2019-04-16 Growth Committee Agenda Packet - OpenHr
City of Saint John
Growth Committee - Open Session
AGENDA
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
11:30 am
8th Floor Common Council Chamber (Ludlow Room), City Hall
1. Call to Order
Pages
1.1 Approval of Minutes - March 21, 2019 1 -4
1.2 Guest Presenter: Yan Del Valle
1.3 2018 Reporting and 2019 Outlook 5-29
1.3.1 2018 Growth Work Plan Overview
1.3.2 2019 Growth Targets and Key Initiatives
1.3.3 Growth Info -Graphics 30-31
1.4 Saint John Local Immigration Partnership 32-36
1.5 Vacant and Dangerous Buildings Program: Growth Reserve Fund Request 37-46
Growth Committee Meeting
Open Session
March 21, 2019
MINUTES - OPEN SESSION GROWTH COMMITTEE MEETING
MARCH 21, 2019 AT 2:30 P.M.
8T" FLOOR COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBER (Ludlow Room), CITY HALL
Present: Mayor D. Darling
Deputy Mayor S. McAlary
Councillor J. MacKenzie
Councillor B. Armstrong
Councillor R. Strowbridge
Also
Present: City Manager J. Collin
Commissioner Growth and Community Development J. Hamilton
Deputy Commissioner Building and Inspection Services A. Poffenroth
Deputy Commissioner Growth and Community Development P. Ouellette
Population Growth Manager D. Dobbelsteyn
Manager Infrastructure Development H. Young
Administrative Assistant K. Tibbits
1. Meeting Called To Order
Mayor Darling called the Growth Committee open session meeting to order.
1.1 Approval of Minutes — February 12, 2019
Moved by Councillor MacKenzie, seconded by Councillor Armstrong:
RESOLVED that the minutes of February 12, 2019 be approved.
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1.2 2018 Year -End Reporting and 2019 Outlook
1.2.1 Economic Development Greater Saint John
(Mr. Gaudet, Mr. Oland, Mr. McPherson, Mr. Lawson and Ms. Crozier entered the meeting)
Mr. Oland, chair of EDGSJ, stated that the two main objectives for 2018 were the achievement
of the key performance indicators and the development of a three year work plan, which is
focused on growing the labour force in greater Saint John.
Growth Committee Meeting
Open Session
March 21, 2019
There are many unfilled jobs in the City. It is not an issue of not having jobs in Saint John but
having skill sets and people to fill those jobs. The target in 2019 is to fill 350 of these unfilled
jobs. To date, 220 of those have been successfully filled. EDGSJ assists local companies by
reviewing their hiring practices, matching people with jobs, and assisting to re -skill people to fill
these vacant positions. A job database has recently been developed to match and recruit skill
sets to unfilled jobs.
In response to a question, Mr. Gaudet stated that not enough is being done to positively market
Saint John and surrounding areas.
Moved by Deputy Mayor McAlary, seconded by Councillor Armstrong:
RESOLVED that the presentation from Economic Development Greater Saint John, be received
for information.
MOTION CARRIED.
1.2.2 Develop Saint John
(Mr. Irving, Mr. Carson, Ms. Comeau, Mr. Cyr, Mr. Power and Ms. Magee entered the meeting)
Mr. Power stated that the mission of Develop SJ is to increase the tax base by working together
as a team with other agencies and people. A positive customer centred experience is
fundamental. It is also necessary to have a common theme and a common vision to identify
our value proposition and our brand.
Mr. Carson, referring to the submitted report, stated that three catalytic projects, identified as
a new school in the Southern Peninsula, Fundy Quay site and Route 1 Interchange project, were
selected in 2018 to drive growth and leverage private sector investment. Develop SJ is involved
with 55 active projects with a potential tax base lift of $463M. Not all of these projects will
come to fruition but they are optimistic that a number of them will move forward.
Develop SJ assists developers through the process of securing funds, site acquisition and
preparation, building permits, construction and other overcoming other challenges.
Moved by Deputy Mayor McAlary, seconded by Councillor Armstrong:
RESOLVED that the presentation from Develop Saint John, be received for information.
MOTION CARRIED.
1.3 Growth and Community Development Services — Customer Service Enhancements
Mr. Collin stated that the goal is to enhance good customer service into better customer
service. The organization is being re -aligned to focus on the growth agenda. Growth and
Community Development services are undertaking initiatives to enhance customer service and
responsiveness to the client.
Growth Committee Meeting
Open Session
March 21, 2019
Ms. Hamilton stated that the customer relationship is a key priority and the Project Champion
program, in which point people are assigned to key projects, assists the developer in navigating
the process, anticipate issues and develop solutions for positive outcomes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor McAlary, seconded by Councillor Armstrong:
RESOLVED that the Growth committee approve the following:
That the submitted report be received for information; the presentation be provided to
Common Council at the meeting of March 25, 2019; that staff move forward with client
engagement and deliver customer service enhancements that are responsive to client needs;
and that regular updates be provided to the Growth Committee and Council at key milestones.
1.4 Development Incentive Programming
Ms. Hamilton stated that improvements and reforms to the development incentive programs
are being reviewed to enhance the suite of offerings.
1.4.1 Urban Development Incentive Pilot Program/Beautification Grant
Mr. Reid commented on the Urban Development Incentive Program and Beautification
Program, outlining the recommended amendments to these policies. Referring to the
submitted report, Mr. Reid reviewed some of improvements that occurred in the Southern
Peninsula due to the incentive programs.
Minor amendments are being proposed to the Beautification Grant Policy such as extending
eligibility to exterior painting of side yards under certain circumstances; improving
administration of the program; and aligning the program with the Central Peninsula
Neighbourhood Plan.
Referring to the Urban Development Incentive Program, Mr. Reid reviewed the program's
performance and commented on the policy amendments and impact.
Moved by Deputy Mayor McAlary, seconded by Councillor Armstrong:
RESOLVED that the Growth Committee:
• Receive and file the Urban Development Incentive and Urban Beautification Pilot
Program Evaluation (2016-2018) presentation;
• Adopt the amended Urban Beautification Grant policy and recommend for approval to
Common Council;
• Authorize staff to proceed with amendments to the Urban Development Incentive
Program for Common Council's consideration as outlined in the submitted report.
MOTION CARRIED.
1.4.2 Heritage Development Grant: Growth Reserve Fund Request
Growth Committee Meeting
Open Session
March 21, 2019
The recommendation to increase the Heritage Grant budget by $80K is based on two
considerations:
• 55% of the budget has already been earmarked; it is expected that the entire budget
will be allocated before peak application season
• Adding aluminum -clad wood windows to the list of ineligible materials; anticipated that
the demand for reimbursement of these windows will be high
Staff recommends that the reimbursement of aluminum clad wood windows only be
implemented with the approval of the $80K increase to the grant budget as a one year test
program. Staff is also proposing that this grant be made available to all heritage property
owners, not just those with conservation plans, to provide access and opportunity to those
buildings that would benefit most strongly.
Deputy Mayor McAlary expressed concern with the proposed increase, noting that it was not
approved in the operating budget, and Council publicly stated that there was no extra money to
support heritage grants.
Mr. Collin noted that there is currently over $600K in the Growth Reserve Fund. The
recommendation is to withdraw $80K from this fund for the Heritage Grant program.
Moved by Councillor MacKenzie, seconded by Councillor Armstrong:
RESOLVED that the Growth Committee make the following recommendation to Common
Council:
That Common Council authorize the transfer of a maximum of $80,000 from the Growth
Reserve Fund to increase the 2019 Heritage Grant Program operating budget; and that
amendments to the Heritage Grant Program Policy as outlined in the submitted report be
approved.
MOTION CARRIED with Deputy Mayor McAlary voting nay.
1.5 Vacant and Dangerous Buildings Program: Growth Reserve Fund Request
Moved by Councillor MacKenzie, seconded by Councillor Strowbridge:
RESOLVED that item 1.5 Vacant and Dangerous Buildings Program: Growth Reserve Fund
Request, be deferred to the next Growth Committee meeting.
MOTION CARRIED.
Adjournment
Moved by Councillor MacKenzie, seconded by Councillor Strowbridge:
RESOLVED that the open session meeting of the Growth Committee be adjourned.
MOTION CARRIED.
-W
pf
ti
is all about GROWTH
is all about GROWTH
Key growth partner
Uptown
• Port Saint John
• Saint John Airport
• Post Secondary Training and Labour
(GNB)
• Population Growth Division (GNB)
• Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency
• YMCA Newcomer Connections
• University of New Brunswick — Saint
John
• Local Immigration Partnership
4
• Regional Chamber
• Opportunities New Brunsv
• Labour Market Team (GNB
• Saint John Newcomer Ceni
• PRUDE
• Local Associations
• The Chamber
• Atlantic Human Services
• New Brunswick Communit
Economic Development Greater Saint John 2018 Year-En'l
Report
Develop ® - iiii l�
im ii iiiii w w
Growth
and
Growth and Community
Developi
Year-EndPopulation
Services 2018
Report
Discover i - G iiii
iii iii iiiii w w
5 9
Financial Overview (excluding capital)
Investment
0:
Economic Development Agencies
$2,329,497
• Develop Saint John
• Discover Saint John
• Economic Development Greater Saint John
Economic and Cultural Facilities
$4,876,776
• RF: Trade and Convention Centre
• RF: Harbour Station
• RF: Harbour Station
• RF: Imperial Theatre
• RF: Saint John Arts Centre
• Saint John City Market
• Market Square
Growth and Community Development Services
$5,230,653
10
$12,436,926
Financial Overview (Other)
Neighbourhood
Growth Fund ($350,00/year)* Operating reserve $814,580.24
7 11
2018 Summary
2018 Summary
City Active
City De i� eired
City Active
Launch Newcomer Guide
Host welcome ceremonies for newcomers
Conduct research on living in SJ
City/YMC Active
A Newcomer success stories
0
0 Net • • at least $•11 111
IF 11 T1111 lmazuesm. mansimsmaeogromm �e
•,'
• This represents a potential of >112 new jobs and >14M in business
investment
a! Le Centre the
cheNewcomers de nouveaux arrivants 4 § V
ECONOMIC Centre de Saint-Jean
The S nt John
DEVELOPMENT
'MINI OOR014 00
11 15
Uptown S1 ate i� eired
EDGS1 Active
PETL Active
YMCA Active
SJUP Active
Host apartment/condo tours of Uptown
International Business/ Employee Relocation
Predictive model on local job needs
Launch Youth Retention Task Force & Youth on
program
Profile most successful immigrants
Landings of Permanent Residents
Percentage of Economic Immigrants
Net Increase of New Residents
835
1075
0 n M r
82%
70%
Exceed
432
>400
Exceed
SJ LIP —Release of Settlement Strategy Delayed —Connected to new Succeed;
by 2018
Reduction in interprovincial migration
compared to 2016 Census
W,AV
13 17
-795
EDGS1/ Active
City
Pursuit of Filling Unfilled Jobs initiative
im
City De i� ere Water Rate Analysis on Vacant Properties
City Active
City Deferred
Industrial raw water to the eastside
Development Signage Policy
19
Develop Active
si/city
Support the redevelopment of Fundy Quay
20
•
cityDeferred 5-10 Year Economic Plan
Agency
City Active
Capital Investment Strategy for Neighbourhood
City De i� ere Development and distribution of growth info gr;
21
$75 million tax base increase
PlanSJ Geographic Targets
- 95% development in PDA
- 85% development in Intensification areas
Permit Turnaround Time
- Tier 1— 5 business days
- Tier 2 —10 business days
- Tier 3 — 20 business days
Vacant and Dangerous Buildings Program
- 75 resolved cases
Community Standards Program
- 25 resolved cases
Development Incentive Program
- $150,000 of leveraged facade upgrades / 20 projects
Heritage Development Grant
- Pay out minimum of 95% of grant budget by Nov. 30
25 new start-ups
845 new and retained jobs
DevelopSJ $29.6 million in tax
55 active projects
GCDS 90% in PDA
59% in intensificati(
GCDS Tier 1 -
3.8
Tier 2
- 8.3
Tier 3
- 9.4
GCDS 83 total closed case
50 repaired/reoccul
demolitions)
GCDS 75 total resolved ca
GCDS 41 approved propei
$551,636 estimatec
investment
GCDS 29 approved propel
$381,012 esti matec
investment
EDGSJ 37 start-ups
EDGSJ 821 hired
22 896 announced job
2019 Growth Outlook
2
0
L
Preparation and development associated with CM
destination marketing fund
Begin the implementation of the Succeed and Stay
Project and continuation of Population Growth
Framework
Finalize new Heritage Bylaw
GCDS
GCDS
X
11
13
Pursue three catalytic growth infrastructure projects DevelopSJ/GCDS (
Introduce new City Hall
Develop and implement strategic communications
framework
21 25
Cl
CM
16
W
Recommend renewal and updates to Development GCDS C
Incentive Program
Digital rendering of Neighborhood Plan
22
26
GCDS
2019 Growth Projects
Economic
Development •
Greater Saint
John
Develop Saint
John
Discover Saint
John
Growth and
Community •
Development •
Services
Increase in employment —from 62,500 to 64,062
Increase in labour force — from 66,600 to 68,265
Increase GDP 0.5% greater than provincial GDP
Increase in Consumer Confidence — from 99.1% to 100.'-
Support
00.:
Support $50 million in tax base growth
To be presented in May to Growth Committee
Permit Turnaround:Tier 1-5 days/Tier 2-10 days/Tier 3-2
Vacant and Dangerous Buildings Program - 75 resolved
Community Standards Program - 85 resolved cases
Development Grant- $150,000 of leveraged investment
projects / $2.5 million in leveraged private sector invest
(incentive program)
Heritage Grant- $240,000 of leveraged investment/20 p
Population Growth —Admission of 1,075 PRs / net popu
increase
City of Saint Produce 20 growth improvements and 20 customer ser
John enhancements within rnunicipal departments
• Continue to play role as stewards and ambassadors to
• Mid -year reporting from agencies and targets
• New expectation letters towards year-end
• Receive recommendations on new aligned economic
development model
• Each meeting to begin with a "Growing in Saint John"
presentation
• Ensure regular reporting and updating on growth activi
Common Council
• Link growth -related efforts to ongoing fiscal challenges
25 29
892
new jobs in
1
1 41
GROWTH COMMITTEE REPORT
M&C No. # fol'tild cm sharelpoil t
Report Date April 09, 2019
Meeting Date April 16, 2019
Service Area Growth and Community
Development Services
His Worship Mayor Don Darling and Members of the Growth Committee
SUBJECT: Saint John Local Immigration Partnership
OPEN OR CLOSED SESSION
This matter is to be discussed in open session of Common Council.
AUTHORIZATION
Primary Author
Commissioner/Dept. HeadCity
Manager
Phil Ouellette/David
Dobbelsteyn
Jacqueline Hamilton
John Collin
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that:
Growth Committee endorses a recommendation to Common Council that
the City of Saint John apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Canada for funding to host the Saint John Local Immigration Partnership
starting in 2020.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
"Saint John will be a City whose population is growing because new residents
from around the world across Canada and New Brunswick choose our
community as their new home" — Population Growth Framework
r n n+ov+
A local immigration partnership (LIP) is Federally -funded local initiative that aims
to improve settlement and integration outcomes for newcomers in its host
community, and to strengthen the community's ability to better meet the needs
of newcomers. LIPs promote strategic alignment of its partners' plans and
priorities, facilitates their collaboration across sectors, and mobilizes
engagement and resources to develop effective responses to complex and
persistent barriers and challenges. LIPs are not legal corporations, but are
typically hosted by an agreement holder.
WA
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There are over 77 LIPs across Canada. As the primary function of a LIP is to
provide a table for cross -collaboration of all local stakeholders in a community,
to avoid duplication of services, and greater local alignment in the settlement
sector, the majority of LIPs are hosted by local government; the remaining LIPs in
other communities are typically housed by non -profits, settlement agencies,
economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, among others.
In Atlantic Canadian cities there are currently 5 LIPs. Halifax, Moncton, and St.
John's are hosted by the local municipality, Fredericton is hosted by Ignite
Fredericton, and Saint John LIP is currently housed by the Human Development
Council (HDC).
In Saint John, HDC received federal funding in May 2017 for a period of three
years from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to be the
agreement holder for the Saint John Local Immigration Partnership (SJLIP). The
Federal funding for SJLIP was $87,687 in year one, $88,805 in year two, and
$90,288 in year three for a project total of $266,780
At the time of HDC's application for SJLIP, immigration and population growth
were not identified priorities from Common Council, so HDC and corresponding
partners hoped the LIP exercise would more fully invite the municipal
government into the immigration landscape of Saint John. After Common
Council set its priorities for 2016-2020, population growth issues became
increasingly important and were officially prioritized through the Roadmap for
Smart Growth exercise. This eventually led to the creation of the Population
Growth Manager, and a more deliberate effort to coordinate and manage
population growth efforts across the City.
Transitioning Local Immigration Partnership to the City
Through the Roadmap for Smart Growth and the Population Growth Framework,
the City has demonstrated its commitment and leadership on supporting
population growth and vision to be the most welcoming city in Canada. Housing
the SJLIP within the City of Saint John will enhance the City's ability to play a
coordinating and leadership role with key local partners involved in supporting
and welcoming newcomers. Housing the SJLIP within the City of Saint John will
also invite added synergy with the existing population growth initiatives and
portfolios, including the urban planning team, population growth manager, arts
and culture coordinator and the population growth officer. There are further
synergies that can be found as every City Department plays an active role in
091
-3 -
facilitating growth throughout the City, and all City staff are currently receiving
cultural awareness training.
As early as 2017, the HDC and the City have been working together to prepare to
Transfer the existing SJLIP from HDC to the City of Saint John. The City's
Population Growth Manager has been acting as co-chair of the LIP Council and
has briefed them on the proposed transfer, and received their endorsement. The
City and HDC have also worked collaboratively to prepare for the eventual
transition of the SJLIP from HDC to the City, by aligning some key initiatives of
SJLIP with that of the City's Population Growth Framework (adopted by Common
Council in February 2018). In addition, over 2019, the current Project
Coordinator for the SJLIP has started working partially out of City Hall, to begin
the transition of the SJLIP into the City of Saint John. HDC fully supports the City's
application to house the SJLIP and a letter of support from HDC can be found
attached to this report.
With the approval of Council, staff intend to apply for the City of Saint John to be
the agreement holder of Saint John LIP from April 111 2020 to March 31, 2025
IRCC Application Timeline:
Application Deadline: April 30, 2019
Final Funding Decision: by August 30, 2019
Contribution Agreement or Grant Negotiation: Until February 2020
Contribution Agreement or Grant Signing: March 2020
Projects Begin April 1, 2020
In the event the City is successful in its application to house the SJLIP, it will
result in approximately $100,000/annually for five years to support the hiring of
a local immigration partnership coordinator and to operate the LIP. While the
contract would be for five years, there is a history amongst more mature LIPs in
other parts of Canada that funding from the Government of Canada is renewed
as long as the partnership continues to achieve its objectives.
PREVIOUS RESOLUTION
Saint John Common Council adopted the Roadmap for Smart Growth in March
2017, which included action item #9:
"Transfer of existing local immigration partnership." HDC to CSJ
011
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"Strategic focus on attraction, integration, and retention of all Saint Johners is
needed in the community, and our new Local Immigration Partnership will be
essential in developing a longer term strategy for our community." — Population
Growth Framework
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
The Transfer of SJLIP aligns with the Roadmap for Smart Growth and the
Population Growth Framework.
Common Council has adopted a new set of Council Priorities: 2016-2020 in early
November 2016, and under the heading of "Growth and Prosperity," the
following is stated: "Saint John is recognized by residents and businesses as a
positive and supportive city. We grow in a smart way and attract talent,
innovation and opportunities so all people can thrive." In addition, Council
adopted key performance indicators to evaluate its ability to Grow SJ, including,
among others: "Building permit value," "Change in tax base assessment within
the City," "Change in population."
SERVICE AND FINANCIAL OUTCOMES
The intended outcomes of the City of Saint John's growth -related efforts and
investments are to achieve new levels of employment, population and tax base
growth.
INPUT FROM OTHER SERVICE AREAS AND STAKEHOLDERS
This report was developed with the support of the Human Development Council.
ATTACHMENTS
Letter of support from Human Development Council
W
April 10, 2019
Mayor Don Darling,
City of Saint John
PO Box 1971
Saint John, NIB,
F2L 41-1
Dear Mayor, Darhng,
Human Development Council
Identihe's and aiddrcsscN Sio'c41l iS5LIL_5 in, Gteaier Saint )ohn
t h rouk TIONC
VHi
lng.
!h restarch, irit"co
The Saint John Hurnan Development Councd (HDC),has been p�leased to host our COITIMunity's Local
Irnmigration Partnership (LIP) since 2017, As Agreornent Holder with Immillgratio n, refugees and
CRIi7enship Canada (IRCC), the HOC has pI,ovlded overslight, office and meeting space, along with mally
in-ki[nd supports to boisterthe c4y',s efforts to inlegrate and retain newcomers. This i's in keepilng with
our ro,le of inQubating orgiaoizations to, address i$Stle5 of local C01IM"n,
We betieve that the -IIP has made solid progrc,ss, and is on track to meet ilts inliflal three-vear, objectives.
We also bellk,�ve that, It Is timle to ornbed the LIP within the Oty to ensure that the retention acid
iougration of newcouiers contr6utes to, and aligns with, Saint John's new fbCUS On popuIation growth,
The ambitious goal of growing our population requires, a coordinated, conne(fted effort with strong
municipal leadership.
AcCordineley, thip, HDC is happy to support the City's appFration to IRCC for Agreement Holder status for
the next r0U0 of feder4l funding. We are prepared to assist in the preparaton of the formal
alppkdtiOrl. If the City is SUCCeSSU, WL' COMMit to en,suring, a smooth transition of the LIP to City Hall.
if yoo have any queOions or require any additional inforrviation, please do not hesitate to contact the
undersigned.
YoUrs tr V,
Randy t is ield
rxecutive Director
31'd Hooc, Suda� 1,"niem,prise Hub, 139 Pdvux Pdvai-d St,, &Jvt Jol'in,, Pfll 1�21, 319
Main Line: 506-634,11671
36
1 41
GROWTH COMMITTEE REPORT
M&C No. # fol'tild cm sharel.roint
Report Date March 14, 2019
Meeting Date March 21, 2019
Service Area Growth and Community
Development Services
His Worship Mayor Don Darling and Members of the Growth Committee
SUBJECT: Growth Reserve Fund Request - Dangerous and Vacant Building
Program
OPEN OR CLOSED SESSION
This matter is to be discussed in open session of Common Council.
AUTHORIZATION
Primary Author
Commissioner/Dept. HeadCity
Manager
Rachel Van Wart
Amy Poffenroth/
Jacqueline Hamilton
John Collin
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the Growth Committee adopt the following resolution for
Common Council's consideration:
Common Council authorizes the transfer of $25,000 from the Growth
Reserve Fund to support the enhanced Dangerous and Vacant Building
Program for 2019.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2017, the Dangerous and Vacant Building Program was included in the
Roadmap for Smart Growth to help deliver tax -base growth within the City of
Saint John by eliminating dangerous, vacant buildings that negatively impact
property value and compromise the safety and quality of life of citizens. The
accelerated Program resolved 80 cases in 2017.
In 2018, the Program's momentum continued with additional resources
allocated to enhance the program's mandate which included a focused approach
in the City's North End. In 2018, 83 cases were resolved.
The following report will provide a 2018 year-end Program update, in addition to
providing 2019 targets given the same level of funding as 2018.
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PREVIOUS RESOLUTION
On September 10, 2018, Common Council adopted the following resolution:
"RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager in the submitted report,
M&C2018- 256: Growth Reserve Fund Request Common Council authorizes the
transfer of up to a maximum of $200,000 from the Growth Reserve Fund
towards Growth and Community Development Services to support the pursuit of
growth - related activities."
This investment included $25,000 to deliver an additional 10 notices to comply
under the Vacant and Dangerous Buildings Program in 2018 and continue efforts
to encourage more repair and reoccupation of buildings.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
Enforcement of the Saint John Unsightly Premises and Dangerous Buildings and
Structures By-law aligns with Council's Vibrant, Safe City priority.
REPORT
2018 Dangerous and Vacant Building Program Results
Aggressive, strategic targets, a temporary professional resource and a focused,
streamlined approach were key components to the success of the enhanced
Dangerous and Vacant Building Program in 2018. Public response to the
accelerated Program continues to be extremely positive. The success of 2018
was made possible with the additional temporary resource allocated to the
program from May — December. The extension funded by the Growth Reserve,
allowed for the target number of Notices issued to increase from 25 to 35 and
for the targets for demolitions and repairs to be exceeded.
The 2018 North End Focus area, which included 26 properties, saw significant
results. A total of 10 buildings were demolished and 2 buildings were repaired
and reoccupied. Focus in the North End will continue throughout 2019.
The table below details 2018 Program targets and year end results. A total of 83
cases were resolved in 2018, with 33 demolitions and 50 repaired and
reoccupied buildings. The City completed 27 of the 33 demolitions.
2018 Dangerous and Vacant Building Program
Target Result
Notices to Comply 35 32
Demolitions 30 33 (27 City Demolitions)
Repaired/ Reoccupied 45 50
Total Closed Cases: 1 75 1 83
011
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2019 Dangerous and Vacant Building Program
The Program momentum of encouraging owners of vacant and dangerous
properties to repair, reoccupy or demolish buildings will continue in 2019 with a
target of 80 resolved cases. Targets have been adjusted to reflect anticipated
challenges and case management predictions, which includes:
• Issuing 30 Notices to Comply, this is on par with 2018 at 32 Notices
issued. Entry warrants will be required to inspect abandoned buildings or
to gain entry into buildings with uncooperative owners. Active owners
will also yield more discussion, negotiating and potential appeal hearings.
• Total of 30 demolitions. It is anticipated that fewer city demolitions will
be required as the severity of conditions in the buildings at the top of the
priority list are decreasing. Focus will remain on encouraging property
owners to repair and reoccupy, in addition to encouraging owners to
demolish derelict buildings themselves.
• 50 Repaired/ Reoccupied buildings. This volume is expected to remain
steady with continued focus on encouraging repairs as opposed to
demolishing, yielding tax -base growth. In addition, a number of buildings
on the list have open building permits and are expected to be completed
in 2019.
See the below table which reflects 2019 Targets for the Dangerous and Vacant
Building Program.
2019 Dangerous and Vacant Building Program
2018 Results 2019 Target
Notices to Comply 32 30
Demolitions 33 30
Repaired/ Reoccupied 50 50
Total Closed Cases: 83 80
There are currently 190 vacant buildings on the City's monitoring list. In 2018, a
high of 220 active cases was reported, with an average case load of
approximately 200 in the past few years. Although it appears as minimal
progress, the program is trending in the right direction with the quality of
buildings on the list improving. It is anticipated that a pivot of program direction
will be required in the near future; from the focus on enforcement and
demolitions to encouraging and spurring re -investment and revitalization of
communities.
SERVICE AND FINANCIAL OUTCOMES
As included in this report, in addition to:
As per section 143(1) of the Local Governance Act, City staff submitted
reimbursement packages to the Province of New Brunswick in December for
2018 demolition and unsightly clean-up bills left unpaid. In total, 22 properties
were submitted for reimbursement and all were approved by the Province,
resulting in reimbursement in the amount of $304,833.89, which will be paid to
the City in the March transfer payments.
INPUT FROM OTHER SERVICE AREAS AND STAKEHOLDERS
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
N/A
Dangerous & Vacant Building Progran
Growth Committee
April 16, 2019
Rachel Van Wart, PEng & Amy Poffenroth, PEng MBA
41
2
2018 Dangerous & Vacant Building Progran
Target
Results
35
32
Notices Issued
45
50
Repaired/ Reoccupied
30
33
Demolitions (27 City Demolitions)
75
83
Cases Closed
42
• 2018 North End Focus Area:
• 26 Properties:
• 10 buildings demolished
• 2 buildings repaired and reoccupied
• Focus on the North End will continue throughout 201
• The severity of conditions in the buildings at th
top of the priority list are decreasing.
• Case load decreasing:
• 2019 YTD 188 active cases vs.
• 2018 high of 220 cases
3 43
• Maintain service level to continue Program
momentum.
• Demolish derelict buildings when required and
spur re -investment and revitalization of
communities by encouraging property owners 1
repair and reoccupy.
• 2019 Targets:
• 30 Notices to Comply
• 30 Total Building Demolitions
• 50 Repaired and Reoccupied Buildings
• Total Resolved Cases: 80
4 44
Staff recommend that the Growth Committee adc
the following resolution for Common Council's
consideration:
Common Council authori
$25,000 from the Growth
the enhanced Dangerous
Program for 2019.
5 45
zes the transfer of
Reserve Fund to sup
and Vacant Building
Questions
6 46