereto is
repealed on the coming into force of this
by -law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF The City of
Saint John has caused the Common
Corporate Common Seal of the said City to
be affixed to this by -law the * day of *,
A.D. 2011 and signed by:
Mayor /Maire
2(2) Le document intitul6 « Plan
municipal de The City of Saint John » dans
Fannexe « A » ci jointe constitue le plan
municipal.
3 L'arret6 de The City of Saint John
6dict6 le 3 janvier 2006 et intitul6 « Arr&6
No C.P. 105 Arr&6 concernant le plan
municipal de The City of Saint John »,
ensemble ses modifications, est abrog6 des
Fentr6e en vigueur du pr6sent arr6t6.
EN FOI DE QUOI, The City of Saint John
a fait apposer son sceau communal sur le
pr6sent arret6 le * jour de * 2011, avec les
signatures suivantes :
W
Common Clerk/Greffi&re communale
First Reading -
Premiere lecture -
Second Reading -
Deuxi&me lecture -
Third Reading -
Troisi6me lecture -
W
Acknowledgements
PlanSJ sets a new direction for Saint John's future looking forward
to 2035. Key to the process to develop the Municipal Plan was
the significant volunteer effort of the PIanSJ Citizen Advisory
Committee (CAC), a thirteen member committee made up of
ten Saint Johners, two members of Council and a member of
the City's Planning Advisory Committee. The Committee acted
as champions for the Municipal Plan guiding the success of the
extensive PlanSJ community engagement process.
The Committee met regularly throughout the two year process
to develop the Municipal Plan. They are to be commended for
pushing the envelope of this Municipal Plan towards a bold and
innovative vision for the City's future. They acted as community
ambassadors of the Plan, actively promoting public involvement
and considering all of the inputs from the community and from the
extensive research completed throughout the process. The PlanSJ
CAC has fulfilled its mandate to Common Council, delivering a
leading edge, "made in Saint John" Municipal Plan which leaves
a strong legacy for the future. It is with the greatest respect that
we acknowledge their tremendous commitment to this process.
The City also wishes to recognize the commitment made by the
thousands of community members who actively participated in
PlanSJ, ensuring that this Plan captured the vision, hopes and
passion citizens have for Saint John.
The work of the CAC was supported by a PlanSJ Steering
Committee made up of senior staff across the organization along
with a dedicated team of professional planners. They provided
valuable technical expertise, ensuring that the Plan creates a
solid foundation for guiding the City's operations in all areas which
support PianSJ. The team wishes to acknowledge their leadership
on behalf of the organization in ensuring this is truly an integrated
and holistic Plan which will guide the management of the City for
many years to come.
%�- URBAN
STRATEGIES
SAINT JOHN INC .
39
CAC Members
Anne McShane
Gerry Lowe
Carl Killen
Mokhataria Benhatchi
Jennifer Nichols
Andrew Miller
Sara Mudge
Dave Drinnan
Derrick Mitchell
Shawn Peterson
Ann Crozier
Barry Harbinson
Peter McGuire
Patty Higgins
Heather Quinn
lb� 4rA
C
i
w
T
able of Contents
41
Executive Summary
1
1
Introduction
7
1.1
Purpose of the Municipal Plan
8
1.2
Saint John Context, Issues & Opportunities
9
1.2.1
How much Growth to Accommodate?
12
1.2.2
Why the City Needs a Municipal Plan
13
1.3
PlanSJ: Creating the Municipal Plan
16
1.4
PlanSJ Vision & Directions for Growth & Change
18
1.4.1
PlanSJ Directions
19
1.4.2
PJanSJ Vision for Growth and Change
24
1.5
Legislative Basis of the Municipal Plan
26
1.6
Organization of the Municipal Plan
27
1.7
How to Read the Municipal Plan
28
2
City Structure
31
2.1
City Structure Goals
34
2.2
City Structure
35
2.3
The Primary Development Area
37
2.3.1
Intensification Areas
37
2.3.2
Employment Areas
39
2.3.3
Corridors
40
2.3.4
Other Areas
43
2.4
The Rural Areas
44
2.5
Lands Common to the Primary Development
Area and the Rural Areas
45
3
Land Use
47
3.1
Future Land Use Goals
50
3.2
Future Land Use
51
3.3
Land Use Designations & City Structure
52
3.4
Establishment of the Primary Development Area
S4
3.5
Land Uses within the Primary Development Area
55
3.5.1
Intensification Areas
56
3.5.2
Employment Areas
74
3.5.3
Corridors
84
3.5.4
Other Areas
85
41
3.6
Land Use Designations outside the Primary
Development Area
89
3.6.1
Rural Areas
89
3.7
Land Use Designations Common to the Primary
Development Area & the Rural Area
95
3.7.1
Common Land Use Designations
95
3.8
General Land Use Policies
98
3.9
Land Use Monitoring & Review Metrics
101
4
Urban Design
103
4.1
Urban Design Goals
106
4.2
The Public Realm
107
4.2.1
Uptown Waterfront
109
4.3
Urban Design & Built Form
111
4.3.1
General Urban Design Principles
111
4.3.2
Urban Design Principles for Stable Areas
114
4.3.3
Urban Design Principles for Neighbourhood
Intensification Areas and Primary Centres
115
4.3.4
Urban Design Principles for the Uptown Waterfront
117
4.3.5
Urban Design Principles for Employment Areas
119
4.3.6
Urban Design Principles for Rural Settlement
and Rural Residential Areas
120
4.4
Building Urban Design Awareness & Success
120
4.5
Urban Design Monitoring & Review Metrics
121
5
Neighbourhoods & Housing
123
5.1
Neighbourhoods & Housing Goals
126
5.2
General Housing Policies
127
5.3
Affordable Housing
128
5.4
Supportive Housing
129
5.5
Boarding & Rooming Houses
129
5.6
Secondary Suites & Garden Suites
130
5.7
Home Occupations
130
5.8
Daycare Facilities
131
5.9
Manufactured Housing
131
5.10
Home -based Tourist Accommodation
132
5.11
Vacant Residential Properties
132
5.12
Neighbourhoods & Housing Monitoring
& Review Metrics
133
Sj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
:.
6
Economic Prosperity
135
6.1
Economic Prosperity Goals
138
6.2
Improving Quality of Life
139
6.3
Economic Diversification
140
6.4
Sustainable Economic Development
141
6.5
Workforce Development
142
6.6
Tourism
143
6.7
An Economic Development Strategy
for the City
143
6.8
Economic Prosperity Monitoring
& Review Metrics
145
7
Natural Environment & Energy
147
7.1
Natural Environment & Energy Goals
150
7.2
Environmental Sustainability
151
7.3
Air Quality
152
7.4
Water Quality
153
7.5
Natural Areas & Land
155
7.6
Flooding & Stormwater Management
157
7.7
Local Food
158
7.8
Energy Efficiency
159
7.9
Climate Change
159
7.10
Natural Environment & Energy Monitoring
& Review Metrics
161
8
Transportation & Mobility
163
8.1
Transportation & Mobility Goals
166
8.2
General Transportation Policies
167
8.3
Active Transportation
169
8.4
Public Transit
172
8.5
Roadway Infrastructure
174
8.6
Accessibility
178
8.7
Parking
179
8.8
Taxi Service
181
8.9
Inter -City Bus Service
181
8.10
Goods & Freight Movement
182
8.11
Rail Transport
183
8.12
Air Transport
184
8.13
Port Transport
185
8.14
Transportation & Mobility Monitoring
& Review Metrics
186
43
9
Municipal Services & Infrastructure
189
9.1
Municipal Services & Infrastructure Goals
192
9.2
Municipal Services & Infrastructure Policies
193
9.3
Water
194
9.4
Wastewater
195
9.5
Stormwater
196
9.6
Unserviced Development
198
9.7
Solid Waste Management
198
9.8
Utilities
200
9.9
Protective Services
202
9.10
Municipal Services & infrastructure
234
Monitoring & Review Metrics
203
10
Community Facilities
205
10.1
Community Facility Goals
208
10.2
General Community Facilities Policies
209
10.2.1
Neighbourhood Parks
210
10.2.2
Community Parks
211
10.2.3
Regional Parks
212
10.3
Open Spaces
213
10.4
Community & Recreational Facilities
214
10.5
Squares, Plazas & Community Gathering Spaces
215
10.6
Community Facility Partnerships
216
10.6.1
Schools
216
10.6.2
Places of Worship
216
10.6.3
Human and Social Services
216
10.7
Community Facilities Monitoring & Review Metrics
217
1 -1
Arts, Culture & Heritage
219
11.1
Arts, Culture & Heritage Goals
222
11.2
General Arts, Culture & Heritage Policies
223
11.3
Accessibility to Arts & Culture
224
11.4
Arts & Cultural Infrastructure
225
11.5
Integrating Arts & Culture
226
11.6
Uptown Waterfront
227
11.7
Multiculturalism
228
11.8
Cultural Landscapes
230
11.9
Built Heritage
232
11.10
Arts, Culture & Heritage Monitoring & Review Metrics
234
SJ CITY OF SAINT ,JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
M
12
Implementation
237
12.1
Implementation Goals
240
12.2
Governance Framework for Decision Making
241
12.3
Development Approvals
242
12.3.1
Existing Incompatible Uses
244
12.3.2
Previously Approved Applications
244
12.3.3
Timeframes and Phasing of Development
245
12.3.4
Fiscal Implications of Development
245
12.4
Investment Strategy: Strategic Plans &
Five Year Capital Budget
248
12.5
Cooperation with other Levels of
Government & External Agencies
251
12.6
From City -wide to Neighbourhood Based Planning
253
12.7
Municipal Plan Monitoring Program
255
12.8
Public Participation
288
12.9
Implementation Monitoring & Review Metrics
259
Glossary 261
Maps & Schedules 277
Schedule A: City Structure
Schedule B: Future Land Use
Schedule C: Transportation
Map A: PlanSJ Vision
Map B: Areas for Detailed Planning
45
v
Alt
- -�,
Executive Summary
The Municipal Plan is a guide for development and investment in
the City of Saint John ensuring decisions by the City over the course
of the 25 year planning period of the Municipal Plan are made in
the longterm best interests of the whole community. It represents
a fundamental shift in the City of Saint John's (the City) future; one
grounded in a more sustainable and compact pattern of growth for
the City. It is a holistic plan which will shape how the City develops
and delivers infrastructure and services to enrich the quality of life
for its citizens.
The City's new direction for growth and change, as described
in the Municipal Plan, focuses on:
• Increasing quality of life and the attractiveness of the City;
• Targeting development to support a strengthened urban core
and spur economic growth;
• Creating more complete neighbourhoods and communities;
• Providing land use and investment certainty to residents and businesses;
• Providing land for development based on current projections
for population and job growth;
• Planning in a holistic manner to consider economic, social, cultural
and environmental sustainability.
The Municipal Plan provides a sound basis for decision making over the next
25 years and will be reviewed regularly to ensure policies address the identified
goals and outcomes.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
47
The Municipal Plan includes a vision,
directions, goals and policies which
address the following areas:
City Structure & Land Use
How a city is physically organized is
fundamental to the quality of life it offers its
citizens, the functioning of its economy, social
interaction, and the health of the natural
environment. The Municipal Plan identifies a
preferred city structure and land use pattern
that identifies priority areas for growth and
change to capitalize on the City's unique assets
and the municipal investments already made
in infrastructure. The framework for future land
use aims to use land more efficiently and gain
the most benefit for the community from growth
and development by:
• Limiting urban and rural sprawl by directing
the majority of growth within the Primary
Development Area;
• Creating a hierarchy of development with
the highest intensity of uses in the Primary
Centres and the lowest intensity in the Stable
Areas and Rural Areas;
• Directing the majority of new employment
uses to Primary Centres and Employment
Areas to promote economic prosperity;
2 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
.•
- Directing the majority of new housing to
Primary, Local and Mixed Use Centres and
Neighbourhood Intensification Areas;
• Creating an integrated mix of land uses
in Centres and appropriate parts of
Neighbourhood Intensification Areas;
• Recognizing the important role of urban
design in city- building and establishing
policies to foster high quality, attractive and
functional development in the public and
private realm;
Using Corridors to connect Employment
Areas, Centres, Neighbourhood Intensification
Areas, and Stable Areas;
• Protecting the rural landscape and natural
areas by identifying areas outside the
Primary Development Area as Rural Stable,
Rural Settlement, Rural Resource, Rural
Industrial and Park and Natural Areas.
The Land Use policies in the Municipal Plan
serve as the main regulatory guide for new
development, informing Council, City staff,
developers, business owners and all other
community members on the appropriate
location and standards for development.
Municipal Plan policies will be implemented
through the City's By -laws, Neighbourhood Plans
and other strategic plans.
Housing and Neighbourhoods
Saint John is comprised of many distinct
neighbourhoods with a wide variety of ages,
styles, prices and quality of housing. The
Municipal Plan encourages a more compact
pattern of development with more housing
clustered in core areas with good access to
transit and community facilities, helping to
create safe, desirable places to live within the
serviced areas of the City. Housing policies in
the Municipal Plan are intended to ensure an
adequate supply of land is available for housing
to facilitate the development of quality, diverse
housing to meet the needs of the changing
demographics of the community.
Economic Prosperity
Economic and investment decisions have a
lasting impact on the community, and a strong,
diverse economy is required for long-term
economic sustainability. The Municipal Plan
recognizes the need to support the historically
strong base of heavy industrial operations that
have been integral to the growth, development
and identity of Saint John while also attracting
new investment in the knowledge -based
industries of innovation, information technology,
and health.
Natural Environment and Energy
A healthy natural environment is integral to
our well-being as it provides the elements we
require for daily life - air, water, food and fuel.
The way a City is designed, constructed, and
used can have significant impacts on the local
and global environments. The Municipal Plan
recognizes the importance of a healthy natural
environment to the well -being and quality of
life of a community. Environment and Energy
policies in the Municipal Plan are intended
to ensure a more sustainable growth pattern,
the protection of significant natural areas
and ensure environmental sustainability is
considered in all municipal decisions.
Transportation and Mobility
Transportation and land use are strongly
interrelated. The City's transportation network
strongly influences the pattern of growth, and
the pattern of development strongly influences
an individual's transportation choice (driving,
transit, walking, or cycling), as well as the quality
of the transportation network that the City is
able to provide. The Municipal Plan recognizes
the need to increase population density and
development in the Primary Development Area
.•
to support a variety of transportation options.
Transportation and Mobility policies in the
Municipal Plan are intended to design streets,
trails and transportation systems to meet the
needs of all Saint Johners and support a shift
towards more active transportation networks
and efficient transit.
Municipal Services
and Infrastructure
Directing new development to areas of the
City with existing municipal services and
infrastructure will result in increased efficiency
and lower long -term costs for water and sewer
treatment, emergency response, and other
services. The Municipal Plan recognizes the
importance of maintaining existing services to a
good standard while managing the City's current
infrastructure deficit. Municipal Services and
Infrastructure policies in the Municipal Plan are
intended to make efficient and cost - effective
use of existing infrastructure.
Community Facilities, Arts,
Culture and Heritage
Parks and community facilities contribute
significantly to advancing community
sustainability and enhancing quality of life.
Good quality parks, natural spaces, recreation
and community facilities help cultivate a strong
sense of place, enhance social interaction
and provide opportunities for exercise and
enjoyment of nature. The Municipal Plan
acknowledges the importance of community
facilities in creating complete and healthy
communities and the need to balance the
quality of parks and community facilities with
the number of facilities provided.
A vibrant arts and cultural scene enhances the
lives and interactions of community members
and promotes economic development, tourism
and community identity. Arts, culture and the
City's built and natural heritage are shared
community assets and should be fostered and
celebrated through a variety of initiatives and
activities. The Municipal Plan recognizes the
importance of arts, culture and heritage to
community identity, pride and sustainability.
4 P 07ISJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
50
roN 4
- 4,
_
At
Implementation -
Making the Plan Real
The Municipal Plan will be implemented through
various regulatory documents, including a
new Zoning Bylaw and Subdivision Bylaw,
Neighbourhood Plans and other strategic plans
and policies. An investment strategy, including
a 5 -year capital budget, will also implement the
policies of the Municipal Plan. The Municipal
Plan is a living document and in order to ensure
its on -going implementation and success it will
need to be updated and reviewed on a regular
1 L F, jyy
basis. A plan monitoring program will continue
to engage the community and comprehensively
review the Municipal Plan at regular intervals.
It features an annual report card to track
the success of the Municipal Plan and the
requirement for a comprehensive review every
five years to address substantive issues and
implement continuous improvements. The
Municipal Plan also includes policy for more
detailed neighbourhood plans or structure plans
to ensure a continued legacy of community
planning within the City.
The successful implementation of the Municipal Plan will require
collaboration and support of all sectors of the community. It requires
City leadership in making strategic investments to enhance the
quality of life in Saint John's neighbourhoods. It requires developers
to bring forward excellent and innovative development projects.
Most importantly it requires community partnerships and sustained
engagement of the Saint John community to create the momentum
of positive change needed to transform the City of Saint John.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5
51
9/
AA
| � � �/
L-
.A
$ � �
� \� w
If
3 f-
.. ,
.-
Introduction
1.1
Purpose of the Municipal Plan
8
1.2
Saint John Context, Issues & Opportunities
9
1.2.1
Flaw much Growth to Accommodate?
12
1.2.2
Why the City Needs a Municipal Plan
13
1.3
PlanSJ: Creating the Municipal Plan
16
1.4
PIanSJ Vision & Directions
for Growth & Change
18
1.4.1
PlanSJ Directions
19
1.4.2
PlanSJ Vision for Growth and Change
24
1.5
Legislative Basis of the Municipal Plan
26
1.6
Organization of the Municipal Plan
27
1.7
How to Read the Municipal Plan
28
53
CHAPTER ONE I INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose of the M u r
In late 2009 Council initiated the
PIanSJ project, a two -year, intensive
community - fosents a new direction
for development and investment
in the City, and is based on the
aspirations of Saint Johners to grow
the City in a more compact and
sustainable manner. It is rooted
in the City's many assets, placing
a stronger emphasis on quality
of life and the development of
a more urban City in the future.
This is a holistic Municipal Plan
that integrates the principles of
progressive urban planning with
the unique needs and desires of
Saint Johners.
iJcipal Plan
most importantly, the Municipal Plan is about
ensuring the people who live in the City and
those who will come in the future want to stay
for the economic opportunities and the enviable
quality of life the City provides.
The Municipal Plan is not just about land use. It
is about valuing the City's rich built and natural
heritage; investing in its neighbourhoods to
strengthen and reinvigorate the City; providing
support for neighbourhood -level planning in
key areas to ensure ongoing local input in the
land use decision - making process; creating
a balanced transportation network to make
public transit and active transportation more
viable and desirable mobility options; and
g _Pr,G 11S] CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
54
The Municipal Plan sets out the community's
long term vision and Council's policies to guide
future land use and development within the
City. In general, the policies contained in the
Municipal Plan are used to guide:
• Land use decisions regarding where and
how development occurs;
• Zoning Bylaw and Subdivision Bylaw updates
to ensure implementation of Municipal Plan
policy;
• Environmental stewardship initiatives to
reduce our ecological footprint;
• The delivery of efficient municipal services;
• Fiscal impact analysis for new or altered
development applications;
Capital expenditures and other investment
decisions by the City;
• The creation of Strategic Plans and studies, as
required, to ensure all City programs support
and implement the Municipal Plan; and
• The program for monitoring the Municipal Plan
and for detailed neighbourhood planning.
1.2 Saint John Context, Issues & Opportunities
The City is located on the Bay
of Fundy in south - central New
Brunswick and is the largest
municipality in the province
of New Brunswick.
It is home to approximately 68,000 residents
as of the 2006 Census, representing about half
of the Greater Saint John Region's population.
With three quarters of the region's jobs located
in the City, it is also the economic heart of
the Greater Saint John Region, providing
employment, shopping, entertainment and
educational opportunities.
As Canada's first incorporated city, established
in 1785, the City has been welcoming people
from all over the world for hundreds of years.
Long before their arrival, the area had been
settled by the MI'kmaq and Maliseet aboriginal
1840
1960
55
inhabitants. Over the years, each group of
inhabitants has helped to shape the City
through their culture and customs, architecture
and people. Today, with nearly 800 designated
heritage properties in the City, many within
historic districts, the City offers residents and
visitors a glimpse of this past along bustling
streets and quaint residential neighbourhoods.
Adding to the rich cultural heritage, the City
also boasts a remarkable coastal setting on
the shores of the Bay of Fundy - home to
the world's highest tides. The City's unique
landscape is further defined in large part by the
St. John and Kennebecasis Rivers, which come
together in the City's Inner Harbour. The Greater
Saint John Region's expansive geography offers
opportunities for residents and visitors to
explore world class parks and natural spaces,
and discover diverse topography.
18+5
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1962
CHAPTER ONE ! INTRODUCTION 9
Built on an industrial and shipping-based
economy dating from the late 1700's, the
City continues to be the major manufacturing
centre of the Greater Saint John Region and
has also become the regional centre for
telecommunications, services, transportation,
culture, health, and education. The City's
economy continues to diversify and today is also
one of the province's major destinations for
tourism and conventions.
Over the years, the City has developed from
a series of neighbourhoods clustered tightly
around the City's Inner Harbour to a sprawling
City with one of the lowest population densities
in Canada. Prior to World War II, the City's
pattern of development was very compact and
consisted of the city centre - the Uptown -
surrounded by a tightly knit urban core. The
City's pre -World War I[ development pattern
reflected the fundamental principles of a
complete community: it was compact, walkable
and most people lived close to work, shopping,
schools and other services important for day -to-
day life.
10 P&WSJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
56
By 1951, the City's population had grown to
approximately 73,000 people and the City's
urban development footprint occupied just
36 square kilometres of land. Post -World War
II infrastructure improvements, including the
construction of the Saint John Throughway,
road widenings, and new arterial roads leading
out to the countryside enabled residents to
access undeveloped lands beyond the compact
pre -World War II city. The City began extensive
outward grow, supporting low-density suburban
and rural growth, often in areas lacking
municipal water and wastewater services. This
pattern fundamentally changed the City's urban
structure.
In contrast to the pre -World War II city, new
development in the City after the war contained
very little mixed -use. Instead, large tracts of
new, single- purpose uses were developed in
isolation of one another. Residential uses were
generally separated from places of employment,
including major retail and commercial centres
located in the east and west of the City, the
University New Brunswick Saint John (UNBSJ),
the Regional Hospital, and industrial parks. This
pattern of development created a dependence
on an expanded road network, which in turn
created a dependence on the automobile as
the primary means to connect people to their
homes, places of employment, and places to
play, shop and worship.
Amalgamation with neighbouring municipalities
in 1967 increased the municipal land base
to 316 square kilometres, almost 10 times
that of the previous size of the City. Low -
density development continued as the norm
and extended across this expanded land
base through new commercial, industrial and
residential subdivision developments, providing
few street connections or amenities within
walking distance and further entrenching
the reliance on private automobile use for
access. Low- density housing in rural areas
was also scattered along rural roads and
waterfront areas in a pattern known as "ribbon
development" or "rural sprawl ". This pattern
was also generally disconnected from the City
located beyond areas that could be provided
with municipal water and wastewater services.
By the mid 1970's the City's population had
peaked at 89,000 people and began to decline
while the surrounding communities comprising
the Greater Saint John Region began to grow.
During this time, the City's urban core witnessed
a significant decline in residential population that
continued into the 1990's, resulting in significant
disinvestment and vacancies in the Uptown and
the urban core.
The result of this growth pattern is evident today
as the City consumes a great deal more land per
person than cities of comparable population. As
a result, the City spends significant resources
to provide services to an ever increasing
development footprint. As of the writing of
the Municipal Plan, approximately 42% of the
population lives in the urban core developed
prior to World War II on just 5% of the land base;
40% of the population lives in post -World War II
suburban neighbourhoods on 19% of the land
base; and 18% of the population lives in rural
settlement areas, the most land consumptive
form of housing, and occupies 76% of the land
base. Understanding the challenges from the
City's structure provides an opportunity for the
City to change the way it will grow in the future.
CHAPTER ONE I INTRODUCTION 11
57
12
1.2.1 How much Growth to Accommodate?
Looking forward, the Municipal Plan designates the amount of land that will be
required to accommodate changing employment and population levels over the
25 year planning period for the Municipal Plan. Over this time period, the total
population in the City is forecasted to first reach a low of about 66,000 people in
2017, then rise to about 77,500 by 2031, representing an anticipated population
increase of approximately 10,000 people. Population growth is based on anticipated
employment growth in local export -based industries (those that produce goods
and services for export outside the City) and continued growth in sectors such
as information technology and health care. Employment growth is anticipated to
increase the number of jobs in the City by 13,400 over the planning period, from
a total of 48,400 in 2010 to 61,800 in 2031. This Municipal Plan is also based
on anticipated land development needs for other employment sectors including
commercial and industrial land uses.
During this time, people of working age (25 to 64 years old) are expected to move
into the City to fill the anticipated new jobs and vacancies left by retirees. Many of
those who retire in the near future are likely to stay in the City, although perhaps
move to a smaller home. The number of new residential units (houses, townhouses
and apartments) anticipated to accommodate the residential growth is projected to
be 5,000 to the year 2031. To ensure the Municipal Plan can meet the needs of the
population, household and employment changes over the planning period, actual
growth levels will be monitored and the Municipal Plan will be updated at regular
intervals to effectively plan for changing trends.
Population and Employment forcast (thousands)
BD
75
70
B5
BD
55
50
45
2006
Historical I Forecast
2011
2016 2016
Source: Strategic Projections Inc.
P &01 j CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
0
2026
2031
Population —
Employment
1.2.2 Why the City deeds a Municipal Plan
This comprehensive new Municipal Plan is needed to build upon the City's many
strengths while reversing past patterns of sprawling and inefficient development and
capitalizing on the community benefits that accrue from more compact patterns of
urban growth. The Municipal Plan is crucial to effectively address the issues and
capture the opportunities currently facing the City, which include the following:
1. With a geographic area of approximately 316 square kilometres and a population
of only 68,000 people, the City has a very low population density, which affects
the ability of the City to efficiently deliver services and enhance the quality
of life for residents. To ensure the anticipated population growth benefits the
City, is fiscally sustainable and improves the quality of life for residents, future
development will be concentrated in key areas of the City. This will increase the
population density in strategic locations, reduce the cost of service delivery, and
support improved transit service, active transportation connections and greater
investment in the public realm for an enhanced quality of life.
2. Existing municipal water and sewage services within the City have the capacity
to absorb the anticipated additional growth without expansions. There are
sufficient amounts of currently serviced land within the City to accommodate
approximately three times the anticipated number of people expected to make
the City their home over the planning period. The City currently maintains and
provides services, including garbage collection, snow plowing and emergency
response to nearly 600 kilometres of municipal streets. Maximizing the density
of development on existing roads, water and sewer lines will decrease the cost of
maintaining and upgrading these systems and allow for more of the City's budget
to be targeted to providing services with a greater positive impact on the quality of
life for community members.
3. The City offers a wide range of housing and lifestyle choices in unique
neighbourhoods; however, years of out - migration to suburban, rural and outlying
areas have resulted in disinvestment in the core neighbourhoods. Between 2001
and 2006, 88% of the City's population loss came from the urban core, while 25%
of residential growth that took place was dispersed throughout the rural areas in
the form of rural sprawl. Continuing to support growth on the periphery of the City
has led to continued disinvestment and a declining population in the urban core
and increased the cost of providing municipal services.
CHAPTER ONE I INTRODUCTION 13
59
4. Many residential neighbourhoods are isolated from services and shopping,
contributing to the challenge of maintaining and creating a series of connected,
complete communities and unique places with a distinct neighbourhood
character. Targeting growth in Urban and Suburban Neighbourhood Intensification
Areas, and permitting minor infili in Rural Settlement Areas, will support the
revitalization of these Areas. Combined with a focus on increasing the quality of
urban design in future development, this will support additional investment toward
building a more complete community in these Neighbourhood Intensification
Areas, increasing the quality of life for all in the City.
5. At the heart of the Greater Saint John Region, the City is and will continue to be
the hub for employment, arts, culture and heritage conservation. Supporting
and expanding the City's rich architectural heritage and vibrant arts and cultural
community will enrich the quality of life for the City's residents and enhance the
attractiveness of the City as a tourist destination. Supporting a more compact,
urban development pattern will allow a greater percentage of existing resources
to be reallocated to expenditures that support these endeavors and increase the
quality of life.
6. Changing demographics, including an aging population, present the City
with opportunities to attract and retain residents from within Canada and
abroad. Diversifying the economy and supporting the creation of employment
opportunities in industrial and emerging sectors will help to attract and retain
young professionals and workers from across this country and abroad. Cultivating
and supporting investment in education will also provide opportunities for
existing residents and attract new ones, supporting the City as a more attractive
destination for employers and employees.
7. The City has a strong employment base in industrial and service sectors, and
has opportunities to diversify the economy in health, research and information
technology sectors, among others. Supporting continued investment in the
knowledge and innovation clusters at UNBSJ and the Regional Hospital and in the
Uptown will strengthen these anchors and create more economic opportunity in
and around them. The creation of jobs in emerging sectors will attract residents to
the City, while careful consideration of the location for new industrial employment
uses will decrease the potential for future land use conflicts and support growth
and investment in a diverse range of employment sectors.
14 S1 CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
•1
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S. Alternative transportation modes, including walking and cycling, are difficult in
Saint John, and it is inefficient and expensive to provide convenient and frequent
public transit service throughout the large and dispersed geographic region.
People with disabilities or without a car have trouble gaining access to jobs,
services and amenities without an integrated public transportation network. A
dense, compact urban form will enable more efficient and frequent transit service
and promote opportunities for active transportation for all of the City's residents.
9. A wide array of natural areas, parks, surface water bodies and expansive
waterfronts offer many opportunities for the City to be a leader in environmental
sustainability. Limiting development in natural and rural areas and increasing
the development density of the City will decrease our impact on the ecosystem.
Enhancing urban parks, watersheds and waterfront areas will improve quality of
life and have a positive impact on the City's natural systems.
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CHAPTER ONE I INTRODUCTION 15
61
1.3 PIanSJ: Creating the Municipal Plan
PIanSJ was the two-year community -based project undertaken to develop the
Municipal Plan. It involved the largest and most comprehensive community
engagement exercise ever completed by the City. A multitude of technical studies
were completed and city wide public engagement events hosted in order to capture
the bommunity's vision for the future and better understand the existing challenges
facing the City. The depth of involvement by staff, consultants and the community
was extensive, involving:
• A 13- member Citizen Advisory Committee (the CAC) comprised of 2 members of
Council, 1 representative from the Planning Advisory Committee (the PAC) and 10
citizens of the City. Staff from the City's Department of Planning and Development
supported the CAC, while the CAC advised City staff and Council on community
issues. CAC members also acted as ambassadors within their neighbourhoods and
across the City to actively promote involvement in the planning process.
• A Steering Committee comprised of senior staff from across all City service areas
advised the PIanSJ Team on technical issues and day -to -day City operations to
ensure the Municipal Plan directions were aligned with other City initiatives.
Interviews and focus groups with over 70 stakeholder groups engaged in arts,
culture and heritage; housing and development; business and the economy;
environmental issues; social issues including poverty and affordable housing;
transportation and mobility; education; health, wellness and recreation; youth
and seniors.
• Targeted youth engagement exercises with students from all the City's high
schools, the Teen Resource Centre and Teen Vibe.
16 f & -/?Sj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
W
Ii.
'4
• Ongoing public engagement throughout the two -year planning process via the
PlanSJ Storefront in Brunswick Square, the project website and social media tools
including Facebook and Twitter, and numerous presentations to community groups
and organizations.
• Three PlanSJ videos, available on the project website and on YouTube,
documenting the planning process and community members' hopes and
expectations for the future.
• "Welcome to PlanSJ" Open House on January 27, 2010
• "Opportunities and Directions" Workshop on June 12, 2010
• "Choices for Growth and Change" Open house on October 14, 2010
• "New Direction" Open House on December 8, 2010
• "Putting the Plan on Paper" Workshop on April 14, 2011
• "Up for Review" Open House on June 15, 2011
6VI
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CHAPTER ONE j INTRODUCTION 17
63
1.4 PlanSJ Vision & Directions for Growth & Change
The Municipal Plan builds directly on other City initiatives. In conjunction with the two-
year PlanSJ community outreach events and exercises, the directions and vision for
the Municipal Plan were also drawn from existing sources, including the Our Saint John
community engagement process, the corporate strategic plan as expressed in Vision 2015,
and the City's Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (the ICSP). The Municipal Plan is
also based on a comprehensive understanding of existing conditions in the City derived
from the Technical Background Report and the Growth Strategy Report in 2010, completed
during the first phase of PIanSJ.
The PlanSJ Vision and Directions are fully described in the Growth Strategy Report
endorsed by Council in March 2011. Following the adoption of the Municipal Plan, the
PlanSJ Vision and Directions will be used to evaluate whether development applications
and future strategic neighbourhood and structure plans fit with the community's
aspirations for the City.
Community Engagement
Choices for Getting Around
Waterfront Use, Access & Enjoyment
Protecting the Natural Environment
i r -
Smart Growth
Complete Communities
Planning for Strong Economies
The Public Realm 19 Celebrating Arts, Culture & Heritage
1$ SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
64
1.4.1 PfanSJ Directions
Throughout the PlanSJ community consultation process, the resounding
message received from the public was a desire for change toward a much more
sustainable growth pattern and, ultimately, an improved quality of life for all of
the City's residents. The following nine Directions for Growth and Change reflect
the community's aspirations for the City's future and illustrate best practices in
building sustainable and complete communities. These Directions also provide the
foundation for the Municipal Plan's City Structure and Land Use frameworks:
Z. Saint John proactively makes choices to shape the best future for the City.
Saint John:
• Has the courage to say "yes" to what is in the best longterm interests of the
City and its citizens and the courage to say "no" to what is not;
• Embraces challenges and passionately defends the right choices for the City
even when they are difficult choices to make;
• Leads by example; and
• Adopts leading edge planning principles.
2. Saint John Is the heart of the Greater Saint John Region and Is a thriving
urban centre. Saint John Is:
• Energetic, creative, entrepreneurial, and authentic;
• The focus for growth and change in the Region as well as the centre for office,
mixed -use, shopping, living, entertainment, innovation, arts, culture, heritage,
education, urban waterfronts and tourism; and
• A City that brings back people that have moved away and is a magnet
for newcomers.
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 19
65
3. Saint John is comprised of healthy, unique and Inclusive neighbourhoods.
Saint John:
• Strengthens the concept of 'one' Saint John by working to make distinct
neighbourhoods feel part of one City and one future;
• Supports mixed income living, offering a range of diverse housing choices to
meet different life -cycle needs;
• Enables people of any income level to live in a neighbourhood of their choosing;
• Builds on the strong tradition of neighbours taking care of each other -
neighbourhoods are the foundation of the strong community pride that defines
Saint John; and
• Provides a range of services, employment, leisure and recreational choices
within neighbourhoods to provide people with the opportunity to live, work, and
play in their neighbourhood.
4. Saint John actively pursues a progressive, robust and prosperous economy.
Saint John:
• Reflects an economy that has been rooted in the past but now looks forward
progressively to the future;
• Strives towards long term economic stability and social security;
• Embraces knowledge, innovation, traditional industry, green industry and
emerging employment sectors; and
• Makes positive choices about the economy and about industry that are good
for the people who live in Saint John and contribute to high quality of life for
residents.
20 'f &;0Sj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
5. Saint John celebrates Its many waterfronts and positions them as prominent
and defining elements of the City. Saint John:
• Embraces water as a central feature of the City's economy, natural environment
and a key to the lifestyle and collective community experience of living in Saint
John - magnificent tides, beaches, the Port, fishing, boating, marine ecology,
natural beauty, views, recreational opportunities, and a priority on water quality;
• Celebrates the historic significance of the waterfronts - as key trade and
transportation routes and the primary reason for the City's location; and
• Strengthens its waterfronts - the rivers, Bay of Fundy, and lakes - ecologically
through preservation, publicly by creating and maintaining access for all, and
economically by promoting waterfront development in appropriate locations.
B. Saint John values and protects its natural environment and ecosystems on
land and In water. Saint John:
• Builds the City in balance with nature by encouraging a more compact,
sustainable growth pattern;
• Actively stewards ecological systems through preservation, restoration and
enhancement to increase biodiversity and to restore sensitive or diminished
ecosystems;
Establishes linked natural areas that preserve ecological systems, connect
between and across land and water, and connect people with nature;
Reduces the City's ecological footprint and strives toward greater longterm
environmental sustainability for future generations;
Promotes best practices in stormwater management, maintains fresh and
coastal water quality, and promotes water conservation;
CHAPTER ONE l INTRODUCTION 21
67
• Conserves energy and reduces energy use through sustainable
building design, alternative energy systems and reduced auto
dependence; and
• Develops effective policy on climate change and integrates mitigation
and adaption actions that can be influenced through land use policy.
7. Saint John grows the City smarter by developing complete and
compact communities. Saint John:
• Supports the concept that smart cities grow up not out;
• Revitalizes existing communities through compact development and
infill within the existing developed areas;
• Develops a built form that supports efficient, convenient and viable
alternative choices for transportation including walking, cycling, and
transit that support healthy lifestyles;
• Supports the long term health of the urban core city centre by
making choices that strengthen the urban core and saying "no"
to choices that weaken the urban core;
• Supports compact development by managing development
and infrastructure according to the principles of complete
communities; and
• Adopts broad -based social and economic goals for sustainability,
vibrancy and longterm prosperity.
22 Sj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
•:
S. Saint John offers an enviable quality of life, choice and experience for all
of Its citizens. Saint John:
• Builds on unique places, people and experiences;
• Offers a diversity of arts, culture, and recreational activities and
amenities;
• Encourages and fosters a welcoming community of longtime residents,
newcomers, and people of different cultures;
• Provides a high quality environment - buildings, parks and open spaces -
and protects dramatic geography, beautiful views and vistas; and
• Plants trees and quality landscaping to naintain and enhance natural
vegetation throughout the City.
9. Saint John Is committed to a strong plan for action and making change.
Saint John:
• Has the courage to stick to the Municipal Plan during both prosperous
times and difficult times;
• Builds partnerships with other levels of government and neighbouring
municipalities to realize the Municipal Plan;
• Nurtures and encourages inclusive and accountable leadership at the
community and municipal level;
• Embodies a culture of integrated planning;
• Sets priorities for capital investment;
• Commits to, sticks to, monitors and implements the Municipal Plan; and
• Builds upon the Municipal Plan by updating the Zoning Bylaw and
Subdivision Bylaw and by preparing more detailed neighbourhood plans.
Imo.
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CHAPTER ONE I INTRODUCTION 23
1.4.2 Plans! Vision for Growth and Change
Looking forward over the 25 year planning period of the Municipal Plan, the PlanSJ
Vision, as set out in the Growth Strategy, reflects the aspirations of community
members to achieve a more urban focused City by prioritizing the transformation of key
neighbourhoods through new investment, population and growth. Reinvigorating and
enriching these urban places as more complete and healthy communities will renew
and stabilize the urban core, improve the physical quality of the City, and broaden the
experience and opportunities it provides. At the same time, the PlanSJ Vision anticipates
targeted suburban and rural development recognizing the needs of a diverse and
changing population.
This pattern of growth supports the development of more compact, mixed -use
communities at densities which allow people to live, work, learn, and play in more
walkable, transit - oriented neighbourhoods. The PlanSJ Vision builds on the City's record as
a leader in sustainability, protecting and identifying strategic improvements to cherished
green spaces, natural assets and key recreational facilities. To this end, the PlanSJ Vision
recognizes that social, economic, and environmental needs are interrelated and pursues
an integrated 'whole systems' approach to ensure that priorities and actions are well
balanced. The PlanSJ Vision map (Map A) is a visual representation of the City that would
be achieved by implementation of the PlanSJ Vision.
The PlanSJ Vision map (Map A) illustrates the intensity of future developed areas of the
City's urban structure, including:
• Areas identified as stable neighbourhoods that are not intended to undergo significant
change.
• The potential for denser, more mixed -use development along major streets, and the
potential for new or intensified urban centres.
• Existing and future industrial and employment uses.
• A system of enhanced parks, open spaces and natural areas, encouraging active and
healthy lifestyles by promoting and sensitively integrating human use in parks, open
space and natural areas, where appropriate.
24 f &7ISj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
70
The PlanSJ Vision also acknowledges that the health of the City's natural
environment is dependent on preserving and strengthening the health of diverse
natural features and habitats. Protecting the natural environment includes
identifying, preserving and enhancing important natural systems and ecosystem
functions to protect them from development, recognizing that land in its undeveloped
state provides significant environmental contributions.
Diverse economies are strong economies and are defined by a broad range of
employment opportunities, including a mix of traditional and emerging industries
that require a variety of skill levels. The PlanSJ Vision for a strong economy and
diverse places to work is based on creating more compact, well- located and better
designed employment and retail clusters. The PlanSJ Vision identifies two major
employment centres: one that strengthens the Uptown and supports its growth as
the key office- retail-arts- entertainment - employment centre for the City and the wider
region; and one that identifies UNBSJ and the Regional Hospital as an area for
mixed -use residential and increased employment uses. Retail growth is envisioned
in the McAllister Mall area to the east, on Fairville Boulevard to the west, in the
Uptown to the south, and north along Somerset Street between Crescent Valley and
Millidgeville.
The PlanSJ Vision reinforces the value the City and community members place on its
distinctive neighbourhoods, and guides them to become even stronger, high quality
places through excellence in urban design. Some neighbourhoods will remain stable
over the planning period, while others, located in Neighbourhood Intensification
Areas, described in Chapter 2, will be supported to evolve in positive ways.
This includes strengthening the range of quality housing choices and introducing
an appropriate mix of land uses for residents to live, work, learn, and play. Ensuring
these neighbourhoods are also easily accessed by a range of transportation
modes, including walking, cycling and public transit is also a central element to
accommodating change in the Neighbourhood Intensification Areas in the future.
Improving housing choice, affordability and access to a wider range of transportation
modes, particularly in the core areas of the City, will make living in any of the City's
neighbourhoods accessible to everyone.
The underlying goal of the PlanSJ Vision is to promote a compact development
pattern, supporting transit, walking, cycling and other active forms of transportation
that help to minimize carbon output and reduce dependence on private automobiles.
Solutions for getting around the City need to be inclusive and accessible to people
of all ages, income levels and to those with disabilities, and improve connections
between neighbourhoods and destinations. Finally, the PlanSJ Vision also speaks
to providing new and expanded connections and access points to public waterfront
areas, parks and open spaces, trails, beaches, boardwalks and cycling routes by
focusing on enhancing key public views to the water.
CHAPTER ONE I INTRODUCTION 25
71
1.5 Legislative Basis of the Municipal Plan
The Municipal Plan has been prepared in accordance with the New Brunswick Community Planning
Act, RSNB 1973, c. C -12 (the CPA). The CPA empowers Council to create a Municipal Plan to guide
land use decisions within their jurisdiction. Although the Municipal Plan does not commit the City
or the Government of New Brunswick to undertake any of the policies or proposals set out therein,
it does preclude the undertaking of any development that is inconsistent or at variance with any
policy or proposal contained therein. Through the policy statements in the Municipal Plan, Council
is proposing a range of actions to implement the PlanSJ Vision and Directions.
Following the adoption of the Municipal Plan by Bylaw, the City implements the Municipal Plan
through the approval of the Zoning Bylaw and Subdivision Bylaw, and the application of the
Municipal Plan policy. More detailed plans may also be developed for specific areas of the City
and City services. The Municipal Plan is a living document and will be reviewed and amended,
where deemed appropriate by Council, to ensure that it remains current and is responsive to
changes in the economy, population and demand for development.
= � f
26 P &ISJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
72
1.6 Organization of -the Municipal Plan
The Municipal Plan is divided into two parts. Part .1 contains the 12
Chapters that make up the body ol" the Municipal Plan, the Glossary,
and the Maps and Schedules. Part II includes the framework for
future neighbourhood plans and structure plans.
Part
Chapter One introduces the purpose, context
and vision for the Municipal Plan, how it is
organized and how to read the Municipal Plan.
The Municipal Plan is intended to be read in its
entirety.
Chapter Two articulates the City Structure
which supports the community's desire to
manage future growth by pursuing a more
compact and sustainable development pattern.
This pattern promotes the development of
complete communities, allowing residents to live
in close proximity to a full range of their daily
needs and amenities and to have convenient
access to key destinations and places of work.
The City Structure provides the basis for the
Land Use framework for the City.
Chapter Three contains the City's Land Use
framework and approach to regulating future
land use to guide growth and change over the
course of the 25 year planning period of the
Municipal Plan.
Chapters Pour Urban Design
Chapters Five Neighbourhoods and Housing
Part 11
Chapters Six Economic Prosperity
Chapters Seven Natural Environment
and Energy
Chapters Eight Transportation and Mobility
Chapters Nine Municipal Services and
Infrastructure
Chapters Ten Community Facilities
Chapters Elevan Arts, Culture and Heritage
Chapter Twelve addresses the
implementation of the Municipal Plan,
including policies related to regulatory tools
such as the Zoning Bylaw and Subdivision
Bylaw, the Municipal Plan monitoring
program, the framework for neighbourhood
planning, and the overall investment strategy
(five-year capital budget).
The Glossary contains the definitions of
key terms found in the Municipal Plan.
The Maps and Schedules are used for
explanatory and regulatory purposes.
Maps are non- statutory and Schedules are
statutory elements of the Municipal Plan.
Part II of the Municipal Plan contains the Neighbourhood Plans and Structure Plans
with more detailed policies that apply to specific areas of the City. These neighbourhood
and structure plans will be developed following Council's adoption of the Municipal Plan
by Bylaw. As completed and approved, they will be incorporated into the Municipal Plan
by amendment.
CHAPTER ONE I INTRODUCTION 27
73
1.7 How to Read the Municipal Plan
Vision and Directions
The Municipal Plan establishes policies to implement the PlanSJ Vision and Directions
for future growth and development in the City. The policies are intended to set overall
direction, allowing for flexibility for the private sector and government to respond with
innovative development approaches to achieve the outcomes of the Municipal Plan.
Chapters 1 -12
While the Municipal Plan is organized in various Chapters, it is an integrated document
that is meant to be read as a whole as the Municipal Plan recognizes the link between
land use, infrastructure, transportation and urban design. If there Is a conflict between
any policies of the Municipal Plan, the policies of Chapter 3 and the Future Land Use
map (Schedule B) shall prevail.
Glossary
In Part I of the Municipal Plan, numbered policies with corresponding glossary definitions
and schedules are considered to be operative statutory parts of the Municipal Plan.
Throughout the Municipal Plan, any non - policy text, commentary, or illustration provided
is included only to guide and contribute to a fuller understanding of a given policy and are
not to be interpreted as policies of the Municipal Plan. Except for references to legislation,
many terms in the Municipal Plan are defined in the Glossary section of the Municipal
Plan.
Schedules and Maps
Schedules and Maps are included in Part lIl of the Municipal Plan. The Schedules
are statutory components of the Municipal Plan and the Maps are included for
information purposes:
Schedule A: City Structure
Schedule B: Future Land Use
Schedule C: Transportation
Map A: PlanSJ Vision
Map B: Areas for Detailed Planning
Recommendations
The Municipal Plan includes references to previously completed studies, plans, strategies
and /or reports. These references are not intended to incorporate these studies, plans,
strategies and /or reports in their entirety. Only the specific recommendations from these
studies, plans, strategies, and /or reports specifically referenced are included in the
Municipal Plan.
28 CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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2.1 City Structure Goals
34
2.2 City Structure
35
2.3 The Primary Development Area
37
2.3.1 Intensification Areas
37
2.3.2 Employment Areas
39
2.3.3 Corridors
40
2.3.4 Other Areas
43
2.4 The Rural Areas
44
2.5 Lands Common to the Primary Development
Area and the Rural Areas
45
CHAPTER TWO CITY STRUCTURE 31
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City Structure refers to the way in which land uses, transportation systems,
infrastructure, open spaces and natural features are distributed and arranged
across the land base to create the City's physical make -up. This physics!
organization of the uses to which lands in the City may be put is fundamental
to all elements that create a great city, including:
• Quality of life;
• Diversity and resilience of the economy;
Overall community and social cohesion;
• Health of the natural environment;
• Ease of mobility; and
• Ability to deliver affordable, high quality municipal services.
The Municipal Plan directs new growth and investment where it will provide
the greatest advantage to the community at large, strengthening the City's
urban structure as it develops into the future while achieving the PlanSJ Vision
for the City. The City Structure proposed in the Municipal Plan is built on the
following elements which organize and rationalize land use in the City and
establish an appropriate hierarchy of development:
• The Primary Development Area (the PDA) is where most future development will take place.
• The Employment Areas and Intensification Areas are areas within the PDA that have
the capacity for significant change and are in locations that will benefit from investment
through new development.
• The Stable Areas are healthy, stable neighbourhoods that will evolve but not
experience major change.
• Corridors are links between Intensification Areas and common destinations,
including the waterfronts.
• The Park and Natural Areas and Rural Areas will be largely protected from development,
with the exception of some resource development in appropriate locations and limited
residential development in Rural settlement Areas.
Making investment decisions that support a better City Structure will allow
the City to make better use of existing infrastructure and system capacity,
particularly related to water, wastewater, and transit service. Strategic
infrastructure and public realm investments by the City that are consistent
with the City Structure have the potential to trigger large private sector
investments. When this takes place, the quality of services and the quality
of life can greatly improve and one project at a time, move the City toward
a more complete community.
CHAPTER TWO I CITY STRUCTURE 33
79
City Structure Goals
0 Limit urban and rural sprawl and use land wore
efficiently.
0 Revitalize. cxfslingcomniunitiets through compact
development, context apprDpriate Infill. and
promoting infill development on vacant and
underused properties.
Direct new hau%mg and ernployi-rient uses to
Intensification Areas to achieve a higher density of
people and jobs, enabling the City to provide cost.
effective and efficient infrastructure and services.
0 Locate an integrated mix of land uses within walking
distance of each other in tntensification Areas,
including places to live. work. shop, learn and play.
0 Cotmect Urban and Suburban Neighbourhood
Intensification Areas and existing Stable Areas with
Primary and Character GGrriclors.
0 Develop a crompact. Will forni That supports both a
healthy Iffestyle and efficient, convenient and viable
alternative transportation chopces, including transit.
walking and cycling.
0 Provide v
reater hou§lng choice and affordability
across the Uv =md within Individual neighbourhoods.
0 Achieve excellence in built form and design.
2.2 City Structure
The City Structure map (Schedule A) lays the groundwork for the land use policies
contained in Chapter 3 of the Municipal Plan. This Schedule illustrates the roles
and hierarchy of key places in the City, providing information on the relative mix of
land uses, the organization and design of streets and blocks, and the density of
built form. The City Structure map illustrates areas that should grow and change as
well as areas that should remain stable but not static, recognizing that some minor
change is appropriate to allow these areas to evolve over time in keeping with the
established neighbourhood character.
The City Structure map (Schedule A), although statutory, does not identify land
use designations that regulate development. Instead it categorizes land in the City
based on the degree of change and intensity of development to be received over the
planning period and directs where investments are to be made. The City Structure
map (Schedule A) forms the basis for the more detailed Future Land Use map
(Schedule B) and the accompanying land use policies found in Chapter 3, which are
the primary tools for regulating land use for future development.
Council shall:
Policy CS -1 Adopt the City Structure map (Schedule A) for the City to reflect the intended degree
of change and intensity of development in the City and ensure that it supports the
long term best interests of the City.
Policy CS-2 Ensure the City Structure map (Schedule A) supports and is consistent with the
Future Land Use map (Schedule B) which guides growth and development in the
City. Changes to the City Structure map (Schedule A) may only be considered in
conjunction with appropriate changes to the Future Land Use map (Schedule B). In
the event of a conflict between the City Structure map (Schedule A) and the Future
Land Use map (Schedule B), the Future Land Use map (Schedule B) shall prevail.
Table 1 visually depicts how the City Structure categories are organized, based on
their location inside the PDA, outside the PDA in the Rural Areas, or common to both
the PDA and the Rural Areas:
CHAPTER TWO CITY STRUCTURE 35
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Table 1: City Structure
CITY STRUCTURE
INTENSIFICATION AREAS
COMMON TO THE PDA & RURAL AREAS
Primary Centie
Local Centre
Park and
Mixed Use Gei &ire
Natural Area
Urban Neigh bourhund
Federal
Intensifioation Area
Transportation
Subw ban Neighbourhood
I ntensrricai ion Area
EMPLOYMENT AREAS
Primary
Centre
Regional
Retail Centre
Employment
Area
CORRIDORS
Cliaracter Corridor
Primary Corrrdoi
Commercial Corridor
OTHER AREAS
Stable Aree
Urban Reserve
RURALAREAS
Rural
Rc.ourr.E Area
Rural
Settlement.area
Rural
Industrial Area
Stable 4rea
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COMMON TO THE PDA & RURAL AREAS
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Park and
Natural Area
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Federal
Transportation
36 P12' CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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2.3 The Primary Development Area
As depicted on the Future Land Use map (Schedule B), the Primary Development
Area (the PDA) generally corresponds to the portion of the City with existing
municipal water and wastewater services. Most new employment growth and
approximately 95% of new residential growth will be directed inside the PDA to
maximize infrastructure investments that have already been made and protect rural
and natural areas. Inside the PDA there are four main City Structure categories,
described as Intensification Areas, Employment Areas, Corridors and Other Areas.
Each of these categories is further broken down into sub-categories, describing in
greater detail the intent for all areas within the PDA of the City. The following details
each City Structure category and accompanying sub - categories within the PDA.
2.3.1 Intensification Areas
Intensification Areas are identified as the areas of the City where most future
growth and development will be focused. There are five sub-categories within the
Intensification Areas, described as Primary Centres, Local Centres, Mixed Use
Centres, Urban Neighbourhood Intensification Areas, and Suburban Neighbourhood
Intensification Areas.
Primary Centres are intended to attract and serve people from all over the City and
the Greater Saint John Region. They contain the highest densities and most complex
and concentrated mix of land uses in the City. There are two Primary Centres, each
containing a complementary cluster of medium /high density development:
Uptown Primary Centre will remain the largest mixed -use centre in the City and
Region. Land uses shall include the widest range of medium and high density
residential, retail, duality business offices, arts, tourism, hospitality, entertainment,
institutional, civic, open spaces and park spaces, cultural uses, financial and
personal services.
UNBSJ Plateau /Regional Hospital Primary Centre will evolve into a strengthened
health and education mixed -use employment and residential area for the City and
the Region, containing the second largest number of jobs in the City and the Greater
Saint John Region. The area will grow to include medium and high density residential
uses, as well as a range of medical, educational, research and development, and
related uses. UNBSJ Plateau / Regional Hospital Primary Centre is intended to
complement rather than compete with the Uptown Primary Centre. Significant new
civic, arts, tourism and hospitality, entertainment, cultural and specialty retail uses
are to be directed to the Uptown Primary Centre and discouraged from locating in
the UNBSJ Plateau /Regional Hospital Primary Centre.
CHAPTER TWO I CITY STRUCTURE 37
83
A Local Centre on Somerset Street between Churchill Boulevard and Technology
Drive will provide a range of the most frequently needed commercial goods and
services to serve the needs of the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Mixed Use Centres are places located within Urban Neighbourhood Intensification
Areas that are appropriate for re- urbanization and where the Municipal Plan will
direct mixed commercial and medium to higher density residential development.
These include Lansdowne Centre in the Old North End, Prince Edward Square in
Waterloo Village and Main Street West.
Urban Neighbourhood Intensification Areas are neighbourhoods that have generally
been developed prior to World War II. These Urban Neighbourhood Intensification
Areas include each of the five priority neighbourhoods in the City: the Old North
End, South End, Lower West Side, Waterloo Village, and Crescent Valley. Urban
Neighbourhood Intensification Areas are primarily residential neighbourhoods
with medium density housing and convenience retail services. These Urban
Neighbourhood Intensification Areas will benefit from renewed investment and
development and are targeted to receive approximately 45% of future growth and
development.
Suburban Neighbourhood Intensification Areas are neighbourhoods generally
established after World War II, including Central Millidgeville, University Avenue,
Monte Cristo /Gault Road, and Forest Hills /Lakewood. Suburban Neighbourhood
Intensification Areas are primarily residential neighbourhoods with lower density
housing and convenience retail services. They contain lower densities than Urban
Neighbourhood Intensification Areas, but more elements of a complete community
than traditional suburban neighbourhoods. Council shall encourage suburban growth
in these areas that assumes a more compact urban form and provides a range of
different housing options with access to local and community services by a range
of transportation modes. These Suburban Neighbourhood Intensification Areas are
targeted to receive approximately 40% of future growth and development.
38 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
84
2.3.2 Employment Areas
Stimulating and sustaining economic activity is an underpinning to successful
urban areas. The City's future growth and development will largely be dictated by
the community's ability to retain existing employment and create new employment
opportunities. As the first step to supporting the evolving needs of businesses in a
wide variety of industries, the City must ensure there is ample supply of well located,
high quality employment lands available to accommodate investment needs. The
Employment Areas are described as Primary Centres, Regional Retail Centre and
Employment Areas:
Primary Centres, previously identified as the Uptown Primary Centre and the UNBS1
Plateau / Regional Hospital Primary Centre, are intended to attract and serve people
from all over the City and the wider region. They contain the highest densities and
most complex and concentrated mix of land uses in the City, including employment
uses, and are intended to develop at the highest densities in the City, with
complementary uses.
Regional Retail Centres of McAllister Centre and Fairville Centre provide large
format retail and service uses at a scale and range to serve the city and regional
population. These Centres are also intended to complement rather than compete
with uses in the Uptown Primary Centre. Regional Retail Centres are not intended for
residential use nor are they intended to undermine the function of Local Centres or
Primary Centres.
Employment Areas are comprised of existing Industrial Parks, other existing
industrial areas, Business Centres, and two areas of primarily undeveloped lands
identified for new industrial and employment uses in Spruce Lake Industrial Park
and McAllister Industrial Park. Employment Areas will generally not allow residential
uses; these areas are generally single purpose industrial or business park uses,
not appropriate in proximity to residential uses. Development will occur at lower
densities as these uses generally require more land.
CHAPTER TWO I CITY STRUCTURE 39
85
2.3.3 Corridors
Corridors are best described as the links between Intensification Areas and common
destinations, including the waterfronts. They are identified to define the different
roles our roadways have in shaping neighbourhood and community character as
they serve different needs and provide different services to users. To best describe
and characterize the different types of Corridors and their intended City Structure
functions, three types were identified: Primary Corridors, Character Corridors, and
Commercial Corridors.
Primary Corridors are locations for improved transit, active transportation,
investments in streetscaping, public realm and urban design, and in some cases
intensified land uses. They also serve as primary transportation links between
Primary Centres and Urban and Suburban Neighbourhood Intensifications Areas.
These Corridors serve the neighbourhoods they traverse with a broad range of uses,
at a scale and density suitable to support high levels of transit use. These are places
where streetscaping improvements should be focused, and where urban design will
be a priority. Primary Corridors include the following:
Millidge Avenue (from Somerset Street to Hill Heights Road) provides a number of
neighbourhood related commercial and community uses, and connects to a range of
places via the intersection with University Avenue and also via Somerset Street.
Somerset Street passes through a section of rocky and hilly natural terrain which
shapes the southern edge of Millidgeviile and the northern edge of Crescent Valley.
An aggregate extraction operation is also located along this section of Somerset
Street, along with a mix of commercial and one - storey business uses. In some
places, the base of the steep slope sits close to the edge of the street, creating a
natural `street wall'.
The Universi venue/ Woodward AyenuCZBandy Point Road corridor reflects a
number of unique characters: University Avenue is a wide boulevard with a mix
of open natural spaces, townhouses and low rise apartments; Woodward Avenue
passes through a similar setting followed by a mix of low rise employment buildings;
while Sandy Point Road is a rural road, following the natural edge of Rockwood Park,
punctuated by small groups of detached homes.
Churchill Boulevard connects Lansdowne Centre with the Crescent Valley Urban
Neighbourhood Intensification Area. The boulevard passes through a post -World War
II development of medium density housing. The road terminates at its southern end
at the existing Lansdowne Centre shopping plaza.
40 PO-,i j CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
0
Main Street (east of Douglas Avenue) connects the Uptown with the Lansdowne Centre and also
connects to Saint John West via Douglas Avenue. It is a wide arterial boulevard with a mix of scattered
uses, including office, church, retail, hotels, and parking lots.
Union Street is a primary transportation corridor linking the Uptown with Waterloo Village and Saint
John East. It contains a mix of parking lots and 3-4 storey buildings, (some historic, others postwar)
with retail at grade and professional offices and /or apartments above.
Fairville Boulevard frames the northeast edge of the Fairville Place Urban Neighbourhood
Intensification Area. The boulevard passes through a section of historic retail buildings 2-3 storey's
in height, as well as large sections of less developed areas, with one - storey retail establishments,
employment uses and parking lots.
Character Corridors are places for investment in quality streetscaping, the public realm, and urban
design in order to strengthen the quality of place in these important areas of the City, and to act as
a catalyst for high quality development in the adjacent Primary Centres and Urban and Suburban
Neighbourhood Intensification Areas. In most cases Character Corridors connect to the City's many
waterfronts - a key direction in the Municipal Plan. These are not envisioned as places for significant
intensification. Character Corridors include the following:
DougLa Avenue connects the Lansdowne Mixed Use Centre with Fairville Place and Fairville Corridor
on the City's West Side. The avenue has an attractive mix of historic homes on wide lots, set far back
from the street, and framed by a tall canopy of street trees.
Millidge Avenue (north of Hill Heights Road) provides an attractive view corridor and direct link to the
waterfront edge of Millidgeville.
Main Street (west of Douglas Avenue) provides a sloping view corridor and direct connection from
the mixed -use Lansdowne Mixed Use Centre to the waterfront at the western terminus of the street,
framed by a mix of semi - detached and row housing.
Main Street West (from Chesley Drive to Manawagonish Road) provides connections from the
residential neighbourhoods of Greendale and Churchill / Quinton Heights to Chesley Drive and
destinations eastward. The street contains a mixed character of housing and businesses, including a
broad mix of retail, warehouse and industrial uses.
Manawagonish Road (from Main Street West to Manchester Avenue) contains an attractive mix of
historic and postwar detached homes on large lots, fronted by a substantial and healthy street tree
canopy.
CHAPTER TWO CITY STRUCTURE 41
87
Lancaster Avenue / Duke Street West I City Line connects King Square West and
Queen Square West parks with two waterfront destinations within the Lower West
Side Urban Neighbourhood Intensification Area.
Charlotte Street connects the heart of the Uptown at Union Street with the southern
tip of the Central Peninsula, where development lands may bring new residents
and businesses to revitalize the western waterfront lands. The housing on Charlotte
Street is a mix of historic and post -World War It medium density townhouses and
higher density apartments. Setbacks are small or non - existent as housing and
businesses front directly onto the sidewalk at many locations.
Mount Pleasant Avenue / Crown Street connects the Uptown and Waterloo Village
with the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood and the communities and public amenities
found adjacent to, and within Rockwood Park.
Commercial Corridors are places in proximity to the Saint John Throughway that
are suitable for automobile oriented uses and over time will be enhanced through
improved urban design and site design standards.
Rothesay Avenue / Cily Road have historically served as a service corridor for
industrial uses requiring access to the Saint John Throughway or rail lines. As the
nature of industry has changed in the City, many of the former industrial uses have
transitioned or relocated to the City's Industrial Parks. The Municipal Plan supports
the continued transition of this area into a higher quality automobile oriented
Commercial Corridor for development that benefits from locations near the Saint
John Throughway, and for uses not appropriate in the Primary Centres which are
more suited to pedestrian oriented uses.
Bayside Drive has a small commercial node at the intersection with Thorne Avenue
and Loch Lomond Road. The Municipal Plan supports the continued commercial
uses within this area and envisions transition to a higher quality automobile oriented
Commercial Corridor.
42 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
88
There are two additional City Structure sub - categories found in the Other Areas
category. The Stable Areas category describes neighbourhoods throughout the
Primary Development Area that are considered healthy and not expected to undergo
significant change in the future. The Urban Reserve category includes undeveloped
lands within the Primary Development Area which are not needed to accommodate
anticipated growth in the future.
Stable Areas include existing healthy, primarily low - density residential areas not
identified as Intensification Areas or Employment Areas. Stable Areas are not
expected to experience major development, although they will evolve incrementally
and organically and in keeping with the existing neighbourhood character in order to
accommodate appropriate infill development to support complete communities.
Urban Reserve lands are inside the Primary Development Area and are being
reserved for future serviced residential development as they are not needed to
accommodate the anticipated growth in population or employment over the planning
period. These lands are to be carefully managed to preserve their potential for future
urban expansion to ensure there is a continuous supply of land that can be serviced
with municipal water and wastewater service beyond the planning period.
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89 CHAPTER TWO I CITY STRUCTURE 43
2.4 The Rural Areas
Lands outside the Primary Development Area are generally described as Rural
Areas and are not provided with municipal water and wastewater services. The Rural
Areas will support limited growth and development which will be carefully controlled
through Municipal Plan policy in order to encourage most development to take place
within the Primary Development Area. Rural Areas include three sub - categories
described as Rural Resource Areas, Rural Settlement Areas, and Rural Industrial
Areas.
Rural Resource Areas are primarily undeveloped lands with the potential for rural
resource activity such as pits and quarries and /or forestry uses. New resource uses
may be permitted in Rural Resource Areas provided the proposal meets the criteria
outlined in the Land Use Chapter of the Municipal Plan, and the relevant provisions
of the Zoning Bylaw.
Rural Settlement Areas are the existing, historic communities of Martinon to
Ketepec, Lorneville and Treadwell Lake. New, minor, low density residential
development that is compatible with a rural lifestyle and with the existing community
character will be permitted in these Rural Settlement Areas to support their
continued vitality and to maximize existing investments in community infrastructure
provided the proposal meets the criteria outlined in the Land Use Chapter of the
Municipal Plan.
Rural Industrial Areas have existing industrial uses, such as Canaport LNG and
Coleson Cove Generating Station. New Rural Industrial Areas may be permitted in
select circumstances provided the proposal meets the criteria outlined in the Land
Use Chapter of the Municipal Plan. Residential uses will not be permitted.
44 CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
90
2.5 Lands Common to the
Primary Development Area
and the Rural Areas
The Park and Natural Areas and the Federal Transportation categories apply
to lands within the PDA and to the Rural Areas.
Park and Natural Areas are currently in a primarily natural state or would benefit
from re- naturalization and are not appropriate locations for development. Park and
Natural Areas include wooded lands, lakeshores, rivers, coastlines, and important
geology and habitat. Through specific policies in Chapters 3 and 7, such as the
provision of wildlife corridors, protection of environmentally sensitive / significant
areas, and guidelines for watersheds, riparian, coastal and estuarine areas, the
lands are intended to form a system of natural areas to conserve ecosystems.
Federal Transportation lands are within the boundary of the City and are under the
jurisdiction of the federal government. Inside the PDA, this Federal Transportation
designation has been applied to the Port and in the rural areas this Federal
Transportation designation has been applied to the Airport. The intended use for
these lands differs:
Saint John Airport (Airport) lands are under the ownership of the federal government
and Airport operations are managed by the Saint John Airport Authority. The Airport
lands are located in the Rural Area and, notwithstanding their federal regulation, the
City encourages the development of airport related uses.
Saint John Port Authority ftalands are under the ownership of the federal
government and Port operations are managed by the Saint John Port Authority.
Port lands are encouraged to develop for marine related uses. The Port lands
located adjacent to the Uptown Waterfront are identified on the Future Land Use
map (Schedule B) as being part of the Uptown Primary Centre. Despite the lands'
federal ownership, the City supports future intensification of these lands consistent
with community aspirations and the policies identified for the Uptown Primary
Centre lands.
CHAPTER TWO CITY STRUCTURE 45
91
M
3 Land
Use
3.1
Future Land Use Goals
50
3.2
Future Land Use
51
3.3
Land Use Designations & City Structure
52
3.4
Establishment of the Primary
Development Area
54
3.5
Land Uses within the Primary
Development Area
55
3.5.1
Intensification Areas
56
3.5.2
Employment Areas
74
3.5.3
Corridors
84
3.5.4
Other Areas
86
3.6
Land Use Designations outside the
Primary Development Area
89
3.6.1
Rural Areas
89
3.7
Land Use Designations Common to the
Primary Development Area & the Rural Area
95
3.7.1
Common Land Use Designations
95
3.8
General Land Use Policies
98
3.9
Land Use Monitoring & Review Metrics
101
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 47
93
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Saint John
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The Municipal Plan responds to the community's desire to focus growth
and development in the urbanized areas of the City, supporting a
strengthened urban core and enhanced quality of life. The Future Land
Use map (Schedule B) implements the City Structure (Schedule A) and
serves as the regulatory guide for new development. The Future Land Use
map defines the location for different land uses to facilitate the creation
of complete communities while minimizing land use conflicts. This will
maximize the benefits of mixed -use areas and enhance the quality of life for
citizens, creating an environment that entices newcomers to the City and
encourages existing residents to stay in the City. The land use framework
provides clarity and certainty for residents and businesses wishing to make
informed decisions with respect to investment and places to live and work.
The City Structure will be achieved through the supporting land use
framework, discussed in this Chapter, which will serve as the statutory
guide for new development. The Municipal Plan provides clarity and
predictability in terms of where new residential, employment and mixed -
use growth will occur and ensures an adequate supply of land to grow the
City's economy. Over the planning period, 95% of residential growth will
be directed to the Primary Development Area. Approximately 45% of this
new residential development will be directed to Urban Neighbourhood
Intensification Areas and approximately 40% of this new residential growth
will be directed to Suburban Neighbourhood Intensification Areas. Minor
infill development in Stable Areas, comprising 10% of new residential
growth, will continue throughout the City in a manner that is compatible
with the character of the surrounding neighbourhoods. Rural Areas will
largely be protected as Rural Natural Areas and Rural Resource Areas,
with limited rural residential growth comprising approximately 5% of new
residential growth directed to Rural Settlement Areas.
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 49
95
Future Land Use Goals
Guide decis io in-nia k n g acrd d evel o pni e fit t h -it Is in the I o rig-te r m best
Interests of Me community and the City,
Ensure there is an adequate supply of all land types within the Primary
Development Area over the planning period.
0 Create posi Live condillronS for new development within the Primary
Development Area, capitalizing on investments made In existing
infrastructure.
Enrich the (I Llafil y of fife throughoul the City, partir ufarly In the core
neighbOL)MOOdS, by directing the majority of growth and investment. to
desiignaEed Centrer, and intensification Arens.
Support and strengthen the Uptown as the Primary Centre fot all major
commercial, government, community, culture. entertainment and tourism
uses, and the UNBSJ Plateau / Regional Hospital area as the Primary Centre
for health care services, post•secondary education, and research uses.
Improve access to the City's many walerf ronts and enhance the Uptown
waterfroril in particular as a vibrant mixed-use Eirea.
Foster complete communities at densities which support public
trarisportatiort and active rransportation and a range of services,
employment. leisure and recreational c.hoices to provide people will) greater
opportunities to live. work. play aind learn in their neighbOLV11010dS.
Direct new rrid ustrial development to designated Industrial Areas, mininAziing
fulure. land use confitct,5 and taking advantage of industrial clusters.
Provide Improved housing choice, quality and affordability throughout the
%P City to meet the needs of the clanging populabon.
A2h Provide for limited n ew d eve lop raeri t in the City's Dural Area s, preserving
TV the balance of these lands for the conservation of natural areas, limited
residentlai infill ant) appropriate resourte use.
Protect the natural environment and develop in balance with nature by
ericouragl.nga more compact and sustainable city.
3.2 Future Land Use
The Future Land Use map (Schedule B) is a vital component of the Municipal
Plan. In order to implement the broad objectives of the Municipal Plan, the Future
Land Use map (Schedule B) creates a comprehensive picture of the community,
setting out how land in the City should be developed in the future. The Future
Land Use map (Schedule B) assigns land use designations to all lands in the City.
These designations identify the type and intensity of land use that is appropriate
within a given area, and set out a specific policy framework to guide growth and
development. The Future Land Use map (Schedule B) and accompanying policies in
Chapter 3 represent the legal framework for development.
Council s-, ".oJ .,
Policy LU -1 Adopt the Future Land Use map (Schedule B) to guide future development and
investment in the City over the planning period and ensure that it supports the long
term best interests of the City.
Policy LU -2 Ensure the Future Land Use map (Schedule B):
a. Provides sufficient land to accommodate the projected demands
for residential, commercial, industrial and other land uses over
the planning period;
b. Provides for a limited range of compatible uses to occur within the land use
designations, subject to the applicable policies of the Municipal Plan; and
c. Provides for more specific delineation of appropriate land uses in the Zoning
Bylaw and neighbourhood plans and structure plans.
Policy LU-3 Recognize that the boundaries of land use designations, as shown on the Future
Land Use map (Schedule B), are intended to be approximate, except where they
coincide with roads or other clearly defined physical features. Where general
compliance with Municipal Plan policies is maintained, minor adjustments to the
boundaries of land use designations shall not require a Municipal Plan amendment.
Policy LU -4 Not consider changing the designation of lands on the Future Land Use map
(Schedule B) through a Municipal Plan amendment, unless the proposal:
a. Is consistent with the general intent of the Municipal Plan and further advances
the City Structure;
b. Is necessary by virtue of a lack of supply of quality land already designated in the
Municipal Plan to accommodate the development;
CHAPTER THREE LAND USE 51
97
c. Enhances the community and the quality of life offered to residents of the City;
d. Efficiently uses available infrastructure;
e. Does not negatively impact the use and enjoyment of adjacent lands and
neighbourhoods;
f. Is an appropriate use within the land use designation being sought for the
property, and the proposal is consistent with the specific policies regulating
development in the designation; and
g. Adequately addresses and mitigates any significant environmental impacts.
3.3 Land Use Designations & City Structure
The Future Land Use map (Schedule B) builds upon the City Structure map
(Schedule A) and creates a series of land use designations that further refine
where and what type of investment will take place across the community. In broad
terms, policy is developed for each designation shown on the Future Land Use
map (Schedule B) to regulate the use and development of land in the City. The
association between each City Structure category and the corresponding Land Use
designation is visually represented in Table 2.
52 POnSj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
M
Table 2: City Structure and Land Use
O
4V
W
IIC
Z
W
d
O
W
a
a
d
W
S
H
W
C
N
Z
C
d
W I
H
d
5
O
CITYSTRUCTURE LAND USE
INTENSIFICATION AREAS
COMMON TO THE PDA & RURAL AREAS
O
PnmeryCentre _
Primary Centre
Local Centre -
-4 Park and
Loral Centre
Mixed Use Centre -4
Natural .Area
Mixed Use Centre
Urban neighbourhood
®Densrry
Medium is High
Intensification Area
Transportation
ResrdenU+f
Suburban Neighbourhood -4
Low tr Mod! urn
Intensrfication area
F
Density Residential
EMPLOYMENT AREAS
y
Centie
Centre
Regional
Retail Centre
Employment
Area
CORRIDORS
Cheractei Corridor
Primary Corr idor
Commercial Corridor
1 Primary
Centre
— gional
Retail-,errtre
-4 Business
Centre
-4 W Commercial Corridor
OTHER AREAS
Stable Ai ea 1 Stable
Residential
Urban Reserve Urban Reserve
RURAL AREAS
Rural
Rpsouree Ai ea
Rural
Settlement Area
Rural
Industrial Arpa
Stable Area
-4 Rural
Resource Area
1 Rural
Settlement Aree
i Rural
Industrial Area
-4 Rural
Residential Aies
Z
COMMON TO THE PDA & RURAL AREAS
O
2
Park and
-4 Park and
Natural Are?
Natural .Area
CO?
Federal
Federai
Transportation
Transportation
Low to Medium
Density ResidentieI
Low Density
Residential
Stable Heavy Light
Cornmewial Industrial Industrial
Maur
Community Facility
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 53
99
3.4 Establishment of the Primary
Development Area
The PlanSJ Vision expressed for the City creates a stronger urban structure for
the community over the planning period by targeting growth and reinvestment
to the existing urbanized areas of the community. In order to realize this, the
Primary Development Area has been established, inside which the vast majority of
development is planned to occur over the planning period.
The adoption of an urban growth boundary for the City is not a new idea; in fact,
previous Municipal Plans for the City have included similar concepts. Over time,
however, amendments to previous Municipal Plans allowed rural development to
take place, which undermined efforts to further urbanize the City. The Primary
Development Area is a statutory component to the Municipal Plan. Council should
evaluate proposed amendments to the boundary of the Primary Development Area
utilizing the guidance found in Policy LU -9 and the general intent of the Municipal
Plan.
Policy LU -5 Establish the Primary Development Area (the PDA) as shown on the Future Land
Use map (Schedule B). The PDA includes the lands currently serviced with municipal
water and wastewater or those intended to be serviced with this infrastructure over
the planning period.
Policy LU -6 Intend that the PDA form the growth boundary of the City. Lands within the PDA
are the priority areas for accommodating future growth over the planning period, to
capitalize on investments made in existing infrastructure.
Policy LU -7 Intend that all lands outside of the PDA are considered Rural Areas and will be
governed by the policies that address Rural Area development in the Municipal Plan.
Policy LU -8 Not permit development serviced with municipal water and wastewater services
beyond the boundaries of the PDA without first changing the boundaries of the PDA
which will require an amendment to the Future Land Use map (Schedule B).
54 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
100
Policy LU -9 Consider amending the boundaries of the Primary Development Area boundary when:
a. A comprehensive review of the Municipal Plan has taken place, as outlined in the
Implementation Chapter of the Municipal Plan.
b. Notwithstanding (a) above, an amendment to the Future Land Use map
(Schedule B) may be considered outside of the comprehensive review period as
a result of an application to accommodate an unanticipated large -scale industrial
development. In such cases, the PDA should not be expanded unless the industrial
development is consistent with Policy LU -75 of the Municipal Plan.
3.5 Land Uses within the Primary
Development Area
Within the Primary Development Area, there are Intensification Areas, Employment
Areas, Corridors, and Other Areas. Each of these land use sections contains
corresponding land use designations to guide growth and development. Intensification
Areas are intended to receive the most growth and development over the planning
period; however, in each land use designation the type and density of development
will differ. Employment Areas follow a similar approach containing employment
designations to recognize the various needs of different types of employment. A
Commercial Corridor has been designated along Rothesay Avenue to accommodate
the specific needs of business along that thoroughfare, and Other Areas recognizes
the remaining land use designations within the Primary Development Area.
f�
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 55
101
3.5.1
Intensification Areas
Intensification Areas are intended to develop with the highest concentration
of land uses in the City. The type and /or mix of uses are dependent on the
type of Intensification Area. These areas are identified as the primary places
for growth to proceed.
CITY STRUCTURE
INTENSIFICATION AREAS
Q PiimaiyCentia '
Primary Centre
D
WLocal Centre
Local i:entre
2
f Mixers Use Gentle
W
Mixed Use Centre
D
Urban Neighbourhood —4
Medium to High
Intensification Area-
Density Residential
SuburbanNeighbourhuod .4
LuwtoMedium
_ Intensihcatlon Area
Density Residential
w...,., fir,
LAND USE
Low to Mudium
Density Residential
Lo',Ai DensiV
Residential
56 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
102
Primary Centres
The Municipal Plan designates two Primary Centres which are intended to
accommodate the highest densities of development in the City, reflecting the City's
role as a regional employment, educational, and cultural hub. The Primary Centre
designation is used to set out land use policy in the Uptown and also in the UNBSJ
Plateau / Regional Hospital areas. Land use policy for the Primary Centres is
customized to reflect the unique land use character and function intended for each
Primary Centre, ensuring that they evolve in a way that complements one another.
The two Primary Centres are intended to function as anchors in the north and south
of the City.
Council shall:
Policy LU -10 Create the Primary Centre land use designation on the Future Land Use map
(Schedule B) that is used to identify the two areas of the City where the highest
intensity of development is to be accommodated: the Uptown Primary Centre and the
UNBSJ Plateau / Regional Hospital Primary Centre.
CHAPTER THREE LAND USE 57
103
Policy LU -11 Acknowledge that the two Primary Centres in the City will evolve differently and have
a distinct function within the community. For clarity, Council intends that:
a. The Uptown Primary Centre is the home of the highest intensity mixed -use
development in the City, where all major office and government development is
located and where a wide range of other commercial uses, including specialty
retail and the region's arts, cultural, and entertainment facilities are located.
High density residential uses are strongly encouraged in the Uptown Primary
Centre.
b. The UNBSJ Plateau / Regional Hospital Primary Centre is the location of a major
cluster of post-secondary education facilities as well as health care, medical and
other related services. The Municipal Plan contemplates the introduction of a
range of residential and commercial land uses in this area following completion
of a Neighbourhood or Structure Plan.
Policy LU -12 Consider applications to amend the Future Land Use map (Schedule B) and expand
the boundaries of a Primary Centre when a proposal is consistent with Policy LU -9
and the following additional requirements:
a. Adequate land is not available within the Primary Centre for the proposed
land use;
b. The expansion further strengthens the Primary Centre and enhances the role
of the Primary Centre as one of the major concentrations of intensive land use
in the City;
c. For the Uptown Primary Centre, any proposed expansion of this area shall require
a study that assesses the impact on adjacent neighbourhoods with respect to
land use, traffic, urban design and other such impacts, and a rationale as to why
the proposal cannot be accommodated within the existing area of the Primary
Centre.
58 A/111SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
104
An Uptown Strategy was prepared in 1994 to guide future development and
investment decisions within the Uptown to ensure the area evolved as a major
centre serving the Greater Saint John Region. The fundamental components of the
Uptown Strategy remain current, aligning with the PlanSJ Vision and Directions and
have been carried forward as part of the Municipal Plan creating a vibrant area that:
• Affords a well -designed, high quality physical environment, easily
accessible and friendly to use;
• Provides a variety of locations for its users to work, live, learn, play and visit;
• Respects and celebrates its diverse cultural heritage;
• Supports and hosts businesses that provide outstanding quality goods and
services; and
• Supports and hosts knowledge -based industries that play a leading role in
transforming the economy of the City.
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 59
105
Council shall.
Policy LU -13 Recognize the Uptown Primary Centre as the major business, office and retail area
within the City, featuring mixed -use development and intense activity. The Uptown
also contains uses which contribute to the City's vitality and animation, such as
cultural, entertainment, residential and hospitality uses. Council shall encourage
the following land uses to locate in the Uptown Primary Centre:
a. Major concentrations of government and other major office, financial, and
professional services in the City;
b. Major arts, culture, leisure and entertainment facilities;
c. Medium & high density residential, particularly in mixed -use developments;
d. Green space and public gathering places;
e. Specialty retailing;
f. Restaurant and related establishments, including bars;
g. Visitor attractions that are not location dependent;
h. Post - secondary and private educational facilities; and
i. Public transit and active transportation hubs providing links to and from key
destinations.
Policy LU -14 Recognize that parts of the federally owned Port lands have been identified on
the Future Land Use map (Schedule B) as part of the Uptown Primary Centre.
Notwithstanding the federal ownership and operation of these lands by the Saint
John Port Authority, the City encourages intensification of these lands in accordance
with the collective policies of the Uptown Primary Centre.
Policy LU -15 Encourage the development and redevelopment of lands in the Uptown Primary
Centre and ensure that updates to the Zoning Bylaw consider:
a. Establishing standards for mixed -use development and the location of active
ground floor uses in commercial areas;
b. Establishing a height schedule to guide the development of taller buildings
in appropriate locations, consistent with the established urban form, and
establishing requirements for pedestrian scale street walls;
c. Establish parking standards to:
i. Permit reduced vehicular parking standards;
ii. Introduce bicycle parking and amenity requirements;
iii. Allow for a reduction in the provision of parking through the use of cash -in-
lieu for required parking, where appropriate, which could be directed towards
supporting public transit;
60 ` S) CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
106
iv. Permit shared parking areas between uses, where zoning permits; and
v. Encourage the development of parking spaces within dedicated multi -level
structures to satisfy off-street parking requirements, when feasible.
Policy LU -16 Identify and pursue business development opportunities that attract new investment
and new ideas and provide a positive environment for new businesses and the
retention of existing businesses in the Uptown.
Policy LU -17 Actively promote the Uptown as an ideal place to live for families, older adults,
students, and young professionals.
Policy LU -18 Ensure the Uptown is a vibrant urban environment that welcomes entertainment,
dining opportunities, arts and cultural venues and events, and other people- oriented
uses.
Policy LU -19 Ensure the Uptown maintains a compact urban form. This will be achieved by
developing supportive land use regulations in the Zoning Bylaw to direct high
intensity mixed -use development to areas that can support it, while maintaining the
character of established lower intensity areas.
Policy LU -20 Ensure new construction in the Uptown is sensitive to its historic surroundings and
neighbourhood context, however, modern expressions of architecture in the Uptown
will also be encouraged.
Policy LU -21 Prohibit the development of automobile- oriented land uses in the Uptown such as
drive - through restaurants and gas bars.
Policy LU -22 Encourage programming such as events, formal and informal activities, and festivals
for outdoor venues and facilities in the Uptown and ensure adequate venues are
available for such programming.
Policy LU -23 Encourage the application of high quality urban design standards for development
within the Uptown Primary Centre by incorporating the Urban Design Principles,
established in the Municipal Plan, which support mixed -use urban forms of
development.
Policy LU -24 Encourage and facilitate commercial development opportunities at the street level by
creating active and transparent storefronts, where appropriate.
Policy LU -25 Ensure major new development provides opportunities for improved pedestrian
connections at the street level. Pedway extensions may be considered, only where
appropriate.
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 61
107
Policy LU -26 Consider developing incentive programs that encourage design excellence, facade
improvement and the redevelopment of upper floors in commercial buildings for
quality housing, or other appropriate uses.
Policy LU -27 Strategically invest in the public realm in the Uptown through a phased program of
streetscaping to enhance the pedestrian experience along key corridors identified by
the Municipal Plan. The City shall also improve, wherever possible, the quality of the
physical environment through the planting of trees and other vegetation within the
street right-of-way.
Policy LU -28 Generally discourage the development of surface parking lots in the Uptown,
particularly where building demolition is required to accommodate the proposed
parking. However, where deemed appropriate, surface parking may be permitted on
vacant or underutilized land on the fringe of the Uptown, in areas not visible from
the street.
Policy LU -29 Recognize and support enhancements to public transit service in the Uptown as a
catalyst for activity and development in the Uptown.
Policy LU -30 Encourage partnerships with Uptown Saint John Inc. and other community
stakeholders to promote the Uptown as a significant destination and ensure it is
beautified and maintained at a high standard.
Uptown waterfront
Central to the PlanSJ Vision and Directions is the celebration of the City's many
waterfronts, and the positioning of them as defining elements of the City. The
Inner Harbour Land Use Plan, adopted by Council in 2003, identified a vision and
a development framework for the lands that extend from the southern edge of
Fallsview Park, overlooking Reversing Falls, to the former Lantic Sugar site and
Round Reef, including the Coast Guard site and Partridge Island. The area contains
a rich diversity of cultural, historic, natural and economic resources, including the
Fort LaTour site, Partridge Island, Trinity Royal Heritage Conservation Area, the
former Strait Shore fishing village, the HMCS Brunswicker facility, the Market Square
complex, waterfront properties administered by the Port, and a number of other
strategic development sites owned by public and private interests. The Municipal
Plan provides a supportive land use framework to foster the appropriate quality and
mix of development envisioned by the Inner Harbour Land Use Plan.
62 :'= CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
li
The Inner Harbour Land Use Plan also included a development framework for the
Uptown Waterfront area, described as the portion of the Inner Harbour extending
from the Fort LaTour site to the Lantic Sugar property. This provided a higher level
of detail with respect to the future development of this area, as compared to other
parts of the City. The development framework created for the Uptown Waterfront is
consistent with the PlanSJ Vision and Directions and the land use intentions for this
area described in the Inner Harbour Land Use Plan have been carried forward in the
Municipal Plan, outlined in both this section and the Urban Design Chapter of the
Municipal Plan.
For the purposes of the Municipal Plan, the Uptown Waterfront policies are included
within the Uptown Primary Centre land use policies and signal the intention for a
vibrant mixed -use area. In order to ensure development along the waterfront occurs
in a comprehensive manner, the Municipal Plan will support the establishment of
a Waterfront Zone in the Zoning Bylaw. All new major waterfront development will
be considered through a rezoning process to ensure the provision of a high quality
public realm, improved pedestrian accessibility, and a mix of land uses including
commercial, residential, cultural and other appropriate uses which benefit from a
waterfront location.
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 63
109
Policy LU -31 Provide a supportive framework for the development of the Saint John Inner Harbour
pursuant to the recommendations of the Saint John Inner Harbour Land Use Plan
and Implementation Strategy (November 2003), as updated over time. Lands within
the Uptown Waterfront shall be included in the Uptown Primary Centre designation
and development shall be subject to the applicable policies of this designation.
Policy LU ,32 Establish a Waterfront Zone in the Zoning Bylaw to ensure high quality development
and public realm experience for the Uptown Waterfront area. Proposals for major
development will be considered through a rezoning process to ensure development
occurs comprehensively and in keeping with the principles of the Inner Harbour
Land Use Plan. In evaluating such proposals Council shall give consideration to the
following:
a. Providing increased public access to the Uptown Waterfront within development
sites and to and along the water's edge;
b. Permitting uses which position the Uptown Waterfront as a catalyst for new
economic development and employment creation opportunities across the City;
c. Creating a diverse and interesting waterfront offering a mix of land uses and a
range of unique year -round activities and experiences;
d. Creating the potential for new residential development to accommodate
population growth in the Uptown Waterfront, the Uptown and the South End areas;
e. Providing new flexible public spaces, both indoor and outdoor, that meet the
needs of a variety of users and can be used throughout the year;
f. Facilitating better utilization of the community's existing Uptown Waterfront
development assets and heritage sites, including Market Square, New Brunswick
Museum, Trinity Royal Heritage Conservation Area, the Fort LaTour site and
Partridge Island where appropriate;
g. Increasing the frequency and duration of tourist visits to the City;
h. Sustaining and enhancing the Saint John Port Authority's cruise operations by
creating new, compatible integrated development opportunities;
i. Supporting the relocation of incompatible marine and industrial uses from the
Uptown Waterfront lands;
j. Demonstrating innovation in sustainable planning, design, engineering and
management practices;
k. Promoting design excellence to create inviting places and high quality landmark
buildings;
64 CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
110
V. Creating opportunities to connect waterfront assets to the City and Greater
Saint John Region with a land and water -based network that provides for ease of
movement between the Uptown Waterfront and areas beyond;
m. Providing an appropriate access and parking strategy, showing how the needs
of the project will be accommodated while also contributing to the needs of the
Uptown Waterfront;
n. Developing a comprehensive plan to provide a clear understanding of all key
aspects of the proposal, including proposed land uses, project statistics, design
concept, architectural treatment, and areas of public access and benefit;
o. Conforming to the principles, objectives and design guidelines outlined in the
Urban Design Chapter of the Municipal Plan; and
p. Providing infrastructure to accommodate visiting recreational boats.
Uptown Primary Centre Neighbourhood Plan
Policy LU -33 Establish a Neighbourhood Plan for the Uptown Primary Centre which shall contain
statements of policy addressing:
a. The appropriate forms and locations of all desirable land uses including
residential development and opportunities for mixed -use development;
b. The further development of arts and culture, entertainment, visitor attractions
and amenities in the Uptown Primary Centre;
c. Strategies to protect and promote the reuse of heritage assets;
d. The identification of investment priorities, particularly park and streetscape
improvements, the further development of Barbour Passage, and key public
linkages and views to the Harbour;
e. Priorities for transportation improvements, particularly investments that make
public transit, cycling, and walking easier and more attractive;
f. Strategies to accommodate the demand for parking while ensuring that parking
infrastructure contributes to the success and attractiveness of the Uptown;
g. Priorities for other infrastructure such as locating and relocating electrical and
telecommunications infrastructure underground; and
h. Such other matters as are desirable for the development of the area.
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 65
111
UNBSJ Plateau / Regional Hospital Primary Centre
The UNBSJ Plateau / Regional Hospital Primary Centre is intended to develop
to meet the needs of the existing cluster of health sciences and post - secondary
educational institutions to support growth in these knowledge -based sectors. It is
intended that the UNBSJ Plateau / Regional Hospital Primary Centre develop to
complement and not compete with the Uptown Primary Centre. The establishment
of a Neighbourhood Plan or Structure Plan for the UNBSJ Plateau / Regional Hospital
Primary Centre is intended to be a collaborative approach between UNBSJ, the
Regional Hospital and the surrounding community and City. Input from students, in
terms of their needs and preferences, will also be sought as part of the process for
a Plan, as campus and community life must support amenities and services being
sought by prospective students. Integrating stakeholders into the future development
of the UNBSJ Plateau / Regional Hospital Primary Centre will enrich it and ensure it
develops in a manner that meets the needs of its users and the broader community.
WIMMM11
Policy LU -34 Encourage the following uses and services to locate in the UNBSJ Plateau / Regional
Hospital Primary Centre:
a. Post- secondary education and other institutional facilities;
b. Medical and health- related services and facilities;
c. Laboratories, and research and development facilities;
66 S1 CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
112
d. Residential and commercial land uses consistent with a Neighbourhood Plan or
Structure Plan adopted by Council; and
e. A public transit and active transportation hub that supports travel to and from
other key destinations.
Policy LU -35 Establish a Neighbourhood Plan or Structure Plan for the UNBSJ Plateau / Regional
Hospital Primary Centre in collaboration with the Government of New Brunswick and
the community which shall contain statements of policy with respect to:
a. The appropriate forms and locations of all desirable land uses including
residential development to the extent that it enhances the continued positioning
of the Primary Centre as a major learning and employment centre in the City;
b. The identification of investment priorities, particularly park and streetscape
improvements;
c. Priorities for transportation and other infrastructure improvements, such as bus
routes and stops, bicycle paths, pedestrian links, connections to surrounding
neighbourhoods, future streets, and shared parking facilities;
d. Key public amenities including parkland, trails, and public views;
e. Further improving the quality of amenities and life for the student population and
those employed in the UNBSJ Plateau / Regional Hospital Primary Centre; and
f. Such other matters as are desirable for the development of the area.
CHAPTER THREE LAND USE 67
113
Local Centre
The Municipal Plan acknowledges -� need and an opportunity for additional
commercial development to be located in the North End to serve the
neighbourhoods located between the Uptown Primary Centre and the UNBSJ
Plateau / Regional Hospital Primary Centre. Lands adjacent to Somerset Street
north of Churchill Boulevard /Samuel Davis Drive already accommodate a range of
commercial uses as well as a number of existing industrial land uses, which should
transition to more urban and neighbourhood -based land uses over time.
This Local Centre is intended to provide a range of retail and service - oriented
commercial uses that will serve residents in the North End and Millidgeville.
The form of development intended is community - oriented urban commercial
development at higher densities that support pedestrian activity and transit
use. Encouraging the development of more housing in this part of the City is also
desirable as it will further justify public transit investments to connect the two
Primary Centres and will provide a broader range of customers for the commercial
uses the City hopes to attract to this area.
Policy LU -36 Create the Local Centre land use designation on the Future Land Use map (Schedule
B) for the lands adjacent to Somerset Street between Churchill Boulevard /Samuel
Davis Drive and Millidge Avenue. The Local Centre designation is intended
to encourage the development of a mix of urban land uses that support the
development of a high quality streetscape and transit corridor, with an emphasis on
community -scale commercial uses. Council will also encourage the development of
complementary medium and high density residential development and institutional
and community facilities.
Policy LU -37 Adopt provisions in the Zoning Bylaw to implement the policy objectives identified
in the Local Centre designation. Such Zoning Bylaw provisions shall provide for the
creation of a compact, mixed -use urban form that enhances pedestrian and transit
connectivity.
Mixed Use Centre
Mixed Use Centres are places located within Urban Neighbourhood Intensification
Areas which are appropriate for re- urbanization and where the Municipal Plan will
direct mixed commercial and medium to higher density residential development.
These include Lansdowne Centre in the Old North End, Prince Edward Square in
Waterloo Village and Main Street West.
C (" P'�11CII sh, a II:
Policy LU -38 Create the Mixed Use Centre land use designation on the Future Land Use map
(Schedule B).
68 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
114
Policy LU -39 Within the Mixed Use Centre designation, permit a range of commercial and higher
density forms of residential development such as apartment, condominium and
townhouse units, integrated with appropriately scaled commercial uses in carefully
planned locations to facilitate the development of a vibrant, complete, urban
neighbourhood.
Policy LU -40 Achieve a minimum gross residential density per hectare in lands designated Mixed
Use Centre of 45 units per net hectare. Density shall not be calculated on a property
by property basis but shall be calculated in the Mixed Use Centre as a whole.
Policy LU-41 Establish appropriate standards in the Zoning Bylaw to encourage mixed -use
development appropriate for the neighbourhood in which it is located by requiring
appropriate setbacks, massing, height and limits to the permissible commercial
uses.
Residential Density
In order to accommodate a range of growth and development appropriate to the
different Urban and Suburban Neighbourhood Intensification Areas, three land use
designations for residential density are contained in the Municipal Plan. Each land
use designation describes a different level of intensity of development regarding
the type of housing and associated neighbourhood uses permitted: Medium to High
Density Residential, Low to Medium Density Residential and Low Density Residential.
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 69
115
General Residential Policies
Council shall:
Policy LU-42 Establish appropriate provisions in the Zoning Bylaw to require new development to
have appropriate setbacks, massing and height to create and maintain high quality
residential environments.
Policy LU-43 Ensure that water and wastewater services, parks and recreation services,
appropriate community facilities, and protective services are available.
Medium to High Density Residential
Council shall:
Policy LU -44 Create the Medium to High Density land use designation on the Future Land Use
map (Schedule B).
Policy LU -45 Within the Medium to High Density designation, permit a range of housing types with
an emphasis on the provision of higher density housing forms such as apartment,
condominium, and townhouse units. Nothing in the Municipal Plan, however, shall
be interpreted to prohibit lower density forms of residential development in this
designation, provided that minimum residential density targets have been met for
the Intensification Area as a whole. Other compatible uses may be permitted in
the Medium to High Density designation without amendment to the Municipal Plan
including, but not limited to convenience stores, home occupations, neighbourhood
retail uses, parks, and community facilities.
Policy LU -46 Achieve a minimum gross residential density per hectare in lands designated
Medium to High Density of 45 units per net hectare. Density shall not be calculated
on a property by property basis but shall be calculated in the Intensification Area as
a whole.
Policy LU-47 Establish provisions in the Zoning Bylaw allowing for mixed -use development in the
Medium to High Density designation that includes the following general types of land
use:
• Residential development and Community facilities;
• Appropriate retail and office uses; and
Live /work forms of development or home occupations.
70 ) CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
116
Policy LU -48 Consider proposals to establish mixed -use development in the
Medium to High Density designation through a rezoning process.
Proposals must demonstrate conformance with the following
requirements:
a. The property is located on a collector or arterial street as
illustrated on the Transportation map (Schedule C) of the
Municipal Plan or is on a site identified for mixed -use by a
Neighbourhood Plan or Structure Plan;
b. The property is located in close proximity to a public transit route
and is easily accessible by a range of transportation modes;
c. The ground floor frontage of buildings facing collector and
arterial streets is generally devoted to retail and commercial
uses; and
d. Residential development is generally located on the upper floors
of buildings.
Low to Medium Density Residential
Council shall:
Policy LU-49 Create the Low to Medium Density land use designation on the
Future Land Use map (Schedule B).
Policy LU -50 Within the Low to Medium Density designation, a range of housing
types is permitted with an emphasis on the provision of lower
density forms of housing including townhouses, semidetached,
duplex and single detached dwellings. Other compatible uses may
be permitted in the Low to Medium Density designation without
amendment to the Municipal Plan including but not limited to
convenience stores, home occupations, parks, and community
facilities.
Policy LU -51 Notwithstanding Policy LU -50, recognize that new housing
development of higher density may be appropriate in the Low to
Medium Density designation, such as apartment and condominium
dwellings, and shall be permitted subject to a rezoning process,
where such development demonstrates compliance with the
following requirements:
a. Subject lands are adjacent to or in close proximity to collector or
arterial streets and transit routes;
b. Subject lands are located at the periphery of low density
residential neighbourhoods;
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 71
117
c. Subject lands are appropriately designed for the area in which it is located and is
encouraged in suitable sites for in fill development;
d. Subject lands are compatible with surrounding land uses;
e. Sufficient on -site parking and green space is provided;
f. Site design features that address such matters as safe access, buffering and
landscaping, site grading and stormwater management are incorporated; and
g. An exterior building design of high quality is provided that is consistent with the
Urban Design Principles of the Municipal Plan.
Policy LU -52 Achieve a minimum gross residential density per hectare in lands designated Low
to Medium Density of 35 units per net hectare and not more than 90 units per net
hectare. Density shall not be calculated on a property by property basis but shall be
calculated in the Intensification Area as a whole.
Policy LU -53 Notwithstanding Policy LU -50, encourage small neighbourhood retail and other
commercial uses on King Street West, particularly when implemented in a mixed -use
development.
Policy LU -54 Notwithstanding Policy LU -50, permit small neighbourhood retail and other
commercial uses elsewhere in the Low to Medium Density designation by rezoning
where compliance with the following requirements is demonstrated:
a. The site is located on an arterial or collector street, as illustrated on the
Transportation map (Schedule C) of the Municipal Plan, and is on the periphery of
low density residential development;
b. The uses are intended to serve the local neighbourhood and there is a
demonstrable need for additional neighbourhood retail and commercial
development in the immediate area;
c. The maximum gross floor area of commercial uses does not exceed 500 square
metres; and
d. Consideration is given to site suitability including such considerations as road
access, availability of public transit, necessary municipal servicing, compatibility
with surrounding land uses, high quality urban design and landscaping.
72 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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Low Density Residential
L
Policy LU -55 Create the Low Density land use designation on the Future Land Use map
(Schedule B).
Policy LU -56 Within the Low Density designation, permit a limited range of housing types with
an emphasis on single detached, semi-detached and duplex dwellings. Other
compatible uses may be permitted in the Low Density designation without
amendment to the Municipal Plan including, but not limited to convenience stores,
home occupations, parks, and community facilities.
Policy LU -57 Achieve a gross residential density per net hectare in lands designated Low Density
of not less than 20 units per net hectare and not more than 45 units per net
hectare. Density shall not be calculated on a property by property basis but shall be
calculated in the Intensification Area as a whole.
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CHAPTER THREE LAND USE 73
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Policy LU -58 Notwithstanding Policy LU -56, permit a limited number of new higher density
residential developments such as grade - oriented townhouse, apartment and
condominium dwellings subject to a rezoning process where such development
demonstrates compliance with the following requirements:
a. The subject land is adjacent to or in close proximity to collector or arterial streets
and transit routes;
b. The subject land is located at the periphery of low density residential
neighbourhoods;
c. The subject land is suitable for infill development;
d. The development is compatible with surrounding land uses;
e. Sufficient on -site parking and green space is provided;
f. Site design features that address such matters as safe access, buffering and
landscaping, site grading and stormwater management are incorporated;
g. An exterior building design of high quality is provided that it is consistent with the
Urban Design Principles in the Municipal Plan; and
h. No building has a height exceeding four (4) storeys unless specifically permitted in
a Neighbourhood Plan or Structure Plan.
3.5.2 Employment Areas
The City's Employment Areas are ;-j foundational component of the Municipal Plan.
A critical element to the creation of a successful urban area is the provision of an
adequate supply of well located, high quality employment lands to accommodate
the needs of business and industry. The City's ability to retain existing employment
uses and create new employment activity will largely dictate the degree of growth
and development that will take place over the planning period. The Municipal Plan
creates five land use designations to accommodate employment in the community:
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CITYSTRUCTURE LAND USE
EMPLOYMENT AREAS
Primary
Centre
Regional
Retail t:entre
Employment
Area
_4 0Primary
Centre,
_4 Regional
Retail Centre
—4 MBusiness
Centre
74 �f-V,, -17SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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Stable Heavy Light
Commercial Industrial Industrial
Regional Retail Centre
Regional Retail Centres are the large- format retail and service concentrations in the
City. These Regional Retail Centres provide retail development that is designed to
be accessed primarily by automobile, although this Municipal Plan sets out policy
seeking improvements to ensure pedestrians, cyclists, and those using public transit
can benefit from improved access to these important amenities. Regional Retail
Centres have been identified in the East and West of the City.
Policy LU -59 Create the Regional Retail Centre land use designation on the Future Land Use map
(Schedule B) to identify the two areas of the City where large format commercial and
retail development will be directed: McAllister Regional Retail Centre and Fairville
Boulevard Regional Retail Centre.
Policy LU -60 Acknowledge that each Regional Retail Centre in the City is unique and will evolve
differently to serve the needs of the community. Council intends that:
a. McAllister Regional Retail Centre is the major Regional Retail Centre in the City
and will continue to be the focus for commercial retail and service -based uses
intended to serve all of Southwestern New Brunswick.
b. Fairville Boulevard Regional Retail Centre is a secondary, more community -based
Regional Retail Centre which will contain less intensive commercial retail
and service -based uses intended to primarily serve residents west of the
St. John River.
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 75
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Policy LU-61 When considering development in the Regional Retail Centres:
a. Ensure the specific land uses established in the Regional Retail Centre are
appropriate and strengthen the role of the City's Primary Centres;
b. Strongly discourage new major professional offices and residential uses to locate;
c. Encourage quality urban design and where possible, more intense land use and
development;
d. Require development applicants to demonstrate consideration of transit and
pedestrian connectivity to the street and between retail locations;
e. Ensure development contributes to a more pedestrian - oriented atmosphere
by minimizing surface parking lots, encouraging shared parking, increasing
landscaping and improving sidewalks and streetscaping; and
f. Ensure infrastructure improvements made necessary by a development are
generally the financial responsibility of the developer.
McAlllster Reglonal Retail Centre
Policy LU -62 Require the preparation of a comprehensive stormwater management plan that
addresses current flooding and stormwater management issues in the McAllister
Regional Retail Centre, and proposes measures to mitigate and /or resolve them,
prior to major new development in the McAllister Regional Retail Centre. Council
shall seek the cooperation of property owners in the McAllister Regional Centre to
successfully implement the stormwater management plan.
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76 CITY of SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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Fairvllis Boulevard Regional Retail Centre
Policy LU -63 Require the preparation of a neighbourhood plan or structure plan for the Fairville
Boulevard Regional Retail Centre, which shall contain statements of policy with
respect to:
a. Coordinating land uses and infrastructure improvements in the area;
b. Identifying opportunities to encourage the intensification of the Lancaster Mall
site with retail and service facilities directly abutting Fairville Boulevard;
c. Identifying a phasing strategy for short, medium and longterm land use changes
that are compatible and not competitive with the McAllister Regional Retail
Centre;
d. Further encouraging the relocation of incompatible land uses from the area to the
City's Industrial Parks;
e. Setting detailed standards for land use, site design principles, landscaping,
access arrangements, street/transportation improvements, transit routes, and
other infrastructure improvements;
f. Providing improved linkages and transitions between the Regional Centre and
adjacent neighbourhoods; and
g. Establishing priorities for community improvements.
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CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 77
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Business Centres
Business Centres are concentrations of light industrial and commercial development
generally located on or adjacent to arterial streets in the City. These Business
Centres generally contain significant employment but are not located in one of the
Primary or Regional Centres and include the Main Street Commercial Area, Maritime
Opportunity Centre, Loch Lomond Place, Somerset Business Park, and Millidgeville
Business Centre. With the exception of the Somerset Business Park, these areas are
generally not identified for significant new development. Over time these Business
Centres may evolve into mixed -use areas, in a manner that is appropriate to the
surrounding context.
Council shall:
Policy LU -64 Create the Business Centre land use designation on the Future Land Use map
(Schedule B) which is used to identify lands in the City where a mix of commercial
and light industrial uses including office uses are to be accommodated. Council
intends that Business Centres serve a different purpose than the City's Primary
Centres in that the uses accommodated are more automobile dependent,
may require loading and storage space, may have a warehousing or laboratory
component, or require more space than can generally be accommodated in the
Primary Centres.
78 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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Policy LU -65 Ensure the Zoning Bylaw contains appropriate provisions to ensure the
redevelopment of lands in the Business Centre designation benefit from high quality
urban design, extensive landscaping, pedestrian connectivity and restrictions on
outdoor storage.
Policy LU -66 Ensure the Business Centre designation is generally used to identify a land
use framework for existing concentrations of mixed commercial and industrial
development. The re- designation of lands to expand existing Business Centres shall
only be considered where:
a. The applicant demonstrates that the proposed land use cannot be
accommodated in the Primary Centres or other designated Employment Areas;
b. Due consideration is given to site suitability including road access, availability of
public transit, necessary municipal servicing, compatibility with surrounding land
uses; and
c. The proposed development demonstrates high site design with extensive
landscaping, pedestrian connectivity, buffering and limits on outdoor storage.
Specific redevelopment or expansion of a Business Centre, if approved, will
demonstrate enhanced connectivity to the streetscape.
Policy LU -67 Recognize that in the future there may be an opportunity to redevelop the lands
generally bounded by Main Street, Chesley Drive, and Hilyard Street to accommodate
more urban forms of development. It is Council's intention to work with the
proponents of any such redevelopment to prepare appropriate plans to redevelop
this area with a more urban character, such as those found in the adjoining areas in
the Uptown and the Old North End.
Policy LU -68 Recognize that the Somerset Business Park has been established west of Somerset
Street adjacent to Technology Drive. Further development potential continues to exist
in the Somerset Business Park and it shall be the policy of Council to encourage the
use of these lands for an appropriate range of technology, knowledge, laboratory
and research -based businesses, as identified in the Zoning Bylaw. Council may
consider additional investment in infrastructure to support further development of
the Somerset Business Park.
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 79
125
Stable Commercial
These lands include a number of existing neighbourhood commercial areas which
are generally built -out and are not anticipated to receive major change over the
planning period. However, these Stable Commercial Areas have the potential for
greater mixed -use development beyond the planning period.
s�oUl' d shw
Policy LU -69 Create the Stable Commercial land use designation on the Future Land Use map
(Schedule 8). Within the Stable Commercial designation a range of commercial uses
exist which are likely to evolve over time. Within the Stable Commercial designation,
redevelopment of property is permitted in compliance with the requirements of the
Zoning Bylaw, provided the proposal does not negatively affect surrounding land
uses. In addition, other compatible uses may be found in the Stable Commercial
designation including housing, parks, and community facilities which are permitted
in the designation without amendment to the Municipal Plan.
Policy LU -70 Ensure that significant new development and redevelopment in areas designated
Stable Commercial is permitted only when subject to a rezoning process, where
compliance is demonstrated with the following criteria:
a. The proposal does not detract from the City's intention to direct the majority of
new commercial development to the Primary Centres, Regional Retail Centres,
Business Centres, Commercial Corridors, Local Centres, and Mixed Use Centres;
b. The proposed land use is desirable and contributes positively to the
neighbourhood;
c. The proposal is compatible with surrounding land uses;
d. The development proposal is in a location where all necessary water and
wastewater services, protective services, and appropriate transportation
infrastructure including public transit is provided;
e. Site design features that address such matters as safe access, buffering and
landscaping, site grading and stormwater management are incorporated; and
f. A high quality exterior building design is provided that is consistent with the Urban
Design Principles in the Municipal Plan.
80 , CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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Industrial Areas
The City's economy is founded on its industrial and manufacturing operations,
and the community is poised to continue its strong growth in sectors related to
these activities. The City recognizes that while these industrial and manufacturing
operations are critical to our economic growth, industrial land uses can significantly
affect the quality of life in adjacent neighbourhoods and they must be carefully
located to maximize their benefit to the community. As a result, lands appropriate for
industrial development should be retained for future industrial use.
In order to address this, the Municipal Plan establishes two industrial designations
to steer industrial uses to their most appropriate location: the Light Industrial
designation and the Heavy Industrial designation. The City also plays an important
role in supplying the land required to accommodate industrial growth through
its ownership of Saint John Industrial Parks Limited ( SJIPL). SJIPL will help to
ensure that an appropriate supply of land is available in the Light Industrial and
Heavy Industrial designations within carefully planned industrial parks to fuel the
community's future growth.
General Industrial Policies
Council shad:
Policy LU -71 Concentrate major new industrial developments in Industrial Parks.
Policy LU -72 Prohibit residential development in industrial areas to avoid potential land use
conflicts.
Policy LU -73 Establish provisions in the Zoning Bylaw to limit commercial and retail uses in
industrial areas and to limit the scale of retail sales associated with industrial uses.
Policy LU -74 Encourage the relocation of incompatible light and heavy industrial uses located
throughout the City to properly designated and zoned industrial areas.
Policy LU -75 Recognize that the community's significant industrial base gives rise to the potential
for unanticipated large -scale industrial developments that cannot be accommodated
by the lands currently designated Industrial in the Municipal Plan. Council may
consider applications to re- designate additional lands to Light or Heavy Industrial
or Rural Industrial on the Future Land Use map (Schedule B) and shall consider the
following in evaluating such proposals:
a. Adequate lands designated for Industrial development are not available or there
is a demonstrated need for the proposed industry to be sited in a particular
location;
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 81
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b. Appropriate studies are conducted by the applicant to satisfy Council that the
proposed lands are located an appropriate distance away from incompatible
land uses or it is demonstrated that appropriate mitigative measures can
be implemented to address any community and /or environmental impacts
associated with the development;
c. Due consideration is given to site suitability including such considerations as
transportation needs, necessary municipal servicing, landscaping and buffering;
and
d. There are clearly demonstrated social and economic benefits to the proposal.
Heavy Industrial Areas
Council shall:
Policy LU -76 Create the Heavy Industrial land use designation on the Future Land Use map
(Schedule B). The Heavy Industrial designation is intended to accommodate
industrial operations which may or may not generate noise, heavy truck traffic,
smoke, dust, heat, particulate matter, or highly visible outdoor storage, which extend
beyond the property line. All of the uses permitted in the Light Industrial designation
are intended to be permitted in the Heavy Industrial designation, except as
specifically excluded by the Zoning Bylaw. Uses in the Heavy Industrial designation
will generally utilize the City's water and wastewater systems.
82 - P&-/ZSj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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Policy LU -77 Require that Heavy Industrial uses which emit pollution be required to provide
appropriate separation distances and /or buffers from incompatible uses, as
provided for in the Zoning Bylaw or as specifically required by Council.
Policy LU -78 Establish provisions in the Zoning Bylaw to require that appropriate hazard and
risk assessment studies be prepared prior to permitting certain intensive Heavy
Industrial uses in the City.
Policy LU -79 Generally prohibit the designation of land as Heavy Industrial which is not located in
an Industrial Park specifically designed to accommodate such uses.
Policy LU-80 Notwithstanding policy LU -75, recognize there are a number of existing capital -
intensive heavy industrial facilities in the City that are not located in industrial
parks. Council may consider the re- designation of lands that are contiguous with
these existing uses to Heavy industrial without an amendment to the Municipal
Plan, provided that the proposed use is generally compatible with the surrounding
land uses, appropriate mitigation measures are provided, transportation needs can
be accommodated, and municipal servicing is adequate to service the proposed
expansion.
Light Industrial Areas
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3.5.3
84
Corridors
The Corridors identify stretches of the main arterial road network which serve a
range of purposes for residents and businesses. At this time, one type of Corridor
has been identified that serves the specific needs of business along Rothesay
Avenue, adjacent to the Saint John Throughway.
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CITY STRUCTURE LAND USE
CORRIDORS
c'o -o-o Chaiactei Corridor
— Primary Corridor
Commerciat Corridor –4 W CommereiaWorridor
Commercial Corridors
Commercial Corridors are located along the major thoroughfares in the City that
accommodate a diverse range of commercial, light industrial, and community uses.
These Corridors have been identified in the Municipal Plan as appropriate locations
for intensified land use and investment as they provide major linkages between the
Primary Centres, Employment Areas, and Intensification Areas.
SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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Council shall:
Policy LU -83 Create the Commercial Corridor land use designation on the Future Land Use map
(Schedule B) to identify lands that are predominantly intended to be developed
for automobile- oriented service and commercial uses, generally excluding large -
format retail uses. Institutional and community facilities and some compatible light
industrial uses are also appropriate land uses in this designation, however, new
residential uses and major professional offices will generally not be permitted.
Policy LU -84 Ensure land development in the Commercial Corridor designation shall include
consideration of:
a. The provision of appropriate pedestrian, transit and cycling infrastructure to
accommodate alternate modes of transportation;
b. Quality urban design, landscaping, and streetscaping; and
c. The potential to minimize the number of access driveways serving developments
and to encourage the development of shared joint access driveways and parking
areas.
Policy LU-85 Consider the expansion of Commercial Corridors or the addition of new Commercial
Corridors in accordance with the following criteria:
a. The Commercial Corridor is focused on a collector or arterial street in the City's
transportation system as identified on the Transportation map (Schedule C); and
b. Council is of the view that the Commercial Corridor provides a major linkage
between a Primary Centre, Employment Area and /or an Intensification Area and is
a logical location for the land uses deemed appropriate in this designation.
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 85
131
-4.5.4
Council shall:
Other Areas
There are three land use designations in the Other Areas category to describe the
remaining land uses within the Primary Development Area.
CITY STRUCTURE LAID USE
0
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W OTHER AREAS
HStable kipa
W
La Urban Reserve
H
Z
Stabin t Major
Residential i cammumiy Facility
Urban Resom
Stable Residential
These lands include a number of existing neighbourhoods in the City which are
generally built -out and are not anticipated to receive major change over the planning
period. These neighbourhoods are within the Primary Development Area, are
generally on municipal services, and have the potential to accommodate additional
development, at a scale and density consistent with the surrounding context.
Policy LU -86 Create the Stable Residential designation on the Future Land Use map (Schedule
B). Within the Stable Residential designation, housing of almost every form and
density may be found and both the existing neighbourhood context and compatibility
with the Municipal Plan goals will determine suitability of new proposals. Other
compatible uses that may be found in the Stable Residential designation include
convenience stores, home occupations, parks, and community facilities which are
permitted in the designation without amendment to the Municipal Plan.
86 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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n
Policy LU -87 Intend that the areas designated Stable Residential will evolve over time from a
land use and built form perspective but that new and redeveloped land uses are to
reinforce the predominant community character and make a positive contribution to
the neighbourhood.
Policy LU -88 Ensure that significant new development and redevelopment in areas designated
Stable Residential shall generally be permitted only through a rezoning process
where compliance is demonstrated with the following requirements:
a. The proposed land use is desirable and contributes positively to the
neighbourhood;
b. The proposal is compatible with surrounding land uses;
c. The development is in a location where all necessary water and wastewater
services, parks and recreation services, schools, public transit and other
community facilities and protective services can readily and adequately be
provided;
d. Site design features that address such matters as safe access, buffering and
landscaping, site grading and stormwater management are incorporated;
e. A high quality exterior building design is provided that is consistent with the Urban
Design Principles in the Municipal Plan; and
f. The proposal is on a property identified as a Corridor on the City Structure map
(Schedule A) or does not detract from the City's intention to direct the majority
of new residential development to the Primary Centres, Local Centres, and
Intensification Areas.
Major Community Facilities
The City has a number of major institutions and other significant facilities that
serve the broader community. Learning institutions such as high schools and the
New Brunswick Community College have major campuses that require special land
use regulation. Similarly, major health service facilities, recreation complexes,
and places of worship and assembly need to be carefully planned and regulated
to ensure they do not negatively impact adjacent land uses and are appropriately
located for convenient access by all transportation modes.
Policy LU -89 Create the Major Community Facilities designation on the Future Land Use map
(Schedule B) to accommodate a range of larger -scale institutional uses including,
but not limited to, high schools and post - secondary educational facilities, major care
facilities, recreation facilities, places of worship and assembly, and other government
and community uses.
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 87
133
Policy LU -90 Ensure that new major community facilities that are used by residents across the
City and the Greater Saint John Region are located in areas designated Major
Community Facilities and shall generally be permitted only subject to a rezoning
process where compliance is demonstrated with the following requirements:
a. The proposed land use is desirable and contributes positively to the
neighbourhood;
b. The proposal is compatible with surrounding land uses;
c. The development is in a location where all necessary water and wastewater
services, protective services, and appropriate transportation infrastructure
including public transit can be provided;
d. Site design features that address such matters as safe access, buffering and
landscaping, site grading and stormwater management are incorporated;
e. A high quality exterior building design is provided that is consistent with the Urban
Design Principles in the Municipal Plan; and
f. Public transit and active transportation links are provided to and from other key
destinations.
Urban Reserve
Lands designated Urban Reserve are not required to accommodate development
demand over the planning period. The intent of the Urban Reserve designation is to
retain a supply of land that can be serviced with municipal water and wastewater
services if required beyond the planning period or if actual growth exceeds projected
development demands. Urban Reserve lands are to be carefully managed to
preserve the potential for future urban expansion.
Policy LU -91 Create the Urban Reserve designation on the Future Land Use map (Schedule B) in
order to retain undeveloped lands within the Primary Development Area for future
growth and development beyond the planning period.
Policy LU -92 Strongly discourage development in the Urban Reserve designation and only permit
limited low density residential uses, resource uses excluding extraction activities
such as pits and quarries, and other appropriate uses which do not impede future
urban development. The Zoning Bylaw shall establish the necessary controls for the
development of land within this designation.
88 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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3.6 Land Use Designations outside
the Primary Development Area
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The City is a large municipality which is comprised of over 300 square kilometers of
land. Council has identified that urban development is most appropriately located
within the boundaries of the Primary Development Area (PDA). The Municipal Plan
carefully manages land uses beyond the PDA in the Rural Areas to preserve the
environmental features and functions of these lands, protect the rural character of
these areas, and facilitate the continued use of these lands for rural resource use,
where appropriate and permitted. In order to manage land use in the Rural Areas
of the City, the Municipal Plan creates four land use designations which apply to the
City's Rural Areas:
CITYSTRUCTURE
RURALAREAS
Rural
Resource area
Rural
Settlement +area
Rural
Ind usinal Area
Stable Area
—4
Rural
Resource Area
—4
Rural
Sciilement urea
—4
Rural
Mustrral Aree
—4
Rural
Residential Area
OTA
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LAND USE
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 89
135
General Policies
Councii shall:
Policy LU -93 Discourage new residential roads in the Rural Areas except in areas designated
Rural Settlement Area.
Policy LU -94 Establish provisions in the Zoning Bylaw and the Subdivision Bylaw to limit
subdivision development in the Rural Areas outside the Primary Development Area.
The City shall generally require that new lots outside the PDA have a minimum lot
area of four (4) hectares (40,000 square metres) except as otherwise provided in a
specific rural land use designation.
Rural Resource Area
The majority of the lands within the City's Rural Areas are located in the Rural
Resource Area designation. These lands are intended to facilitate resource related
activities, where appropriate, such as forestry operations, agriculture, fisheries, and
extraction activities, including pits and quarries, Limited residential and other land
uses may be contemplated.
Council shall:
Policy LU -95 Create the Rural Resource Area designation on the Future Land Use map (Schedule
B). Council intends that land within the Rural Resource Area designation shall
generally remain in their natural state, or, subject to regulation and required
approvals, be used for appropriate resource uses including forestry operations,
agriculture uses including livestock operations and the fishery, and extraction
activities, including pits and quarries.
90 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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Policy LU -96 Provide that pits and quarries may be located in the Rural Resource Area designation
provided the land is rezoned to the Pits and Quarries Zone. The Pits and Quarries
Zone defines the specific performance standards for their operation, and the
rehabilitation of operative and inoperative pits and quarries. in considering
applications to rezone a property to the Pits and Quarries Zone, Council shall ensure
the proposed use can demonstrate compliance with all of the zone provisions,
including:
a. Compatibility with and /or minimal impact on existing adjacent land uses;
b. An appropriate location and acceptable hours of operation;
c. A stormwater management plan;
d. Incorporation of site development measures which will assist in the control of
smoke, dust, odour, toxic materials, vibration and noise;
e. Compliance with required setback, yard, and separation distances from existing
roads or uses;
f. The provision of visual screening;
g. Acceptable location for buildings and equipment;
h. Inclusion of necessary safety and protective measures;
L Acceptable location of entrances and exits, and the designation of acceptable
hauling routes;
j. Demonstrated compliance with signage and landscaping provisions; and
k. Measures to ensure future rehabilitation of the site.
Policy LU -97 Consider permitting limited residential development in the Rural Resource
designation. Residential development shall only be permitted on newly created lots
that have a minimum lot area of four (4) hectares (40,000 square metres) and have
direct access to an existing public or private street.
Policy LU -98 Consider permitting new residential development in Rural Resource areas provided
that it demonstrates compatibility with existing resources related uses.
Policy LU -99 Generally not accept the dedication of new public streets within the Rural Resource
Area designation unless Council determines that the new roadway is necessary to
provide safe access to the development or is necessary to improve connectivity
between developments in the general area.
CHAPTER THREE LAND USE 91
137
Council may-
Policy LU -100 Consider requests to re- designate lands from Park and Natural Area to Rural
Resource Area provided that the land does not contain environmentally significant
features, a demonstrated potential exists for a resource - related use of the land, and
any environmental and /or community quality of life impacts from the proposal can
be mitigated to a level deemed acceptable by Council.
Rural Settlement Area
The City has expanded over time, through amalgamation, to incorporate a number
of historic rural communities, several of which are identified in the Municipal Plan
as Rural Settlement Areas. These Rural Settlement Areas are Martinon to Ketepec,
Lorneville and Treadwell Lake. These communities are where additional small scale
rural residential and supporting commercial and community uses will be permitted.
Any new, low density residential development in these settlements is intended to
be compatible with a rural lifestyle and with the existing community character. New
housing will support the existing character and vitality of these settlements and
utilize the existing community facilities that are already established in these areas.
Permitting small scale residential growth in these Settlement Areas is intended to
better utilize the City's investments in community infrastructure in these places and
ensure this lifestyle choice can continue.
C uncil shall:
Policy LU -101 Create the Rural Settlement Area designation on the Future Land Use map (Schedule
B). Council intends that lands within the Rural Settlement Area designation are to
be developed in a way that is consistent with the character and form of the existing
community. The development of low density housing with private on -site water and
wastewater systems is permitted, as are appropriate commercial uses, community
facilities, home occupations, and parks.
IF
92 'P6 /— Sl CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
138
Policy LU -102 Permit the creation of new lots that have a minimum lot area of less than four (4)
hectares (40,000 square metres) subject to compliance with the provisions in the
Zoning Bylaw.
Policy LU -103 Acknowledge that the Lorneville Rural Settlement Area is home to a traditional fishery
and that in the Lorneville Rural Settlement Area, land uses that support the continued
viability of the fishing industry will be permitted.
Rural Residential Area
The Rural Residential Area designation applies to those lands which accommodate
existing or approved low- density residential development that is not located within a
Rural Settlement Area, is unserviced, and is located beyond the Primary Development
Area. The Municipal Plan seeks to curtail this form of development in the future by
limiting further subdivision of lots for this purpose.
Council shall:
Policy LU -104 Create the Rural Residential designation on the Future Land Use map (Schedule B).
Council intends that land within the Rural Residential Area designation is generally
intended to accommodate existing rural residential development. Development of
residential uses on existing lots shall be permitted but the creation of new lots for
additional rural residential development will generally be discouraged, except where
applications for subdivision were approved by Council prior to the adoption of the
Municipal Plan. Council will permit other compatible uses including home occupations,
parks, and community facilities without amendment to the Municipal Plan.
Policy LU -105 Not permit the expansion of Rural Residential development to lands not currently
designated for this form of development. Council therefore shall not consider
applications to re- designate lands to the Rural Residential Area designation except
where such an application is necessary to recognize an unintentionally omitted
existing or approved legal land use.
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 93
139
Policy LU -106 Require that new lots in the Rural Residential designation be created through
the Subdivision Bylaw and shall have a minimum lot area of four (4) hectares
(40,000 square metres). Council shall permit the creation of no more than two
(2) new lots from a host parcel and will not permit the creation of any more than
one (1) new access driveway per lot to a collector or arterial roadway as a result of
such subdivisions, except where approved by Council prior to the adoption of the
Municipal Plan.
Policy LU -107 Generally not accept the dedication of new public streets or the creation of new
private streets within the Rural Residential Area designation unless Council
determines that the new street is necessary to provide safe access to the proposed
development or is necessary to improve connectivity between existing developments
in the general area.
Rural Industrial Area
The Rural Industrial Area designation describes lands which accommodate, or
are intended to accommodate, significant industrial uses which are best suited to
unserviced rural areas. Existing land uses in this designation include the Canaport
LNG terminal, the Coleson Cove Electrical Generating Station, the solid waste
management facility at Crane Mountain, and other unserviced industrial uses
located in the Spruce Lake Industrial Park. Future development of energy- related
industries in the City may require the designation of additional lands within this
category to accommodate growth. Residential land uses are inappropriate in this
designation given the intensive industrial nature of the land use and shall not be
permitted.
Council Shahs
Policy LU -108 Create the Rural Industrial Area designation on the Future Land Use map (Schedule
B). Council intends that land within the Rural Industrial Area designation shall
exclusively be used for industrial uses subject to relevant provisions contained in the
Zoning Bylaw.
Council may:
Policy LU -109 Consider applications to re- designate lands to Rural Industrial Area provided that
substantial compliance is achieved with the criteria set out in Policy LU -75.
94 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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3.7 Land Use Designations Common
to the Primary Development Area
& the Ru ra.1 Area
3.7.1 Common Land Use Designations
The Municipal Plan contains two land use designations which are found in both the
Primary Development Area and the Rural Area: Park and Natural Area and Federal
Transportation.
CITY STRUCTURE LAND USE
Z
COMMON M THE PDA & RURAL AREAS
O
Pat!. and
Park end
Natural Area
Nntuial Area
C
V
Federal
J
Federal
'� �
Yiansportetion
Transportation
CHAPTER THREE LAND USE 95
141
Park and Natural Areas
Lands in the City designated Park and Natural Areas are generally not appropriate
for any form of development, including resource uses. These lands are intended
to form a system of natural areas to help conserve natural ecosystems and include
lands designated as park, lands identified as being environmentally sensitive or
significant, lands located adjacent to watercourses and lands within the City's
protected watersheds, coastlines, and estuarine areas.
Policy LU -110 Create the Park and Natural Areas designation on the Future Land Use map
(Schedule B). Council intends that the Park and Natural Areas designation will
permit a range of conservation and appropriate recreational land uses permitted
in the City's major regional and community parks, environmentally sensitive or
significant areas, lands that are located adjacent to watercourses, lands adjacent
to the City's coastlines, estuarine areas, significant archaeological and geological
sites, historic sites, designated heritage places and cemeteries. Council may permit
commercial recreation uses in the Park and Natural Areas designation subject to
appropriate standards in the Zoning Bylaw.
Policy LU -111 Provide further direction with respect to land use in the City's regional and
community parks through the policies contained in Chapter 10 of the Municipal Plan.
Policy LU -112 Regulate land use in and near environmentally sensitive or significant lands as well
as lands adjacent to the City's watercourses and coastlines through appropriate
regulation in the City's Zoning Bylaw, and is at a minimum consistent with Provincial
standards.
Policy LU -113 Acquire lands in the City's protected watersheds, when possible, and manage these
lands such that their primary function is to ensure the provision of safe, clean
drinking water.
Federal Transportation
The Federal Transportation designation recognizes lands on property owned by the
Government of Canada used for federal work or undertaking of transportation and
includes the Port and the Airport. in the case of the Airport, the lands are located
in the Rural Area and the City supports airport related uses on these lands. The
Future Land Use map (Schedule B) illustrates the City's preferred land use intentions
for some of the Port lands slightly differently from those of the Airport, recognizing
that a large portion of the Port lands are centrally located in the heart of the City's
urban core. These portions of the Port lands, located within the Uptown's central
waterfront area, have been placed in the Uptown Primary Centre designation,
reflecting the City's preferred future use of these lands for mixed -use development.
The Federal Transportation designation has been applied over the Uptown Primary
Centre designation as an overlay to acknowledge that despite these intentions
for the Port lands, the City recognizes it has limited land use authority on these
properties.
96 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
142
Council shall:
Policy LU -114 Create the Federal Transportation designation on the Future Land Use map
(Schedule B).
Policy LU -115 Use the Federal Transportation designation to identify lands owned by the
Government of Canada that are used to provide transportation infrastructure of
national significance including marine, port, and airport infrastructure. Council
intends that these lands are to be reserved for uses related to their federal
transportation mandate although it is acknowledged that a number of accessory,
ancillary, and related uses are appropriate given that a diverse range of economic
activity is undertaken on these lands.
Policy LU -116 Recognize the Federal Transportation designation overlays some of the Saint John
Port Authority lands in the Uptown Primary Centre area. Consistent with Policy LU -14,
the City intends that these Port Authority lands be reserved for urban mixed -use
development and compatible marine uses in accordance with the policies of the
Uptown Primary Centre.
Policy LU -117 Convey to the Government of Canada and the Saint John Port Authority the
community's strong desire to not have land -based heavy industrial or non - marine
related commercial uses established on Port lands.
Policy LU -118 Recognize that the Saint John Airport Authority owns a significant land base to
support the operation of the Airport. The City supports the use of these lands for
purposes that are related to general air transportation, where compatible with
adjacent City watershed lands.
Policy LU -119 Convey to the Government of Canada and the Saint John Airport Authority the
community's desire that industrial, commercial, and residential uses that do not
have a direct relationship with the provision of air transportation not be established
on the Airport lands. Council may consider amendments to the Municipal Plan
should the Saint John Airport Authority provide a business case and supporting land
use plan that is generally consistent with the vision and directions of PlanSJ and is
acceptable to the Saint John community and Council.
Policy LU -120 Encourage the Saint John Port and Airport authorities to further develop their land
use frameworks in a manner consistent with the Municipal Plan. The City intends to
collaborate with these agencies in aligning these visions.
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 97
143
3.8 General Land Use Policies
The following section of the Municipal Plan includes general policies which apply
broadly to the various categories of land use across the City related to commercial,
industrial and institutional development. General residential land use policies,
however, are addressed in the Neighbourhoods and Housing Chapter. With respect
to the general land use policies related to commercial, industrial and institutional
development, Council shall:
Ancillary Development
Policy LU -121 Guide the development of ancillary uses by establishing maximum thresholds in the
Zoning Bylaw for uses which may be permitted ancillary to the main use.
Office Development
Policy LU -122 Except as otherwise provided in the Zoning Bylaw, restrict the gross floor area of
office space outside the Primary Centres to a maximum per property of 3000 square
metres.
Vehicular -Oriented Uses
Policy LLJ -123 Permit the retail sale of automobiles only in areas designated Regional Retail Centre
and Commercial Corridor.
Policy LU -124 Guide the design, layout and other spatial standards pertaining to gas bars / service
stations / vehicle repair shops and drive - through restaurants through appropriate
standards in the Zoning Bylaw and the following criteria:
a. The use is located on a collector or arterial street, as defined on the
Transportation map (Schedule C) of the Municipal Plan;
b. The development is sited to minimize its effect on any adjoining residential uses;
c. The site shall not be located in the Stable Residential Area designation; and
d. Appropriate site design features including landscaping and adequate buffering
from adjoining properties is incorporated into the development.
98 1 S1 CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
144
Community Facilities
Policy LU -125 Recognize that the provision of child care facilities is critical to support the economy
and meet the needs of families in the City. Council shall generally provide that child
care facilities for fewer than 15 children shall be permitted in all designations in
the City except the Heavy Industrial designation or the Rural Industrial designation,
subject to the specific provisions of the Zoning Bylaw. Child care facilities for 16
or more children shall generally be located in the Primary Centres, Regional Retail
Centres, Commercial Corridors, Local Centres, Stable Commercial Areas, appropriate
locations within the Intensification Areas, and other such locations deemed
acceptable by Council, in accordance with the relevant requirements of the Zoning
Bylaw.
Policy LU -126 Encourage the reuse of existing schools and places of worship, preferably for other
community uses and in accordance with the relevant requirements of the Zoning
Bylaw.
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 99
145
Non - Conforming uses
Generally, development proposals that do not conform to the land use policies set
out in the Municipal Plan are not permitted, however, it is necessary to recognize
that in a historic City such as Saint John, land uses exist in locations that may
not be appropriate under best practices in land use planning today. While it is
not possible to force relocation of these facilities, the New Brunswick Community
Planning Act does set out a process to address these non -conforming uses (also
known as `grandfathered uses') as they relate to reconvening the same use. It is
also important to set forth a framework to encourage such uses to change to more
appropriate land uses over time.
i : 1
Policy LU -127 Continue to allow non - conforming uses to carry on with their operations in
accordance with the relevant requirements of the New Brunswick Community
Planning Act, however, the City will encourage the relocation of incompatible uses to
more appropriate locations in accordance with the land use hierarchy set out in the
Municipal Plan.
Public Utilities
Public utility facilities and buildings provide necessary transmission, support or other
functions to deliver electricity, gas and other utilities to properties. These uses are
found in all areas of the City, however, not all utility functions may be appropriate
in all locations. It is necessary to ensure these buildings and facilities, built with
functionality in mind, fit well within the character of the neighbourhoods that
surround them.
Policy W -128 Regulate the location of all public utility uses through the Zoning Bylaw to ensure the
impact of such uses on surrounding land uses is minimized, and where necessary,
mitigated.
Policy LU -129 Encourage public utility providers to utilize existing utility corridors within the City
when siting new facilities, wherever possible.
Policy LU -130 Encourage the placement of public utility facilities below ground, whenever possible.
100 .•Y CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
146
3.9 Land Use Monitoring
& Review Metrics
The City's Department of Planning and Development will continuously monitor
and evaluate the implementation and success of the Municipal Plan policies and
regularly report to Council and the community on measures including, but not
limited, to-
CHAPTER THREE I LAND USE 101
147
�F a�
pl +�
i
�Y
r I
4 Urban
Design
4.1
Urban Design Goals
106
4.2
The Public Realm
107
4.2.1
Uptown Waterfront
109
4.3
Urban Design & Built Form
111
4.3.1
General Urban Design Principles
111
4.3.2
Urban Design Principles for Stable Areas
114
4.3.3
Urban Design Principles for Neighbourhood
Intensification Areas and Primary Centres
115
4.3.4
Urban Design Principles for the Uptown Waterfront
117
4.3.5
Urban Design Principles for Employment Areas
119
4.3.6
Urban Design Principles for Rural Settlement
and Rural Residential Areas
120
4.4 Building Urban Design Awareness & Success 120
4.5 Urban Design Monitoring & Review Metrics 121
CHAPTER FOUR I URBAN DESIGN 103
149
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61
blk-- —al
w I
rJ
150
Urban design is an important city building process that intentionally shapes
elements of the built and natural environment in a clear, functional and
meaningful way to create great places. Urban Design plays an important
mole in strengthening the community's civic image and character, as well as
its economic potential and quality of life. As Canada's oldest incorporated
city, the City boasts world class heritage architecture which has been
carefully preserved through a series of Heritage Conversation Areas, and
which provides a solid urban design tradition on which to build Upon for
the future. The Municipal Plan provides an urban design framework that
respects the City's strong urban design tradition while also encouraging
high quality innovative design that is reflective of the contemporary times
and capable of injecting variation and design interest within the urban
environment. The intent of the urban design framework is to guide the
creation of new, enduring, and memorable places in the City representing
the next generation of heritage legacy for the City.
The Municipal Plan supports the City in
becoming a recognized leader in urban
design. This will require strong City
leadership to support high quality place
making through strategic investments in
the public realm, including streetscape
improvements, housing incentives, and
revitalization of arts, culture, and heritage
assets. It will also require support of
and commitment from the development
community to the urban design framework.
Collectively, these combined actions will
increase the attractiveness of all parts of
the City and in particular the Intensification
Areas, encouraging increased private
investment and community enrichment.
The urban design framework presented in
the Municipal Plan focuses on achieving
design excellence to reinvigorate the
City's urban core, providing a model for
transforming other areas of the City.
This Chapter sets out Urban Design
Principles to be applied to all development
in the City requiring approval of Council.
These Principles establish a set of
expectations applicable to both the
public realm and building design to
create walkable, beautiful and inviting
neighbourhoods that exhibit a high
quality of design. They set the stage for
the creation of built form provisions to
be incorporated into the Zoning Bylaw
which address site and urban design
considerations including appropriate
standards related to building height and
scale, the relationship between buildings,
the street and other public spaces, and
site landscaping. Over time it is intended
that neighbourhood specific Urban Design
Guidelines will be created through the
development of Neighbourhood Plans or
Structure Plans for the areas identified for
future detailed planning, as shown on the
Areas for Detailed Planning map (Map B),
and many of these guidelines may also be
incorporated into the Zoning Bylaw.
151
CHAPTER FOUR I URBAN DESIGN
105
Urban Design Goals
0 Ensure all development and significant
redevelopmeni within the City contributes positively
to the structure and urban form of the City through
a l l aspects of Its design.
Reinforce the sense of place and distinct character
of the City's diverse Stable Areas, Gentres and
Neighbourhood Intensification Areas.
0 Encourage attention to civic design. architectural
quavy and excellence to foster the creation
of distinctive, contemporary development and
redevelopment that is wall-suited to its time and
place.
0 Create inviting, accessible places and streetscapes
that enhance people's safety, comfort and
enjoyment of the public realm. and improve the
human experience of the City by offering appropriate
opportunities for year-round interaction and
enjoynciant..
0 Promote a vibrant, diverse mix of activities in a
compact, accessIble setting.
0 Provide 111exibility m urban design with the intent to
entourage innovative design solUtions that respond
to the unique candilions. or project.
0 CeleUrale our waterfronts as special public places
and enhance the quality of waterfronts and public
access to waterfronts.
4.2 The Public Realm
The public realm consists of a variety of public and publicly accessible places and
spaces where people interact, including sidewalks, streets, parks, squares and
open spaces. These important public areas can be enhanced and defined by the
elements found within them, including vegetation and landscaping, benches, light
poles, transit shelters and public art, as these features all work together to enhance
character and lend a unique or special identity to a public space. Creating a vibrant
public realm requires high quality design and the provision of function, comfort, style
and safety to make the space attractive and universally accessible. The Municipal
Plan recognizes the importance of building and maintaining a unique, accessible
and vibrant public realm throughout the City.
Council shall:
Policy UD -1 Ensure the development of a high quality, attractive and sustainable public realm
that includes the following components:
a. Public streets, rights-of -way and sidewalks;
b. Public parks, squares and open spaces;
c. Publicly accessible natural areas and waterfronts; and
d. Off- street trails and bikeways.
CHAPTER FOUR I URBAN DESIGN 107
153
Policy UD -2 Recognize that streets, rights -of -way and sidewalks are significant public places
and, accordingly, their design should balance their multiple roles and functions by
ensuring that they, whenever possible, can:
a. Safely accommodate a variety of transportation functions including walking,
cycling, transit and driving and the needs of those with disabilities;
b. Accommodate municipal infrastructure and utilities;
c. Contribute to the greening of the City with appropriate street trees and
landscaping; and
d. Provide for comfort and social interaction with pedestrian amenities, such as
planted boulevards, street furniture, lighting and patios, where appropriate.
Policy UD -3 Enhance the quality, sustainability and attractiveness of public areas, especially
municipal parks and squares, by:
a. Designing versatile open spaces to support different formal and informal activities
and uses at different times of the day and all seasons of the year;
b. Maintaining and enhancing public walkways and bike paths;
c. Incorporating local history, public art and culture into site design and amenities;
d. Promoting comfort in public areas through the provision of benches, trees and
other features which provide users with protection from the elements;
e. Providing public garbage and recycling receptacles to promote cleanliness; and
f. Utilizing attractive and hardy landscaping to provide visual i' °terest in all seasons.
108 'P 77Sj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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Policy UD-4 Recognize that municipal investment in the public realm can act as a catalyst for
new development and significant redevelopment, and therefore Council intends
to direct municipal investment in public realm enhancements to Neighbourhood
Intensification Areas, where it deems it both appropriate and feasible.
�. ..1_ Uptown Waterfront
The Uptown Waterfront, as defined in the Land Use Chapter of the Municipal Plan, is
recognized as a significant asset to the Greater Saint John Region requiring special
attention and investment to provide publicly accessible, high quality public spaces.
The quality of the public realm throughout the Uptown Waterfront area will provide a
key piece of the organizing structure for private investment by identifying important
public places for gathering and by defining key points of connection in the circulation
network.
Council shall:
Policy UD-5 Recognize the Uptown Waterfront as a primary focal point of civic and cultural
activity within the Greater Saint John Region, and a venue for major events. The
quantity and quality of public spaces to be provided along the Uptown Waterfront will
recognize and support this fundamental role.
Policy UD-6 Consider the following guidelines for the development and enhancement of the
public realm in the Uptown Waterfront:
a. Maximize opportunities to provide direct public access or proximity to the water.
Areas that are currently accessible will be protected and enhanced for public
use. Harbour Passage will continue to be reinforced and enhanced as the spine
of the public realm system. While it should be clear that Harbour Passage is a
continuous trail, its character can vary in keeping with the quality and identity of
the various sites it passes through. Over time, the majority of the Harbour Passage
route will follow the water's edge;
b. Design the public realm to celebrate the City's `natural animators' - the Port and
the tides - and encourage water - related activities;
c. Reinforce and emphasize important pedestrian connections from the Uptown
Waterfront to key streets in the Trinity Royal Heritage Conservation Area, in
particular along King, Princess, Duke, Charlotte and Sydney Streets;
d. Make improvements to important pedestrian crossings, including Water Street
and St. Patrick Street, to enhance pedestrian safety;
e. Use the physical interface between sites in the Waterfront, and between the
Uptown Waterfront and the Uptown to reinforce interesting and animated edges
through pedestrian connections, landscaping, new buildings and public places
that collectively create interesting and inviting places;
CHAPTER FOUR I URBAN DESIGN 109
155
f. The quality and character of public spaces, landscapes and buildings in the
Uptown Waterfront are essential to creating a memorable experience. Design
buildings and open space projects to a very high standard with the use of quality
materials and site furnishings to achieve durability and minimize maintenance
costs, while also characterizing the Waterfront as an evocative and unique place;
g. Provide a combination of inviting hard surfaced public spaces (boardwalks,
recreation trails and cruise ship aprons) and soft public spaces (parks) on the
Waterfront;
h. Make public spaces as comfortable as possible all year round and sufficiently
versatile to accommodate a wide range of potential programming designed to
be easily adaptable to a variety of active and passive uses;
i. Encourage the provision of facilities for a variety of active recreational activities,
including children's playgrounds and water features, volleyball, skating and skate
boarding;
j. Reinforce Market Slip and Loyalist Plaza as the primary location for waterfront
events, due to their combined size, visibility and location in the Uptown and
adjacent to other waterfront sites. As waterfront development and activity
increase, Pugsley Park and /or the Coast Guard site will play important roles in
augmenting the Market Slip /Loyalist Plaza area;
k. Design to mitigate the negative effects of the natural elements, while also
developing spaces that are equally comfortable to individuals and to crowds;
110 P& - / ?SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
156
I. Encourage the inclusion of design competitions for public spaces and public art
in the planning and design for the development of key sites within the Uptown
Waterfront;
m. Make public ark of a scale commensurate with its setting and in locations
that offer synergistic relationships with surrounding activities. The dramatic
tidal fluctuations of the Bay of Fundy offer a unique opportunity to explore and
communicate this natural phenomenon using public art as the medium;
n. Enhance connections - street, pedestrian, transit, and trail -to and through the
Uptown Waterfront so that all of its parts are easily and clearly accessible to all.
It is envisioned that numerous and continuous links would be created, of both a
formal and informal nature. Design connections to the adjoining communities to
minimize potential pedestrian /vehicular conflicts and to accommodate a range of
active transportation modes, including public transit;
o. Extend the existing grid of City streets and infrastructure where necessary to allow
for new development and to provide important new connections to and through
the Uptown Waterfront;
p. Utilize streetscape elements, including street furniture, street lighting and
landscaping, to create a cohesive experience and sense of place; and
q. Demonstrate a well- articulated building fagade with a regular pattern of windows
and a highly transparent ground floor fagade on both the street and waterfront
edges for all waterfront development.
4.3 Urban Design &Built Form
4.3.1 General Urban Design Principles
The General Urban Design Principles are intended to be applied to major
development proposals, City -wide, where Council approval is required.
Neighbourhood specific Urban Design Guidelines will be developed for key areas,
described on the Future Land Use map (Schedule B), to be used in evaluating
development proposals in those areas.
Council shall:
Policy UD -7 Establish a height and built form framework in the Zoning Bylaw to ensure the intent
for design excellence as part of the future City Structure is implemented.
CHAPTER FOUR I URBAN DESfGN 111
157
Policy UD-8 Adopt the following set of General Urban Design Principles to generally ensure that
all major development proposals evaluated by Council will achieve a high duality of
design appropriate to the context in which they are located. Council may require
the preparation of an urban design brief demonstrating how the proposal meets
the Urban Design Principles in order to support the review of applications to rezone
property for major development proposals.
Policy UD -9 Ensure all development proposals generally conform to the following General Urban
Design Principles:
a. That new development respect and reinforce the existing and planned context
in which it is located through appropriate setbacks, landscaping, buildings
entrances, building massing, architectural style and building materials.
Specifically, the built-form of new development shall be designed to achieve the
following objectives for specific areas of the City:
i. In Stable Areas, as identified on the City Structure map (Schedule A), new
development will be designed to respect and reinforce the physical character
of the established neighbourhood, as set out in Policy UD-10;
ii. In the Primary Centre and Neighbourhood Intensification Areas, as identified
on the City Structure map (Schedule A), new development will be located and
organized to frame and support the surrounding public realm and massed
to fit harmoniously into the surrounding environment, including appropriate
transitions in height and massing to areas of lower intensity development, as
set out in Policy UD-11;
iii. Special considerations are established for the Uptown Waterfront as set out
in Policy UD-13 to promote the development of a vibrant mixed -use, and
publicly accessible waterfront;
iv. In Employment Areas, as defined on the City Structure map (Schedule A),
uses will be located and organized as set out in Policy UD-15 to provide
functional buildings that foster alternative transportation modes and limit any
impacts on nearby Stable Areas; and
v. In Rural Areas, as defined on the City Structure map (Schedule A), new
development, where permitted, shall be rural in character and conserve and
strengthen the rural context in which it is situated, as set out in Policy UD-16
of the Municipal Plan.
b. Locating building entrances facing the pub[ic street;
c. Designing sites to incorporate existing natural features and topography;
d. Designing sites to protect, create and /or enhance important view corridors to the
water or landmark sites or buildings;
112 ) CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
158
e. Incorporating innovations in built form, aesthetics and building function to
encourage high quality contemporary design that will form the next generation of
heritage;
f. Where appropriate and desirable, encourage active pedestrian - oriented uses and
a high level of transparency at grade to reinforce and help animate the public
realm;
g. Designing sites, buildings and adjacent public spaces as complete concepts with
integrated functions;
h. Using quality, durable building materials and a consistent level of design and
detail for all elements of the building;
i. Designing for visual interest by incorporating well- articulated building facade's,
landscaping, local history, public art and /or culture into sites and buildings;
j. Directing high -rise buildings to appropriate areas and ensuring their design is
sensitive to the neighbourhood and /or heritage context;
k. Encouraging sustainability in design by:
i. Utilizing reused, recycled, renewable or local building materials where possible;
il. Using green building or neighbourhood standards;
iii. Designing for energy efficiency and alternative sources of energy;
iv. Designing for water conservation and on -site stormwater management;
v. Promoting the conservation and adaptive reuse of existing buildings and
design sites to retain mature trees;
vi. Designing sites and buildings to work with, rather than against, the natural
environment by designing according to the topography, hydrology, ecology and
natural drainage patterns of the site and taking advantage of passive solar gain
and natural light; and
vii. Using native vegetation for landscaping where appropriate.
1. Designing sites and buildings according to the Crime Prevention through
Environment Design (CPTED) principles to promote safety and security, in balance
with other urban design goals; and
m. Locating and screening parking and loading facilities so they are generally
not visible from the street, particularly in Centres and Neighbourhood
Intensification Areas;
n. Limit surface parking between the front of a building and the public street or
sidewalk;
CHAPTER FOUR URBAN DESIGN 113
159
o. Design safe and direct access to buildings for pedestrians, cyclists and transit
users by providing walkways from the public street, transit stops, and parking
areas to main building entrances and including bike parking and end-of-trip
facilities, where appropriate, and mid -block connections where possible;
p. Design sites and building accesses that are barrier -free, convenient and have
clear signage; and
q. Generally locating surface parking, outdoor storage, loading and other service
areas at the rear or side of the property and buffering or screening these
functions from adjacent properties and the public realm.
4.3.2 Urban Design Principles for Stable Areas
Stable Areas are intended to grow and evolve organically through minor change in
keeping with the existing neighbourhood context. The following urban design policies
will apply to redevelopment and new development within Stable Areas, where
Council approval is required.
Council shall:
Policy UD -10 Ensure that new development and redevelopment in Stable Areas is designed
to respect and reinforce the physical character and uses of the surrounding
neighbourhood, having regard for:
a. The local pattern of lots, streets and blocks;
b. The size and configuration of lots;
c. Nearby building types;
d. The height, scale and massing of nearby buildings;
e. The setback of buildings from the street;
f. The pattern of rear and side yard setbacks;
g. Sensitive integration with and enhancement of adjacent heritage properties; and
h. Building materials which contribute to the successful integration of the
development into its context.
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160
4 -3.3 Urban Design Principles for Neighbourhood
Intensification Areas and Primary Centres
The City Structure Chapter of the Municipal Plan describes the overall vision for
the Primary Centres and Neighbourhood Intensification Areas. Within these areas
significant growth and change will be targeted as a catalyst for transforming these
areas into vibrant mixed -use neighbourhoods where people can live, work, play and
learn. Ensuring excellence in design is crucial to enhancing the quality of life and
sense of place in these areas.
Policy UD-11 Ensure that new development and significant redevelopment in Neighbourhood
Intensification Areas and Primary Centres will be designed to enhance the
surrounding public realm and to complement the existing context while providing
opportunities for intensification, where appropriate. In particular, development will
demonstrate due consideration to:
a. Designing sites and buildings for people as the primary focus and with setbacks
that are generally consistent with those of adjacent buildings;
b. Creating animated, active streetscapes with interesting facades and human scale
buildings and setbacks, particularly at the street level. Within the Uptown and
other Urban Neighbourhood Intensification Areas, development should generally
establish a human scale street wall with an appropriate ratio between the street
wall height of the building and the width of the street;
c. Where appropriate, ensure heritage streetscapes and Heritage Conservation
Areas are reinforced with compatibly scaled and designed development;
d. Providing active ground floor uses and avoiding blank facades. Along commercial
streets in the Uptown Primary Centre in particular, commercial uses shall be
strongly encouraged at the ground floor of buildings with a high degree of
transparency at grade to animate the public realm;
e. Strongly encourage new development to provide ground floor ceiling heights that
are consistent with the ground floor ceiling heights of adjacent buildings;
f. Creating appropriate transitions in scale and height to areas of lower intensity;
g. Defining appropriate standards for above grade step -backs and separation
distances of buildings to ensure adequate street level conditions with respect to
minimizing wind and maximizing sun penetration and sky exposure;
CHAPTER FOUR URBAN DESIGN 115
161
h. Generally locating building entrances to connect directly to the public street
network and clearly articulating the building entrance;
i. Designing sites and buildings that are barrier -free, convenient and have clear
signage;
j. Promoting pedestrian comfort with appropriate landscaping, furniture, weather
protection and buffers from vehicular traffic;
k. Designing for active and alternative modes of transportation by providing
convenient access to buildings from transit stops, including bicycle parking and
end -0f -trip facilities where appropriate, and mid -block pedestrian connections
where possible;
I. Designing sites and buildings to facilitate social interaction by including patios,
courtyards, plazas and sidewalk amenity space wherever possible to enliven the
public or semi - public realm;
m. Designing sites and buildings for visual interest and maximum use in different
seasons and at different times of the day;
n. Including a variety of uses in buildings and /or sites to allow for a diversity of uses
and users; and
o. Encouraging shared elements between uses such as parking, entrances,
landscaping and amenity spaces.
116 Sj CITY of SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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Policy UD-12 Ensure that in Neighbourhood Intensification Areas and Primary Centres, new
development and significant redevelopment will locate and organize vehicle parking,
access and service areas to minimize their impact on surrounding properties and the
public realm by:
a. Sharing services, including public and private driveways, parking and service
areas wherever possible and where zoning permits;
b. Sharing and minimizing the width of driveways and curb cuts across sidewalks;
c. Providing vehicle service areas within buildings where possible;
d. Providing underground parking where possible;
e. Generally locating surface parking to the side or rear of buildings;
f. Generally locating surface parking, outdoor storage, loading and other service
areas at the rear or side of the property and buffering or screening these
functions from adjacent properties and the public realm;
g. Integrating service connections, vents, mechanical rooms and equipment within
the architectural treatment of the building where possible; and
h. Ensuring that parking areas, lobbies, service areas and stairwells are well -lit and
visible from other locations, and clearly signed if they are not visible from the
public street.
4.3.4 Uroan resign Principles for the Uptown Waterfront
Waterfront property is an invaluable and limited asset within the Uptown that will
be reserved for those activities that offer the greatest positive impact by reinforcing
the Inner Harbour as a special place in the City and by strengthening its relationship
with the Uptown. Achieving high quality development is fundamental to the success
of the Uptown Waterfront and will be considered a critical component of waterfront
applications. The policies of the Municipal Plan seek to ensure that built form in
the Uptown Waterfront is contemporary and forward - looking in its architectural
expression, yet respectful of the City's heritage in its approach to scale and use
of materials. The following Urban Design Principles will guide the City's review of
development proposals within the Uptown Waterfront.
Council Small:
Policy UD-13 Encourage waterfront locations within the Uptown Waterfront to be reserved for
those uses that require, or benefit from, a waterfront setting. In considering
waterfront development projects, Council shall give consideration to the following
built form principles:
a. Wherever appropriate, development proposals will demonstrate opportunities for
the site to be intensified over time. The objective is to promote the highest and
best use of waterfront lands so that a critical mass of activity is achieved;
CHAPTER FOUR , URBAN DESIGN 117
163
b. A mix of uses will be provided in new development proposed on larger site(s)
and /or where more than one building is proposed. Appropriate uses include:
residential, business or commercial, institutional, Port- related, and community
facility or public uses;
c. Active public uses will be located at grade in new buildings which demonstrate
a well- articulated building fagade with a regular pattern of windows and a
highly transparent ground floor fagade on both the street and waterfront edges
to provide an animated edge to public areas and an enhanced pedestrian
atmosphere. Wherever possible, these uses will front onto Harbour Passage and
pedestrian promenades as well to enhance their animation and safety;
d. The provision of retail, restaurant and other service - oriented uses within the
Uptown Waterfront will be balanced with and complementary to those of the
Uptown;
e. Residential development within the Uptown Waterfront will provide a variety of
housing options that are attractive to people of all ages and incomes;
f. New uses in the Uptown Waterfront will contribute to and support the continued
success of the cruise ship industry, balanced with other urban design objectives
including the desire for public access to the waterfront. The Municipal Plan
recognizes that the presence of cruise ships in the Uptown Waterfront is an
important part of the City's waterfront experience and will continue to be
accommodated;
g. That new buildings will be strategically positioned to frame significant outdoor
public spaces, helping to reduce the impact of waterfront climatic conditions,
including sun, wind and fog;
h. That important public views to and from the Inner Harbour will be maintained
and enhanced by organizing new development to frame existing public views and
sight lines, towards the Harbour as well as back into the City, and to open up new
public views and sight lines not currently available;
i. That new development incorporates appropriate transitions in building heights,
stepping down to the water's edge where appropriate;
j. Landmark or iconic buildings will be developed at strategic locations throughout
the Uptown Waterfront. All such buildings with direct frontage onto the waterfront
will be designed as evocative waterfront icons, identifiable from the water or from
the City;
k. The architectural vernacular of the Uptown will be respected in development along
the Waterfront, through compatibility in character and quality, materials, massing
and scale;
118 Jj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
164
I. New or expanded small craft facilities will be an important part of the public
realm and movement network within the Uptown Waterfront;
m. Uses that draw or serve the public, at many times of day and across seasons will
be provided;
n. 'Active building faces' are achieved by strategically locating public and /or private
uses capable of animating public routes and spaces;
o. Provides or protects mid -block public pedestrian connections to the waterfront in
current and future phases of development;
p. Is highly transparent at grade in order to permit public views from the street side
through to the Harbour side; and
q. Parking areas will not be permitted between the public street and the building
front.
Policy UD -14 Encourage new waterfront development to actively promote environmental
sustainability, taking into account changes in sea level caused by climate change.
New development will also demonstrate leadership in the reduction of greenhouse
gas emissions, and sustainable planning, design, building systems and construction
practices.
4.3.5 Urban Design Principles for Employment Areas
New development and significant redevelopment in Employment Areas will be
designed to maintain a human scale and provide functional and convenient access
for all modes of transportation, while limiting impacts on adjacent community areas.
Council shall:
Policy UD -15 Ensure new development and significant redevelopment in Employment Areas is
designed to:
a. Allow for a variety of lot sizes and building sizes to accommodate a wide range of
employment uses;
b. Maximize the placement of buildings along the frontage of lots facing public
streets and provide appropriate landscaping; and
c. Designing buildings, streetscapes and lighting at a human scale.
CHAPTER FOUR i URBAN DESIGN 119
165
4.3.6 Urban Design Principles for Rural Settlement
and Rural Residential Areas
Council shall:
Policy UD-16 Ensure that where new development and significant redevelopment in Rural
Settlement and Rural Residential Areas is permitted, it will be compatible with the
existing character of the area and respect and enhance the surrounding natural
environment.
4.4 Building Urban Design
Awareness &Success
Policy UD-17 Encourage an open discussion and exchange of ideas between developers, design
professionals, the public, City staff, Council and the Planning Advisory Committee
in considering design elements of applications for new development and significant
redevelopment.
Policy UD -18 Ensure neighbourhood specific Urban Design Guidelines are developed as a required
component of Neighbourhood Plans or Structure Plans. These will support a form -
based approach to neighbourhood planning and may be integrated into the City's
Zoning Bylaw.
Policy UD -19 Investigate the potential for a design review process and new tools for design and
form based planning including urban design awards, design charettes, and design
competitions for major public projects.
Policy UD -20 Provide the capacity for the development or the addition of an urban design function
within the City's Planning and Development Department.
120 CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
166
4.5 Urban Design Monitoring
& Review Metrics
The City's Department of Planning and Development will continuously monitor
and evaluate the implementation and success of the Municipal Plan policies and
regularly report to Council and the community on measures including, but not
limited, to:
CHAPTER FOUR URBAN DESIGN 121
167
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168
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5 Neighbourhoods &
Housing
5.1
Neighbourhoods & Housing Goals
126
5.2
General Housing Policies
127
5.3
Affordable Housing
128
5.4
Supportive Housing
129
5.5
Boarding & RoomingHouses
129
5.6
Secondary Suites & Garden Suites
130
5.7
Home Occupations
130
5.8
Daycare Facilities
131
5.9
Manufactured Housing
131
5.10
Home -based Tourist Accommodation
132
5.11
Vacant Residential Properties
132
5.12
Neighbourhoods & Housing Monitoring
& Review Metrics
133
CHAPTER FIVE I NEIGHBOURHOODS & HOUSING 123
169
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The importance of supporting and enhancing neighbourhoods is central to
the viability and well -being of the City. Neighbourhoods play a key role in the
everyday lives of residents, providing a sense of place and identity for those
who live there today and for those who move there in the future. Ensuring
neighbourhoods evolve with the changing needs of the community is critical
for their health and vitality, as it allows residents to find the type of housing
and support services they and their family need as they move through
different life- stages. Having access to a broad range of affordable, quality
housing in every neighbourhood allows families and friends to stay close to
One another, despite their changing needs.
The City is comprised of many distinct residential neighbourhoods,
characterized by their history, location and in particular, the housing styles,
types and tenure. To enhance and maintain the livability of the City, it is
critical to enhance the quality of existing housing and provide an appropriate
range of housing types in all neighbourhoods. Without renewal and investment
over time to meet the changing needs of residents, neighbourhoods risk losing
the people that make them vibrant places to call home.
The Municipal Plan recognizes the shared responsibility of all levels of
government and community agencies have in providing housing for all income
levels. The City will continue to work with the Government of New Brunswick
and the Government of Canada to ensure there is access to a range of
affordable housing types and tenure, to meet the needs of the community.
The City will also continue to support local housing agencies and the
community in the provision of good quality housing that is appropriate
in type and tenure for residents.
CHAPTER FIVE � NEIGHBOURHOODS & HOUSING 125
171
Neighbourhoods &
Housing Goals
0 Provide an appropriate range of housing. types,
unit sizes, affordabifity and form of ownership at
various densities and scales that meet the needs
and incoille levels of current and future residents
of the City-
0 Nomate building designs and densities for new
housing which efficiently use land, resources,
Infrastruclure and publi c facilities, and SUppart
and contribute to safe, vibrant and pedestrian -
friendly stre6iscapes and neighbourhoods.
0 Support opportunities to increase the quality
of available housing. particularly with respect
to the existing rental stock available in care
neighbourhoods.
0 Ensure an adequate, supply of affordable hOUSIng
and housing for residents with special needs
is available and integrated into the community.
where appropriate.
Direct the majority of new housing development
to the Primary Development Area where
infrastructure and public facilities are or will be
available.
Support stable residenflal neighbourhoods and
ensure that new development and redevelopment
maintains and enhances the character of these
existing neighbourhoods.
5.2 General dousing Policies
MWIMS, 11
Policy HS -1 Monitor the land supply for housing across the City, to ensure it is adequate to meet
the housing needs of all residents.
Policy HS -2 Support the development of a wide range of housing types and forms of
tenure in Neighbourhood Intensification Areas to redevelop and revitalize these
neighbourhoods, in accordance with good land use planning principles.
Policy HS-3 Develop neighbourhood specific Urban Design Guidelines in Neighbourhood
Intensification Areas, through the creation of neighbourhood plans or structure
plans, to ensure appropriate integration of new development and redevelopment.
Policy HS-4 Encourage the provision of student housing in close proximity to educational
institutions and major transit routes.
Policy HS-5 Promote the inclusion of sustainable (`green') design elements in new residential
development, where appropriate and where possible.
Policy HS-6 Monitor housing tenure, particularly in the Neighbourhood Intensification Areas, to
ensure a balanced supply of rental and homeownership opportunities.
Policy HS-7 Encourage the Government of New Brunswick and the Government of Canada to
support measures to increase the quality of the existing housing stock such as the
creation of targeted incentive programs, where appropriate.
Policy HS-8 Support measures to ensure housing is well maintained for the safety and welfare of
residents and for the benefit of the surrounding neighbourhood.
Policy HS -9 Continue to work with the Government of New Brunswick to obtain additional powers
to enforce all municipal bylaws, particularly those dealing with land use and the
maintenance of buildings and properties.
Policy HS-10 Establish provisions in the Zoning Bylaw to reduce the required residential lot size,
lot frontage, and associated off -street parking requirements in the Zoning Bylaw for
lands within the Primary Development Area to encourage a broader range of housing
forms and tenure, in keeping with the character of the neighbourhood.
Policy HS -11 Support poverty reduction initiatives through neighbourhood enrichment activities,
undertaken in collaboration with other levels of government and key stakeholders.
CHAPTER FIVE I NEIGHBOURHOODS & HOUSING
173
127
5.3 Affordable dousing
Affordable housing is the core responsibility of the Government of New Brunswick
and the Government of Canada; however, the City will support the provision of
affordable housing whenever possible.
Council shall:
Policy HS-12 Pursue the opportunity to partner with other levels of government and interested
agencies to develop a housing strategy for the City to ensure an adequate supply of
affordable housing is available in appropriate locations and integrated with existing
housing.
Policy HS-13 Encourage the location of affordable housing throughout the Primary Development
Area, particularly in close proximity to shopping, community facilities, and existing or
potential public transit routes.
Policy HS -14 Encourage housing providers to build affordable housing using available incentives,
when possible, such as tax rebates, grants or subsidies.
Policy HS -15 Encourage housing providers to build market -based affordable housing and integrate
subsidized affordable housing units into larger market -based development projects,
wherever possible.
Policy HS-16 Work with housing agencies to monitor affordable housing development to ensure
there is an adequate supply, tenure and range of quality affordable housing
and ensure it is properly maintained over time so that it always adds value to
neighbourhoods.
128 'f 6.'7'Sj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
174
5.4 Supportive Housing
ut�-.liincfl shaft,
Policy HS-17 Encourage the provision of housing for people with special needs, including senior
citizens, group homes and shelters, to integrate into appropriate residential areas of
the City, in close proximity to major transit routes, community facilities and needed
services.
Policy HS-18 Facilitate the integration of housing for people with special needs into all residential
areas, subject to compliance with provisions in the Zoning Bylaw to:
a. Maintain an adequate separation distance between supportive housing
developments;
b. Maintain compatibility and character with the host residential neighbourhood; and
c. Ensure the adequate provision of on -site parking and landscaping.
5.5 Boarding & Rooming Houses
Counl I s h au;
Policy HS-19 Permit boarding and rooming houses in appropriate residential areas of the City,
where they are in close proximity to major transit routes, community facilities and
services and where they are compliant with regulations in the Zoning Bylaw to:
a. Maintain an adequate separation distance between boarding and rooming
houses;
b. Ensure compatibility and character with the host residential neighbourhood;
c. Ensure the quality of the housing is safe and appropriate and meets all applicable
Codes and Bylaws; and
d. Ensure the adequate provision of on -site parking and landscaping.
CHAPTER FIVE NEIGHBOURHOODS & HOUSING 129
175
5.6 Secondary Suites
& Garden Suites
Policy HS -20 Permit the provision of secondary suites and garden suites in appropriate residential
areas within the Primary Development Area, subject to appropriate requirements as
set out in the Zoning Bylaw and compliance with the Building Bylaw.
Policy HS -21 Permit the provision of Secondary Suites and Garden Suites in Neighbourhood
Intensification Areas, subject to the requirements of the Zoning Bylaw, to increase
the diversity of housing choice, increase the affordability of the rental stock, and
increase residential density.
5.7 Home occupations
Policy HS -22 Permit home occupations in residential areas which are operated by a resident of
the dwelling, subject to the requirements of the Zoning Bylaw, and compliance with
the Building Bylaw and the following criteria:
a. The home occupation is generally not visible from the street except for permitted
signage and does not affect the primary residential character of the property or
the surrounding neighbourhood;
b. There is no outside storage of material or equipment;
c. The home occupation is of such a nature that it does not involve excessive client
traffic and /or truck traffic for the purpose of goods movement;
d. Home occupation signage is unobtrusive and appropriate in scale and character
for the residential area; and
e. The home occupation do not produce smoke, dust, flumes, or noise to an extent
that it would create incompatibility with adjacent or nearby residential uses.
130 S] CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
176
5.8 Daycare Facilities
Council shall:
Policy H5-23 Permit small- scale, in -home neighbourhood daycare in all residential neighbourhoods
where operated by a resident of the dwelling, for a maximum of 15 children, subject
to compliance with the requirements of the Zoning Bylaw and compliance with the
Building Bylaw to ensure:
a. The daycare is secondary to the permitted residential use;
b. Compatibility with the surrounding land use;
c. Appropriate parking and signage requirements; and
d. Appropriate accommodation and landscaping, including fencing.
5.9 Manufactured Dousing
Council shall
Policy HS-24 Permit manufactured housing in all areas of the City, in accordance with Zoning
Bylaw provisions and the National Building Code.
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CHAPTER FIVE I NEIGHBOURHOODS & HOUSING 131
177
5.10 Home -based Tourist
Accommodation
Council shall:
Policy HS -25 Permit small -scale tourist accommodations, such as bed and breakfasts, in all
residential neighbourhoods where they are operated by a resident of the dwelling,
subject to provisions established in the Zoning Bylaw and the following criteria:
a. The tourist accommodation is secondary to the permitted residential use;
b. Appropriate parking and signage requirements are provided; and
c. The use is compatible with the surrounding land uses.
5.11 Vacant Residential
Properties
Council shall:
Policy HS -26 Encourage property owners of vacant properties within residential neighbourhoods
in Neighbourhood Intensification Areas to landscape the property so it positively
contributes to the surrounding neighbourhood.
Policy HS-27 Discourage the use of vacant properties within residential neighbourhoods in the
Neighbourhood Intensification Areas for surface parking; however, where permitted
by Council, surface parking shall only be granted as a temporary use.
Policy HS -28 Support initiatives that create and enhance neighbourhood identity and a sense of
place for residents and the community.
s
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178
5.12 Neighbourhoods &Housing
Monitoring &Review Metrics
The City's Department of Planning and Development will continuously monitor and
evaluate the implementation and success of the Municipal Plan policies by regularly
reporting to Council and the community on measures including, but not limited, to:
CHAPTER FIVE ! NEIGHBOURHOODS & HOUSING 133
179
:1
6 Economic
Prosperity
6.1
Economic Prosperity Goals
138
6.2
Improving Quality of Life
139
6.3
Economic Diversification
140
6.4
Sustainable Economic Development
141
6.5
Workforce Development
142
6.6
Tourism
143
6.7
An Economic Development Strategy
for the City
143
6.8
Economic Prosperity Monitoring
& Review Metrics
145
CHAPTER SIX I ECONOMIC PROSPERITY 135
181
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The City has a long history as a major commercial and industrial centre of
national prominence. Today, the City is at the centre of the regional economy,
providing employment for those inside and outside the City boundaries. The
economy remains rooted in the manufacturing and distribution of products
moved by sea including potash, petroleum, and forestry products however
continues to diversify into many other sectors. In fact, research conducted
for PlanSJ confirms that the City has one of the most diversified small city
economies in Canada with significant concentrations of employment in many
different industries. This diverse range of economic activity has led to a
growing service sector and burgeoning health and Information Technology
clusters, which are creating further opportunities for growth in the community.
The Municipal Plan places significant emphasis on quality of life, which will be
the single most important community asset in attracting new businesses and
new workers. The Municipal Plan designates a range of places within the City
for commercial, industrial, and institutional land uses to ensure there is an
excellent physical location for each type of employment land use. This Chapter
identifies - range of policies that will be pursued by the City to achieve long
term economic prosperity. These policies will work in conjunction with the
other policies of the Municipal Plan to create a supportive environment for
economic growth and to achieve the City's objective of making the City a
complete community.
CHAPTER SIX I ECONOMIC PROSPERITY 137
183
Economic Prosperity
Goals
0 Support the development of a strong, diversified,
and resilient economy.
0 EnhariCe the Ouafily of life ana the quality of the
urban environment. in The City to support econ-onl c
prospeNty,
0 Support the development of the City's economy
by attracting new investment to the City and
expanding the population and workforce,
0 Identify appropriate locations for a wide range of
em ployrnent uses that support econciilliC groWth
wh lie enhanc[ng quality of life in the core munity.
0 Work cooperatively with the City's econciiinic
development partners and all stakeholders 0 the
community to:
a. Project a positive hrage of the City as a place to
live and as a place,to do business.
b. Otiltivate an entrepreneurial business spirit to
SUPPOFL economy c prosperity and commumty
success.
c. Create and implement economic clevotopnie[IT
strategies that support the PlanSJ Vision and
Directions, strengthen the locai oconomy, and
enhance quality of life in the community.,
d- Increase the attractiveness of the City as a
desfinatron for visitors as iArO as for residerits,
6.2 improving Quality of Life
Technology and transportation have made the world a smaller place in recent decades.
Entire industries have been created that involve the development and transformation of
information, and employment in these industries can be located almost anywhere in the
world. Similarly, the ease of moving people and products from one part of the world to
another creates further opportunities for economic and employment growth, as the physical
location of jobs becomes more flexible.
Successful communities have realized that employment growth and prosperity is now
inextricably linked to the quality of life offered by a community. One of the most significant
factors involved in a businesses' decision on where to locate is the quality of the built space
and the community's ability to support their business, provide appropriate and desirable
housing, recreational amenities, opportunities for arts and culture, and other quality of life
elements. Similarly, in an economy where labour is scarce and cities must compete for a
limited pool of workers, employees have more freedom to choose where they want to live and
this strongly influences the location -based decisions made by employers.
Council shall:
Policy EP -1 Recognize the critical role that quality of life plays in the City's economic prosperity.
The City shall ensure that its land use planning decisions balance the need for economic
development with the community's desire to further enhance community quality of life.
CHAPTER SIX I ECONOMIC PROSPERITY 139
185
6.3 Economic Diversification
The Municipal Plan has a role to play in ensuring that the City continues to support
and grow a diversified and prosperous economy. In addition to the City's ability to
attract and retain the required workforce, it is essential that appropriate land is
supplied for a diverse range of employment uses and in appropriate locations. The
City plays an active role in supplying the land necessary to accommodate economic
growth through the work of Saint John Industrial Parks Limited (SJIPL). The Municipal
Plan calls for the creation of an Industrial Parks Strategic Plan for the industrial
parks to maximize the City's opportunities for growth. Further to this, the City
also plays a significant role in the delivery of economic development services. In
conjunction with partners at the regional, provincial, and federal level, the City helps
create the conditions for economic growth in a diverse number of sectors.
Policy EP -2 Ensure that an appropriate inventory of land is available in the City to support the
development of a wide range of employment uses.
Policy EP-3 Through the work of Saint John Industrial Parks Limited, monitor the supply of
industrial land in the City and where possible, ensure that an appropriate inventory
of land is available for the diverse range of industrial uses proposed by the Municipal
Plan.
140 "P&V SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
:•
Policy EP -4 Encourage Saint John Industrial Parks Limited to create an Industrial Parks Strategic
Plan that includes the following:
a. The identification of appropriate locations for a wide range of industrial land uses;
b. The identification of lands most appropriately suited to industrial expansion in
the future, and strategies to acquire the land required to accommodate future
industrial growth;
c. The development of strategies to ensure the necessary transportation and
servicing infrastructure, including stormwater management, is provided to
accommodate anticipated industrial growth in an efficient and sustainable
manner;
d. Urban design and streetscape guidelines to enhance the appearance of the City's
industrial parks, including private properties within the parks; and
e. Strategies to market the City and its industrial parks as an ideal location for new
industrial investment.
Policy EP -5 Work with partners in economic development to develop appropriate programs,
strategies, and initiatives to encourage and support further diversification of the
City's economy.
6.4 Sustainable Economic
Development
The City is committed to sustainable economic development. One of the pillars to
achieve this is the development of an economy that supports the community and
its residents while providing a stable and predictable environment for business to
succeed; as a prosperous economy must not come at the cost of compromising our
environment and our social and cultural resources. A significant element to ensuring
economic sustainability is the City's commitment to the PIanSJ Vision and Directions
and to the provision of effective and efficient municipal services to support economic
prosperity.
t
Policy EP-6 Recognize that economic development is an important component of sustainable
development but that land use planning decisions must also be balanced against
environmental, social, cultural and fiscal impacts.
Policy EP -7 Recognize that a strong commitment to the implementation of the PlanSJ Vision
and Directions and the delivery of efficient and effective municipal services and
infrastructure are important to foster economic prosperity in the community.
CHAPTER SIX ECONOMIC PROSPERITY 141
187
6.5 Workforce Development
The City's future economic prosperity will rely, in large measure, on the availability
of a labour force sufficient in size and bearing the appropriate set of skills to meet
the needs of employers. Like in other Canadian Cities, the City's population is aging
and there are fewer young people to assume the jobs left behind as people retire. It
will be critically important that the City's young receive the education and training
they require to enter the local workforce. It will also be important to encourage youth
to choose the City as the place they want to call home and encourage people from
outside the community to move to the City.
Council shall:
Policy EP-8 Strongly encourage the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Canada,
and local post -secondary institutions to develop appropriate programs of education
and training to ensure the City's youth are prepared to enter the local workforce.
Policy EP -9 Work with the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Canada, and local
post - secondary institutions to ensure that appropriate locations are provided for
continue learning and training opportunities. Co- location of facilities is encouraged
wherever possible.
Policy EP -10 Work with other levels of government and other partners in economic development
to encourage immigration to the City to ensure the community has the workforce it
requires to further develop the community's economy.
Policy EP -11 Recognize the important role the City plays in welcoming new mmigrants to the
community through the delivery of programs and services. The City intends to
ensure its services are sensitive and responsive to the needs of new residents of the
community.
142 'Ply /WSJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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6.6 Tourism
Tourism in the City is an increasingly important element of the local and regional
economy. The City has a number of assets and amenities which attract visitors for
both business and pleasure. The City, in cooperation with the destination marketing
organization, will work to promote the City as a destination and partner with local
businesses and groups to provide attractions and facilities for tourists.
Council hall:
Policy EP -12 Work with tourism agencies and the community to support the marketing of key
destinations in the City and the Greater Saint John Region.
Policy EP -13 Ensure the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre continues to operate as a first -
class facility in order to continue to attract users.
Policy EP -14 Support the Saint John Port Authority in growing the number of cruise ship visits to
the City and support the community in continuously improving the experience for
residents and visitors.
6.7 An Economic Development
Strategy for the City
The Municipal Plan establishes a new direction for growth and development in
the City. The policies in the Municipal Plan focus community support to create a
more urban City and enhance the quality of life for residents. The economy creates
the personal and community wealth necessary to grow the City and improve the
infrastructure and services provided by the City. A robust economy is a pre - requisite
to fully realizing the PlanSJ Vision and Directions.
The economic policies in the Municipal Plan are fully integrated with the land use
planning process and the municipal planning processes which advance the delivery
of all essential services and infrastructure required to support the success of the
City. The City requires a comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan
supported by the City and all of its partners in economic development to provide a
clear path toward future prosperity.
CHAPTER SIX I ECONOMIC PROSPERITY 143
189
Council shall:
Policy EP -15 Work with its partners in economic development to establish an Economic
Development Strategic Plan that advances the Vision and Directions established
in PIanSJ. The Economic Development Strategic Plan will include, but shall not be
limited to the following topics:
a. Establishing clear economic goals and objectives, policies, and investment
priorities that support the City's economic prosperity, enhance community quality
of life, and implement the PlanSJ Vision and Directions;
b. Providing policy direction which advances community economic diversification
and supports the development of growing economic sectors including the
development of industries related to:
i. Health sciences and associated technologies;
ii. The energy and renewable energy sectors;
iii. Education and learning;
iv. Information and communication technology;
v. Arts and culture;
vi. Tourism;
vii. Advanced manufacturing; and
viii. Other industries complementary to existing established uses
in the City.
c. Developing strategies to attract new investment to the community and ensure that
homegrown industries are retained and expanded overtime;
d. Identifying and implementing programs to ensure the City has an available and
skilled workforce to support economic prosperity;
e. Strengthening working relationships with the Government of New Brunswick, the
Government of Canada, neighbouring municipalities and the Cities of Fredericton
and Moncton, to continue to develop a strong provincial economy;
f. Strengthening working relationships with other local partners in economic
development including Enterprise Saint John, Saint John Waterfront Development,
Uptown Saint John Inc., the Saint John Board of Trade, the Saint John Airport
Authority and the Saint John Port Authority;
g. Encouraging the development of a culture of entrepreneurship in the community
and supporting the establishment and ongoing success of locally -owned
businesses; and
h. Establishing mechanisms to measure progress and implementation of the
Economic Development Strategic Plan and to share these results with the
community on an ongoing basis.
144 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
190
6.8 Economic Prosperity Monitoring
& Review Metrics
The City's Department of Planning and Development will continuously monitor and
evaluate the implementation and success of Municipal Plan policies by regularly
reporting to Council and the community on measures including, but not limited to:
CHAPTER SIX , ECONOMIC PROSPERITY 145
191
192
7 Natural Environment
& E nergy
7.1
Natural Environment & Energy Goals
150
7.2
Environmental Sustainability
151
7.3
Air Quality
152
7.4
Water Quality
153
7.5
Natural Areas & Land
155
7.6
Flooding & Stormwater Management
157
7.7
Local Food
158
7.8
Energy Efficiency
159
7.9
Climate Change
159
7.10
Natural Environment & Energy
Monitoring & Review Metrics
161
CHAPTER SEVEN I NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 147
193
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44
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Ab
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194
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Al
T he natural environment- provides the elements we require for life: air, water,
food and fuel. Human wellbeing and economic and social activity depend
on a healthy natural environment. Today, however, human activity is placing
increasing pressure on the natural environment. As a result there is a need
to better understand the relationship between community and the natural
environment in order to protect and restore the ecosystem functions. The
way the built environment is designed, constructed and used has significant
impacts on local and global natural environments. Environmental protection
is a shared responsibility and partnerships must be developed between
individuals, the business community, all levels of government and other
organizations and agencies to achieve true, lasting sustainability.
The City's natural environment is a defining feature of the City. The Bay of
Fundy, the St. John and Kennebecasis Rivers, our extensive coastlines, unique
geology and vast forested areas contribute to make the City one of the most
environmentally diverse areas in Atlantic Canada. Residents of the City expect
that the Municipal Plan will address environmental issues such as air quality,
water quality, and climate change as they significantly impact quality of life.
One of the foundations of the Municipal Plan is a commitment to an
integrated planning approach to promote a more sustainable future. Land
use; the built environment, infrastructure, the natural environment, and
financial considerations must be considered interdependent elements to
create a sustainable City. Supporting the PlanSJ Vision and Directions, the
Municipal Plan concentrates residential and employment growth in the
Primary Development Area in order to maximize the use of existing services
and preserve the natural environment.
CHAPTER SEVEN NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 149
195
Natural Environment &
Energy Goals
0 101proVe the qUality Of the lialUral environment by
improving air quality. wat(-,,f quality, and protecting
sIgni-ticaril natural areas.
0 Promote the principles of progressive urban
planning and erivi ronirn. ental susta inability.
0 Minimize local cc ntribut I ons. of air pollution through
the creation and enhancement of complete and
compact communities thrOUglIOLIt the City.
0 Protect ( h e City's surface and groundwater
resources, ensuring accessible clean and safe
drinking water.
0 vVo.,,k vvit[I cqijer levels of govem.rnent and
community partners to restore clegraded natural
environments,
0 Encourage local food p(oduction through Such
4-neans as community garclens and small-scale
urban agriculture.
0 Conti n Lie redumng the City's energy usage and
environmental footprilit.
0 Mitigate local contributions of greenhouse gases
and plan to adapt to tile potential impacts of
climale change.
0 Approach ecological stewardship in a holistic
manner in partnership with the corrimunity. rion-
profit agencies and other levels of government,
7.2 Environmental Sustainability
The City aims to demonstrate leadership in sustainable development using land and
infrastructure wisely to build a more compact City that allows more people to quickly
and efficiently move around on foot, bicycle, and public transit. The Municipal Plan
promotes the principles of progressive urban planning to support environmental
Sustainability and ultimately achieve a balanced relationship between the built
environment and the natural environment. Enhanced environmental sustainability
will be achieved, in part, by Municipal Plan policies contained in this Chapter and
those related to the development of a more compact urban form and a more diverse
transportation system.
Council shall:
Policy NE -1 Consider environmental sustainability and life -cycle costs in all municipal decisions.
Policy NE -2 Support the continued implementation of the Integrated Community Sustainability
Plan (2008), ensuring City practices reflect the sustainability principles in the
Corporate Strategic Plan (2009).
Policy NE -3 Support initiatives in the public, private, and non -profit sectors that result in 'green'
building design and site design, including standards from LEED, LEED -ND, and other
similar certifications.
CHAPTER SEVEN I NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 151
197
7.3 Air Quality
The City is committed to minimizing local contributions of air pollution through the
creation and enhancement of complete and compact communities, offering a better
range of transportation choices, and increasing public awareness and education of
the Government of New Brunswick and Government of Canada clean air initiatives.
Given the significant industrial base in the City, it is also important that industry be
carefully sited within the community to minimize the potential for land use conflicts,
and impacts on natural areas and that the City work with other levels of government
to reduce air emissions from industry.
Policy NE-4 Encourage reduced automobile emissions by promoting a more compact, mixed -
use development pattern and making walking, cycling and transit use viable
transportation choices.
Policy NE -5 Work with the Government of New Brunswick, industry and other agencies to develop
and implement clean air initiatives, including emission reduction strategies.
Policy NE -6 Carefully consider the appropriate location for and the potential impact of heavy or
noxious industrial uses when considering development applications.
Policy NE -7 Reduce emissions from City infrastructure, including buildings and fleets, through
corporate purchasing and operating policies that support the Municipal Energy
Efficiency Program.
152 A CIISJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
im
74 Water Quality
Protection of the quantity and quality of the City's water resources and promoting
water conservation are important community priorities. The City primarily relies on
surface watersheds for its drinking water as well as private groundwater wells in
rural areas. The provision of clean and safe drinking water is critically important to
the future of the City. The City will work closely with other levels of government and
with community partners to protect the quantity and quality of the City's drinking
water supply.
Kamm it
Policy NE-8 Limit unserviced development to protect groundwater for existing well users and to
promote more compact urban settlement.
Policy NE -9 Enhance groundwater assessment requirements and septic suitability analysis for
unserviced development in the City through appropriate provisions in the Subdivision
Bylaw.
Policy NE-10 Carefully control industrial development, petroleum storage and other uses that carry
with them the potential to contaminate groundwater and surface water supplies.
Policy NE -11 Protect environmentally sensitive areas, including watercourses and wetlands,
riparian areas, and floodplains and appropriately restrict development near these
features.
CHAPTER SEVEN NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 153
199
Policy NE -12 Support the implementation of the City's Safe Clean Drinking Water Program to
improve drinking water safety and quality by seeking Federal and Provincial support.
Policy NE -13 Establish provisions in the Zoning Bylaw to protect the Loch Lomond, Latimer Lake
and Spruce Lake municipal watersheds, as per the New Brunswick Clean Water
Act, by prohibiting development and uses with the potential to negatively impact
the City's drinking water supply, and work to prevent illegal dumping in the City's
watersheds.
Policy NE -14 Acquire land within the watersheds that provide the City's municipal drinking water
supply, when possible, for the purpose of protecting the watersheds for future
generations.
Policy NE -15 Complete the City's Harbour Clean -Up Program to provide full wastewater treatment
in serviced areas of the City.
Policy NE -16 Continue the separation of combined stormwater and wastewater systems.
Policy NE -17 Provide and encourage public access to bodies of water such as the Bay of Fundy
and the St. John and Kennebecasis Rivers and lakes where appropriate and where
access and public use will not negatively impact riparian or aquatic ecosystems.
Policy NE -18 Establish provisions in the Zoning Bylaw to protect riparian areas by requiring
appropriate setbacks from watercourses and wetlands and encouraging the
maintenance, enhancement and restoration of vegetation in riparian areas.
Policy NE -19 Work with the Government of New Brunswick to improve the process of identifying,
designating, and further protecting provincially significant wetlands.
Policy NE -20 Protect provincially significant wetlands by restricting development in or adjacent to
wetlands and requiring appropriate setbacks and buffers for development, where
there are compatible uses.
Policy NE -21 Protect the wellfields providing drinking water to the residents of the Harbourview
Subdivision, as per the New Brunswick Clean Water Act, Regulation 2000 -47:
Wellfield Protected Area Designation Order.
154 CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
200
• r
i
The Municipal Plan aims to protect and enhance natural areas in the City to aid and
improve the functioning of ecosystems and maintain biodiversity. The City is very
large geographically and hosts a diversity of natural landforms. To the maximum
extent possible in an urban area, the City intends to create a balanced relationship
between the functioning of urban systems and natural systems and will work with
other levels of government and community partners to restore degraded natural
environments.
Policy NE -22 Enhance natural areas within the City by:
a. Protecting and limiting development in environmentally sensitive areas including
significant habitat areas, open spaces and areas with rich biodiversity;
b. Minimizing the fragmentation of significant natural areas by limiting development
in rural areas and linking natural areas, wherever possible, to maintain wildlife
habitat and natural corridors;
c. Worming with the Government of New Brunswick and other agencies to encourage
sustainable forest management practices on Crown Land and private woodlots;
and
d. Carefully analyzing and mitigating the impacts of resource uses on adjacent
natural areas when considering development applications.
Policy NE -23 Protect significant natural areas by worming with the Government of New Brunswick
and other agencies to identify, protect, and enhance designated Environmentally
Significant Areas (ESAs), Protected Natural Areas (PNAs), conservation areas, nature
preserves, ecological reserves, bird sanctuaries and other significant natural areas,
including sites owned and managed by the Nature Trust of New Brunswick.
Policy NE -24 Enhance biodiversity throughout the City by:
a. Encouraging the use of native species of vegetation for landscaping in private and
public development, where appropriate; and
b. Preserving representative vegetation, species and ecosystems in major open
spaces and City parks.
Policy NE -25 Protect significant natural landforms unique to the City.
CHAPTER SEVEN i NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 155
201
Policy NE -26 Control the impacts of erosion by:
a. Restricting development in erosion -prone areas; and
b. Working with the Government of New Brunswick to ensure appropriate erosion
and sedimentation control measures are implemented where development
takes place.
Policy NE -27 Participate in provincial and federal environmental impact assessments undertaken
for projects in the City to advance the City's interests.
Policy NE -28 Where possible, seek to harmonize the environmental impact assessment process
and the City's land use planning processes for development projects.
Policy NE -29 Utilize Land for Public Purpose dedications, as described in the Subdivision Bylaw,
to enhance natural areas within the City by:
a. Seeking public ownership of key natural areas with the potential for sensitively
integrating passive recreation opportunities, biodiversity preservation, or
ecosystem enhancement through the development process, where there is not
a neighbourhood need for active recreation sites; and
b. Exploring mechanisms for developers to participate in the creation or
enhancement of community facilities and natural areas in lieu of Land for
Public Purposes.
Policy NE -30 Enhance the urban forest by:
a. Encouraging the retention of mature trees and natural tree growth wherever
possible;
b. Establishing a planting program along designated streets and public rights-of-way
where doing so will not interfere with existing municipal services, sidewalks or
roadway infrastructure;
c. Utilizing hardy native species with appropriate diversity and longevity where
appropriate; and
d. Implementing sustainable forest management practices on City -owned lands
to explore and manage issues such as biodiversity, sustainable harvesting, and
management for fire safety, and encourage sustainable management practices
on other lands in the City.
156 S CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
202
T6 Flooding & Stormwater
Management
There are several areas within the City where residential and commercial
development has taken place within a floodplain. Council intends to further regulate
development in floodplains however, solutions to address the existing areas where
flooding takes place are important to the health and safety of those who live there
and the investments already made.
Policy NE -31 Update and implement the Saint John Flood Risk Area Bylaw to regulate
development in floodplains.
Policy NE -32 Support flood- proofing initiatives to protect property and people in floodplains and
flood -prone areas including the Glen Falls area and the McAllister Regionai Retail
Centre.
Policy NE -33 Prepare a comprehensive Stormwater Management Master Plan for areas within
the Primary Development Area that are at risk of flooding to mitigate and resolve
issues in these areas. Where possible, these should be prepared in conjunction with
Neighbourhood or Structure Plans, as referenced in 1 -15.
Policy NE -34 Protect and enhance the natural flood storage capacity of flood plains by:
a. Supporting the Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative as proposed by the Atlantic
Coastal Action Program (ACAP) and the restoration of other key wetland systems
in the City;
CHAPTER SEVEN : NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 157
203
b. Limiting development in flood plains and exploring options for safeguarding, flood
proofing or relocating existing development in flood plains; and
c. Exploring options for floodpiain zoning and working with the Government of New
Brunswick to develop flood proofing standards.
Policy NE -35 Improve the natural stormwater storage capacity of watercourses and wetlands in
urban and suburban areas on a comprehensive watershed basis in accordance with
the City's Storm Drainage Design Criteria Manual and by:
a. Restricting development in natural and rural areas;
b. Utilizing `low impact development' techniques for on -site stormwater management
wherever possible and encouraging innovative stormwater management methods
such as green roofs, permeable surfaces, and rainwater collection;
c. Designing stormwater management facilities as local amenities by locating them
adjacent to parks, open spaces, or greenways and permitting public access where
appropriate; and
d. Increasing public awareness and engagement regarding stormwater management
practices and site design.
7.7 Local Food
Local urban food production is a fundamental element in increasing the
sustainability of cities and reducing the cost of healthy food. The Municipal Plan
encourages local food production, wherever appropriate, in forms such as community
gardens and small -scale urban agriculture. The City intends to develop appropriate
provisions in the Zoning Bylaw for such uses to ensure they do not negatively impact
neighbours.
Council shall:
Policy NE -36 Encourage the production of local food and work to increase access to fresh food by:
a. Supporting interested groups in the development of community gardens;
b. Allowing small -scale urban agriculture within the PDA, in accordance with
appropriate provisions in the Zoning Bylaw; and
c. Promoting the development of larger -scale agriculture operations in appropriate
rural locations.
158 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
204
7.8 Energy Efficiency
The City is a recognized leader in municipal energy efficiency. The City has made
significant investments to reduce its energy use and has developed and is using
alternative energy sources to reduce the City's energy costs and environmental
footprint. The City intends to continue to engage in public education and awareness
efforts to encourage citizens to implement energy efficiency measures.
Policy NE -37 Continue to improve the energy efficiency of municipal service delivery, including
facilities, equipment, fleet, street - lights, and procurement through the Municipal
Energy Efficiency Program.
Policy NE -38 Explore and encourage the development and use of alternative energy sources, such
as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and energy recovery.
Policy NE -39 Encourage excellence in energy efficiency in new development and in retrofitting of
existing development.
Policy NE-40 Support public education and action on the use of alternative energy sources and
energy efficiency measures.
Policy NE -41 Work with relevant agencies to develop and implement an Energy and Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Plan for the City.
7.9 Climate Change
The City's location on the Bay of Fundy, the St. John River, and the Kennebecasis
River makes the community particularly susceptible to the effects of climate
change and rising water levels. The City must consider climate change impacts
and mitigation measures in all future decision making to ensure that residents, the
built environment and infrastructure are protected. The City also needs to do its
part to minimize the impacts of climate change by reducing local contributions to
greenhouse gas emissions. The City will seek to adapt to climate change impacts in
order to minimize risks, protect natural resources, ensure no adverse public health
effects, build resilience and take advantage of potential benefits wherever possible.
A Climate Change Plan for the City could inform these actions.
CHAPTER SEVEN I NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 159
205
Council shall:
Policy NE-42 Work with the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Canada and
relevant agencies to support research efforts that better quantify the predicted
impacts of climate change.
Policy NE-43 Proactively plan for climate change by taking action to manage the effects of climate
change and minimizing adverse impacts through the development of a Climate
Change Plan in partnership with other levels of government.
Policy NE -44 Mitigate local contributions to climate change by:
a. Working with the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Canada and
relevant agencies to reduce local emissions of greenhouse gases;
b. Working with the Government of New Brunswick and Saint John Energy to explore
renewable sources of energy;
c. Supporting initiatives to increase public awareness and action on the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions;
d. Encouraging excellence in emissions reduction and green building standards for
all development; and
e. Recognizing that a variety of initiatives, such as the development of complete
communities, increasing economic diversification, offering a range of
transportation choices and encouraging local food production all contribute to
mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.
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a.
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160 P6.- //SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
206
7.10 Natural Environment &Energy
Monitoring &Review Metrics
The City's Department of Planning and Development will continuously monitor and
evaluate the implementation and success of the Municipal Plan policies by regularly
reporting to Council and the community on measures including, but not limited to:
CHAPTER SEVEN I NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 161
207
I
w���,.M
I
8 Transportation &
Mobility
8.1
Transportation & Mobility Goals
166
8.2
General Transportation Policies
167
8.3
Active Transportation
169
8.4
Public Transit
172
8.5
Roadway Infrastructure
174
8.6
Accessibility
178
8.7
Parking
179
8.8
Tax! Service
181
8.9
Inter -City Bus Service
181
8.10
Goods & Freight Movement
182
8.11
Rail Transport
183
8.12
Air Transport
184
8.13
Port Transport
185
8.14
Transportation & Mobility
Monitoring & Review Metrics
186
CHAPTER EIGHT i TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY 163
209
I
4.
210
Transportation and land use are highly interrelated functions. A city's
transportation network strongly influences how the community grows, and
the pattern of urban development dictates the overall demand placed on the
transportation system. Throughout the process of developing the Municipal
Plan, a key message from citizens has been a desire to reduce reliance
on automobiles and to improve opportunities to use alternate modes of
transportation such as public transit, walking and cycling.
The underlying goal of the Municipal Plan is to increase population
density in the City. More residential population and more employment in
Intensification Areas will help to generate the critical mass necessary to
support enhanced alternative modes of transport such as public transit and
active transportation. Transportation is also critically important to the City's
economy. Trade and business require efficient and effective 'transportation
systems. The City is host to an Airport, a Port, and railways that are important
not only to the local economy but to a much larger region. The City intends
to develop a cooperative working relationship with the authorities and
companies that manage these air, rail, and marine assets to ensure that "i:he
community's needs and interests are well understood. It is very important
that land use planning decisions on Port and Airport lands be compatible
and complementary to the broader interests of the community, as described
in the Municipal Plan.
22°,
9.2%
1L,�
Urban Suburban
5%
6%
1495
% 72%
Rural
3% 2%
Mode of Travel in Saint John
cinve to work
PWW Carpool
tahe transit
� wGlk
CHAPTER EIGHT i TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY 165
211
Transportation &
Mobility Goals
Develop and maintain a balanced transportation
system that meets the needs of all community
members w Ith a variety of options i nctu d i rig active
Irarisportation opportunities such aS cycling
and A-alking. good public transit service to key
desuitations with[n the Primary Development Area.
priva,U2 automobijes, and m4s.
() Milimalii and enhance the City's roadway network.
Effectively fegulale parking, particularly. in the
Uptown Primary Centre a m i d Intensification Are a s.
to ensure an adequate supply and parking
management approach that supports public transit.
0 Work with rail providers 1.0 maintain and develop
adequate Tail servicesto promote econornic
development within the City,
0 Recognize the importance of the Port to the
regional economy and 1'a work with the Saint John
Pori Authority to ensure continued marine traffic
and marine-relatea uses at the Port.
0 Recognize the importance of air transportation to
the regional economy and to work wilh the Saint
John Airport Aulhorfty to ensure continued air travel
and related air services at the Airport.
91 Maintain and deve lop an efficient tra n sp o rta UO n
systern for the movement of good within and
through the City.
8.2 General Transportation
Policies
The City is committed to creating a transportation system that provides residents
with a range of options for moving about the community and for getting to other
places in New Brunswick and around the world. However, the need to move
vehicles around the City must be balanced against the need to develop healthier
and more sustainable ways of travelling including walking, cycling and using public
transportation.
Policy TM -1 Develop and maintain a comprehensive Transportation Strategic Plan for the City
which advances the development of a multi -modal transportation system for the
community.
Policy TM -2 Work with the Government of New Brunswick to adopt a more comprehensive
multi -modal approach to transportation planning and to strongly encourage the
Government of New Brunswick to consider making investments in more sustainable
modes of transportation.
Policy TM -3 Where deemed necessary by the Development Officer or Transportation Engineer,
require developers to undertake a transportation impact study to asses impacts of
a proposal on the street network. The City may require that such studies include
an analysis of anticipated vehicular transportation volumes, improvements to
turning movements, access points to major roadways, public transit requirements,
sidewalk and other pedestrian infrastructure, and /or cycling facilities, and /or other
transportation impacts.
F'I
CHAPTER EIGHT I TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY 167
213
Policy TM-4 Consider the following transportation matters when evaluating new
development proposals:
a. A street hierarchy should be identified and designed to accommodate traffic within
the development and provide connections to adjacent areas;
b. The capacity of adjacent streets should be sufficient to accommodate the
forecasted traffic generated by the new development;
c. Vehicular access points to arterial and collector streets should be minimized
where possible by encouraging shared access driveways, appropriately controlling
access from corner lots, or other appropriate measures;
d. The street layout should be designed to facilitate effective transit system
operations;
e. Amenities such as benches and shelters should be provided along transit routes;
f. Pathway connections between streets should be provided in locations where the
safety and convenience of pedestrians can be enhanced;
g. Active transportation infrastructure should be encouraged to support alternative
modes of travel within the development;
h. The design of residential streets should provide a safe, convenient and livable
environment for residents, motorists and pedestrians; and
i. Pedestrian connectivity and circulation to public sidewalks and between adjoining
neighbourhoods should be encouraged.
Policy TM -5 Ensure developers contribute to the cost of on and off site transportation
improvements made necessary as a direct result of a development proposal.
Policy TM -6 Support improved directional and way finding signage for users of all forms of
transportation infrastructure in the City.
Policy TM -7 Develop a connected and continuous open grid street network that supports
convenient and efficient travel by all modes of transportation. Discourage the
development of street types that disrupt the grid network and where possible,
new development should support this street network with multiple connections to
Collector Streets and Arterial Streets.
Policy TM-8 Endeavour to connect existing dead -end streets with new and existing streets to
improve the overall connectivity of the transportation system.
Policy TM -9 Allow cul-de -sacs only where they are necessary or required to facilitate the efficient
development of land. Where a cul-de -sac is to be constructed, adequate provision
shall be made for servicing, pedestrian connectivity, snow removal, transit servicing,
emergency vehicle access, water quality and the cost- effective provision of services.
168 P& -11Sj CITY of SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
214
8.3 Active Transportation
In 2010, Council adopted the Trails and Bikeways Strategic Plan which was prepared
to guide the development of a comprehensive trail and bikeway network, connecting
key destinations around the City. The Trails and Bikeways Strategic Plan creates the
opportunity to provide our residents with non - motorized transportation options to
move around the City. Key recommendations from the Trails and Bikeways
Strategic Plan are referenced in policies below.
Council shall:
Policy TM -10 Implement the Trails and Bikeways Strategic Plan, as resources permit, for those
priority corridors that align with the Municipal Plan.
Policy TM -11 Develop and maintain a system of on- street and off - street infrastructure for non-
motorized traffic throughout the City, including sidewalks, trails and on- street bicycle
lanes, and available linear corridors, and recognize this system as a core component
of the City transportation infrastructure.
Policy TM -12 Encourage and promote the use of the active transportation network by residents as
a healthy transportation choice by undertaking such initiatives as public education
campaigns, mapping of the network, and way finding signage.
Policy TM -13 Acquire linear active transportation infrastructure as part of the Dedication of Land
for Public Purposes in new development through provisions in the Subdivision
Bylaw. Council shall also work with developers to establish new connections and
off -site upgrades necessary to connect new development to the City's existing active
transportation network.
CHAPTER EIGHT TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY 169
215
Policy TM -14 Review the City's Traffic Bylaw with the intent to support making improvements,
where possible, which encourage residents to choose active transportation
infrastructure.
Policy TM -15 Incorporate improvements to active transportation infrastructure into other municipal
infrastructure projects, such as roadway reconstruction and resurfacing. During
the planning and design phases of such work, consideration must be given to
improvements to accommodate these modes.
Policy TM -16 implement connections outlined in the Trails and Bikeways Strategic Plan which are
aligned with the priorities for community investment identified in the Municipal Plan,
including, but not limited to:
a. North End - Uptown Connection;
b. Manawagonish Road / Douglas Avenue Corridor;
c. Rothesay Avenue (following an understanding of the traffic impacts of the One Mile
House Interchange);
d. Loch Lomond Road Corridor;
e. Rockwood Park - Uptown Connection;
f. East Side - Uptown connection;
g. Reversing Falls Bridge and Simms Corner; and
h. Active transportation linkages to UNBSJ and the Regional Hospital.
170 fi�lS� CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
216
Policy TM -17 Work with the Government of New Brunswick to improve active transportation
routes into the Uptown through measures such as improved crosswalks and ramp
intersections, and other pedestrian infrastructure on the overpasses that cross
Route 1.
Policy TM -18 Support the development of the Marsh Line Trail through community and
stakeholder partnerships as set out in the Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative,
proposed by the Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP).
Policy TM -19 Provide parking for bicycles throughout the City, particularly in locations such as the
Uptown and in accordance with the Uptown Bike Parking Plan; in commercial and
high density residential development in accordance with provisions to be included
in the Zoning Bylaw; and in park -and -ride lots that provide suburban access to the
public transit system.
Policy TM -20 Encourage the provision of end -of -trip facilities such as showers and change rooms
in new development and redevelopment projects, to promote active transportation
means for commuting.
Policy TM -21 Improve pedestrian amenities and infrastructure giving particular attention to:
a. Effective winter sidewalk and trail maintenance, as resources allow;
b. Appropriate street furniture;
c. Barrier free access; and
d. Visible and safe pedestrian crossings.
CHAPTER EIGHT TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY 171
217
8.4 Public Transit
Saint John Transit is the province's largest public transit service with an annual
ridership of approximately 2.7 million passenger trips and a network length of 515
kilometers. Public transit service provides residents with a more sustainable option
for travel throughout the City, and having well- planned route services, user - friendly
signage and scheduling, and comfortable transit stops and rides, ridership will
increase and community reliance on the private automobile will decrease. Greater
concentrations of people and employment in key locations of the City will support
investments in public transit service to improve its efficiency.
Council shall:
Policy TM -22 Recognize and promote public transit as an important component of a sustainable
urban transportation system which contributes to economic development and helps
the City achieve its environmental goals and objectives.
Policy TM -23 Provide effective fiscal support for efficient, affordable, safe and convenient transit
services linking major employment, commercial, residential and recreational areas.
Policy TM -24 Prepare a Transportation Strategic Plan in consultation with the community, to
strategically review and set the direction for transit services in the City and to identify
service enhancements, especially in Intensification Areas and express east-west
service at peak times.
!
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172 1 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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Policy TM -25 Support ongoing Transportation Demand Management initiatives such as the
COMEX, park -and -ride infrastructure and ridesharing.
Policy TM -26 Examine the feasibility of, and the potential for, developing additional public
transportation opportunities to maximize the benefit to the City, including commuter
rail service and commuter ferry service, as long-term objectives and in cooperation
with neighbouring municipalities.
Policy TM -27 Improve monitoring of ridership on Saint John Transit and engage users in the
process of updating routes, schedules and the transit experience to make informed
decisions about changes to the service.
Policy TM -28 Work with public transit users and the broader community to ensure transit service
continues to meet the needs of users by making improvements, such as:
a. More comfortable bus shelters and transit infrastructure;
b. Appropriate services for the mobility impaired;
c. Access to route schedules and signage; and
d. The development of pedestrian and bicycle facilities in and around transit stops
and on buses, such as bicycle racks.
Policy TM -29 Work with the Government of New Brunswick and Government of Canada to increase
financial support and favourable taxation for transit service and their operations.
CHAPTER EIGHT TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY 173
219
8.5 Roadway Infrastructure
The City's road system covers approximately 600 kilometres of municipal
streets and represents the municipality's largest investment in the overall
transportation network. Continued investment and reinvestment is required
to maintain the system and achieve many of the transportation goals
envisioned in the Municipal Plan. An important consideration is that some of
the City's roads fulfill a regional and provincial role, requiring a partnership
with the Government of New Brunswick for sustainable funding.
Council shall:
Policy TM -30 Establish the hierarchy of streets in the City, as identified in the Transportation map
(Schedule C), to meet the community's road transportation needs over the planning
period and adopt the following classification hierarchy for streets in the City:
a. Local Streets: A road which provides direct access to individual properties. Local
roads are designed to carry low traffic volumes for short distances and normally
connect to other local roads and collector streets.
b. Collector Streets: A road which provides land access and traffic movement with
equal importance. Collector roads typically carry traffic between local and arterial
streets.
c. Arterial Streets: A road whose function is the movement of large volumes of all
types of vehicular traffic at medium to high speeds. Arterials typically connect with
collector streets, other arterial streets, and freeways. The amount of direct access
to adjacent development is limited on arterial streets.
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174 f 6611S] CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
220
d. Freeways: A road which accommodates high volumes of all types of vehicular
traffic at high speeds and under free flowing conditions. Access to adjacent land is
not permitted on freeways.
Policy TM -31 Seek the co-operation and assistance of the Government of New Brunswick in
meeting their commitments to maintain roadways in the City which are designated
as provincial and regional highways.
Policy TM -32 Work with the Government of New Brunswick to plan an improved access between
Route 1 and the City's roadway network to support the implementation of the
Municipal Plan.
Policy TM -33 Work with the Government of New Brunswick to implement the following priority
roadway improvements:
a. Simms Corner Intersection Improvements;
b. The development of a full interchange at Ashburn Lake / Retail Drive / Route 1 /
Foster/ Thurston;
c. Ashburn Lake Road/ Rothesay Avenue/ Retail Drive realignment;
d. Improve Route 1 and the associated roadway connections to better serve travel
demand between areas within the City; and
e. Improvements to the capacity of the intersections adjacent to Somerset Street
and the Route 1 interchange.
Policy TM -34 Work with the Government of New Brunswick to improve pedestrian access across
Route 1 between the Uptown and areas north of the highway on the Somerset
Street, Crown Street and Viaduct interchanges.
Policy TM -36 Establish and update the short and long-term priorities for roadway and intersection
improvements and new road construction, through updates to the City's five -year
Capital Program, and acquire right -of -ways for projects sufficiently in advance of
construction to assure implementation and reduce costs.
Policy TM -36 Support continued investment in the maintenance of the City's roadway
infrastructure.
Policy TM -37 Consider constructing new Arterial Streets or Collector Streets in the Primary
Development Area only where such streets will facilitate development or enhance
the existing transportation system.
Policy TM -38 Examine applications that are proposing the development of new public streets to
ensure that the proposed streets are warranted.
CHAPTER EIGHT � TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY V5
221
Policy TM -39 Emphasize streetscaping along Arterial Streets and Collector Streets by utilizing
such means as:
a. Landscaping;
b. Street trees;
c. Limiting curb cuts and left turns;
d. Burying overhead utilities;
e. Controlling signage on fronting properties;
f. Street lighting and furnishings; and
g. Sidewalks, bicycle lanes and medians where appropriate.
Policy TM-40 Where the measures described in Policy TM-39 are implemented in conjunction
with a capital project, consider the overall financial resources of the City. Such
projects shall incorporate relevant components of applicable neighbourhood plans or
structure plans.
Policy TM-41 Improve the appearance of the places -of -entry or 'gateways' to the Uptown: the
Viaduct, Somerset Street, Haymarket Square, the Courtenay Bay Causeway, and the
Port.
Policy TM-42 Consider the adoption of context sensitive design and maintenance standards
for urban and rural roadways including but not limited to pavement and right -of -
way widths, design speeds, second access requirements, street lighting, the use
of roundabouts, the provision of sidewalks and boulevards and other criteria, and
review such standards on a regular basis.
Policy TM-43 Develop a traffic calming policy for residential streets where excessive vehicle speed
and /or inappropriate through traffic volumes are impacting quality of life. Traffic
calming measures such as street design techniques and enforcement would be
considered as part of an overall traffic calming plan for a neighbourhood.
Policy TM-44 Encourage multi -occupant vehicle use through measures such as car - pooling and
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on highways.
Policy TM-45 Develop a street naming policy to encourage the naming of streets for significant
people, places, events and things related to the City.
Policy TM-46 Review the life cycle cost and financial impacts of the utilization of granite curb on
street reconstruction projects in the Uptown.
176 Sl CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
222
Policy TM-47 Review means to improve traffic flow and pedestrian circulation in the Uptown as
part of a neighbourhood planning process including the possible conversion of one-
way streets to two-way streets.
Policy TM-48 Complete upgrades to traffic signal infrastructure such as emergency vehicle pre-
emption and traffic actuated control.
Policy TM-49 Work with Saint John Energy to develop a cohesive street-fighting design standard
which includes specifications for lighting levels, design submission requirements,
material specifications, and installation standards.
Policy TM -50 Ensure that any changes to the City's roadway network are reviewed to ensure that
the City's evacuation route system is not impacted or an alternate evacuation route
is provided.
Policy TM -51 Encourage the Government of New Brunswick to acknowledge the costs of providing
road infrastructure necessary to facilitate the movement of goods and people on
routes having Provincial importance.
CHAPTER EIGHT I TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY 177
223
s.s Accessibility
Users of the transportation network who have mobility impairments will benefit
most from design approaches that minimize physical barriers to travel and
maneuverability. Users with cognitive and sensory impairments should have access
to information about the pedestrian environment necessary for independent travel.
RMIrlymm
Policy TM -52 Encourage the incorporation of design elements required to accommodate disabled
persons on all modes of transportation.
Policy TM -53 Ensure street crossings are designed for users with wheelchairs, strollers, elderly
people and children, and that crossings consider reduced pedestrian walking
speeds, where applicable.
Policy TM -54 Support and expand the Handi -Bus service, where demand exists.
Policy TM -55 Develop criteria for Audible Pedestrian Signal installations and incorporate the
appropriate Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) guidelines into the City's
General Specifications.
Policy TM -56 Implement barrier -free parking standards for new development and redevelopment
projects through the Zoning Bylaw.
Policy TM -57 Develop policy for right -of -way usage for street vendors, sandwich board signs,
bicycle racks, and sidewalk cafes to ensure these amenities are provided in a way
that minimizes negative impacts for those with disabilities.
Policy TM -58 Encourage, where feasible, the provision of barrier -free access into and within
buildings.
178 P6615) CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
224
s. 7 Parking
Within the City, the primary focus for parking management is in the Central
Peninsula as this area experiences a high demand for commuter, resident and retail
parking. Demand is currently met by the provision of both on street and off - street
parking areas throughout the Central Peninsula. As the Uptown and surrounding
neighbourhoods increase in density, there will be an opportunity for the City to make
strategic investments in public transit and active transportation infrastructure in
order to reduce the overall demand for parking. The ultimate goal is to increase the
modal share of public transit and active transportation use among commuters and
residents and thereby decrease the demand for parking.
Policy TM -59 Encourage the Saint John Parking Commission, Saint John Transit, and other
partners to balance the parking supply in the Central Peninsula with public transit
service and access to active modes of transportation.
Policy TM-60 Explore Transportation Demand Management (TDM) initiatives to reduce overall
parking demand in the City, especially the Uptown. This can involve measures
such as permitting shared parking among various land uses where zoning permits,
staggering employment start times, managing the number of parking spaces, and
providing preferential parking for carpool users and smaller vehicles.
Policy TM -61 Encourage the construction of underground parking and multi -level parking
structures for new developments, and where possible such parking facilities should
provide publicly accessible parking as well. Council shall encourage facilities facing
public streets and /or Harbour Passage to have active uses or well - designed fagades
at grade to ensure an attractive pedestrian atmosphere.
CHAPTER EIGHT I TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY 179
225
Policy TM -62 Generally prohibit the demolition of existing buildings for the express purpose of
providing commercial surface parking, through appropriate provisions in the Zoning
Bylaw.
Policy TM-63 Establish parking requirements that reflect the unique characteristics of different
areas of the City, including the mix land uses, proximity to employment, and the
availability of public transit.
Policy TM-64 Regularly review parking rates and the supply and demand for commuter and short -
term parking in the Uptown to encourage transit and carpooling while providing a
competitive and convenient parking environment for businesses in the Uptown.
Policy TM -65 Consider examining the feasibility of establishing a cash -in -lieu of parking program
where the provision of on site parking is not economically or physically practical or is
not desirable from an urban design perspective.
Policy TM -66 Implement parking controls that limit longterm on- street parking, particularly in the
winter months, to ensure that necessary street maintenance can be undertaken.
Policy TM -67 Encourage shared or common access driveways, where zoning permits, for parking
areas immediately adjacent to one another on neighbouring lots.
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180 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
226
8.8 Taxi Service
Taxis play an important role in the City's transportation network, particularly for
visitors to the City arriving by air or by cruise ship, and those residents who do not
own a private automobile. It is important that the industry be regulated to promote
high standards regarding the level of service provided and the maintenance of taxi
vehicles.
Policy TM -68 Through the Taxi Bylaw, implement and administer standards for the City's taxi
industry, in cooperation with the industry.
Policy TM -69 Provide convenient locations for on- street taxi parking to meet the needs of users.
8.9 Inter -City Bus Service
The existing inter -city bus service provides an important service for moving goods
and people between New Brunswick municipalities and neighbouring provinces.
Bus transportation provides a more environmentally sustainable way of linking
communities, and it is a particularly important service for those who do not own an
automobile or cannot drive.
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Policy TM -70 Encourage the continuation of provincial inter -city bus service between the City and
other destinations.
Policy TM -71 Work with service providers to strengthen the provision of Inter -city bus service
within the province and to places beyond.
CHAPTER EIGHT I TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY 181
227
8.10 Goods & Freight Movement
The ability to move goods into and out of the City and between industrial areas is a
key component to economic development.
Policy TM -72 Develop a system of truck routes within the City that is aligned with the road
hierarchy for the community, as identified in the Transportation map (Schedule Q.
With the opening of One Mile Interchange, or any other major Interchange in the
future, the City will review its truck routes and make improvements where deemed
appropriate.
Policy TM -73 Support the development of an integrated and efficient transportation network for
the movement of goods, including rail, truck, marine and air travel by maintaining
effective working relationships with providers.
Policy TM -74 Support convenient access to rail and highway networks from Employment Areas and
fast and convenient interchanges for transferring goods between truck, marine and
rail modes.
Policy TM -75 Encourage employment uses that generate heavy truck traffic to locate in
Employment and Industrial Areas with good access to provincial highways.
Policy TM -76 Require that on -site loading areas for new development be sited away from streets to
minimize impacts on adjacent land uses, public rights -of -way and pedestrian routes,
and incorporate screening through appropriate regulations in the Zoning Bylaw.
Policy TM -77 Review the need for on street loading zones in the Uptown and other areas of the
City and develop the necessary policy and standards to regulate on- street loading
and manage the impacts of on- street parking and vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
182 ` 0,11SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
228
8.11 Rail Transport
Many of the City's industrial areas are serviced by rail transport which provides
an important means of goods movement for businesses in the City. Maintenance
and additional development of rail service is important for the City's economic
development.
Council shall:
Policy TM -78 Work with rail transportation providers to maintain a system of rail services that
supports economic prosperity in the City.
Policy TM -79 Support rail infrastructure improvements that will allow for faster and more
convenient movement of goods by rail, with careful consideration of the impact of
such improvements on the quality of life for residents of the City.
Policy TM-80 Consider the potential for the resurgence of passenger and freight rail service in the
future when considering Municipal Plan amendments, rezoning applications and
land disposition relating to former rail lands and rights-of- -way.
Policy TM -81 Encourage the reintroduction of passenger rail service throughout the Greater Saint
John Region and beyond.
Policy TM -82 Maximize the utilization of rail infrastructure for the movement of goods by directing
industrial development that requires rail service to locations adjacent to rail
corridors and yards within Employment Areas.
Policy TM -83 Carefully consider development locating adjacent or near rail infrastructure to
ensure that noise or environmental concerns are appropriately addressed. Council
shall evaluate land use compatibility, compatible noise and vibration levels,
and appropriate separation distances and /or safety barriers when evaluating
development proposals.
CHAPTER EIGHT I TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY 183
229
8.12 Air Transport
The Airport offers scheduled passenger and cargo service for residents and visitors,
providing important connections to regional and national destinations. The Airport
lands are federally owned, and the airport service is operated by the Saint John
Airport Authority.
Council shall:
Policy TM -84 Recognize the importance of the Airport to support the continued economic
prosperity of the Greater Saint John Region and will work with the Saint John Airport
Authority to improve air service.
Policy TM-85 Promote an open dialogue with the Saint John Airport Board of Directors concerning
matters of mutual interest and concern.
Policy TM -86 Appropriately zone adjacent lands to ensure land use compatibility and limit
potential interference with airport operations.
Policy TM-87 Work with the Saint John Airport Authority to ensure that the land use plans for the
Airport account for community needs and aspirations and are in conformity with the
Municipal Plan.
I
184 1 SJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
230
8.13 Port Transport
Marine transportation is an important part of the City's economy. The Port is a
national marine asset that handles a range of cargo and vessels and has recently
tapped into the growing cruise ship market. The Port offers a key advantage for
economic development in the City and the Region.
Policy TM-88 Acknowledge the national importance of the Port in supporting the economy of the
City and of the Greater Saint John Region and encourage the development of marine
infrastructure in appropriate locations to support economic development, while
minimizing impacts on residents of the City.
Policy TM-89 Work with the Government of New Brunswick and rail providers to maintain and
improve efficient road and rail access to the Port, while minimizing impacts on
adjacent development.
Policy TM -90 In accordance with Policy LU -14 and LU -116, encourage the Port to utilize their land
holdings in the Uptown Waterfront for uses consistent with those permitted under
the Uptown Primary Centre designation and not for industrial operations.
Policy TM -91 Work with the Port to ensure the land use plan for the Port accounts for community
needs and aspirations and is in conformity with the Municipal Plan.
Policy TM -92 Work with the Government of New Brunswick and the Government of Canada to
support the continuation of the Digby ferry service and to improve access from Route
1 to the ferry terminal.
Policy TM -93 Encourage the provision of amenities and services necessary to encourage resident
and visitor recreational boat activity on the St. John and Kennebecasis Rivers, and in
and around the Uptown and Market Slip areas.
CHAPTER EIGHT I TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY 185
231
8.14 Transportation &Mobility
Monitoring &Review Metrics
The City's Department of Planning and Development will continuously monitor and
evaluate the implementation and success of the Municipal Plan policies by regularly
reporting to Council and the community on measures including, but not limited to:
I 86 'P CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
232
1 19
233
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234
9 Municipal Services
Infrastructure
9.1
Municipal Services & Infrastructure Goals
192
9.2
Municipal Services & Infrastructure Policies
193
9.3
Water
194
9.4
Wastewater
195
9.5
Stormwater
196
9.6
Unserviced Development
198
9.7
Solid Waste Management
198
9.8
Utilities
200
9.9
Protective Services
202
9.10
Municipal Services & Infrastructure
Monitoring & Review Metrics
203
CHAPTER NINE I, MUNICIPAL SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE 189
235
236
Future development will be directed to serviced areas of the City
within the Primary Development Area. This will allow for more
efficient use of existing municipal services including stormwater
management, wastewater and protective services. Ensuring the
efficient use of infrastructure related to utilities, including electrical,
natural gas and communications, is needed in accordance with the
New Brunswick Community Planning Act. The challenge is balancing
the demands to service new development while managing the City's
infrastructure deficit.
CHAPTER NINE I MUNICIPAL SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE 191
237
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192 P&'/ 5j GITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
238
9.2 Municipal Services &
I nfrastructu re Policies
The Municipal Plan puts limits on expanding municipal services and instead
encourages better utilization of the existing system inside the Primary Development
Area. Municipal Plan policy also addresses reallocating the financial responsibility
for new municipal services from the taxpayer back to the beneficiaries of new
development.
Council shall:
Policy MS-1 Ensure the first priority for the City is to maintain and upgrade existing municipal
servicing systems.
Policy MS -2 Discourage infrastructure expansions unless a sound business case that benefits
both the City and the developer is provided, or it can be clearly demonstrated there
is no existing infrastructure to accommodate the use, and that the use is deemed to
be in the interest of the overall community.
Policy MS -3 Generally require that onsite and offsite infrastructure costs associated with new
subdivisions and development be the responsibility of the developer.
Policy MS-4 Require the developer to confirm there is adequate capacity in municipal
infrastructure to accommodate the proposed development.
Policy MS -5 Limit unserviced development in the City, shifting the priority for new development
to be fully serviced with municipal services, and to take place within the Primary
Development Area.
Policy MS-6 Pursue any available financial assistance from the Government of New Brunswick
and the Government of Canada to carry out improvements to the water, wastewater,
and stormwater systems.
Policy MS -7 Develop an asset management system that will inventory and manage the
replacement of infrastructure in an effort to optimize service delivery over the life of
the asset.
Policy MS-8 Utilize existing corridors, particularly roadway right -0f - -ways, for infrastructure
extensions wherever possible.
Policy MS-9 Ensure that City Bylaws are updated as needed to remain current and relevant to
City and community needs and priorities.
CHAPTER NINE I MUNICIPAL SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE 193
239
9.3 Water
One of the key priorities for the City over the planning period is to implement the
City's Safe Clean Drinking Water Program. In order to do this, the City will need to
make difficult decisions about providing the financial resources necessary to support
new development while managing the City's infrastructure deficit and implementing
the strategic directions that have been established regarding upgrading the City's
water system.
Council seta lk
Policy MS -10 Maintain a safe, clean drinking water supply.
Policy MS -11 Investigate the feasibility and desirability of establishing separate municipal
industrial water distribution systems to meet the needs of industry in the City.
Policy MS -12 Implement the strategic directions that have been established with respect to
upgrading the City's water system as described in the Safe Clean Drinking Water
Program.
Policy MS -13 Develop appropriate initiatives to encourage water conservation by residents and
businesses in the City.
Policy MS -14 Maintain the highest possible water quality in the Loch Lomond, Latimer Lake,
and Spruce Lake watersheds by seeking the cooperation of the Government of
New Brunswick to further control development in the City's drinking water supply
watersheds, to appropriately restrict recreational and resource exploitation uses,
and to encourage further coordination between the City and the Government of New
Brunswick with respect to licensing and permitting in accordance with the standards
and guidelines of the Watershed Protected Area Designation Order.
Policy MS-15 Continue to pursue opportunities to acquire privately owned land in the City's
Watershed Protected Areas with priority on lands in proximity to watercourses or
having incompatible land uses.
Policy MS -16 Protect the public water supply through a comprehensive backflow and cross
connection control program, including public education and the Water and Sewerage
Bylaw.
194 Sj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
240
9.4 Wastewater
The City will soon complete Harbour Clean Up, the project that will modernize
wastewater treatment in the City. Much work remains to be completed over the
planning period, including the separation of wastewater flows from stormwater
and the implementation of a Sewer Use Bylaw. As with the water system, a major
challenge for the City will be providing sanitary sewer servicing to support new
development while improving and modernizing the wastewater system and managing
the City's infrastructure deficit.
Policy MS-17 Ensure that adequate provision is made in the central sanitary collection system to
allow for the ultimate development of lands within the Primary Development Area.
Policy MS -18 Ensure strategic improvements and expansions are undertaken to the City's
wastewater collection and treatment facilities to support the City's growth and
development, in accordance with the Municipal Plan.
Policy MS-19 Require developers to contribute toward the cost of upgrading wastewater
infrastructure in order to accommodate proposed developments.
Policy MS -20 Make the approval of new development contingent upon available reserve capacity
in the City's wastewater collection system and treatment facilities.
Policy MS -21 Minimize the number of sanitary sewer lift stations required to support the
wastewater collection system and maintain gravity flow in all new and upgraded
sanitary collection systems, wherever possible.
Policy MS -22 Continue to install piping systems to separate wastewater flows from stormwater
flows.
Policy MS -23 Effectively manage the City's wastewater to be consistent with the standards
established through the Canada -Wide Strategy for the Management of Municipal
Wastewater Effluents, Including implementation of a Sewer -Use Bylaw.
CHAPTER NINE I MUNICIPAL SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE 195
241
9.5 Stormwater
The City's stormwater system collects and carries stormwater from developed
areas to various watercourses, where it is discharged. Over the course of the last
several years the City has experienced several significant storms and rainfall events
which have had a negative impact on several developed areas, particularly those in
lower lying areas. Stormwater management practices and capacities are priorities
for the City to protect development and to permit growth to take place in appropriate
locations as identified in the Municipal Plan.
Policy MS -24 Require the management of stormwater in accordance with the Storm Drainage
Design Criteria Manual through appropriate Bylaws, policies and procedures.
Policy MS-25 Support the development of industry education and engagement regarding
implementation of the City's stormwater management criteria.
Policy MS -26 Continue to make improvements to the storm sewer system on a watershed by
watershed basis to protect the natural environment and existing properties and to
alleviate flooding during peak rainfall events.
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196 CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
242
Policy MS-27 Require developers to prepare and implement properly engineered drainage plans
and individual lot grading plans for all new development.
Policy MS -28 Develop requirements for over - sizing piped stormwater services in urban
development areas, based on the expected future build -out.
Policy MS-29 Require that stormwater impacts are considered when development is reviewed
and approved and techniques such as 'low impact design' and natural stormwater
management approaches are used where appropriate.
Policy MS -30 Require developers to construct and manage appropriate erosion and sedimentation
control measures for construction sites.
Policy MS -31 Undertake a regionalized approach to stormwater management, where possible.
Policy MS -32 Ensure the design of stormwater management facilities allows for recreational uses
during dry weather periods, providing that public safety can be maintained at all
times.
Policy MS -33 Require the developer to review and report on the downstream effect on the
stormwater system to the system outlet in the design of new developments, in order
to build system capacity.
Policy MS -34 Require developers to assume the cost of any necessary surface runoff remediation
initiatives to ensure that the impact of stormwater generation on natural drainage
courses, abutting properties and infrastructure is minimized.
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CHAPTER NINE I MUNICIPAL SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE 197
243
9.6 Unserviced Development
The Municipal Plan limits new development in unserviced areas of the City.
Council small;
Policy MS -35 Limit unserviced development to minimize associated environmental, health
and economic costs.
Policy MS -36 Maintain an appropriate system to assess the suitability of proposed building
lots for on site, private wastewater treatment systems.
Policy MS -37 Work with the Government of New Brunswick to improve the assessment
of properties to accommodate on -site private wells for water supply.
9.7 Solid Waste Management
The City is a member of the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission, which operates
the regional waste management facility at the Crane Mountain Landfill Site. Both
the City and the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission are committed to facilitating
the reduction, reuse, recycling and recovery of waste in an economic and publicly
acceptable manner.
198 A(CIISi CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
244
Gounc�P s, h a Ci
Policy MS -38 Work closely with the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission to manage the volume
of solid waste generated by residents and businesses in the City and increase the
lifespan of the existing landfill site through greater promotion of waste diversion
efforts and long -range planning to meet the needs of the community.
Policy MS -39 Work with the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission to develop public education
programs and initiatives that reduce the amount of solid waste generated in the City.
Policy MS -40 Support and encourage greater use of recycling facilities for a range of products and
composting of organics, by ensuring recycling facilities are conveniently located and
easily accessible and explore the potential of a curb -side recycling program,
Policy MS-41 Work with the Government of New Brunswick to develop appropriate regulations to
discourage and prevent illegal dumping of waste through effective enforcement and
public education.
Policy MS-42 Provide appropriate facilities for composting and recycling in all City -owned facilities
and for all City operations, where practical.
Policy MS-43 Work with community partners to develop and implement programs to keep the City
clean, such as neighbourhood clean -up campaigns, as resources permit.
Policy MS-44 Work with the Government of New Brunswick to identify and remediate former
solid waste disposal sites and existing illegal dumpsites in the City and explore
appropriate uses for former landfill sites and remediated dumpsites.
P AW
CHAPTER NINE I MUNICIPAL SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE 199
245
The City works with moth private and public utilities to assist them in supplying
important services Including hydro, energy and communications to businesses and
residents. Structures and facilities necessary to support the provision of utilities
range from transmission towers and switching or transformer stations, to water
pumping stations and water towers. Such structures and facilities are permitted
in any zone within the City to ensure efficient and effective utilities are provided to
residents and businesses, although the design and location of such facilities must
be sensitive to the surrounding community context.
There are a number of energy - related uses located in close proximity to the City that
utilize petroleum, natural gas, nuclear energy, and these uses have the potential to
utilize other energy sources in the future. At the time of the writing of the Municipal
Plan, there has been discussion about the creation of a major utility corridor
connecting Atlantic Canada to the New England States. The establishment of this
corridor could have significant impacts on the City. The benefits and challenges
associated with such a corridor would need to be carefully considered to determine
the community impact, at the time such a utility corridor is proposed.
200 P &wS1 CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
246
Council shall:
Policy MS-45 Allocate the required space within the public right -of -way for the provision of utilities
to maximize the flexibility and adaptability of utility corridors in the City. This will
ensure adequate and appropriate services, including any new technologies, can be
provided to residents and businesses of the City over the long -term.
Policy MS-46 Permit the development of utility - related uses in all zones, subject to appropriate
provisions in the Zoning Bylaw.
Policy MS-47 Work with utilities to establish guidelines through the Excavation Bylaw for
the location and siting of utility uses in order to minimize the impacts on the
environment and residents, and ensure City right -of -ways are properly and promptly
restored by utility providers when new utilities are installed.
Policy MS -48 Require developers to consult with utilities regarding development proposals in the
vicinity of their utility facilities.
Policy MS-49 Encourage the use of pipeline right -of -ways for the co-location of linear open space
and active transportation routes for the public, subject to the pipeline company's
easement rights.
Policy MS -50 Regulate the location of utility infrastructure through the Subdivision Bylaw to allow
flexibility, while minimizing the visual impact of the utility infrastructure.
Policy MS -51 Encourage the consolidation of major electrical transmission lines within existing
corridors in the City and encourage utilities to undertake a public consultation
process when constructing new infrastructure.
Policy MS-52 Support the growth of high speed and reliable data and wireless networks to provide
comprehensive service throughout the City.
Policy MS-53 Encourage utilities to share telecommunications and data infrastructure, where
feasible, to minimize adverse impacts including visual impacts from wireless towers.
Policy MS-54 Work with energy suppliers to provide energy options to property owners in the City.
Policy MS -55 Work closely with other levels of government, utilities, and relevant agencies
considering the establishment of a major energy and utility corridor between Atlantic
Canada and the New England States to maximize the benefits of such a corridor for
the City and its residents.
CHAPTER NINE i MUNICIPAL SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE
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201
9.9 Protective Services
The City provides police and fire services through the Saint John Police Force and
Saint John Fire Department. Appropriate preparation and training for fire and
police services, particularly in a City with a large heavy industrial base and historic
building stock, are required to protect and manage emergencies in our community.
Continuing to provide effective command of emergency situations with rapid
response times requires a comprehensive approach to ensure stations are well
positioned and emergency management personnel are appropriately trained.
Council shall:
Policy MS-56 Provide police, fire, and emergency management services to residents and
businesses in the City, as required to meet community needs, with particular
emphasis on the risks involved with managing large scale industrial emergencies.
Policy MS -57 Regularly maintain and update the City's Emergency Management Plan.
Policy MS -58 Optimize the location of the City's fire stations to provide the best possible service at
the lowest possible cost.
Policy MS -59 Carefully design and site new fire and police facilities to complement and add value
to the surrounding neighbourhoods, especially if they are located in a residential
area.
Policy MS-60 Consider the impacts of new development on the provision of protective and
emergency services and seek to minimize emergency response time by ensuring that
alternative access points are provided in new developments, wherever possible.
Policy MS-61 Ensure safe places of assembly, work and residential living are created in
accordance with the National Fire Code and the National Building Codes.
Policy MS -62 Continue to support community -based policing and crime prevention initiatives.
202 'P& -1'7Sj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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9.10 Municipal Services &
Infrastructure Monitoring &
Review Metrics
The City's Department of Planning and Development will continuously monitor and
evaluate the implementation and success of the Municipal Plan policies by regularly
reporting to Council and the community on measures including, but not limited to:
CHAPTER NINE MUNICIPAL SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE 203
249
1 � - - � t- 'F .
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10 Community
Facilities
10.1
Community Facility Goals
208
10.2
General Community Facilities Policies
209
10.2.1
Neighbourhood Parks
210
10.2.2
Community Parks
211
10.2.3
Regional Parks
212
10.3
Open Spaces
213
10.4
Community & Recreational Facilities
214
10.5
Squares, Plazas & Community
Gathering Spaces
215
10.6
Community Facility Partnerships
216
10.6.1
Schools
216
10.6.2
Places of Worship
216
10.6.3
Human and Social Services
216
10.7
Community Facilities Monitoring
& Review Metrics
217
CHAPTER TEN I COMMUNITY FACILITIES 205
251
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The City is fortunate to have many parks, green spares and regional
recreational facilities. These public spaces play a key role in ensuring
a high quality of life for residents. Parks and community facilities
contribute significantly to advancing the environmental, social and
financial pillars of sustainability - all of which are critical building blocks
of complete communities. Good quality parks, natural spaces and
community facilities help to cultivate a strong sense of place by creating
the environs which facilitate and enhance social interaction among
local community members, as well as provide ample opportunity for
physical exercise in both structured and unstructured ways. Excellent
community facilities support and encourage more active living among
residents, supporting a healthier more active lifestyle within the broader
community.
The City currently has more of some types of facilities and parks
than a city of its size can efficiently support. As a result, funding for
these spaces is spread too thin, meaning many parks and facilities
remain in substandard condition. Community members wish to see an
improvement in the condition of the parks and open spaces in the City
to encourage more use by residents and more active living. Prioritizing
spending in key areas and exploring the possibility of repurposing
some of these facilities and parks will be necessary to optimize the
appeal of neighbourhoods within the Primary Development Area.
Given the significant value that residents place on public parks and
facilities, it is important that an overall strategy s developed to ensure
these resources are effectively managed to support a broad range of
recreational uses that are accessible to all age groups and community
members. Locating and /or improving key community facilities through
strategic investments in the Intensification Areas will help these
neighbourhoods attract future growth and development.
CHAPTER TEN COMMUNITY FACILITIES 207
253
Community Facility Goals
0 Promote the astablishment of complete
comic uni ties with convenient and affordable access
to key community services and amenities.
0 Supoort active fling through the provision of active
transportation and recreational infrastructure.
Prioritize and 'right-size' local parks, recreational
and community facilities through the development
of a Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan and
ensure spending on community facilities best
serves the needs of the comm unity.
Provide accessIbility to neighbourhood parks by a
variety of transportation options..
Increase the quality and quantity of, and
accessibility to. green spaces in the Uptown and
Intensification Areas.
0 Promote sustainabie construction and operations
practices.
0 Enhance e-xisung regional parks.
Promote social cohesion and ensure community
facilities,, programs and recreational opportunities
are accessible to, and affordable for, all members
of the community.
10.2 General Community
Facilities Policies
Parks and open spaces in the City are organized into a hierarchy that reflects the
size of the geographic catchment areas they are meant to serve. These range from
small local playgrounds to large regional tourist attractions. The classification system
categorizes the City's parks according to the following categories: Neighbourhood
Parks; Community Parks; and Regional Parks. To ensure cost - effective and efficient
service delivery for tax payers, the City must optimize the quality and appeal of parks
and green spaces within the designated Intensification Areas, while 'right -sizing' the
overall supply of these spaces city -wide.
Council shall:
Policy CF -1 Adopt a classification system for managing its inventory of city parks including the
following classifications: Neighbourhood Parks, Community Parks and Regional
Parks. Further, the City shall undertake a Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan to
strategically manage its inventory of parks, community facilities and recreational
programs to ensure they meet the needs of the community and align with the
priorities of the Municipal Plan.
Policy CF-2 In accordance with policy CF -1, review its cash- in-lieu of Land for Public Purposes
dedication program to determine if the current practice supports and aligns with the
Municipal Plan.
Policy CF -3 Ensure appropriate recycling, composting, and waste receptacles are provided in all
community facilities and parks.
Policy CF-4 Promote the establishment of community gardens when possible, particularly in
Neighbourhood Parks and Community Parks, in order to give greater access to local
food supplies, support environmental enhancement, and create greater opportunity
for low- intensity physical exercise.
Policy CF-5 Ensure appropriate access is provided to community facilities, particularly
Community and Regional Parks, through the provision of enhanced public transit
service, pedestrian and bicycle linkages, and adequate on -site parking.
Policy CF -6 In accordance with policy CF-1, develop a strategy to repurpose or divest of surplus
parks. Council intends to prepare the detailed Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan to
guide and direct this process.
Policy CF -7 Prioritize investment for recreational facilities within the Primary Development Area,
with particular attention to those within the Intensification Areas, ensuring they can
adequately meet the needs of various athletic groups.
CHAPTER TEN i COMMUNITY FACILITIES
255
209
10.2.1 Neighbourhood Parks
Neighbourhood Parks are intended to serve the residents that live within a
neighbourhood, typically accessible by walking with a catchment area radius of
0.8 kilometres. Neighbourhood Parks include playgrounds, tot lots, parkettes and
play areas attached to elementary schools. Neighbourhood Parks are spread
throughout the City, the majority of which are located in urban and suburban core
neighbourhoods.
Council shall:
Policy CF-8 Ensure that each of the Intensification Areas fully serve their respective communities
with high quality Neighbourhood Park spaces.
Policy CF -9 Ensure Neighbourhood Parks have adequate pedestrian and bike connectivity to and
from the local community.
Policy CF -10 Encourage the development and /or improvement of Neighbourhood Parks and
public green spaces in the Uptown, with special attention granted to areas on the
Uptown Waterfront.
Policy CF -11 Cultivate community partnerships to provide maintenance and monitoring of
Neighbourhood Park cleanliness.
210 0,71S) CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
256
10.2.2 Commonity Parks
Community Parks serve a larger population than Neighbourhood Parks, having a
catchment area radius of 3 kilometres. Residents should be able to access these
parks by walking, public transit or by private vehicle. Community Parks should be
programmed to offer a variety of recreational and leisure opportunities, including
both structured and unstructured activities. Community Parks include athletic and
sports fields, lands associated with arenas, community centres and pools, and
secondary school playfields and district parks. The City's inventory includes many
Community Parks, most of which are distributed in the urban and suburban areas of
the City.
Council shall:
Policy CF -12 in accordance with Policy CF -1, strategically review potential repurposing, selling
or enhancing some of the existing baseball fields across the City due to their
oversupply, examining their potential to provide alternative community space for
uses including community gardens, green spaces or affordable housing, where
appropriate.
Policy CF -13 Ensure wherever possible residents within the Primary Development Area can access
Community Parks by foot, bicycle, and public transit.
Policy CF -14 Ensure Community Parks offer a wide range of recreational and leisure opportunities
that serve all age groups.
Policy CF-15 Promote the continued use of the Station One Skateboard Park as a valuable
recreational facility for youth.
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CHAPTER TEN I COMMUNITY FACILITIES 211
257
10.2.33 Regional Parks
The largest parks in the classification system are Regional Parks which attract
residents and tourists from the City, the Greater Saint John Region and beyond.
Regional Parks typically provide both structured and unstructured recreational
opportunities as well as a wide range of specialized uses. The City has many
Regional Parks, including Rockwood Park, Irving Nature Park, as well as parks
along Saint John's Harbour, including Partridge Island. Although Partridge Island
is currently not accessible to the general public, it exhibits strong potential as ;3
signature piece of the City's park system.
Council shall.
Policy CF -16 Continue to support and enhance Rockwood Park, the Irving Nature Park and the
Uptown Waterfront as Regional Parks.
Policy CF -17 Work with other levels of government to create a national heritage site at Partridge
Island that is publicly accessible.
Policy CF -18 Explore future recreational opportunities for underutilized areas of Rockwood Park to
enhance its ability to serve the Greater Saint John Region.
Policy CF -19 Pursue revitalization plans for Reversing Falls, outlined in the Reversing Falls Master
Plan (2009), to enhance the range of recreational and leisure activities it offers to
the regional population.
Policy CF -20 Explore opportunities to better celebrate historically significant parks around the City,
such as Fort Howe, Fort Latour, Partridge Island and Martello Tower.
Policy CF -21 Explore opportunities to better utilize the Market Square Boardwalk in ways that
engage various age groups and cultures to better connect them to the Uptown.
Policy CF-22 Support the continued expansion of Harbour Passage to develop a connected
system of trails along the City's waterfront.
212 A(tyls) CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
258
10.3 Open Spaces
The City has many significant open space and natural area networks that play an
important role in defining the City's urban structure. These areas include rural
resource lands, environmentally significant lands such as watersheds, wetlands and
watercourses, wilderness areas, coastlines, and archeological heritage sites and
cemeteries.
DOME ME
Policy CF -23 Recognize and protect significant natural open space lands through the land use
framework.
Policy CF -24 Recognize that not all open space lands acquired through the Land for Public
Purposes process or cash -in -lieu of Land for Public Purposes are intended to be
developed for public use as recreational space.
Policy CF -25 Develop parks and trails for public use as recreational space, subject to the type of
land, location and guidance from the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan.
CHAPTER TEN I COMMUNITY FACILITIES 213
259
10.a Community &
'recreational Facilities
As with playgrounds and parks, the City is currently over - supplied with community
parks and recreational facilities. Directing investment to improve existing facilities
in designated Intensification Areas, while repurposing some facilities that no longer
serve the community, is a direction the City must take in order to build successful,
complete communities.
Council shall:
Policy CF -26 Analyze the supply of existing recreational facilities to understand where there is
opportunity to make change to better meet the needs of the community.
Policy CF -27 Seek funding opportunities to reinvest in community centres that are in need
of upkeep. These centres should co- locate with other community facilities when
possible.
Policy CF -28 Ensure community centres offer a wide range of activities available to all age groups.
Policy CF -29 Locate community centres in Urban Neighbourhood Intensification Areas
near other community facilities, such as parks, green spaces, arenas and
schools, when possible.
214 'P & //?Sj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
260
10.5 Squares, Plazas & Community
Gathering Spaces
Council shall:
Policy CF-30
Vibrant communities depend on structured spaces that enable both planned and
unplanned gatherings and social encounters to occur. The Municipal Plan recognizes
the role these spaces play as 'hubs' for local neighbourhoods, hosting community
and cultural events and activities.
Recognize the special character and role of the City's historic urban squares,
including King's Square, Queen's Square, King's Square West, Queen's Square West,
Loyalists Plaza, Victoria Park, the Public
Gardens, Jervis Bay -Ross Memorial
Park, and Robertson Square, and
promote leisure and cultural activities
within these squares that contribute
to fostering a sense of place for all
residents of the City.
Policy CF-31 Promote the use of King's Square for
cultural activities, such as music and
cultural events, artisan markets and
farmers markets as well as other uses
deemed appropriate by Council.
Policy CF-32 Promote periodic community use of
streets for such events as block parties,
festivals and farmers markets.
Policy CF -33 Where appropriate, encourage new
major development to contribute to
enhancing existing public spaces or
creating new ones, helping to meet
the open space needs of residents in
compact communities.
261
CHAPTER TEN I COMMUNITY FACILITIES 215
so.s Community
Facility Partnerships
Community facilities across the City serve and engage a variety of groups in the
community. The ownership and administration of these facilities resides with a
variety of agencies and the City strives to work with the operators to ensure the
goals of the Municipal Plan are being advanced.
10.6.1 Schools
Council shall:
Policy CF-34 Cooperate with the Government of New Brunswick and the School Boards within the
City to enhance schools in the Intensification Areas, with a particular focus on the
schools in the urban core.
Policy CF -35 Pursue alternative uses for closed schools that prioritize the location of community
services, such as community centres, shared studio spaces, and daycare facilities.
Policy CF-36 Encourage the establishment of school or community gardens on school grounds.
Policy CF -37 Ensure all schools are safely accessible via a range of transportation modes.
Policy CF -38 Work with the Government of New Brunswick and the School Boards within the
City to ensure community access to school buildings and grounds is available after
hours.
Council shall:
Policy CF -39 Encourage the adaptive re-use of vacant places of worship for appropriate uses.
10.6.3 Human and Social Services
Council shall:
Policy CF-40 Encourage collaboration between social agencies to support strategic community
development in coordination with neighbourhood planning.
216 CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
262
10.7 Community Facilities Monitoring
& Review Metrics
The City's Department of Planning and Development will continuously monitor and
evaluate the implementation and success of Municipal Plan policies by regularly
reporting to Council and the community on measures including, but not limited to:
CHAPTER TEN ; COMMUNITY FACILITIES 217
263
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Arts, Culture
11
& Heritage
11.1 Arts, Culture & Heritage Goals 222
11.2 General Arts, Culture & Heritage Policies 223
11.3 Accessibility to Arts & Culture 224
11.4 Arts & Cultural Infrastructure 225
11.5 Integrating Arts & Culture 226
11.6 Uptown Waterfront 227
11.7 Multiculturalism 228
11.8 Cultural Landscapes 230
11.9 Built Heritage 232
11.10 Arts, Culture & Heritage Monitoring
& Review Metrics 234
CHAPTER ELEVEN I ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE 219
265
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266
Arts, culture and heritage enhance the wellbeing of individuals and
the community at large through a variety of outlets and interactions. A
vibrant arts and culture community enhances the lives and interactions
of residents and promotes economic development, tourism and
an identity as a community. Arts, culture and our built and natural
heritage belong to everyone in the community and should be fostered
and celebrated. Planning to accommodate the full spectrum of these
resources will enhance quality of life and quality of place to ensure a
lively, authentic and creative future for the City.
The Municipal Plan acknowledges that the vitality, quality of life and
quality of place in the City are influenced by arts, culture and heritage.
Strengthening the vitality of these assets requires continued investment
of resources into arts and cultural initiatives and the continued
celebration and conservation of the City's history. The City's designation
as a Cultural Capital of Canada in 2010 highlighted arts and culture
in the City and its unique architectural legacy, which contributes to the
economic health and quality of life in the City.
CHAPTER ELEVEN I ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE 221
267
Attu, Culture
& Heritage Goals
Establish and support the City as an artistic
and cull,tiral centre where creativity, excellence,
diversity and personal expression flourish in an
apen and accessible setting.
Increase residents' accessibility to and
parvci.pabon in arts and cultural events8nd
activibes
0 Assist in further developing arts and culture in
the City by wGrking with tho arts community to
rnatrita in appropriate arts and culture facilitlesand
organizations in the City.
0 Integrate art into public spaces, fanifilies and
community celebrations.
0 Retain and enha nee the Uptown Waterfront as the
focal Porm of civic and cultural activity within the
Greater Saint John Region.
0 Support and,anhance OW T1111-11fiCUItUral community.
ortso ring that the City is and continues to be
inclusive and welcoming,.
0 Recoggize and promote the- City's wealth of
historic. archaeological and paieuntological sites.
0 Continue to be a national leader in municipal
heritage conservation by continuing to recognize.
va We and conserve heritage resources,
11.2 General Arts, Culture
& Heritage Policies
Council small:
Policy AG-1 Consider arts, culture and heritage in all municipal decisions, initiatives, and actions
and encourage the integration of arts, culture and heritage into all aspects of the
City.
Policy AC -2 Recognize and value the contributions that arts, culture and heritage
make to:
a. Improved quality of life;
b. Greater economic wealth;
c. Employment opportunities;
d. Greater community inclusiveness;
e. Healthier communities;
f. Opportunities for building understanding among residents; and
g. Making the City vibrant.
Policy AC-3 Support the Saint John Community Arts Boards and the Cultural Affairs Office as
the City's primary community partners in delivering and supporting arts and culture
programming.
Policy A04 Support the Heritage Development Board and the Heritage Office in guiding and
promoting heritage conservation throughout the City.
Policy AC-5 Encourage the concentration of arts and cultural organizations, venues and facilities
in the Uptown while providing for community -based arts and cultural activities and
events in all areas of the City.
CHAPTER ELEVEN ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE 223
269
11.3 Accessibility to Arts
& Culture
Council shall:
Policy AC-6 Encourage community -based arts and culture in all areas of the City.
Policy AC -7 Encourage access to arts and culture through improved marketing and information,
active transportation and barrier free access to arts and cultural facilities, and
affordable options for arts, culture and entertainment.
Policy AC -8 Support arts and cultural events in all areas of the City to celebrate the diversity in
the community.
Policy AC-9 Work with the arts and culture community to explore the creation of a signature arts
and cultural event or festival in the City.
Policy AC -10 Prioritize municipal funding to those arts and cultural events and organizations
that are based in the City and are affordable and accessible to all members of the
community.
224 P&11SI CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
270
31.4 Arts & cultural
Infrastructure
Council shall;
Policy AC-11 Facilitate and promote the provision of a range of local venues, facilities and events
that support a flourishing arts and cultural sector.
Policy AC-12 Facilitate networking, communication, information exchange and collaboration
between local arts practitioners, arts and cultural organizations and the arts
educational sector.
Policy AC -13 Encourage other levels of governments to expand their support for the arts and
culture sector through financial and in -kind contributions, where appropriate.
Policy AC-14 Work cooperatively with neighbouring municipalities, other levels of government and
community stakeholders to further develop arts and culture in the City.
Policy AC-15 Work with other organizations to identify and attract new sources of funding for the
promotion, development and marketing of arts and culture in the City.
Policy AC-16 Continue to work with the Regional Facilities Commission to participate in regional
arts and culture events.
Policy AC-17 Encourage the inclusion of public art in prominent community spaces, such as
plazas, parks, community walkways and burial grounds.
Policy AC-18 Promote the location of museums, galleries and other places that celebrate the arts
in the Uptown area.
Policy AC-19 Support the continued `1% Fund' for public art in all new City buildings, and
encourage other corporations and organizations to enact a similar policy.
Policy AC-20 Direct City funding for public art and other art and cultural investments to artists that
reside in the City.
CHAPTER ELEVEN ' ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE 225
271
226
11.5 Integrating Arts & Cu Itu re
Council shall:
Policy AC -21 Work with the arts and culture community to develop a broad range of public art
programs for all ages and incomes.
Policy AC-22 Encourage hosting events and performances in public spaces.
Policy AC-23 Commission and display art by Saint John artists in prominent public spaces and
facilities.
Policy AC-24 Incorporate the showcasing of art in the City's capital projects and programs, where
appropriate.
Policy AC -25 Encourage neighbouring municipalities, other levels of government and private
developers to include the provision cf art or space for art as part of significant new
development proposals.
Policy AC-26 invest in local arts and culture to support its role in economic development and in
attracting visitors to the City.
Policy AC-27 Work with other groups and City businesses to identify opportunities to increase
investment in local arts and culture and to encourage collaboration between the arts
and business sectors.
Policy AC-28 Encourage arts and culture to act as a magnet for new immigrants and visitors and
to project a positive image of the City to the world.
1 CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
272
11.6 Uptown Waterfront
Council shall:
Policy AC-29 Ensure programming of public spaces in the Inner Harbour is based on five
overlapping areas of focus - community, art, culture, history and education -
intended to support permanent and changing activities that offer something for all
age and interest groups:
a. Community programming will involve events that have residents of the City and
the Greater Saint John Region as their primary audience;
b. Arts programming will encompass a range of possibilities - permanent public art,
demonstrations and exhibitions, performing arts, interactive studios and galleries
- that are attractive to both locals and visitors;
c. Cultural programming will involve events that celebrate and communicate the
unique identity and history of the Greater Saint John Region; and
d. Educational programming will involve providing a variety of experiences related to
the many rich historic elements within the Inner Harbour, walking and interpretive
tours, opportunities to involve students through the school curriculum and the
promotion of Harbour health and environmental awareness.
Policy AG-30 Pursue collaborative partnerships for waterfront events and programming with
groups throughout the region representing various civic, business, arts, ethnic and
special interest groups.
CHAPTER ELEVEN I ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE 227
273
11,7 Multiculturalism
The City's long history of French and Acadian culture, beginning with Samuel de
Champlain in the early 1600's, continues today with distinct and well- recognized
French cultural organizations. Other cultures, including First Nations, have also
contributed greatly to the history and cultural legacy in the City.
Increasing international migration and university enrolment is further enriching the
cultural diversity of the City. The PlanSJ process identified a need for increased
awareness and further education regarding cultural diversity, and for the provision
of appropriate programs and assistance to newcomers. Currently, multicultural
programming is undertaken as a collaborative effort among several organizations,
including the Saint John Multicultural and Newcomers Resource Centre, the
YM YWCA, the Multicultural Association and PRUDE (Pride in Race, Unity, Dignity and
Education) Inc.
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228 __- x`71 CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
274
Policy AC-31 Recognize that cultural diversity is a valuable asset to the City.
Policy AC -32 Encourage the celebration and promotion of distinct cultures, languages and art
forms to increase cultural diversity, understanding and acceptance.
Policy AC-33 Work with the Government of New Brunswick and other agencies to uphold and
fully implement the New Brunswick Policy on Multiculturalism and its principles of
equality, appreciation, preservation and participation through:
a. Recognition that our cultural diversity is a source of community strength and
pride;
b. Provision of access to municipal services for all;
c. Promotion of understanding, sensitivity and positivity towards multiculturalism
amongst all community members;
d. Encouraging full participation by citizens from all cultures and backgrounds in City
planning; and
e. Discouraging discrimination in any form on the basis of race, national or ethnic
origin, or religion.
Policy AC -34 Work with the Government of New Brunswick and other agencies to provide
appropriate services, education, and opportunities for newcomers to the City.
CHAPTER ELEVEN I ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE 229
275
11.8 Cultural Landscapes
The Municipal Plan recognizes the City's wealth in historic, archaeological and
paleontological resources. The Government of New Brunswick and the New
Brunswick Museum have begun mapping significant archaeological sites and have
thus far assembled 35 such sites, which include portage sites, cemeteries and
shipwrecks. The recent recognition of the StoneHammer sites as a United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Geopark reflects the
significant paleontological history of the Greater Saint John Region and showcases
fossil sites with some of the earliest discoveries of fossil groups.
The Government of New Brunswick is currently exploring the designation of these
kinds of significant cultural landscapes as 'historic places' under the New Brunswick
Heritage Conservation Act. Although the protection of some of these resources
falls outside of municipal jurisdiction, local planning for cultural and historic
resources promotes an understanding of their importance and ensures their value is
understood and taken into account.
Policy AC -35 Support the recognition, protection and promotion of important cultural landscapes,
historic sites, designated heritage places, aboriginal sites, and archaeological
resources, in partnership with the Government of New Brunswick, through the tools
enabled by the New Brunswick Heritage Conservation Act and through working with
other levels of government to improve public access to and awareness of these
community assets.
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230 617Sj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
276
Policy AC -36 Support the recognition, interpretation and development of the primary Inner
Harbour heritage assets, including Fort LaTour, Partridge Island, Trinity Royal
Heritage Conservation Area and the New Brunswick Museum Archives facility.
Policy AC -37 Recognize the important contributions made by the New Brunswick Museum to the
local community and to the Government of New Brunswick in raising awareness of
the vast history of New Brunswick.
Policy AC-38 Recognize the importance of the StoneHammer sites, now identified and
protected internationally as a UNESCO Geopark, as part of the rich paleontological
contributions found in this region of New Brunswick.
Policy AG-39 Recognize the importance of Partridge Island in the history of the City and the role
this critical land formation has played in the evolution of the City.
Policy AC-40 Recognize the important contribution made by the Heritage Conservation Areas in
raising awareness of the history and architecture of the City.
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CHAPTER CHAPTER ELEVEN I ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE 231
277
11.9 Built Heritage
The City's rich legacy of built heritage and distinctive late 10th century architecture
and cultural history contribute to the social, cultural and economic fabric of the
City. Of the estimated 6,000 heritage buildings within the City, 770 are currently
designated and protected in Heritage Conservation Areas. Heritage Conservation
Areas are defined and regulated by the Saint John Heritage Conservation Areas
Bylaw, the main objective of which is to conserve, rehabilitate and utilize heritage
sites, structures, buildings, areas and environments for the benefit of the community,
in coordination with the comprehensive planning needs and requirements of the
City. Grants for conservation work are provided by the City as incentives to retain and
enhance these heritage resources.
The City is a national leader in municipal heritage conservation and is committed
to recognizing, valuing and conserving heritage resources, including heritage
buildings and structures, landscapes and other historic resources throughout the
City. The Municipal Plan will promote the awareness and use of heritage resources,
and promote appropriate development around and adjacent to heritage resources
through the Municipal Plan's Urban Design Principles and neighbourhood specific
Urban Design Guidelines, where warranted.
232 Airr-Sj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
278
Council shall.
Policy AC-41 Define priorities and resources for heritage conservation and review the existing
processes in consultation with stakeholders through periodic program reviews.
Policy AC-42 Research and document heritage resources, including properties, streetscapes and
patterns of development, traditional linkages and community character as key parts
of neighbourhood planning.
Policy AC-43 Maintain an up-to -date register of heritage properties within the City and promote
awareness of these heritage resources.
Policy AC-44 Endeavor to provide incentives for appropriate conservation of heritage properties.
Policy AC-45 Consider, avoid and /or mitigate the impact of City projects on heritage resources.
Policy AC-46 Support education and awareness around appropriate heritage conservation
methods.
Policy AC-47 Encourage and support the continued involvement of the community in heritage
conservation and stewardship and recognize and honour contributions to the City's
heritage resources.
Policy AC-48 Ensure historic resources within designated Heritage Conservation Areas are
conserved in accordance with the standards of the Saint John Heritage Conservation
Areas Bylaw.
Policy AC-49 Ensure new development within designated Heritage Conservation Areas meets the
standards of the Saint John Heritage Conservation Areas Bylaw.
Policy AG-50 Explore opportunities for heritage conservation standards to allow for more flexibility
in the stewardship of built heritage resources.
Policy AC-51 Utilize Urban Design Principles to ensure that new development is complementary to
adjacent areas, through the use of appropriate massing, materials and other design
elements.
Policy AC-52 Explore alternative means to protect heritage resources such as new tools enabled
under the New Brunswick Heritage Conservation Act and Urban Design Guidelines to
be developed in conjunction with neighbourhood plans or structure plans.
CHAPTER ELEVEN I ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE 233
279
11.10 Arts, Culture & Heritage
Monitoring & Review Metrics
The City's Department of Community Planning and Development will continuously
monitor and evaluate the implementation and success of Municipal Plan policies
and report annually to Council and the community on measures including, but not
limited to:
234 P&V -lS1 CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
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Implementation
12.1 Implementation Goals 240
12.2 Governance Framework for Decision Making 241
12.3 Development Approvals 242
12.3.1 Existing Incompatible Uses 244
12.3.2 Previously Approved Applications 244
12.3.3 Timeframes and Phasing of Development 245
12.3.4 Fiscal Implications of Development 246
12.4 Investment Strategy:
Strategic Plans & Five Year Capital Budget 248
12.5 Cooperation with other Levels
283
CHAPTER TWELVE I IMPLEMENTATION 237
of Government & F)cternal Agencies
251
12.6
From City -wide to Neighbourhood
Based Planning
253
12.7
Municipal Plan Monitoring Program
255
12.8
Public Participation
258
12.9
Implementation Monitoring & Review Metrics
259
283
CHAPTER TWELVE I IMPLEMENTATION 237
ml
The PlanSJ Vision and Directions set a clear course for the City over
the planning period. T he Municipal Plan is the policy document that
guides decision making for growth, development and investment within
the City. To carry forward this direction, partnerships will be needed
with neighbourhoods, the private sector, other partners within the
community and other levels of government.
The Implementation Chapter is intended to establish the regulatory
basis for the Municipal Plan, set the stage for a neighbourhood based
planning program to implement the City -wide vision and define the
various aspects of the Municipal Plan monitoring program to ensure the
Municipal Plan is a living document updated and reviewed on a regular
basis, with measures to track the Municipal Plan's success. Past
Municipal Plans developed in the 1940s and 1973 were leading edge
strategies in their time, but lacked a coordinated monitoring program.
Through the PlanSJ process, the community and Council have voiced
the desire that a strong commitment be made to bring the Municipal
Plan to life through a well- defined implementation and monitoring
program that upholds the Municipal Plan's vision, but responds
appropriately to changing community needs. Ongoing involvement by
the community is a central element to the Municipal Plan's monitoring
program and its ultimate success.
CHAPTER TWELVE I IMPLEMENTATION 239
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12,1
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12.2 Governance Framework
for Decision Making
The Municipal Plan is the principle guiding document providing a regulatory
framework for development and investment in the City. It builds on Our Saint
John Community Vision (2007) and the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan
(2008), embedding many of the principles of these plans in a statutory framework
for development. The Municipal Plan will be implemented through various bylaws,
including a new Zoning Bylaw and Subdivision Bylaw.
Over the course of implementing the Municipal Plan, it is intended that all future
bylaws align and support the goals of the Municipal Plan. Neighbourhood plans or
structure plans, when developed, will be adopted as part of the Municipal Plan and
will define more detailed land use and design policies for neighbourhoods where
significant growth and change is anticipated. Where there is a conflict between any
provision in either the Zoning Bylaw or the Subdivision Bylaw, the Municipal Plan
prevails.
Council shall:
Policy 1 -1 Recognize the Municipal Plan as the primary document for guiding growth,
development and investment in the City. The Municipal Plan shall be used in
decision making as follows:
a. All forms of development approval including zoning amendments, land subdivision
and construction shall be consistent with this Municipal Plan.
b. The Zoning Bylaw and Subdivision Bylaw shall contain regulations that implement
the Municipal Plan.
c. Other City bylaws will support the implementation of the Municipal Plan. The City
shall actively enforce its bylaws as required to support the Municipal Plan.
d. The City's operating and capital budgets and strategic plans will support the
implementation of the Municipal Plan.
e. Neighbourhood plans or structure plans may be prepared to address specific
areas or issues in greater detail. All neighbourhood plans or structure plans
shall be in alignment with the Municipal Plan. Where there is conflict between a
neighbourhood plan or structure plan and the Municipal Plan, the Neighbourhood
Plan or Structure Plan shall prevail.
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12.3 Development Approvals
Chapter 3 of the Municipal Plan sets out policies on future land use in all areas
of the City and the planning approvals process for different categories of land use
and development. The Municipal Plan prescribes that certain types of development
be considered through rezoning, amendment to the Zoning Bylaw or through
a Conditional Use to support progressive development, until such time as a
neighbourhood plan or structure plan can be completed. In addition to the specific
policies elsewhere in the Municipal Plan, there are general criteria that should be
evaluated by the City in its consideration of planning applications.
Council shall:
Policy 1 -2 In considering amendments to the Zoning Bylaw or the imposition of terms and
conditions, in addition to all other criteria set out in the various policies of the
Municipal Plan, have regard for the following:
242
a. The proposal is in conformity with the goals, policies and intent of the Municipal
Plan and the requirements of all City bylaws;
b. The proposal is not premature or inappropriate by reason of:
i. Financial inability of the City to absorb costs related to development and ensure
efficient delivery of services, as determined through Policy 1 -7 and 1-8;
ii. The adequacy of central wastewater or water services and storm drainage
measures;
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iii. Adequacy or proximity of school, recreation or other community facilities;
iv. Adequacy of road networks leading to or adjacent to the development; and
v. Potential for negative impacts to designated heritage buildings or areas.
c. Appropriate controls are placed on any proposed development where necessary to
reduce any conflict with adjacent land uses by reason of:
i. Type of use;
ii. Height, bulk or appearance and lot coverage of any proposed building;
M. Traffic generation, vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle or transit access to
and from the site;
iv. Parking;
v. Open storage;
vi. Signs; and
vii. Any other relevant matter of urban planning.
d. The proposed site is suitable in terms of steepness of grade, soil and geological
conditions, locations of watercourses, wetlands and susceptibility of flooding as
well as any other relevant environmental consideration;
e. The proposal satisfies the terms and conditions of Policy 1 -5 related to timeframes
and phasing of development; and
f. The proposal meets all necessary public health and safety considerations.
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CHAPTER TWELVE I IMPLEMENTATION 243
12.3.1 Existing Incompatible Uses
Given the age of the 1973 Municipal Plan, many situations exist where lands have
been individually rezoned for incompatible land uses. Over time the Municipal Plan
intends to encourage the transition of incompatible land uses to more appropriate
land uses. However, Council may, during the review of the Zoning Bylaw, establish
special provisions for major existing developments where significant investment has
been made.
Council may:
Policy I-3 Establish special provisions in the Zoning Bylaw to recognize major developments
in existence that do not conform to the Municipal Plan. Council should review these
provisions periodically in conjunction with comprehensive Municipal Plan reviews
referenced in Policy 1 -20.
12.3.2 Previously Approved Applications
At the time of the writing of the Municipal Plan, a significant number of
developments have been approved by Council over the past several decades, but
are not yet developed. When updating the Zoning Bylaw, Council will review these
previously approved developments to determine whether the property should
continue to be zoned to accommodate the proposed use.
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Council shall:
Policy 1-4 Following the Municipal Plan's adoption and during the development of a new
Zoning Bylaw for the City, consider each committed development in relation to the
policies of the Municipal Plan to determine whether the property should continue to
be zoned to accommodate the intended use. Council shall review the Zoning Bylaw
periodically in conjunction with comprehensive Municipal Plan reviews referenced in
Policy 1 -20 to monitor the development status of these previously approved projects.
12.3.3 Timeframes and Phasing of Development
Council may:
Policy 1 -5 Establish timeframes on the phasing and /or completion of development where it is
determined that an application to rezone land is speculative in nature. In this case,
Council may require that the rezoning be subject to a Development Agreement which
may include provisions including, but not limited to the following:
a. That, in addition to any other securities or bonds Council considers appropriate
under section 39(8) of the New Brunswick Community Planning Act, the applicant
provide a certified cheque in the amount of $1000 to cover expenses relating
to the cancellation of the agreement and /or repeal of the rezoning. The $1000
security shall be repayable on completion of the development for which the
rezoning is granted;
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CHAPTER TWELVE I IMPLEMENTATION 245
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b. Should construction of the development (or in the case of a phased development,
the first phase of the development) not be completed within five (5) years from the
date the rezoning comes into effect;
i. No further development shall be permitted;
ii. Council shall immediately take steps to cancel the agreement and repeal
the rezoning pursuant to section 39(5) and 39(6) of the New Brunswick
Community Planning Act;
c. That upon repeal of the rezoning pursuant to section 39(5) and 39(6) of the New
Brunswick Community Planning Act, the land to which the agreement pertains
shall revert to its last previous zoning designation.
Policy 1 -6 Choose not to consider applications to rezone land for development where Council
deems that the development cannot reasonably be completed within ten (10) years
of the coming into force of the rezoning.
12.3.4 Fiscal Implications of Development
The land use framework in the Municipal Plan is based on sound fiscal management
that targets future growth in areas where the City can efficiently provide municipal
services. As the Municipal Plan is implemented, Council will continue to evaluate the
fiscal implications of major new developments.
Policy 1 -7 Have regard for the fiscal implications of all planning applications that require
Council approval.
Council rnay:
Policy 1 -8 Require a comprehensive fiscal analysis to be undertaken by a qualified professional
at the developer's expense to assess the fiscal impacts of major development
projects as part of its considerations of planning applications. For the purposes of
Policy 1-8, mayor development is defined as development proposals comprising a
minimum of 50 residential housing units or more than 5000 square metres of new
non- residential building space or where any of the following conditions apply:
a. The potential fiscal impact deficit is likely to be greater than 0.5% of the City's
total tax levy as determined by the City;
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Policy 1 -9
b. The total value of additional assessment resulting from the development exceeds
$40 million; or
c. The proposal poses a major challenge to the directions or goals of the City's
Municipal Plan.
When considering the fiscal impact analysis referenced in Policy 1-8, ensure that it
addresses the following:
a. An assessment of service costs including transportation and public transit, water,
wastewater, stormwater, police, and fire services;
b. The impact on operating and capital budgets, and the financial implications
related to the impact on the tax levy and utility rates;
c. The ability of the development to financially and technically provide for the
required servicing infrastructure in order to allow the development to proceed in a
timely manner; and
d. A qualitative assessment of other impacts and risks that might arise from the
development.
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12.4 Investment Strategy.
Strategic Plans &
Five Year Capital Budget
The Municipal Plan is intended to provide overall guidance to the City in setting
the direction for strategic plans and budgets for City Departments, Boards and
Commissions. As required under the New Brunswick Community Planning Act, a
five year capital budget must be included as an attachment to the Municipal Plan.
Building on the vision for a more compact and sustainable City, the Municipal Plan
signals a shift in investment priorities for the City away from spending municipal
resources on extensions of new hard infrastructure such as pipes and roads to
outlying areas, to enhancing existing infrastructure in the core of the City. Over
time this will enable the City, in partnership with others, to invest in enriching the
quality of life for all residents. Key future investment priorities for the Municipal Plan
include:
Implementation of Harbour Clean -Up and Safe Clean Drinking Water Program
initiatives;
• Improvements to existing infrastructure, such as roads and underground piped
infrastructure;
Service enhancements to transit and active transportation infrastructure; and
Upgrading of parks and streetscapes in targeted Intensification Areas identified in
the Municipal Plan.
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It is intended that these investments be strategically staged in conjunction with
neighbourhood planning to support the revitalization of Intensification Areas. The
Municipal Plan also supports the provision of development incentive programs
to foster positive forms of development within designated Intensification Areas in
the City. It is intended that development incentive programs be geared towards
key public benefits such as encouraging well designed and denser projects within
designated growth areas of the Municipal Plan. The Municipal Plan also provides
other non - financial incentives such as improved clarity and predictability for
development and removes many regulatory barriers which can act as a disincentive
for developing in the City's urban core.
Council shall:
Policy 1 -10 Ensure City investments align and support the implementation of the Municipal
Plan by:
a. Adopting strategic plans and budgets that support the Municipal Plan;
b. Ensuring that the policies of the Municipal Plan are considered in the design and
implementation of all major City initiatives and capital works;
c. Appending to the Municipal Plan, a five year capital budget for the physical
development of the City;
d. Adopting a strategic and staged approach to municipal investment to implement
the Municipal Plan in coordination with neighbourhood plans or structure plans;
and
e. As required from time to time, establishing programs to encourage progressive
development proposals that support the Municipal Plan.
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CHAPTER TWELVE l IMPLEMENTATION 249
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The Municipal Plan calls for a series of strategic plans, which are intended to ensure
the business practices of the City align with the Municipal Plan in various service
areas. These are more specialized strategic plans that require additional study to
support the implementation of the Municipal Plan.
The purpose of strategic plans is to guide the management of the City. They do not
set out land use policy, but rather reflect the City's intent to create management
guides for setting short and long-term budget priorities for programs, services and
facilities, consistent with the Municipal Plan and linked to the City's service -based
capital budget process. Development and adoption of the following strategic plans
are identified as priorities for the implementation of the Municipal Plan over the long
term:
•Stormwater Management Master Plan as per Policy NE -33
Urban Design Guidelines as per Policy UD48
Industrial Parks Strategic Plan as per Policy EPA
• Economic Development Strategic Plan as per Policy EP -15
• Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Plan as per Policy NE -41
• Climate Change Plan as per Policy NE-43
• Transportation Strategic Plan as per Policy TM -1
• Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan as per Policy CF -1
Policy 1 -11 Undertake strategic plans and master plans, as resources permit, to implement
the goals and objectives of the Municipal Plan and ensure that strategic plans give
consideration to maximizing benefits for City residents and tax payers.
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12.5 Cooperation with other
Levels of Government
& External Agencies
The City regularly works with many other organizations, other levels of government
and neighbouring municipalities in the delivery of services to its citizens. The
Municipal Plan requires a strategic, cooperative approach with other levels of
government and external agencies to foster collaboration and ultimately the
realization of Municipal Plan policies that are beyond the authority of the City to
implement, such as policies related to affordable housing, school facilities, air and
water quality, provincial roads, and federal transportation lands. The Municipal Plan
received approval from the Government of New Brunswick under the New Brunswick
Community Planning Act. The City, therefore, expects that the Government of New
Brunswick's decisions will support the implementation of the Municipal Plan.
Although the jurisdiction of the Municipal Plan is limited to the City, there are many
planning issues that transcend the City's borders. The City is the economic and
cultural hub of the Greater Saint John Region and serves as a workplace for and
a destination for many residents in the surrounding communities of Rothesay,
Quispamsis, Grand Bay- Westfieid, St. Martin's as well as unincorporated areas. The
success of the Greater Saint John Region is tied to the City's success. The primary
directive for the Municipal Plan is to enrich quality of life for residents of the City by
focusing on transforming and revitalizing the urban core of the City; a vision which
benefits the Greater Saint John Region and complements development strategies in
neighbouring communities. Going forward, the City hopes to work in cooperation with
its neighbours to achieve the elements of the Municipal Plan that would benefit from
a regional approach.
CHAPTER TWELVE IMPLEMENTATION 251
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Co un ill hall:
Policy 1 -12 Work with the Government of New Brunswick, Government of Canada and
neighbouring municipalities to implement those elements of the Municipal Plan that
are beyond the City's Jurisdiction.
Policy 1 -13 Pursue partnerships with neighbouring municipalities to implement policies in the
Municipal Plan that benefit from regional cooperation.
Policy 1 -14 Pursue partnerships with the University New Brunswick Saint John (UNBSJ),
specifically with respect to the application of City - building initiatives being explored
as part of the research undertaken by the Urban Institute.
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12.6 From City -wide to
Neighbourhood Based
Planning
The Municipal Plan supports a culture and legacy of community planning, building
on the successful community engagement that defined the PlanSJ process. Future
planning initiatives will be delivered primarily through a detailed planning program
found on the Areas for Detailed Planning map (Map B), which will enable community
planning that supports and aligns with the PlanSJ Vision and Directions.
The process for detailed area planning will be primarily form -based and focus on
design strategies to carry forward the key ingredients of complete communities. The
process will be community- based and involve all City departments. It is intended to
be an intensive process with shorter timeframes than the Municipal Plan process
to allow significant progress to be made within the first five years of the Municipal
Plan's implementation. Neighbourhood plans and structure plans will address
watershed and stormwater management plans, urban design guidelines, public
transit and active transportation strategies, and plans for community improvements.
The Municipal Plan establishes criteria for determining the order in which
neighbourhoods will receive detailed area planning, and the program for
neighbourhood planning will be established following the adoption of the Municipal
Plan.
Policy 1 -15 Develop detailed neighbourhood or structure plans to implement the PIanSJ Vision
and Directions for those areas identified on the Areas for Detailed Planning map
(Map B). Council intends to undertake detailed neighbourhood planning using the
following two planning tools:
a. Neighbourhood plans for areas that are comprised of largely existing residential
neighbourhoods targeted for intensification; and
b. Structure plans for areas that are comprised of employment lands targeted for
predominantly commercial growth or undeveloped lands targeted for growth.
Policy 1 -16 Prioritize areas for detailed planning based on the following considerations:
a. The potential for growth and change;
b. The need for redevelopment, reuse, or reinvestment to stem decline;
c. The need to address a wide range of planning issues in a comprehensive manner;
d. The presence of planning issues that strategically affect the City as a whole;
CHAPTER TWELVE I IMPLEMENTATION 253
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e. The opportunity to provide significant improvements for the community;
f. The presence of a significant number of incompatible land uses;
g. The potential for development projects that could act as catalysts for positive
investment in social and economic infrastructure; and
h. The presence of community organizations and community capacity.
Policy 1 -17 With respect to the detailed area planning process, have consideration for the
following;
a. Coordinating land uses and infrastructure improvements in the area;
b. Ensuring that development supports active transportation and can integrate
public transit into surrounding land uses;
c. Creating opportunities for the development of compact, complete communities;
d. Incorporating public and commercial spaces in central areas;
e. Developing urban design guidelines and heritage strategies to reinforce sense of
place and ensure a high quality human -scale environment;
f. Developing stormwater management plans or other appropriate measures to
protect significant natural features;
g. In the case of Structure Plans, developing infrastructure plans and cost - sharing
agreements for the provision of future transportation, water and wastewater
servicing infrastructure;
h. Developing community improvement plans with priorities for capital investment in
neighbourhoods and community partnerships;
i. Any other mechanism to strengthen the area's attractiveness as both a
destination and a place to live.
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12.7
Municipal Plan
Monitoring Program
The Municipal Plan sets a clear direction in terms of how the City should grow and
change over the course of the planning period. In order to continue to meet the needs
of the community, the Municipal Plan needs to be a living document and undergo
regular monitoring and review. To accomplish this, a Municipal Plan monitoring program
will enable the Municipal Plan to be comprehensively reviewed every five years, going
beyond the requirements of the New Brunswick Community Planning Act.
Further, the Municipal Plan requires the production of an annual report card by the
City's Department of Planning and Development to provide improved transparency and
accountability for the Municipal Plan's implementation. The annual review will also
provide an opportunity to consider any non - substantive or technical changes to the
Municipal Plan. The five year review is intended to address substantive changes. The
monitoring and review metrics, included in Chapters 3 -12, are the basis for review and
monitoring of the Municipal Plan.
The Municipal Plan is a living document and may be amended from time to time to
address changing conditions or unforeseen circumstances. It is critical that future
changes be weighed against the fundamental PlanSJ Vision and Directions in the
Municipal Plan. Specifically, the Municipal Plan will recognizes the potential for
significant "game changing" trends, events or developments to emerge, given the
nature of the City's economy. In accordance with policies in the land use Chapter
of the Municipal Plan, the Plan will enable consideration of further changes and will
establish conditions and criteria under which such amendments should be considered.
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In the process of implementing the Municipal Plan there may also be a need
for amendments to address emerging land use and regulatory issues. The New
Brunswick Community Planning Act provides a process to enable the public to
propose changes to the Municipal Plan and the implementing bylaws. The Municipal
Plan establishes a commitment to ongoing community engagement as part of the
monitoring and tracking of the Municipal Plan's success.
Council shall:
Policy 1 -18 Commit to a regular review and monitoring of the policies contained in the Municipal
Plan. Opportunities for public input shall be incorporated into the Municipal Plan
monitoring and review program.
Policy 1 -19 Further to Policy 1 -18, require the City's Planning and Development Department to
conduct an annual review to:
a. Report to Council, the public, and key stakeholder groups on annual progress
towards achieving the goals of the Municipal Plan; and
b. Consider any proposed amendments that are minor in nature and do not involve
substantive changes to the Municipal Plan.
Policy 1 -20 Further to Policy 1 -18, conduct a five year comprehensive review of the Municipal
Plan to consider amendments that:
a. Would be more appropriately included as part of the annual review;
b. Relate to substantive changes to the Municipal Plan;
c. Assess the supply and demand of land within the Primary Development Area and
Intensification and Employment Areas; and
d. Relate to the monitoring of growth targets and performance measures as set out
in the Municipal Plan.
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Policy 1 -21 Notwithstanding the foregoing policies, and specifically the provisions of Policy
LU -75, where a proposed amendment addresses unforeseen circumstances or is
deemed by Council to confer significant public, economic, social or cultural impacts
to the City, consider the amendment in light of the following criteria:
a. Studies demonstrating that the proposed development will have significant long
term benefit for the City and that the proposed development does not place
an undue fiscal burden on the City or have a detrimental impact on the natural
environment;
b. The proposed development fulfills other key goals of the Municipal Plan; and
c. Appropriate opportunities are provided for public input into the consideration of
such amendments to the Municipal Plan.
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12.8 Public Participation
Council shall,
Policy 1 -22 Continue to improve opportunities for ongoing public involvement in municipal
government and decision making through methods including but not limited to:
a. Participation in Council and Council Committee processes;
b. Membership on City Boards and Commissions;
c. Attendance at town -hall meetings; and
d. The distribution of information through newsletters, electronic media, community -
based publications, social media and community organizations.
Policy 1 -23 Enhance community awareness of the Municipal Plan and planning matters in
general, through the neighbourhood planning program and ongoing improvements to
the City's planning processes.
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12.9 Implementation Monitoring
& Review Metrics
The City's Department of Planning and Development will continuously monitor and
evaluate the implementation and success of the Municipal Plan policies by regularly
reporting to Council and the community on measures including, but not limited to:
CHAPTER TWELVE ; IMPLEMENTATION 259
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Active Transportation Modes of transportation that rely on human -power
rather than machine - power. These may include cycling,
walking, running and skateboarding.
Amendment A change, addition or deletion made to a previously
adopted bylaw.
Archaeological Site A place as defined by the Government of New Brunswick
under the New Brunswick Heritage Conservation Act
where evidence of past human activities, such as
archaeological objects and features, is discovered
on, buried or partially buried beneath the land, or
submerged or partially submerged beneath the surface
of a watercourse or permanent body of water.
Arterial Street A roadway which is used to move large volumes of all
types of vehicular traffic at medium to high speeds, as
depicted on the Transportation map (Schedule C).
Brownfield Site Previously developed properties that are usually but not
exclusively, former industrial or commercial properties
that may be underutilized, derelict or vacant and that
may require remediation.
Building A structure used or intended to be used for supporting
or sheltering any use or occupancy.
Built Form Generally refers to the shape, pattern and configuration
of buildings and structures that frame streets and open
spaces. Also refers to architecture; that is, the height of
buildings, the articulation of their form and the quality of
their materials and construction.
Built -up Area Areas that are predominantly developed.
Business Centre As defined in section 3.5.2 of the Municipal Plan.
Character Corridors As defined in section 2.3.3 of the Municipal Plan.
City The City of Saint John as incorporated by Royal Charter.
City Structure Refers to the way places are arranged and provides
guidance on the relative role and hierarchy of the land
uses.
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Coastal Area As defined by the Government of New Brunswick in the
New Brunswick Clean Environment Act:
(a) the air, water and land between:
(i) the lower low water large tide, and
(ii) one kilometre landward of the higher high
water large tide or one kilometre landward of
any coastal feature, whichever extends farther
inland, or
(b) in the case of a watercourse, the air, water and
land between the lower low water large tide and
one kilometre upstream of the line joining the
associated location described in the second
and third columns of Schedule A of the New
Brunswick Regulation 90 -80 under the Clean
Water Act. Collector Street - A roadway which
is used primarily for collecting traffic from local
streets and channeling it to arterial streets, as
depicted on the Transportation map
(Schedule C).
Combined Storm and
A type of wastewater system that collects wastewater
Wastewater System
and stormwater runoff in a single pipe.
Commercial Corridor
As defined in section 3.5.3 of the Municipal Plan.
Community Centre
A building or buildings or any part of any buildings used
for community activities whether used for commercial
purposes or not, the control of which is vested in the
Municipality, a local board or agent thereof.
Community Parks Parks that serve a larger population than Neighbourhood
Parks and are accessible to residents by walking, public
transit or by vehicle. These parks are programmed to
offer a variety of both structured and unstructured
recreational and leisure opportunities, and have a
catchment area radius of 3 kilometres.
Compact Higher density development pattern that uses land in
Development a more efficient and sustainable manner, making best
use of infrastructure, preserving open space, supporting
transit and creating walkable neighbourhoods.
GLOSSARY 263
309
Complete Communities Communities that meet people's needs for daily living
throughout an entire lifetime by providing convenient
access to an appropriate mix of jobs, local services,
a full range of housing, and community infrastructure
including affordable housing, schools, recreation and
open space for their residents. Convenient access to
public transit and active transportation is also provided.
Corridor As defined in section 3.5.3 of the Municipal Plan.
Council The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Saint John.
Crime Prevention A proactive crime prevention strategy utilized
Through Environmental by planners, architects, police services, security
Design (CPTED) professionals and everyday users of space to guide the
proper design and effective use of the built environment,
leading to a reduction in the incidence and fear of crime
and improvement in the quality of life. Emphasis is
placed on the physical environment, productive use of
space, and behaviour of people to create environments
that are absent of environmental cues that cause
opportunities for crime to occur.
Cultural Landscape Defined by the World Heritage Committee as distinct
geographical areas or properties that uniquely represent,
"the combined work of nature and man ".
Density The number of dwelling units per acre of land.
Effluent A liquid, solid, or gaseous emission, such as the
discharge or outflow from an industrial, wastewater or
other process.
Employment Areas As defined in section 3.5.2 of the Municipal Plan.
Environmentally Land and water areas containing natural features or
Sensitive Areas ecological features of sufficient intrinsic significance
and value to the community to warrant their long -term
protection.
Federal Transportation As defined in section 3.7.1 of the Municipal Plan.
Areas
264 ) CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL. PLAN
310
Garden Suite An accessory dwelling to a principal residence which is
intended for the sole occupancy of one or two persons
who are typically related to the occupants of the main
dwelling.
Glazing Refers to the part of the wall made of glass, such as a
window.
Gross Residential Number of dwelling units per hectare calculated by
Density per Hectare dividing unit yield by gross residential land area. Lands
included in this calculation include schools, local
roads, parks, commercial uses, institutional buildings,
stormwater management facilities and open space but
not major transportation corridors, major open space
and regional facilities.
Ground water Any flowing or standing water below the surface of the
earth.
Growth Strategy A report produced as part of the PlanSJ process that laid
Report the foundation for the Municipal Plan by describing the
future physical pattern of land uses in the City.
Harbour Clean-Up An infrastructure initiative by the City that aims to
end the practice of discharging municipal wastewater
effluents directly into the Harbour, and other
watercourses through raw sewage outfalls.
Heavy Industrial Area As defined in section 3.5.2 of the Municipal Plan.
Heritage Conservation An area identified as being of historical, natural,
Area archaeological or cultural heritage value or interest, and
designated as a Heritage Conservation Area pursuant to
Section 55 of the New Brunswick Heritage Conservation
Act and /or the Saint John Heritage Conservation Areas
Bylaw.
Heritage Place A place designated by the Government of New Brunswick
under the New Brunswick Heritage Conservation Act.
Historic Site The traditional, documented or legendary location of an
event, occurrence, action or structure significant in the
life or lives of a person, persons, group or tribe.
GLOSSARY 265
311
Home Occupation An occupation or business which is conducted in a
portion of a dwelling unit by a person who uses the
dwelling unit as his /her primary place of residence and
which is clearly secondary to the main use as a dwelling.
Human Scale The perceived size of a building relative to a human
being, typically determined for the portion of the building
that fronts on a public street or public space.
Infill New serviced development in a built -up area, resulting in
an increase in building stock. The scale and form of infill
development is determined through applicable land use
policies and the surrounding context.
Infrastructure Physical structures and underground services that form
the foundation for development including public water
and wastewater disposal systems.
Inner Harbour The planning study prepared in November 2003 by
Land Use Plan the Saint John Waterfront Development Partnership to
create a vision for the physical transformation of the
Inner Harbour and a comprehensive policy framework for
its implementation.
Integrated Community A longterm plan, developed in consultation with
Sustainability community members in 2008, to provide direction on
Plan (ICSP) how the community might achieve its environmental,
cultural, social, and economic sustainability objectives.
Intensification The development of a property, site or area at a higher
density than currently exists through;
a) Redevelopment, including the reuse of brownfield
sites;
b) The development of vacant and /or underutilized lots
within previously developed areas;
c) Infill development; or
d) The expansion or conversion of an existing building.
Intensification Areas As defined in section 3.5.1 of the Municipal Plan.
266 S, CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
312
Land Budget Calculations prepared during the PlanSJ process to
determine forecasted growth and the land required for
employment, commercial and residential uses over the
25 year planning period.
Land Use The use of land by humans. Land use involves the
management and modification of natural environment or
wilderness into a built environment.
Land Use Designations Geographically specific categories defined by the
Municipal Plan with associated sets of land use and
management policies.
Leadership in Energy An internationally recognized green building certification
and Environmental system, providing third -party verification that a building
Design (LEED) or community was designed and built according to strict
Certification standards that promote resource management and
environmental sustainability.
Light Industrial Area As defined in section 3.5.2 of the Municipal Plan.
Live / Work
Some combination of residential and non - residential use
in the same building, usually in an urban setting. Those
who live in the building may not necessarily also work in
the same building/unit.
Local Centre
As defined in section 3.5.1 of the Municipal Plan.
Low Density
As defined in section 3.5.1 of the Municipal Plan.
Residential Area
Low Impact Land planning and engineering design approach
Development to managing stormwater runoff that emphasizes
conservation and use of on-site natural features to
protect water quality.
Low to Medium As defined in section 3.5.1 of the Municipal Plan.
Density Residential
Area
GLOSSARY 267
313
Major Community As defined in in section 3.5.4 of the Municipal Plan.
Facilities
Manufactured Housing Dwellings which are pre - manufactured in an off -site
facility and transported to the building site in one (1) or
more modules or sections, and includes modular and /or
manufactured mini homes.
Marsh Creek An initiative of the Atlantic Coastal Action Program
Restoration Initiative (ACAP) Saint John aimed at rehabilitating the Marsh
Creek system and sustainably integrating portions of it
into the urban environment.
Medium to High As defined in in section 3.5.1 of the Municipal Plan.
Density Residential
Area
Mixed -use Building A building containing a mix of residential, commercial,
community and /or institutional uses.
Mixed Use Centre As defined in in section 3.5.1 of the Municipal Plan.
Modal Share The percentage of person trips made by one travel
mode, relative to the total number of such trips made by
all modes.
Multi -modal The availability or use of more than one form of
transportation, such as automobiles, walking, cycling,
buses, rapid transit, commuter rail, trucks, air and
marine.
Municipal Plan means a municipal development plan adopted under
section 24 of the New Brunswick Community Planning
Act
Municipal Servicing Services such as public streets, stormwater, wastewater
and drinking water systems designed and capable
of servicing a lot and owned and maintained by the
municipality.
268 'P&I'ISJ CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
314
Neighbourhood Parks Parks intended to serve the residents that live within
a neighbourhood. Neighbourhood parks are typically
accessible by walking and have a catchment area radius
of 0.8 kilometres.
Neighbourhood Plan A statutory planning document, forming part of the
Municipal Plan, and providing a vision and detailed land
use plan for a neighbourhood. Neighbourhood Plans
are intended primarily for developed areas which are
targeted for further intensification by the Municipal Plan.
New Brunswick The Provincial Act that establishes the jurisdiction and
Community Planning responsibilities of municipalities within the province
Act of New Brunswick to undertake planning and related
activities.
Non - Conforming Use As defined by the New Brunswick Community Planning
Act.
Our Saint John A community vision for the future of Saint John that was
developed through extensive consultation and input
from Saint Johners and was presented to Council in
November 2007.
Park and Natural Area As defined in section 3.7.1 of the Municipal Plan.
Place of Worship A building dedicated to religious worship and includes
a church, synagogue, temple, mosque or assembly hall
and may include such accessory uses as a nursery
school, a school of religious education, convent,
monastery, or parish hall.
Planning Advisory A committee, appointed by Council, who collectively
Committee (PAC) provide advice on planning applications and planning
related matters, such as Municipal Plan amendments,
Zoning Bylaw amendments, Variances, Conditional
Uses, or Section 39 conditions of the New Brunswick
Community Planning Act.
GLOSSARY 269
315
PIanSJ Refers to the two year planning process launched by
the City in 2009 to create a new Municipal Plan in order
to guide the development of the City over the planning
period.
Primary Centre As defined in section 3.5.1 of the Municipal Plan.
Primary Corridor As defined in section 2.3.3 of the Municipal Plan.
Primary Development
As defined in section 2.3 of the Municipal Plan.
Area (PDA)
Priority
Refers to the five neighbourhoods within the urban
Neighbourhoods
core of the City including the Old North End, Crescent
Valley, the South End, Waterloo Village and the Lower
West Side. In these neighbourhoods a significant
concentration of poverty exists and all levels of
government and the non - profit sector are focusing
services and investment to support community and
social development and positive transformation.
Public Realm Public space between private buildings, including
pavements, streets, squares, and parks that are
accessible to all members of the public.
quality of Life The general wellbeing of individual Saint Johners and of
the community as a whole.
Regional Retail As defined in section 3.5.2 of the Municipal Plan.
Centres
Regional Parks Are the largest parks in the classification system and
attract residents and tourists from the Greater Saint
John Region and beyond. They typically provide both
structured and unstructured recreational opportunities
as well as a wide range of specialized uses.
Rezoning An amendment or change to the Zoning Bylaw.
Rezoning Process The process undertaken to amend or change the Zoning
Bylaw as set out in the New Brunswick Community
Planning Act.
270 Sj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
316
Ribbon Development Development in a continuous row along a main road in
a low density pattern which is inefficient for providing
municipal services.
Right -of -Way An area of land that is legally described in a registered
deed for the provision of private access.
Riparian Areas The interface between land and a river or stream.
Rural Area As defined in section 3.6 of the Municipal Plan.
Rural Industrial Area As defined in section 3.6 of the Municipal Plan.
Rural Residential Area As defined in section 3.6 of the Municipal Plan.
Rural Resource Area As defined in section 3.6 of the Municipal Plan.
Rural Settlement Area As defined in section 3.6 of the Municipal Plan,
Safe Clean Drinking A multi-faceted initiative of the City to assure high quality
potable water, treated to modern standards, is provided
Water Program to the community.
Secondary Suite One additional dwelling unit accommodated within a
principal residence on a property that would normally
accommodate only one dwelling unit.
Serviced Areas Areas that have been provided with municipal water and
wastewater servicing.
Sewer A drain, pipe or conduit intended to convey wastewater
or stormwater.
Strategic Plans Specialized studies that guide the management of the
City. They are operational guides for setting budget
priorities for programs, services and facilities consistent
with the implementation of the Municipal Plan.
Stable Area As defined in section 2.3.4 of the Municipal Plan.
Stable Commercial As defined in section 3.5.2 of the Municipal Plan.
Area
GLOSSARY 271
317
Stable Residential As defined in section 3.5.4 of the Municipal Plan.
Area
Statutory An obligation or requirement created under legislation or
by bylaw.
Streetscape The scene as may be observed along a public street,
composed of natural and man -made components
including buildings, paving, planting, street hardware
and miscellaneous structures.
Street Wall Height The height of the base of a building as it rises from
the sidewalk level. To ensure a comfortable human -
scale street enclosure, street walls should generally be
approximately three to five storeys and generally of a
height proportion that is a 1:1 ratio of the width of the
street as measured from building face to building face.
Structure Plan A statutory planning document, forming part of the
Municipal Plan, and providing a vision and detailed
land use plan for a neighbourhood. Structure Plans
are intended for employment areas targeted for
predominantly commercial growth or for undeveloped
lands targeted for growth.
Subdivision The process (and the result) of dividing a parcel of raw
land into smaller buildable sites, blocks, streets, open
space and public areas and the designation of the
location of utilities and other improvements.
Suburban As defined in section 2.3.1 of the Municipal Plan.
Neighbourhood
Intensification Area
272 P6175j CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
318
Transportation A set of strategies that result in more efficient use of
Demand Management the general transportation system by influencing travel
(TDM) behaviour by mode, time of day, frequency, trip length,
regulation, route, or cost. Examples include: carpooling,
vanpooling, and shuttle buses; parking management;
site design and on -site facilities that support transit
and walking; bicycle facilities and programs; pricing
(road tolls or transit discounts); flexible working hours;
telecommuting; high occupancy vehicle lanes; park -and-
ride; incentives for ride - sharing, using transit, walking
and cycling; initiatives to discourage drive -alone trips by
residents, employees, visitors, and students.
Tenure The form of right or title under which real property is
held, an example being owned or rented housing.
Uptown Waterfront The portion of the City's waterfront area as defined
by the Inner Harbour Land Use Plan to include lands
along the water's edge generally west of Water Street
from the Harbour Bridge south to Courtney Bay port
lands including the former Sugar Refinery site. For the
purposes of the Municipal Plan, the Uptown Waterfront
is subject to policies in the Uptown Primary Centre
designation as well as other applicable policies in the
Urban Design Chapter of the Municipal Plan. Some
lands within this area are owned by the Port and
therefore are designated as Federal Transportation to
reflect that they are within Federal jurisdiction.
Urban Design The arrangement, appearance and functionality of towns
and cities, and in particular the shaping and uses of
urban public space.
Urban Design Principles which capture the City -wide urban design
Principles elements through which the City seeks to guide and
direct development.
Urban Neighbourhood As defined in section 2.3.1 of the Municipal Plan.
Intensification Area
GLOSSARY 273
319
Urban Reserve As defined in section 3.5.4 of the Municipal Plan.
Utilities Facilities and buildings which provide necessary
transmission, support or other functions to deliver
electricity, gas, telecommunications and other utilities to
properties.
View An area of land, water, or other natural or built element
that is visible to the human eye from a fixed vantage
point from the perspective of public spaces, such as
the sidewalk or parks. Views tend to be of areas with
particular scenic, historic, or community value that are
deemed worthy of preservation for the public.
Wastewater Includes any industrial wastewater or domestic
wastewater, whether treated or untreated, containing
human, animal, vegetable or mineral matter in liquid or
solid form, in suspension or in solution.
Wastewater Treatment All or any part of a structure or device or any
Facility combination of structures or devices that are used
or intended to be used for the purpose of treating,
monitoring or holding wastewater and includes pumps,
buildings, piping, controls, other equipment and their
appurtenances.
Watercourses As defined under the New Brunswick Clean Water Act,
the full width and length, including the bed, banks, sides
and shoreline, or any part, of a river, creek, stream,
spring, brook, lake, pond, reservoir, canal, ditch or other
natural or artificial channel open to the atmosphere,
the primary function of which is the conveyance or
containment of water whether the flow be continuous or
not.
Waterfront The part of the City fronting or abutting on a body of
water.
Watershed The surface area contained within a divide above a
specific point on a river, stream, creek or other flowing
body of water, also referred to as an area that is drained
by a lake or river, and its tributaries.
274 Sj CITY OF SAINT JOHN MUNICIPAL PLAN
320
Wetland As defined under the New Brunswick Clean Water Act,
land that:
(a) either periodically or permanently, has a water
table at, near or above the land's surface or that is
saturated with water, and
(b) sustains aquatic processes as indicated by the
presence of hydric soils, hydrophilic vegetation and
biological activities adapted to wet conditions.
Zoning Bylaw A statutory instrument which divides land into zones and
establishes the uses to which land in each zone may be
put.
GLOSSARY 275
321
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322
14
Maps &Schedules
Schedule A: City Structure
Schedule B: Future Land Use
Schedule C: Transportation
Map A: PlanSJ Vision
Map B: Areas for Detailed Planning
MAPS & SCHEDULES 277
323
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Schedule A - City Structure
N
W
Intensification Areas Employment Areas Corridors Other Areas Rural Areas Comman Areas to the PDA & Rural Areas s
Primary Centre 1 Primary Centre 0000 Character Stable Area Rural Resource Area Park and Natural Area U s 2 I
r - ` j Local Centre Regional Retail Centre Primary Urban Reserve Rural Settlement Area �� Federal Transportation I
Mixed Use Centre Employment Area Commercial ... PDA �� Rural Industrial Area A-W Urban Neighbourhood � Y Suburban Neighbourhood Wr •,�
1
r-- - -- - - -- - - - - - -- - •--- •- • --•-- ------- ° ----- - - -- -� i A. Monte Cristo 1 Gault Road F. south End K. CreacentVaNay P. hlcAlllstar Centre
i
Note; The symbols and boundaries shown on this map are approximate only a. Fairville Centre G- Prince Edward Square L Somerset Q Forest Hills! Lakewood
and represent the general concepts and policies of this Plan. I M. MNIldgevNle Centre R. Trrrdwen Lake
C. Main Street West H. Waterloo Village
D. Lower West Side t Lansdowne Place N. U niverally Avenue S. Martinet to Ketape ^• 'a• .•• . • m. • •,,
i Uptown E, J. Old North End O. UNBSJ Plateau L Lornevllle s-0 ". ••••naM �•�• ••
This Schedule should be read In conjunction with the text of the wrwr loxx u
j Municipal Plan, as well as other statutory Schedules, secondary plans adopted
by Common Council and other federal• provincial or municipal pollcles that apply.
L. -. —
324
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Schedule B - Future Land Use
1I;
Boundary
Employment Areas
Rural Areas Other Areas
-,- PDA
Regional Retail Centre
Rural Settlement 1. _]Federal Transportation
+ Intensification Areas
Business Centre
Rural Resource Major Community Facility
Low Density Residential
Stable Commercial
Rural Industrial Park and Natural Areas
Low to Medium Density Residential
Heavy Industrial
Rural Residential Stable Residential
Medium to High Density Residential
Light Industrial
Urban Reserve
- Primary Centre
Corridors
- -- -- - - ---- - -- - - -- - -- - -- - -- - .._�._ -.�. - - -
Local Centre
= Commercial
Note: The symbols and boundaries shown on this map are approximate only and represent the general
concepts and policies of this Plan.
Mixed Use Centre
This Schedule should be read only In conjunction with the text of the Municipal Plan, as well as other I
statutory Schedules, secondary plans adopted by Common Council and other federal,
provincial or municipal policies apply.
- - -- - - - - - --
325
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Schedule C -Transportation
Freeway
Arterial
Collector
Local At- 'S]
Railroads
Lens f
r +a pTi'" sti
3 � � •°" .e � • r � � 2 J' "� �"�'Mir� V! -ri f J �"�'C.o � 4 l• • F
UNNSL Plateau . r' . -,.g ^• "• - u.. a" • r•..
JA
.x} k'L "k aL$al'nt Rlhn 4 y aya�
IJnhh•rshy Avenue Corridor _ IF' AlrpeR
Ir
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North Retail &Commercial Node \ .. ( Cerde ! "`'� •� ' 'sJ '� .
11pv.Sra .— G^$ le °e R
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L l �c • CoRNtDr q R Port
J a •G'�Y { r f 1 ° Lands �•r nr.w'MWIAateT
Industrial J�
Gault Rd.
•� � • Laver Woof
' s y.. tf7 r • :' �, �.F�`c_ Side
' • 5�'�
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Map A - Vision
327
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328
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Map B -Areas For Detailed Planning
0
L
Kin
PROPOSED
MUNICIPAL PLAN
PUBLIC HEARING
Public Notice is hereby given that the
Common Council of The City of Saint
John intends to consider the enacting
of a Municipal Plan By -Law affecting
all lands within the boundaries of the
City of Saint John and which would
repeal the existing Municipal Plan
By -Law, at a public hearing to be held
in the Council Chamber located on the
Lobby Level of the City Hall Building,
15 Market Square, Saint John, NB, on
Monday, December 12, 2011 at 5:30
p.m. and continuing if required in the
Council Chamber on Wednesday,
December 14, 201 1 at 5:30 p.m. It is
proposed that the City of Saint John's
existing Municipal Plan By- Law,which
is nearly 40 years old, be repealed and
replaced with the proposed Municipal
Plan By -Law in order to provide
modern direction for land use
planning, growth, development and
investment in the City as informed by
extensive technical research, best
practices and detailed feedback
received from the community through
the PlanSJ process.
The proposed Municipal Plan By -Law
may be inspected by any interested
person at the office of the Common
Clerk, or in the office of Planning and
Development, City Hall, 15 Market
Square, Saint John, N.B. between the
hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, inclusive,
holidays excepted.The proposed
Municipal Plan By -Law is also available
online at www.saintjohn.ca /plansj and
in the PlanSJ Storefront on the second
level of Brunswick Square.
Written comments on the Municipal
Plan By -Law may be submitted to the
Common Clerk by mail at the City of
Saint John Common Clerk, PO Box
1971, Saint John NB, E2L 4L1 or by
e -mail (commonclerk @saintiohn.ca).
Members of the public who wish to
address Council at the public hearing
scheduled for December 12, 2011 (and
if required continued on December 14,
2011) are asked to notify the Common
Clerk in advance of the hearing to have
their names added to the speakers' list.
Staff will also be available outside of
the Council Chamber one half hour
prior to the public hearing to add to
the speakers' list.
Any member of the public who wishes
to address Council may do so even if
their names are not on the speakers'
list.
If you require French services for a
Common Council meeting, please
contact the office of the Common
Clerk.
The proposed Municipal Plan By -Law
will also be considered by the Planning
Advisory Committee (the "Committee")
at a meeting to be held in the Council
Chamber on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
at 6:00pm. Members of the public may
address the Committee at the meeting
or submit comments in writing not later
than Monday, November 28, 2011 by
mail addressed to the Planning
Advisory Committee, City of Saint John
Planning and Development Depart-
ment P.O. Box 1971 Saint John, N.B. E2L
4L1, by email at planning @saintjohn.ca
or by fax at 506 - 658 -2837.
The proposed by -law may be read by
section number only if no member of
Council objects.
Elizabeth Gormley, Common Clerk
658 -2862
SAINT JOHN The City of SZint,ohn
CJ
PROJET DE MODIFICATION
DU PLAN MUNICIPAL
AUDIENCE PUBLIQUE
Par les presentes, un avis public est
donne par lequel le conseil communal
de The City of Saint John indique son
intention d'adopter un arrete sur le
plan municipal relatif a tous les terrains
se trouvant clans les limites de The City
of Saint John, lequel abrogerait I'Arrete
en vigueur portant sur I'adoption d'un
plan municipal, lors d'une audience
publique devant se derouler clans la
salle du conseil,au niveau du hall
d'entree, a I'h6tel de ville, au 15, Market
Square, Saint John (Nouveau -
Brunswick), le lundi 12 decembre 2011
a 17 h 30. La seance pourrait egale-
ment, au besoin, se poursuivre clans la
salle du conseil le mercredi 14 decem-
bre 2011 a 17 h 30. II est propose que
I'arrete actuel concernant le plan
d'amenagement municipal de The City
of Saint John, qui en place depuis pres
de 40 ans, soit abroge et remplace par
le projet d'arrete concernant le plan
municipal, afin d'offrir une orientation
moderne a la planification,a la
croissance et a I'amenagement du
territoire ainsi qu'a l'investissement
clans la ville,6 la lumiere des recherches
techniques poussees, des meilleures
pratiques et de la retroaction detaillee
obtenue par suite de consultations
avec la collectivite clans le cadre du
processus du PlanSJ.
Toute personne interestee peut
examiner le projet d'arrete sur le plan
municipal au bureau de la greffiere
communale ou au bureau du service
Urbanisme et developpement a I'h6tel
de ville situe au 15, Market Square,6
Saint John, au Nouveau - Brunswick,entre
8 h 30 et 16 h 30, du lundi au vendredi,
sauf les jours feries. Le futur Arrete
portant sur ('adoption d'un plan
municipal peut egalement titre consulte
en ligne a I'adresse
www.saintjohn.ca /plansj ainsi qu'au
bureau du projet PlanSJ siue au
deuxieme etage du centre Brunswick
Square.
Les commentaires ecrits sur le projet
d'arrete sur le plan municipal peuvent
titre adresses par courrier a la greffiere
communale,The City of Saint John, C.P
1971, Saint John (N. -B.), E2L 41_1 ou par
courriel a I'adresse suivante :
commonclerk @saintjohn.ca.
Les membres du public qui souhaitent
se presenter devant le conseil lors de
I'audience publique du 12 decembre
2011 (et le cas echeant le 14 decembre
2011) doivent en informer a I'avance la
greffiere communale pour qu'elle
puisse ajouter leur nom a la liste des
intervenants. Le personnel sera present
a 1'exterieur de la salle du conseil une
demi -heure avant le debut de
I'audience publique pour ajouter le
nom des personnes qui souhaitent
s'exprimer devant le conseil.
Les membres du public qui desirent se
presenter devant le conseil peuvent le
faire, meme si leur nom ne figure pas
sur la liste des intervenants.
Si vous exigez des services en fran4ais
pour une reunion du conseil commu-
nal, veuillez communiquer avec le
bureau de la greffiere communale.
Le projet d'arrete sur le plan municipal
fera egalement ('objet d'un examen par
le Comite consultatif d'urbanisme (le
Comite ») lors de la reunion qui se
tiendra clans la salle du conseil le mardi
6 decembre 2011 a 18 h. Les membres
du public peuvent s'adresser au Comite
lors de la reunion ou transmettre leurs
commentaires par ecrit le lundi 28
novembre 2011 au plus tard en les
adressant au Comite consultatif
d'urbanisme,The City of Saint John,
Urbanisme et developpement, C.P.
1971, Saint John (Nouveau- Brunswick)
E2L 4L1, en les envoyant par courriel a
I'adresse suivante :
planning @saintjohn.ca,ou par
telecopieur au 506 - 658 -2837.
Le projet de reglement ne sera lu
section par section que si aucun
membre du conseil n'a d'objection.
li abeth Gormley, greffiere communale
3 -2862
Planning
Advisory Committee
December 8, 2011
Your Worship and Councillors:
P.O. Box 1971 506 658 -2800
Saint John
New Brunswick
Canada E2L 4L1
SUBJECT: Proposed Municipal Plan
On November 14, 2011 Common Council referred the above matter to the
City of Saint John
Planning Advisory Committee for a report and recommendation. The Committee
considered the attached report at its December 5, 2011 meeting. A total of three
people spoke to the Committee; one in favour and two opposed to the Plan:
Steve Carson of Enterprise Saint John spoke in favour of the proposed Municipal
Plan. He spoke of the substantial level of public engagement which took place
throughout the two year process to develop the Municipal Plan and Enterprise
Saint John's ongoing involvement in the process. He also highlighted that the
proposed Economic Prosperity chapter of the Plan is strongly aligned with their
economic development initiatives and complemented the process to create it, as it
reflected the input and feedback received from their stakeholders and passed onto
the P1anSJ team throughout the process-.
Michael Saunders and Doug McKiel both spoke in opposition to the proposed
Municipal Plan. They both own land that is affected by the Plan and they
expressed concern regarding the potential limitations for development of their
property in the future. Both residents requested a re- examination of the reasons
behind the proposed land use designations on their property and consideration to
change the land uses to others with more development potential.
Staff advised that Council will be provided with a Response to Public Input
document, which will compile all of the written and oral submissions and provide
a recommendation regarding where changes could be considered. This report will
also be made available to the public so everyone who made a submission can
understand the reasoning behind the recommendation to Council, with respect to
their specific submission.
330
9ta
In addition to the presentations, the Committee received one written submission
(copy attached). The Committee also had for its information, copies of the written
submissions already received by Common Council in response to the October 11,
2011 public presentation of the proposed Municipal Plan.
After considering the report, presentations and written submissions, the
Committee unanimously decided to recommend that Common Council adopt the
proposed Municipal Plan.
RECOMMENDATION:
That Common Council adopt the proposed Municipal Plan.
Resp tfiilly submitted,
array
Chairman
Attachments
331
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
FOR:
PREPARED BY:
DECEMBER 2, 2011
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
COMMUNITY PLANNING PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
MEETING OF DECEMBER 6, 2011
Jacqueline Hamilton, MCIP, RPP
Deputy Commissioner
SUBJECT:
REVIEWED BY:
Ken Forrest, MCIP, RPP
Commissioner
This report addresses the PAC's consideration of the proposed new Municipal Plan which was provided
to the Committee on October 18ffi 2011 following Council's initiation of the adoption process.
JURISDICTION OF COMMITTEE:
The Community Planning Act gives PAC the authority to express its views to Common Council on
planning matters and requires Council to seek the views of its PAC prior to the adoption of a Municipal
Plan.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO COMMITTEE:
That the Planning Advisory Committee recommends Common Council adoption of the proposed
Municipal Plan.
BACKGROUND:
On September 26th following a extensive public engagement process reaching out to thousands of Saint
Johners and careful consideration of the Plan by the PlanSJ Citizen Advisory Committee, Common
Council voted to initiate the formal adoption process for the proposed Municipal Plan. The Plan will
3
2�11
SAINT JOHN P.O. Box 1971 Saint John, NB Canada E2L 4L1 9 www.saiNohn.ca C.P. 1971 Saint john, N. B. Canada E2L 4L1
332
PAC review of the Proposed Municipal Plan 2 December 2, 2011
replace the nearly 40 year old existing Plan with a comprehensive leading edge document grounded in
best practices for urban development and significant community support. This process - branded P1anSJ
- involved significant public engagement championed by a thirteen member P1anSJ Citizen Advisory
Committee which was comprised of ten citizens, two Councillors and a member of the PAC (Gerry
Lowe). The Committee presented its report to Council in September endorsing the proposed Municipal
Plan. The community engagement was innovative including a P1anSJ storefront in Brunswick Square,
nine major community engagements, a targeted youth engagement, three PlanSJ videos, and more than
50 presentations to community groups. The feedback received is summarized in four engagement
reports which are included on the City's website (www.saintjohn.calplansi) along with all research
materials completed during the 20 month process to create the Plan. it resulted in unprecedented levels
of community participation and a "made in Saint John" Municipal Plan.
Common Council recently concluded one of the first steps in the adoption process; a month long Public
Presentation period during which members of the public were invited to provide written submissions to
Council on the proposed new Municipal Plan. On November 10, 2011, following the completion of the
Public Presentation period, Council set a public hearing date of December 12th to consider adoption of
the proposed new Municipal Plan and referred the Plan to the Planning Advisory Committee for its
review and consideration. More than 30 written submissions were received during the Public
Presentation period from a wide range of stakeholder organizations and individuals. These are included
in PAC's package and will form part of the public record for the adoption process for the Municipal
Plan. Following PAC's receipt of the proposed Municipal Plan at its October meeting, the Planning
Advisory Committee met on November 1St to receive a full technical briefing of the Plan in preparation
for its consideration on December 6th.
The public hearing is the final opportunity for public input before the Plan is given first and second
reading and then third reading and adoption. The public hearing will be held in Council Chambers at
beginning at 5:30 p.m on December 12th. Staff will provide a brief overview of the Plan, followed by
an opportunity for members of the public to express their views on the Plan. Given the likelihood of a
large number of speakers, the Clerk's office is requesting that members of the public who wish to
address Council contact the Clerk's Office in advance of the hearing to be added to a speakers list so
they can be accommodated on a first come first serve basis. Also, Council has set aside a reserve
hearing date of Wednesday December 14th at 5:30 pm should the hearing need to be continued.
Advertising for the Plan is underway and includes ads in the local newspaper, radio and electronic
communications.
Staff is a preparing a "Response to Public Input Report" which will address all of the submissions
received from the public during the Public Presentation, PAC review and at the Public Hearing for the
Municipal Plan. Staff will provide recommendations to Council prior to adoption of the Plan on whether
or not further amendments are required to address the feedback received. It is anticipated that Council
will give first and second reading and adoption of the Plan early in the New Year.
The purpose of this report is to give a high level overview of the Plan and provide a formal
recommendation from staff to guide the PAC consideration of the Plan.
333
PAC review of the Proposed Municipal Plan 3 December 2, 2011
INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES:
The proposed Municipal Plan has been prepared on the guidance of a senior staff Steering Committee
representing Departments across the organization and the Council- appointed PlanSJ Citizen Advisory
Committee; both committees have endorsed the Municipal Plan. PAC through its representative on the
PlanSJ Citizen Advisory Committee has also helped to shape the proposed Municipal Plan.
ANALYSIS:
The proposed Municipal Plan is a comprehensive guide for development and investment in the City of
Saint John ensuring decisions by the City over the course of the 25 year planning period of the
Municipal Plan are made in the long term best interests of the whole community. It represents a
fundamental shift in the City of Saint John's future; one grounded in a more sustainable and compact
pattern of growth for the City. It is a holistic plan which will shape how the City develops and delivers
infrastructure and services to enrich the quality of life for its citizens.
The City's new direction for growth and change, as described in the Municipal Plan, focuses on:
• Increasing quality of life and the attractiveness of the City;
• Targeting development to support a strengthened urban core and enriched priority neighbourhoods and to
encourage the development of more dense and sustainable suburban development in select locations to
sustain the community's economic development;
• Creating more complete neighbourhoods and communities;
• Providing land use and investment certainty to residents and businesses;
• Providing land for development based on current projections for population and job growth;
• Planning in a holistic manner to consider economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability.
The Municipal Plan provides a sound basis for decision making over the next 25 years and will be
reviewed regularly to ensure policies address the identified goals and outcomes. The Municipal Plan
includes a vision, directions, goals and policies which support a preferred city structure and land use
pattern that identifies priority areas for growth and change to capitalize on the City's unique assets and
the municipal investments already made in infrastructure. The framework for future land use aims to use
land more efficiently and gain the most benefit for the community from growth and development by:
• Limiting urban and rural sprawl by directing the majority of growth within the Primary
Development Area encompassing the urban and suburban core of the city and managing growth
in rural areas to protect parks and natural features and rural resources;
• Creating a hierarchy of development with the highest intensity of uses in the Primary Centres
and the lowest intensity in the Rural Areas;
• Directing the majority of new employment uses to Primary Centres and Employment Areas to
promote economic prosperity;
• Directing the majority of new housing to Primary, Local and Mixed Use Centres and
Neighbourhood Intensification Areas;
Creating an integrated mix of land uses in Centres and appropriate parts of Neighbourhood
Intensification Areas;
Recognizing the important role of urban design in city - building and establishing policies to
foster high quality, attractive and functional development in the public and private realm;
334
PAC review of the Proposed Municipal Plan 4 December 2, 2011
n Using Corridors to connect Employment Areas, Centres, Neighbourhood Intensification Areas,
and Stable Areas.
This Municipal Plan:
✓ Has been created based on the input from Saint Johners through the efforts of the largest public
engagement exercise ever undertaken by the City;
✓ Is based on a compelling community -wide vision that supports a compact growth pattern within
the Primary Development Area, to maximize the use of existing public infrastructure;
✓ Provides housing choice for residents and investors by focusing most of the future residential
growth in six urban and four suburban neighbourhoods across the City;
✓ Supports and encourages economic diversification and greater investment in public
transportation and active transportation infrastructure by focusing investment;
✓ Puts forward progressive environmental policies and challenges our community to embrace
better design standards for development; and
✓ Takes a holistic approach to land use planning that is linked to investment and uses a progressive
monitoring and review program to ensure accountability.
The Plan reflects the significant research and public engagement which has been carried out over the
course of the last 20 months. It is supported by four public engagement reports, many research reports
including a Technical Background Report, population and employment forecasts, a fiscal impact study
and a Growth Strategy which was endorsed by Council as a framework for the Municipal Plan.
CONCLUSION:
PianSJ has been one of the City's most comprehensive community engagement efforts leading to the
development of a progressive "made -in -Saint John" Municipal Plan. The proposed Municipal Plan
has been developed in collaboration with the Council- appointed Plan SJ Citizen Advisory Committee
who are recommending Council adoption to set the course for a more sustainable and compact Saint
John over the course of the next 25 years.
Planning staff recommend that PAC forward a positive recommendation on to Common Council
supporting Council adoption of the proposed Municipal Plan. The City's Planning Advisory Committee
will play an important role in implementing and monitoring the Municipal Plan once it receives adoption
by Council and is enacted as a bylaw of the City.
lAI
335
3
Lockhart, Lynda
From: Jane MCKIel <ajanemckiel @hotmail.com>
Sent: November -28 -11 4:05 PM
To: External - Planning
Subject: future land use zoning as proposed by plan SJ
To Whom It May Concern;
Once again, we find ourselves as long time landowners and taxpayers in The City of Saint John, having to fight for our
rights as landowners. The sweeping by -law changes that Plan SJ wants implemented into law, governing the majority of
landowners will certainly go a long way into stagnating the growth of the City. We strongly oppose the zoning proposal
change to our property, that adversely affect our land and plan to address the Committee voicing this opposition.
Sincerely;
Jane McKiel
Doug McKiel
336
SUPPORTING THE PLANSJ OPPORTUNITY
City of Saint John
December 12, 2011
091FA
UIYTVNN
s a i n t j h n
Successful City Cores
Successful city cores are borne from
Shared visions
Partnerships
USJI applauds the City on PlanSJ
Inclusive and iterative framework
Cooperative development of this solid plan forms the
basis of creating the best future possible for the City of
SJ and its residents
U PT N
s a i n t j h n
091.0
Successful City Cores Do Exist
ai
They are a region's heartbeat!
UPTF`rivVN
s a i n t j o- h n
OCRI,
m�a
Saint John's Changing Demographics
Between 1986 and 2006
City's core population J� by 8,000
Population J� occurred in 9 inner -city census tracts
700 dwellings became unoccupied (primarily rental)
4,351 residents left
It's time to reverse the hollowing of the SJ City core
Implementation of the PlanSJ City Core Neighbourhood
Plan is well-grounded
Improving the quality of life will strengthen City core
U PT N
s a i n t j h n
MAC
Overcoming Suburbanization
Saint John has seen an out - migration to bedroom communities
Today, only 50% of CMA residents live in the core compared to 80% in the 1960s
Creating a dynamic urban core will reverse the out - migration trend
140000
120000
100000
80000
60000
40000
20000
0
1951 1956 1961 1966 1971 1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006
❑ Saint John CMA ■ City of Saint John
341
U PT N
s a i n t j h n
SJ Starting to Turn the Corner
Housing starts are tied to population and economic trends
SJ's economy is in an upswing, housing starts and population are T
1,800
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
❑ Moncton Housing Starts ■ Saint John Housing Starts
342
UPTVWN
s a i n t j h n
SJ Starting to Turn the Corner
Rental vacancy rates show that SJ's economy is healthy
Vacancy rate shows that workers are flocking to the City core
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
t Moncton Vacancy Rate --E-- Saint John Vacancy Rate
343
UPTOWN
s a i n t f a h n
Will strengthening SJ's City
core improve inner -City
living conditions?
4
sly
r.
=w
�k
OEM-
,�. USJI believes it will!
_.Mwz� a,t
344
The "New Urbanism"
Designed to reverse population declines in city core populations
throughout North America
Offer a variety of people a variety of opportunities
What is driving "new urbanism "?
Cultural attitudes
Seinfield and other sitcoms show that an urban
lifestyle has much to offer
Economic /sustainability forces
People are more conscious of their impact on the
environment— reducing commuting costs is also
environmentally beneficial
Changing norms
The Avelifeuptown movement
MR
UPTVNN
s a i n t j h n
�a
It's Happening in Other Cities
Montreal
Respected architect Phyllis Lambert launched an investment fund to revitalize
housing stock
Vancouver
Affordable housing targets are set for the entire community and they are tracked by
neighbourhood so that the best intentions do not deepen economic segregation
Saskatoon
Home - ownership co- operatives have revitalized many city blocks
Others
Numerous other North American cities offer a myriad of housing incentives and
community development initiatives to strengthen their cores
U PT N
s a i n t j h n
Mt
SJ's New Urbanism is Afoot
SJ has developers that are progressive in design details
and they are making a difference by offering quality
housing options
J also `
III FIryE�
We are strengthening and building upon our existing
assets
FT l
s a i n t j h n
347
City Core Population Generators
People want to move here!
We can do more to attract people to the city core
Offer housing alternatives other than single - family dwellings
Condos
Garden homes
Infill housing
Repurposed heritage buildings
Upper floors development
Build on our existing assets
Heritage
Varie
so 1■.
Architecture Strengthen what we know best
Waterfront
01I:
UIYTVNN
s a i n t j h n
City Core Population Generators
We can do more to attract people to the city core (cont'd)
Connectivity
Trails and bikeways
Public transit
Commuter options
Culture
Walkability
Streetscapes
Restaurants
Entertainment venues
B
Vibrancy will generate growth!
01LO,
�T
s
UPTVNN
s a i n t j h n
SJ's New Urbanism is Afoot
The City is actively working on connecting inner -City
neighbourhoods and the outlying communities
SJ's culture is alive and thriving!
fYTVW N
s a i n t j h n
MIN
The PlanSJ Opportunity
PIanSJ is the tipping point for Saint John
It provides the tools and roadmap to plan a progressive and
sustainable future
USJ I will assist the City where necessary
We want to work closely with the City on the development and
implementation of the City Core Neighbourhood Plan
We have a dedicated and active team that is ready and willing to
help
Great things are already happening
Now is the time to ride the momentum wave
We can make significant advances by 2015
351
UIYTVNN
s a i n t j h n
QUESTIONS?
352
UPTVWN
s a i n t j h n