The URL can be used to link to this page

2016-09-26_Agenda Packet--Dossier de l'ordre du jourCity of Saint John Committee of the Whole Open Session Monday, September 26, 2016 5:30 pm Community Room of the Police Building at Peel Plaza 1. Call to Order 1.1 Priority Setting Agenda 1.2 City of Saint John 2016 Citizen Survey 1.3 Engagement Results 1.4 Council Priority Setting Engagement Raw Data Ville de Saint John Comite plenier (seance publique) Le lundi 26 septembre 2016 17h30 Salle communautaire du quartier general du Service de police, place Peel 1. Ouverture de la seance 1.1 ttablissement des priorites El Points a 1'ordre du jour 1.2 Sondage de 2016 mene aupres des citoyens de Saint John 1.3 Resultats relatifs a la mobilisation 1.4 Etablissement des priorites du conseil ❑Donnees brutes sur la mobilisation Priority Setting Agenda rAA City of Saint John 2016 Citizen Survey September 12, 2016 2016 citizen Survey, City of Saint John Nobody's Unpredictable 2016 "City of Saint John" Citizen Survey VJhy is a Citizen Survey important? Accountability - 3rd party, objective measure of municipal service delivery performance and determination of citizen priorities in aggregate Transparency — results are public and benchmarked with other Canadian municipalities How was the 2016 Citizen Survey conducted? City Residents (18 years & older) eligible to participate in telephone survey Interviews completed late summer (Aug. 25 -30th, 2016) Core survey questionnaire based on Ipsos Reid's Municipal Performance Metrics Is the Citizen Survey a reliable measure of public opinion? Random - people who participate in the survey are selected randomly Representative - sample quotas and weighting are used to help ensure the fina study sample is balanced to reflect the actual City population in terms of age and gender. A& 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John 2016 CITIZEN SURVEY SUMMARY OF KEY RESULTS i LL em IS 1A `. ��-- SAINT JOHN 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John Nobody's Unpredictable 2016 City of Saint John Citizen Survey Highlights *sidents of Saint John are now more concerned with the economy and growth for the City than they are about road conditions, fiscal administration or pension woes which were leading citizen concerns 4 years ago. Not surprisingly, citizens priorities for City Hall mirror their current concerns. Residents believe it is very important for the City of Saint John to focus efforts on "attracting new business and industry", "diversifying the local economy and creating jobs" making Saint John a great place to raise a family. Poverty reduction and road maintenance round out the Top 5 priorities in 2016 among residents. Consistent with previous City of Saint John citizen surveys, eight in ten residents consider the overall quality of life in the City of Saint John to be at least "good". Perceptions among residents suggest they now see improvement in the quality of their life over the past 3 years in the City — currently, 27% (up from 17% in 2012) believe it has improved while 21% (down from 35% in 2012) believe it has worsened and 49% (unchanged from 47% in 2012) believe it has stayed about the same. Better roads and better government/council as well as more development in the City are being cited as key reasons for the improved quality of life. Lack of employment and the economy are key to the perceptions of a worsening quality of life in the City. _.ML-Vt 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John 14 2016 City of Saint John Citizen Survey Highlights F#nergency (Fire and Police) and essential services (Drinking Water, Snow Removal, Wastewater Treatment, Garbage/Compost Collection) remain among the leading municipal services of importance to City residents. Overall, residents are more satisfied in 2016 (compared to 2012) with the level and quality of services and programs provided by the City of Saint John. Notable improvement in satisfaction levels in 2016 are noted for... Road Maintenance (54%, up from 32% in 2012) Storm water Management for Flood Control (80%, up from 66% in 2012) Animal Control (71%, up from 53% in 2012) By considering what is important to residents and how the City is performing in the delivery of the service/program it is possible it identify the services that would deliver the greatest benefit to residents (if improved). Areas very important to residents that would benefit from higher levels of satisfaction include: Snow Removal, Drinking Water, Road and Sidewalk Maintenance as well as Recycling. 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John 2016 City of Saint John Citizen Survey Highlights *sidents continue to be split in opinion in 2016 as to how best to balance service level and taxation — about 4 in 10 prefer a tax increase to hold or expand services while just slightly more would prefer to see service levels reduced to hold or reduce taxation levels. Four in ten residents contacted the City of Saint John in the past 12 months and the majority were satisfied with their experience (3 in 10 were not). Residents who did have contact with staff indicated they were satisfied with most aspects of the experience. The ability of staff to resolve their problem lagged behind other aspects of their experience such as courteousness, professionalism, understanding, knowledge, helpfulness and timeliness of the staff. Virtually all residents were satisfied with their ability to contact City staff for inquiries or service delivery however when asked about areas of suggested improvement to customer service, access to a real person (not a voicemail) was the most often mentioned response given. Improving the website and information available online as well as improving responsiveness were also mentioned by residents. 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John 16 2016 CITIZEN SURVEY DETAILED FINDINGS n&"r SAINT JOHN 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John Nobody's Unpredictable ID 2016 Resident Concerns Mainly Focus on Economy & Growth • In contrast to previous years, residents are now focused much more on economic and growth related issues for the City and less focused on infrastructure (roads and wastewater) and fiscal management (including Pension related issues). EMPLOYMENT ISSUES 16% 5%4/0 0 50/0 0 8/0 (LACK OF JOBS) TAX ISSUES 15% 5% 7% 12% 6% INFRASTRUCTURE (ROADS) 11% 28% 23% 19% 23% BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS 8% - - - - POVERTY ISSUES 7% 1% 2% 2% 3% ECONOMY (IN GENERAL) 7% 0% 0% 1% 0% POPULATION 6% 1% 1%1� o - (DECLINE, GROWTH, MIGRATION) TRANSPORTATION 5% 4% 1% 2%1� o (TRANSIT, TRAFFIC, PARKING) 1. In your view, as a resident of the City of Saint John, what is the one most important LOCAL issue facing the City today, that is the one issue you feel should receive the greatest attention from Common Council and City Management? (Coded categories are based on actual resident comments provided verbatim) 4111111111 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John 18 • Top 10 "Most Important" Priority Areas to Focus in 2016 • Based on an extensive list of action items developed by the City, residents identified those which they felt were "very important" areas to focus attention. Growth (business and industry) and economic development lead the way however it is also important to be a great place to live and raise a family. Reducing poverty and maintaining roads round out the Top 5 most important priorities for residents in 2016. Attract new businesses and industries 69% Diversified local economy/ job creation 66% Great place to raise a family 65% Poverty reduction 63% M Road maintenance 63% Managed debt level 59% O Public safety services 57% O Spending efficiency/ cost saving measures 54% '+ Lower tax rate 51% A clean, safe, vibrant urban core 50% Q1a. Please tell me how important it is for the City of Saint John to focus attention in each of the following areas. (n=400) i 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John I 9 Areas of Secondary Importance to Residents in 2016 • The following action items, while still very important to between one-third and one-half of City residents, ranked in the mid-range in terms of the overall priorities considered for the City of Saint John to focus. Reliable and accessible public transit 47% Funding sources other than property taxes 46% Demonstrating value for money 45% Attractive destination for tourists to recruit visitors 43% Public input into City decisions 42% Recycling programs and services 42% Investment in municipal infrastructure 40% Flood mitigation/ watershed management 39% Timely access to City services and information 38% Review the City's business startup process 37% Q1a. Please tell me how important it is for the City of Saint John to focus attention in each of the following areas. (n=400) J 0 2016 Citizen survey, City of Saint ohn 1 10 • Areas of Lower Importance to Residents in 2016 • The following priorities were very important to one-third or fewer residents and as a result are ranked in the mid to low levels of priority (from among all action items considered). Support responsible, quality urban and economic Waterfront development Local parks, green spaces, sports fields Active transportation opps with bikeway Rec, entertainment, social facilities Access to parking near retail and work Attract development in urban neighbourhoods Attract, retain and integrate immigrants Variety of housing choices Transportation routes for goods/services Great public spaces/facilities Preserve, restore natural landscapes Local festivals, arts & culture Preservation of heritage buildings and places e -Government and Open Data Taxi service availability Access to free wifi in public spaces 37% 36% _S 36% 35% 34% 32% 31% 29% 28% - 28% 28% 27% 25% 23% 22% 14% M 12% Q1a. Please tell me how important it is for the City of Saint John to focus attention in each of the following areas. (n=400) 0 M 2016 Citizen survey, City of Saint John 111 • Improved quality of life felt by more Saint John residents in 2016 • Residents continue to believe their overall quality of life is good in Saint John. • There is a more positive trend however evident now with significantly more residents of the opinion their quality of life has improved over the past 3 years (and fewer of the opinion it has worsened). Improved Stayed the Same Worsened 17% 18% Overall Quality of Life "Very Good + Good" 96° ° 81% 79% 78% 87% WILL-, Ipsos Reid 2016 2012 2011 2010 Municipal Norm 27% 29% 2. How would you rate the overall quality of life in the City of Saint John today? 3. And, do you feel that the quality of life in the City of Saint John in the past three years has ... Arrow indicates a significant difference between 2016 and 2012 Survey Results 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John 51% 9% F -< O —, rte+ W r fD ffD . fu N � fD M r+ CL 1- 0 S 1 12 • Quality of Life Improvements Attributed to Better Roads, Better Gov't Improvements to Roads Gov't/Council Doing Better Job More development/ projects/ business More vibrant/ more energy/ things to do Improvement with employment Good/Better Recreation Programs Lots of Construction/Facility Upgrades Good/Better Services More People Moving to City • Those who are feeling the quality of life has worsened in Saint John are often citing issues related to employment and the economy as factors contributing to the downward trend. Quality of Life IMPROVED — How? Employment Issues Economy/Recession Decreasing Population Poverty Issues High Taxes High Cost of Living Poorly Run Administration (Govt) Lack of Affordable Housing Crime Issues Why do you think the quality of life has improved? (n=103) Why do you think the quality of life has worsened? (n=93) 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John • Residents who saw a better quality of life over the past 3 years mentioned better roads, a better council and more development and energy in the City as reasons for their improved perception. Quality of Life WORSENED — How? � 16% 14% 12% 10% 1 7% 1 7% 5% 5% 51% 1 13 • Emergency and Essential Services Critically Important Services to All • The importance of a few key service areas such as road maintenance and garbage/compost collection are actually down slightly from 2012. n/a n/a 69% 2012 2011 2010 2009 IpsosReid Recycling 68% Citizen Citizen Citizen Citizen Municipal Stormwater management for flooding... 59% Survey Survey Survey Survey Norm Fire services n @M 93% 91% 93% 93% 94% 86% Drinking water 92% 95% 95% 95% 97% 96% Police services 90% 92% 90% 91% 93% 84% Snow removal 86% 85% 89% 87% 92% n/a Road maintenance 1 84% 91% 91% 89% 91% 64% Wastewater treatment 1 82% 86% 85% 88% 90% 84% Traffic safety (motor vehicle and... 80% 81% n/a n/a n/a n/a Garbage and compost collection 76% 87% 85% 84% 89% 74% Emergency preparedness 75% 75% 51% 52% 52% 43% Sidewalk maintenance (including snow... 69% 75% 77% 77% na 81% na 59% Recycling 68% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Stormwater management for flooding... 59% 73% 68% 65% 74% n/a Public transit 58% 62% 55% 48% 54% 60% Parks, trails and other green space 56% 63% 71% 73% 67% 63% Recreation Facilities 54% 67% 63% 62% 63% 51% Tourism Promotion and Attraction 54% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Neighbourhood improvement 53% 62% n/a n/a n/a n/a Animal control 44% 58% n/a n/a n/a n/a Parking availability 44% 52% n/a n/a n/a n/a Land use, zoning approvals and... 43% 46% 55% 48% 54% 60% Recreation Programs 42% 56% 51% 52% 52% 43% Building Permits and Inspection 41% 46% 59% 57% 63% 43% By-law enforcement for property issues 37% 43% n/a n/a n/a n/a Heritage preservation 30% 39% 42% 43% 50% 32% 8. 1 am going to read a list of programs and services provided to you by the City of Saint John. Please tell me how important each one is to you? Arrow indicates a significant difference between 2012 and 2016 Survey Results 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John 114 R�' Residents more satisfied overall with level and quality of services • Improved levels of satisfaction in 2016 (vs 2012) are also noted in many key service areas including fire service, road maintenance, wastewater treatment 2012 2011 2010 2009 Ipsos Reid and traffic safety to name a few. y citizen Citizen Citizen Citizen Municipal Survey Survey Survey Survey Norm Overall Municipal Programs/Services 85% 75% 70% 78% 76% 81% Fire services 96% 92% 96% 98% 96% 94% Drinking water 63% 58% 54% 56% 57% 89% Police services 91% 90% 91% 89% 92% 85% Snow removal 70% 74% 68% 71% 60% n/a Road maintenance 54% 4; 32% 22% 34% 31% 70% Wastewater treatment 84% 77% 67% 69% 60% 84% Traffic safety (motor vehicle and pedestrian) 88% 82% n/a n/a n/a n/a Garbage and compost collection 82% 84% 79% 78% 80% 85% Emergency re aredness 81% 87% n/a n/a n/a n/a Sidewalk maintenance (including snow removal) 63% 61% 57% 58% 48% 82% Recycling70% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Stormwater management for flooding control 80% 66% 68% 72% 59% n/a Public transit 64% 56% 78% 82% 80% 68% Parks, trails and other green space _ 93% 91% 90% 88% 90% 90% Recreation Facilities 81% 75% 76% 73% 75% 87% Tourism Promotion and Attraction 85% n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Neighbourhood improvement 76% 75% n/a n/a n/a n/a Animal control 71% 53% n/a n/a n/a n/a Parking availability 75% 69% n/a n/a n/a n/a Land use, zoning approvals and community planning 68% 74% 62% 69% 70% 70% Recreation Programs 79% 74% 75% 78% 76% 87% Building Permits and Inspection 69% 74% 69% 68% 65% 60% By-law enforcement for property issues 72% 72% n/a n/a n/a n/a Heritage preservation 78% 85% 80% 80% 80% 80% 7. Please tell me how satisfied you are with the overall level and quality of services and programs provided by the City of Saint John? 9. 1 am going to read a list of programs and services provided to you by the City of Saint John. Please tell me how satisfied you are with the job the City is doing in providing that program or service. Arrow indicates a significant difference between 2012 and 2016 Survey Results 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John I is Opportunity Grid - Focus on improving municipal services that are more • important to residents and where satisfaction levels lag (bottom right) • Drinking water, snow removal, road and sidewalk maintenance and recycling are the key municipal services where current levels of resident satisfaction lag (but are important to many residents). Higher Resident Satisfaction Levels M Lower Resident Satisfaction Levels Maintain W (Less Important, H Parks, Trails or • Green Space Lower Priority (Less Important, Lower Satisfaction) Lower Importance to Citizens 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John Reinforce/Maintain nce, Higher Satisfaction) *Fire Service • Traffic Safety • Police Service Storm water • Wastewater Treatment Mgmt • Garbage/Compost Emergency• • Preparedness Collection bourhood • Recycling i Sidewalk Public • Maintenance •Snow Removal Drinking •Water Road • Maintenance JiMtrengthen (Higher Importance, Lower Satisfaction) Higher Importance to Citizen 16 Tourism Promotion • Rec Facilities • Heritage • •Rec Programs PreservationParking Availability • •Neig By -Law • *Animal Co Enforcement• •Zoning, Planning (Property) Building Permits, Inspections Lower Priority (Less Important, Lower Satisfaction) Lower Importance to Citizens 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John Reinforce/Maintain nce, Higher Satisfaction) *Fire Service • Traffic Safety • Police Service Storm water • Wastewater Treatment Mgmt • Garbage/Compost Emergency• • Preparedness Collection bourhood • Recycling i Sidewalk Public • Maintenance •Snow Removal Drinking •Water Road • Maintenance JiMtrengthen (Higher Importance, Lower Satisfaction) Higher Importance to Citizen 16 9 Residents remain split on best approach to balance taxation and service level Balancing taxation and service delivery is a challenge for most, if not all, municipal governments. Residents in the City of Saint John are evenly split between reducing services (to maintain or reduce taxes) and increasing taxes (to maintain or expand services). None of thi Don't Know, Reduce Services, to Reduce Taxes, 19% Reduce Services to Maintain Tax Level, 28% Increase Taxes to Fxnand Services, 20% Increase Taxes to Maintain Services, 20% 14. Municipal property taxes are the primary way to pay for services and programs provided by the City of Saint John. Due to the increased cost of maintaining current service levels and infrastructure, the City must balance taxation and service delivery levels. To deal with this situation, which of the following four options would you most like the City to pursue? (n=400) _ A�- , f 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John 1 17 9 Residents generally quite satisfied with recent City Staff interactions Contacted City of Saint John in the Past 12 Month Yes, 39% No, 61% Ability to Contact City Staff (n=400) 46% 36% 17/ 14% E 0 � Very Somewhat Not very Not at all satisfied satisfied satisfied satisfied Most Recent Service Experience (n=158) 46% 230 0 17/ 14% Very Somewhat Not very Not at all satisfied satisfied satisfied satisfied The courteousness of staff Staff's professionalism Staff's ability to understand your... Staff's knowledge Staff's helpfulness The speed and timeliness of... Staff's ability to resolve your issue Q11A. Have you contacted or dealt with the City of Saint John or one of its employees in the last twelve months? (n=400) Q12A. How satisfied were you with this most recent contact with the City? (n=158) Q13a. And thinking of the last time you contacted the City of Saint John or one of its employees, please tell me how satisfied you were with Q14A. How satisfied are you with your ability to contact the City for inquiries or service delivery? (n=400) 92% 88% 87% 3% % 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John 118 • Customer Service Improvements Suggested Link to Accessibility • The key area noted by residents to improve customer service was to provide the option to speak to a person (and not a voicemail). Accessibility to more information online was also mentioned by residents. More responsive and more knowledgeable employees were also mentioned as ways to improve customer service. 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John 1 19 • 2016 City of Saint John Survey Sample - Demographic Profile • The following provides a summary of the key demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the study sample for the 2016 survey (age and gender are on the following page). Aft- EDUCATION High school or less29% Some post 38% secondary/ college... Completed university 33% degree/ post -grad 4 HOUSEHOLD INCOME 52% 32% $89,999 Or $90,000+ Less Total Sample Base 2016 (n=400) 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John TAXPAYER No [VAL UE] Yes [VAL UE] .i. PRESENCE OF CHILDREN UNDER 18 Household63% without Kids Household r37% with Kids HOME OWNERSHIP Own 68% Rent28% Otherr4','. OTENURE IN CITY 47% 17% 8% 13% 15% 0-5 6-10 11-20 21-30 30+ 120 • 2016 Sample Representative of City of Saint John Overall (Age & Gender) Question: Is the survey sample similar to the population on key characteristics? Does the sample "represent" the actual population of the City of Saint John? Answer: The sample was determined using random selection methods typically used in research. Random digit dialing and selecting the person in the household with the next birthday are means to generate a random sample, reflective of an overall population. Quota sampling and weighting are also used to ensure proportional representation of residents by age and gender groups in levels similar to the actual population of the City of Saint John (based on 2010 census information). 2016 Citizen Survey, City of Saint John Age: 18 to 24 years 9% 12% 25 to 34 years 16% 16% 35 to 44 years 16% 15% 45 to 54 years 20% 20% 55 to 64 years 17% 17% 65 years or older 22% 20% Gender: Male 50% 46% Female 50% 54% ON Engagement Results ice= SAINT JOHN y PIN SAINT JOHIJ What matters to yo0l IpsosHELP PINPOINT COUNCIL'S PRIORITIES FOR OUR CITY ' Engagement Results SAINT JOHN Inclusive Engagement PinIT On -Line Survey 327 Participants City Services Arts, music and culture Smatt town feel >'Fa Recreatl dly n a C1„c: r= E Nature Park Sea Dogs Hockeyu Beaches a ,° E. Old buildings ” ma tuneQj Y ffordabto � Pace f L�fewU Et V) 0 �O CL W�]m j,Ln 0 IiOft COrf�Ut +_'0 j w � L Ln 1��'ChlteCtLlre � � � � UL Transit F r- IL L choo'L H Astor Uptown Vibe! °'' WaterfrontL pto heto"th*i,ng STraiLs ro ose Walkable Hene s FriendShopping 5 Engagement Results ice= SAINT JOHN Friendly people and courteous drivers. Relatively easy getting to destinations without traffic snarls (1 rarely drive peak hours). Abundance of musical and cultural events. Small town feel. Big city sophistication. Excellent food scene. Arts!! Atmosphere. "The Vibe". I like the weather! 1 enjoy the vibrant arts Old and new lives culture, restaurants and history. We've lived in together layers of time several provinces and Saint John. The people and promise of a strong future for Accessibility oto things], cheaper to our families. Continual growth. liver here than bigger cities History and industry intertwined. 6 Engagement Results Uptown and parks. �r—_„ SAINT JOHN Priority Themes Economy ` Communities Priority ransportation Themes Fiscal Management Wk Infrastructure Open Government FMRW Growth Environment SAINT JOHN ice= SAINT JOHN ice= SAINT JOHN EMPLOYMENT ISSUES (LACK OF JOBS) 16% 5% 4% 5% 8% TAX ISSUES INFRASTRUCTURE (ROADS) BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS POVERTY ISSUES ECONOMY (IN GENERAL) POPULATION (DECLINE, GROWTH, MIGRATION) TRANSPORTATION (TRANSIT, TRAFFIC, PARKING) 11 Engagement Results . 'j 5% 5% 7% 12% 6% 1)Q°/- n-�% 19% 23% 3% SAINT JOHN r. LI.VIIVIIly Focused on attracting talent, good jobs and economic opportunity to drive tax revenue. 11 Attract New Businesses And Industries ❑ Diversified Local Economy That Stimulates Innovation And Job Creation{ Other ❑ Support responsible and quality urban and economic development 12 Engagement Results �r—_„ SAINT JOHN 13 Communities Focused on creating neighbourhoods where people are safe, healthy, active and have a strong sense of belonging ❑ Great place to raise a family ❑ Public safety services that meet the needs of the community ❑ Poverty re d u ct i o n, J Others ❑ Local parks, green spaces, sports fieldstj 11 ❑ Local festivals, arts and culture Engagement Results SAINT JOHN Fiscal Management - Focused on balancing revenue through a variety of sources and expenditures to maintain service delivery in the future. ❑ Funding sources other than property taxes ❑ Spending efficiency and cost saving measures ❑ Managed debt level Others ❑ Lower tax rate ) 14 Engagement Results SAINT JOHN Infrastructure Focused on building and maintaining public infrastructure to support growth and a high quality of life for residents ❑ Road maintenance,-) 15 Engagement Results �r-_„ SAINT JOHN Growth - Focused on achieving intensification and a balanced, targeted population growth for youth, families, newcomers and seniors ❑ A clean, safe, vibrant urban core Others: ❑ Waterfront development � 41 ❑ Local Parks, Green Spaces, And Sports FieldsO 16 Engagement Results �r-_„ SAINT JOHN - Transportation Focused on moving people and goods through the city more efficiently, safely and affordably. Others: ❑ Reliable and accessible public transit (� 17 Engagement Results �r—_„ SAINT JOHN It would be nice to see where the tax dollars are spent Reduction on the waste of tax dollars [Industry/businesses] paying their share 18 Engagement Results �r-_„ SAINT JOHN Balancing taxation and service delivery Reduce None of Services to these/Don't Reduce Taxes � Know 19% 14% Increase Taxes to Expand Services 20% Reduce Increase Taxes Services to to Maintain Maintain Tax Services Level 19% 28% On -Line Results 53.9% Increase tax to expand or maintair. service 46.1% Reduce service to maintain or reduce taxes Residents in the City of Saint John are [somewhat] evenly split Edge to increasing tax between reducing services (to maintain or reduce taxes) and increasing taxes (to maintain or expand services) [edge to SAINT reducing service] . 0 �z w Z-,. . - SAINT JOHN ❑ Understanding of how revenue and expenditures are balanced to deliver service ❑ Understanding cost of living (comments of low cost of living) SAINT JOHN 96% Overall Quality of life (Very good & Good) 81% 79% 78% 87% Ipsos Reid 2016 2012 2011 2010 Municipal Norm Residents continue to believe their overall quality of life is good in Saint John 11 Engagement Results Improvements to Roads Gov't/Council Doing Better Job More development/ projects/ business More vibrant/ more energy/ things to do Improvement with employment Good/Better Recreation Programs Lots of Construction/Facility Upgrades Good/Better Services More People Moving to City 13% 13% 12% 8% 8% 8% 7% 5% 5% Employment Issues - Economy/Recession16% Decreasing Population 14% Poverty Issues 12% High Taxes 10% High Cost of Living 7% 7% ■ 5% E 5% 51% SAINT JOHN ❑ Introduce flexibility into heritage presentation SAINT JOHN ❑ Decrease reliance on taxes as main source of revenue WFE! -, N. - - SAINT JOHN Challenges as a place to do business ❑ Immigration not capitalized on ❑ No platform for innovation ❑ No brand and marketing Saint John as place to do business ❑ Unattractive to investors (first impressions SAINT JOHN Challenges as a place to live ❑ Lack of pride/respect ❑ Image (outdated, poor or negative) ❑ Highest concentration of poverty ❑ Unattractive (first impressions 25 Engagement Results SAINT JOHN 26 Engagement Results 91% �o Yo SAINT JOHN Be more active and aggressive to improve economy. Capitalize on our beautiful Increasing property tax base (not increasing property tax rate) by encouraging people to move into City limits needs to be a top priority. 27 Engagement Results SAINT JOHN ❑ Some level of importance attached to all suggested priority areas. ❑ Provide guidance to Council in setting priorities ❑ Opportunity to build on many positives for the City SAINT JOHN ON .x -� • ., t M� 1 T h '20,SAINT JOHN PIN IT eo ) SAINT JOHN What matters to you? City of Saint John Council Priority Setting Engagement Raw Data IF Table of Contents PINIT In -Person Results PINIT Online Results 22 Focus Group Results: Living in Saint John..............................................................................................46 Focus Group Results: Growing Saint John Employee and Civic Partner Engagement Results Engagement Results 54 PIN IT SAINT JOHN e What to you? What do you like about living in Saint John? The following is verbatim responses on the Like About Living in Saint John cards. These responses reflect only those participants that live in Saint John. Engagement Results PIN IT �T�SAINT�JOHN W What to you? What do you like about living in Saint John? I like to be apart of the Carleton centre. People and some of the parks. I love our sense of community and uptown core! It's history. Incorporated/industrial. Relaxed atmosphere for family Near the ocean. Surrounded by Nature Natural spaces. Nature Park/ Rockwood Park. Mispec. Being able to spend more time with family Recreational activities for kids. Nature Park and Rockwood Park. I can measure the city by walk! Hahaha. Really nice people. People. No traffic. I love the old town feel. Pet store and parks. Everything Weather I like the people. Heritage. Everything People, history, nature community and parks Safe, opportunities for children Love living uptown and the new things that are coming - like being part of the growth uptown. History and architecture I like to ocean and many historic /older buildings Uptown and parks Uptown SJ! Friendly people quick commute to work Its cool (temperature) The people Beautiful city. My 2nd home town. Friendly city Geographic location The people Lots of places to eat at and see. Rockwood Park Friendly people affordable Visible Councillor in Shirley everywhere. Wonder programs for seniors Friendly people I like seeing the cruise ships Engagement Results 2 PIN IT SAINT JOHN e wht What do you like about living in Saint John? Uptown, trees, water So kindly people My job Friendly community/boardwalk Events/culture (i.e., Buskers) Nice people. It's my home Friendly and hopeful. People Summer events. Arts and culture Historic sites. Convenience of shopping. Transit System. The short commute. Low real estate prices Friendly people. Surrounded by water. Low cost of housing I love living in SJ. Quality of life. Friendliness of people Cost of living (housing). Transit. The people Size, water, major industries, educational facilities, great city Strong 'grassroots' movements and community groups Rural life within the City Cooler than Moncton. Friendly people Rockwood Park. Friendly people Especially love west Saint John and sense of community in the west. Its in my blood ger 2, 2016 - King Square It's been my home all my life King Square is beautiful People. Parks. Family is here culture Small city - large enough to have services but not too big. Right on the Fundy Bay - love the weather! Easy access to green spaces. Especially Rockwood Park Close to family history and family Friendliness. Reasonably easy to get around Nice people Great people, history, food The people and the uptown vibe School Hills - variety of landscape, greenery, harbour sea. Friendly people. Seeing the history. Food. Good people. Love architecture. The people. Geography. People are approachable and neighbourly Good for tourists and sight seeing Rockwood park! Engagement Results 3 PIN IT �T�SAINT�JOHN W What to you? What do you like about living in Saint John? • History, Potential • History • history, architecture, courteous people • history and family, moderate climate • Friendly city • Beautiful, geography, harbour. I love the age and industrial feel of the city. Affordable and interesting office and living spaces • Moved here for school. Love the Imperial Theatre • Because we are the best city in the world. No matter what area you will find friendly smiling people. Helpful and friendly city staff. Rockwood Park and all the beaches and trails. One thing that can be done is improve the streets sports fields and buildings. • The nature - river ocean together. Friendliness • Growing city, comfortable, families • It's our home • It's easy to get to know many awesome people! • Different activities • People and uptown vibe • Just moved 7 weeks - like it so far • Community, environment, biking, greenspace • Here for five years. Stories, history, diversity of people, growing ethnicity. Her job arts/social engagement • Life style, pace, history, friendliness, community • Like history, buildings, using the waterfront more • Accessibility, cheaper to liver here than bigger cities • Close to events. Family is here. Close to work • Close to Little River Reservoir. Old buildings uptown. Renaissance uptown • Small town feel. Big city sophistication. Excellent food scene. Arts!! • Don't like it. Here for family. • Imperial, SJ Arts Centre • Friendly, People • Old. People are nice. Cost of living is lower. • Historic buildings • Central to restaurants and entertainment • Old buildings. Market. People. • Atmosphere. "The Vibe". Old and new lives together layers of time • People. Uptown area. The vibe especially in summer. Events like market and boardwalk. • Being able to enjoy the market and outdoor parks. • Sense of community. By the ocean. Everyone knows everybody. • Proximity to things I enjoy in life - markets, walking, shopping local. (Shrink city) - Small town feel. Arts • Potential for growth • The market. Walkable city. Engagement Results 4 PIN IT �T�SAINT�JOHN W What to you? What do you like about living in Saint John? • Parks. Greenspace • Accessibility to so much. Get to things quickly. • Greatest place to raise a family among cities where we lived! • Everthing - Imperial Theatre, cruise ships, hockey, greenspaces. Although worst is crowds • Great place to preserve nature • Live in Morna. Close to city but country living out of the fog. Clean water. Friendly people. • Living uptown: close to everything uptown, market square etc. • So close to walk • Great place to raise a family! • Accessibility, variety, weather, diversity. • Convenient. Eveything is here. Work uptown. Shopping where she lives. • Friendly. A lot of different things. Good school. Most of the time city is clean. • Food, markets, old buildings, family activities, green spaces. • Proximity to the river and ocean. Temperate climate • There are no strangers here, only friend you have not yet met! SJ Irish Proverb • Surrounded by water. Like smaller city (lived in bigger city) • The fog. Moved in closed to work. Wanted old house. Harbour Passage. • Sense of community. Feel safe (in south end). Stuff like the market. • Community support • Handy to everything. People are friendly. • Proximity to everything (ocean, parks, trails) Friendliness • History and industry intertwined • Friendly people • Uptown - history and heritage district • Architecture and the history • Old buildings. Affordable • Wouldn't go anywhere. The uptown. Rockwood Park. Irving Nature Park. Friendly people. History with youth too. Engagement Results 5 PIN IT SAINT JOHN e wht What do you like about living in Saint John? • Home • Family • Home • Cool summer temps • Down to earth people • Short commute to work Engagement Results PIN IT SAINT JOHN e What to you? What do you like about living in Saint John? • History, diversity • Harbour, boats/fishing • I love that there is lots to do and love being by the water - beaches and walking trails are great. • Not the fog but people are friendly. • Everything is handy, rinks and schools. • Diversity of nature - the Bay, coastal isalnds, lakes, mini -mountains • Low cost of living. Friendly people. Events like this one. • Clost to everything. • Very safe place to live. Lots of outdoor space. • Nice City (from the Miramichi) I like the weather and stores. • Weather. Carleton Community Centre. • People, beaches, attitude. Engagement Results 7 PIN IT SAINT JOHN e wht What do you like about living in Saint John? Engagement Results PIN IT SAINT JOHN e wht What do you like about Saint John? The following is verbatim responses on the Like about Saint John cards. These responses reflect only those participants that outside of Saint John. Engagement Results PIN IT SAINT �JOHN A) What to you? What do you like about Saint John? • Culture, markets, historic building • Community feel, architecture, people, safe • The people <3 • Don't like weather. Pretty safe and friendly. Real uptown area not sprawled out. Diversity, lots going on. • Queen Square Market. Arts and culture options. Architecture - city feel. • Family is here. Business is here. Open. Mixed lenses. Not cliquey or snobby place to live. Uptown SJ has done a lot for me and my business. • My hometown. A great place to live and grow up with family. History and variety of lifestyle. • Friends are here. Fog. Local music scene. Old architecture. Engagement Results 10 PIN IT What should we focus on in the next four years in order to move us toward our long- SAINT JOHN whot Mott— � term goals? Identify your top five (5) priorities by placing stickers on the chart. Support responsible and quality urban and economic development 1 2 2 3 1 0 0 5 1 0 15 Diversified local economy that stimulates innovation and job creation 2 7 11 9 19 4 4 8 3 6 73 Attract new businesses and industries 6 16 18 6 19 3 6 14 6 4 98 Business startup process and requirements that reduce red tape 3 2 5 1 19 0 1 3 2 1 37 Attract development in urban neighbourhoods 2 1 2 0 11 0 3 5 0 0 24 Attract, retain and successfully integrate immigrants 4 4 9 6 9 0 0 5 0 1 38 Attractive destination for tourists to recruit visitors 0 2 4 2 4 1 3 6 3 1 26 Preservation of heritage buildings and places 3 6 6 1 13 0 4 9 2 3 47 Waterfront development 6 15 13 6 25 1 2 10 4 3 85 Variety of housing choices 5 0 4 6 8 0 2 5 4 1 35 A clean, safe vibrant urban core 2 6 13 8 16 0 4 6 1 1 57 Great place to raise a family 4 4 4 6 9 0 2 3 0 7 39 Great public spaces and facilities 1 7 2 5 7 0 3 2 0 2 29 Local festivals, arts and culture 2 3 10 3 22 0 2 5 0 2 49 Recreation, entertainment, and social facilities and opportunities 3 15 3 3 15 0 2 8 2 4 55 Local parks, green spaces, sports fields 2 11 11 10 16 2 4 9 5 4 74 Public safety services that meet the needs of the community 3 6 2 2 6 1 1 5 1 6 33 Access to free wifi in public spaces 1 4 4 1 4 0 1 1 1 3 20 Poverty reduction 7 7 19 10 21 3 5 15 6 1 94 Investment in municipal infrastructure 0 2 0 3 17 0 0 2 1 0 25 Road maintenance 5 3 12 14 19 2 4 12 5 7 83 Reliable and accessible public transit 5 10 13 9 25 1 4 0 0 4 71 Active transportation (bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, pathways) 3 10 5 6 15 1 3 3 4 1 51 Transportation routes for goods and services 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 4 Access to parking near retail and work 2 0 5 2 3 0 1 3 0 1 17 Taxi service availability 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 6 Preserve and restore natural landscapes 3 4 4 1 6 3 0 7 3 2 33 Recycling programs and services 4 8 1 4 11 0 6 4 0 1 39 Flood mitigation and watershed management 3 1 0 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 13 Spending efficiency and cost saving measures 3 4 5 2 7 0 6 5 4 2 38 Demonstrating value for money 5 2 7 1 6 1 0 5 1 1 29 Lower tax rate 0 9 13 2 8 2 7 13 3 5 62 Funding sources other than property taxes 2 3 4 3 20 1 1 4 1 1 40 Managed debt level 3 3 3 0 8 0 2 2 0 1 22 Public input into City decisions 7 5 4 4 10 1 3 5 2 1 42 Timely access to City services and information 2 1 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 1 9 eGovernment and open data 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 Engagement Results 11 PIN IT What should we focus on in the next four years in order to move us toward our long - SAINT JOHN whot Mott— � term goals? Identify your top five (5) priorities by placing stickers on the chart. Support responsible and quality urban and economic development 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 Diversified local economy that stimulates innovation and job creation 0 1 4 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 9 Attract new businesses and industries 0 4 6 2 2 0 0 4 0 2 20 Business startup process and requirements that reduce red tape 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 Attract development in urban neighbourhoods 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 7 Attract, retain and successfully integrate immigrants 0 0 4 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 9 Attractive destination for tourists to recruit visitors 0 1 3 3 1 0 1 2 0 0 11 Preservation of heritage buildings and places 0 0 4 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 8 Waterfront development 0 1 3 2 1 0 0 4 0 0 11 Variety of housing choices Living Saint John A clean, safe vibrant urban core 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 22 5 0 22 3 2 9 2 1 2 1 1 3 0 3 18 3 0 0 0 1 3 0 9 83 14 Great place to raise a family 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Great public spaces and facilities 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 Local festivals, arts and culture 0 1 4 1 3 0 0 3 0 1 13 Recreation, entertainment, and social facilities and opportunities 0 0 1 8 0 1 0 2 0 1 13 Local parks, green spaces, sports fields 0 1 1 8 0 0 2 2 0 0 14 Public safety services that meet the needs of the community 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 Access to free wifi in public spaces 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Poverty reduction Investment in municipal infrastructure 0 0 2 0 8 3 1 1 3 1 0 1 0 0 5 4 0 0 0 1 1 20 7 Road maintenance 0 0 3 0 2 0 1 5 0 2 13 Reliable and accessible public transit 0 0 3 3 2 1 1 3 0 0 13 Active transportation (bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, pathways) 0 0 0 7 1 0 0 3 0 0 11 Transportation routes for goods and services 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 Access to parking near retail and work 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 5 Taxi service availability 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Preserve and restore natural landscapes 0 2 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 8 Recycling programs and services 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Flood mitigation and watershed management How the City of Saint John Works Spending efficiency and cost saving measures 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 t 2 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 1 7 1 0 t 0 0 1 0 1 29 5 Demonstrating value for money 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Lower tax rate 0 1 2 1 1 1 0 3 0 0 9 Funding sources other than property taxes 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 Managed debt level 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 Public input into City decisions 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Timely access to City services and information 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 eGovernment and open data 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 otal # A if 14i 264 Engagement Results 12 PIN IT In each category post comments that you think we would SAINT JOHN e Wht benefit from hearing to move us toward our long-term goals. Engagement Results 13 PIN IT In each category post comments that you think we would �T�SAINT�JOHN W What to you? benefit from hearing to move us toward our long-term goals. • Put visual announcements on busses for hearing impaired passengers. • Accessible activates for low income families • Clean up deserted/empty buildings. Better housing • Ball fields (keep adult recreation going - keep costs in mind, increased fees us an issue to get the league to grow). • Reduce poverty with help from senior governments • WT Plant Project - should have advised before start, traffic has to take the long or unsafe way, worried about emergency vehicles getting through (recently a high speed chase), knows we had to get plant, project is delayed why?, is this reasonable, walkers are not safe, please get it done! • Poverty reduction (really big issue - City to support) • Accessibility for those with disabilities (blind), but all - on the advisory committee. There is a list since 2005. • Spend less on recreation and more on transit. • More green space around the city (planting program) • Playgrounds for the kids to play • STEM Program for kids. • Snow parking - you should have alternate park by house # number ex odd Monday, Wednesday, Friday even Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday • A lot of roads but need more on x -walks and sidewalks. Need to paint ones we had - pedestrian accessibility. • Talk to bus drivers re routes and schedules. Fix the system, more will use it. • Put tackle stop before dip in sidewalk for visually impaired. • Open data • Construction has 24 hours per day (speed up) • More reliable plowing in Red Head • Be bold on urban renewal • We need to have event planners. The sculpture thing is nice, but it doesn't generate revenue for the city. • Saint John needs to have an immigration strategy • Pro economic development that makes economic sense for the residents and not the developer. Consider all costs direct and indirect to the cost to the city when considering developer projects • Work with the provincial government to create regional municipalities so that everyone pats their fair share and contributes to the city we live in. • Job creation • Programs to keep young talent in SJ • job creation • New businesses -development • Need to seriously improve housing / living south and north ends (involves poverty reduction, renovation of old housing, etc.) • Create jobs • Save heritage buildings if possible, but if not possible (due to new buildings) then have the building promise to mount a display at the site which shows the former building here with a short description. • Revamp or stop the snow ban. It limits parking when you don't need to. No snow, but still cannot park both sides. Engagement Results 14 PIN IT In each category post comments that you think we would �T�SAINT�JOHN W What to you? benefit from hearing to move us toward our long-term goals. • Integrity of environment. Natural beauty of community must be preserved and enhanced. More resources needed for parks. • Saint John should be an 'age friendly' community! • Please clean sidewalks. Pigeon droppings bad for tourists. • You are the only city on the eastern sea board that has not developed its waterfront - is everyone else wrong!! • Needles uptown • Free day for buses for Christmas uptown shopping (see Christmas lights, etc.) • Family of friend farm :) • More playgrounds • All housing development outside of the PDA • Support for areas struggling in poverty • Housing standards need to be raised • Improve air quality • No opportunity for somebody with my education in animation • More services for single parents - men also. • More free for kids (sports and others) • Teen parent resources • Relaxing heritage laws for dev. • Let bicycles use sidewalks. Little law change and we'll save dollars spent on this. • More organic farming • Too much money spent on watershed protection - its just fine and always has been • Smarter' public transit, to het better data on use • update playgrounds • plow snow • More disabled parking on King Street • Put paving in properly instead of just paving the contour of the road. • Support energy efficiency • Snow/sidewalks in uptown • City managers need to wake up. Do they notice things aren't done. Catch basins not cleaned in years • Too many economic dev. Organizations and they do not seem to do anything. Make one group to save expenses and make them accountable • It's like the boiler is broken, but the city is fixing the pipes • People employed by City should live in city so you are deciding where to spend your money and your money supports SJ economy. • Removing bus passes for the visually impaired was mean and spiteful • Road infra • No lunches at City meetings • Action - let citizens know how these comments are being used (proof we are not wasting time) • Ban raises for Councillors Engagement Results 15 PIN IT In each category post comments that you think we would �T�SAINT�JOHN W What to you? benefit from hearing to move us toward our long-term goals. • The city should bottle and market their purified water to raise revenue for the City's infrastructure and priorities. • Work to attract francophone immigrants with the Provincial Nominee program they can get in Canada easily • Also, identify where French service is available. • Please! Make SJ easier to start a business! Hear of too much red tape. Capital of Canada, close!!! • A rising tide does not automatically float all boats. The rise has to be designed to float all the boats. Don't gentrify people out of Saint John neighbourhoods! Include everyone in all socioeconomic levels in development plan. • Green energy hub. Alternative energy. • Create jobs that are good. Jobs with benefits. If you are on EI, you get benefits so where is the incentive to get back to work. • 1 run a kids tennis program in the city along with many adult tennis activities. We sure could use a year round facility to allow for year round play. Rainy, snowy, windy conditions cancel too much activity. • SJ needs an indoor tennis community center. A large tennis community does not have access in SJ. Physical active lifestyle for youth and adults. Affordable/accessible center. • 1 am on board with an indoor tennis facility. I currently drive both my children 4x per week to Fredericton to play. It's a sport they can play for life and the community is second to none. It's time to give tennis a chance in the Saint John! Thanks you. • More music festivals. • Stay out of Rockwood Park!! Take pictures, leave foot prints. Not more buildings!!! • Policy based on long term needs of citizens not short term corporate wish lists • Upset about cutting bus routes, especially when taxis have gone up with meter system. • So something about water. So many boil orders. It's like a third world country. • Accessibility of public spaces. • Currently driving to Fredericton 4x week for junior tennis. It would be amazing to have a facility in our city to such a wonderful sport. • Fix roads! • Rockwood park is a gem that offers an outdoor experience within walking distance to city dwellers. Protect this park! Also encourage community gardens. • Neighbourhood recycling bins work in densely pop neighbourhoods (e.g., South central) where curbside wouldn't. • Vision 2015 - revisit • Build economy city and society based on reality of climate change. • Have one stop shopping for developers • Do open data in a way that makes the data easy to use and repurpose. • Increase taxes on those corporations that have not been paying them. No more corporate handouts 60 year social experiments that has failed. • Don't increase tax rate or cur services. Could move to the valley for lower taxes. • New parking garage is unsafe place. Need strategy for city garage/transit and how can't pay taxes so you moved the library in. Parking isn't good there. • Upset about proposed raise for Council. They know what they were getting into. • Stop changing the goal post. LNG deal was agreed to so leave it alone before we get stuck with a big bill. Engagement Results 16 PIN IT In each category post comments that you think we would �T�SAINT�JOHN W What to you? benefit from hearing to move us toward our long-term goals. • Change the social assistance system • Universal water meters (present issue of water meters - unfair) particularly for seniors. Should be pay for what you use. • Would also encourage (water) conservation! • Need more business • Local food source • Waterfront -uptown -pipeline • Resources for immigrants looking to start a business or maintain employment • Marco Polo landing spot needs to be expedited • Develop waterfront like Halifax x5 • More tourist attractions for cruise ships like a fort on Fort How • Divide the city - too big and area for our resources • Give city workers who like in the city a tax break to reward them • #1. Narcon Nasal Spray • Drug awareness / don't do it for high school students • Business tax incentives x3 • Keep young people here with jobs and positive outlook • Access to big markets - relationships and infrastructure (why don't we have a server farm?) • Local businesses and food • Develop more playgrounds for the youth • Preserving heritage building/places - more tourists - grow local economy • Support for small businesses • Move family activities uptown/advertised events • Increase taxes re those who do not par fair share i.e., Irving • More residential development uptown • Increase urban infill opportunities • Bring 'jobs' lit-med industry in priority neighbourhoods. Hiring locals. • Park & Ride in Millidgeville to reduce traffic uptown • Tax the LNG terminal fairly!! • Develop trades capable of preserving our heritage • Become a green energy hub instead of fossil fuel • Encourage businesses to move or operate out of the uptown core. It's a unique positive opportunity. (US, other mid-sized cities) • Don't want TransCanada • More employment west side • Energy east compared to building the railways. Building railway the beginning of 150 years of cultural genocide. Energy East the continuation of cultural genocide. • Want pipeline • More walking trails • Want pipeline x2 • Challenge people to be more positive and see how great SJ is. Engagement Results 17 PIN IT In each category post comments that you think we would �T�SAINT�JOHN W What to you? benefit from hearing to move us toward our long-term goals. • 1 wish people believed in SJ more. We have a lot to offer but people are so negative. • Grants to put elevators in old buildings uptown for seniors. • Biking trails • Harbour Passage parking uptown • Ruling on heritage uptown - use more common sense. • Free daycare for low income families or everybody instead of welfare - create more daycare jobs - support themselves instead of us. • Accessibility Engagement Results 18 PIN IT In each category post comments that you think we would �T�SAINT�JOHN W What to you? benefit from hearing to move us toward our long-term goals. • More walking trails • Vision 2015 solve todays problems without limiting future generations ability to solve their problems - climate change. • More Harbour Passage - extend new sections, connection to KV, Lower West, GBW • Focus on ability to move without cars • More biking trails! • Improve streets and sidewalks in the south end and other 'priority neighbourhoods' • Job creation will always make happy. Get rid of no people because you may lose their vote. Do what's correct and you will surprising get their vote. • Too many pot holes • Better sidewalk plowing and salting. Way too slippery. • Garbage cans at Tucker Park. • Bike lanes • Bike trails • Buy smaller busses • Preserve natural wildlife • Better public transportation Well connected AT network. Focused on off-road infrastructure. • Active transport • Develop beach on west side and at Sea St. Goes to Causeway 3 km. Poor parking, but great swimming'Beatty Beach' • My sister had property and unable to let her children build due to put in full street - they cannot afford! It's now for sale waterfront lots in Saint John (Big Tax Potential) • Make rules easier for building businesses etc. I heard city too hard to deal with. • City needs to wipe out the negativity. The residents feel people always saying nothing here for work and entertainment and constantly compare us to other cities. We are a great city stay positive. • Police need to do something about drug in the City and many Syrian kids targeted. • Engage citizenry work with CBC & UNBSJ to achieve this as well as Federal government, anti -poverty and democratic reform • Lower taxes and solution for parking situation • Council shouldn't be so petty at their meetings • Finding a solution to the Roth esay/Qpam/G. Bay amalgamation a possibility. • They should pay market value of parking • Small fee to be by the people who live outside and work in the city x2 • Water taxes are too high. The water isn't great. • Bring in water meters! • Lower tax rate. • Paid $1000 in Grand Manan for oceanfront property, $3300 here in North End for town house. • Why don't we brand the city. It's beautiful city close to hospital - compare taxes to gas and time to travel. Similar. • Why aren't City and school busses working together. Empty busses driving around. • Get rid of ridiculous heritage rules. Go for look. Relax expensive 'attractive' • More Development on the west side • No pipline - too risky Engagement Results 19 PIN IT In each category post comments that you think we would SAINT JOHN e Wht benefit from hearing to move us toward our long-term goals. • Have only city people to work for the city - no outsiders • Access to affordable housing • Access to affordable healthcare • Early education for under 3 support groups • Bus free for gst from 9 am to 4 pm • Posted fines for littering • Bring back beautification committee Engagement Results 20 V1 PIN IT In each category post comments that you think we would �T�SAINTWhat eJOHN to you? benefit from hearing to move us toward our long-term goals. • We need nice housing opportunities for seniors (affordable). Big baby boom is going of need it real soon!! • Need support from the outskirts (KV/Grand Bay/Rothesay for example) as they use our facilities and ambulances/safety services (poll tax??) and don't provide support $$$ • 1 used to have a bus come up my street but it was changed to a new street. Not sure why? I ive on a main street. Doesn't make sense. It was efficient and had ridership. Change wasn't communicated, people are going to the wrong spot to catch the bus. • Need more natural ways (safety) for transportation - example walking, biking and scooters. • Smaller buses but more routes. • Asphalt sidewalk on Fundy Drive has never been done over with concrete. Its dangerous and difficult for older people because they break up. Holes and cracks trip them. • Look at transit. Buses go with 2 or 3 people on them. • Water taxes too high. • Property taxes too high. • Improve parking. • Clean up the dilapidated buildings. • City employees should live inside the City. • Why do property taxes keep increasing when I don't do any improvements to my house? Engagement Results 21 1e--„ All Participants: How important is it for the City of Saint John to focus attention "SAiN-� in each of the following areas: How important is it for the City of Saint John to focus attention in each of the following areas: Answer Options Responsible and quality urban and economic development Diversified local economy that stimulates innovation and job creation Very Important 192 204 Important 97 97 Somewhat Important 20 14 Less Important 10 5 Not Important 1 1 Rating Average 4.47 4.55 Response Count 320 321 Attract new businesses and industries 197 95 24 5 3 4.48 324 Business startup process and requirements that reduce red tape 146 93 63 16 3 4.13 321 Attract development in urban neighbourhoods 143 95 57 18 8 4.08 321 Attract, retain and successfully integrate immigrants 101 110 71 24 18 3.78 324 Attractive destination for tourists to recruit visitors 112 126 64 15 6 4.00 323 Preservation of heritage buildings and places 76 108 85 39 17 3.58 325 Variety of housing choices 83 131 81 18 11 3.79 324 Waterfront development 143 97 59 16 9 4.08 324 A clean, safe vibrant urban core 195 92 32 4 1 4.47 324 Great place to raise a family 189 87 38 4 4 4.41 322 Great public spaces and facilities 168 111 33 9 1 4.35 322 Local festivals, arts and culture 141 110 55 12 4 4.16 322 Recreation, entertainment, and social facilities and opportunities 138 120 47 15 1 4.18 321 Local parks, green spaces, sports fields 147 115 41 14 4 4.21 321 Public safety services that meet the needs of the community 150 121 39 12 1 4.26 323 Access to free wifi in public spaces 67 63 95 61 40 3.17 326 Poverty reduction 201 76 32 7 7 4.41 323 Investment in municipal infrastructure 110 124 69 13 4 4.01 320 Road maintenance 129 128 51 9 3 4.16 320 Reliable and accessible public transit 139 98 51 21 12 4.03 321 Active transportation (bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, pathways) 132 97 59 24 11 3.98 323 Transportation routes for goods and services 62 119 91 41 12 3.55 325 Access to parking near retail and work 60 90 92 50 32 3.30 324 Tax service availability 30 89 115 53 35 3.08 322 Preserve and restore natural landscapes 112 107 72 25 8 3.90 324 Recycling programs and services 152 90 64 13 7 4.13 326 Flood mitigation and watershed management 94 108 85 28 8 3.78 323 Spending efficiency and cost saving measures 158 105 45 12 6 4.22 326 Demonstrating value for money 162 110 40 9 4 4.28 325 Lower tax rate 122 76 79 33 14 3.80 324 Funding sources other than property taxes 164 99 48 8 4 4.27 323 Managed debt level 137 115 60 11 2 4.15 325 Public input into City decisions 144 104 62 9 6 4.14 325 Timely access to City services and information eGovemment and open data 112 99 129 106 69 85 10 26 4 8 answered skipped 4.03 3.81 question question 324 324 327 0 Engagement Results 22 NW All Participants: Please select your top five areas of importance that you feel the City of "SAiN-� Saint John should focus on. (Five (5) choices must be selected) Please select your top five areas of importance that you feel the City of Saint John should focus on (Five (5) choices must be selected) Answer Options Most Important Response Count Areas to Me Responsible and quality urban and economic development 96 96 creation 122 122 Attract new businesses and industries 115 115 Business startup process and requirements that reduce red tape 58 58 Attract development in urban neighbourhoods 47 47 Attract, retain and successfully integrate immigrants 42 42 Attractive destination for tourists to recruit visitors 32 32 Preservation of heritage buildings and places 42 42 Waterfront development 83 83 Variety of housing choices 27 27 A clean, safe vibrant urban core 88 88 Great place to raise a family 52 52 Great public spaces and facilities 44 44 Local festivals, arts and culture 85 85 Recreation, entertainment, and social facilities and opportunities 50 50 Local parks, green spaces, sports fields 60 60 Public safety services that meet the needs of the community 37 37 Access to free wifi in public spaces 15 15 Poverty reduction 106 106 Investment in municipal infrastructure 23 23 Road maintenance 58 58 Reliable and accessible public transit 53 53 Active transportation (bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, pathways) 42 42 Transportation routes for goods and services 2 2 Access to parking near retail and work 4 4 Taxi service availability 3 3 Preserve and restore natural landscapes 12 12 Recycling programs and services 35 35 Flood mitigation and watershed management 12 12 Spending efficiency and cost saving measures 31 31 Demonstrating value for money 22 22 Lower tax rate 55 55 Funding sources other than property taxes 27 27 Managed debt level 32 32 Public input into City decisions 14 14 Timely access to City services and information 2 2 eGovemment and open data 7 7 answered question 327 skipped question 0 Engagement Results 23 1e--,. All Participants: As a resident of the City of Saint John, what is the one most important SAIN-� LOCAL issue facing the City today that you feel should receive the greatest attention ® from Common Council and City Management? As a resident of the City of Saint John, what is the one most important LOCAL issue facing the City today that you feel should receive the greatest attention from Common Council and City Management? I feel our city should spend more time and resources on bring in new jobs to our city. Saint John is spending more time and resources to bring in immigrants rather than doing something to keep current citizens here in our city. Social development We need to facilitate new business development. I worry that the city does not spend money wisely, lots of overtime. Transit Support increasing population Attracting new business ... we need in influx of revenue and people in this city. tax rate Supporting arts and entertainment uptown. Poverty. Great strides are being made in industry, business, and the arts but a large portion of the population is still being ignored and left behind. I think the most important local issue is that a lot of Saint Johners don't feel a connection with the city, for various reasons, which each present their own problem (lack of jobs, lack of affordable living, lack of social events and festivals and sports, lack of feeling of inclusiveness, etc.). There seems to be a sense of "going nowhere fast" in Saint John. If you look at online Facebook groups, or Twitter posts, or comments on online news articles, there are often comments indicating that people are unsurprised a business or organization doesn't work in Saint John, or unsurprised that there is an out -migration of people. It seems like a lot of people feel "stuck" here. I don't think there's an easy answer to fix that, but I think Saint Johners in all parts of the city need to feel a connection to the city again. People need something to rally behind and feel like the city is actually improving in areas like job creation, safety, reduction of poverty, improvement of opportunities for children, etc. The city needs rejuvenation of some sort; the uptown area has come a long way, but all of the development is taking place within a radius of a few blocks. No one is going to move uptown to be close to these great new services and stores if the only affordable place to live is 4 blocks away where people feel unsafe walking home at night. Other areas of the city need a similar rejuvenation. A lot of people I know in my age group (25-35) do not necessarily feel a strong attachment to the city itself; the attachment is more to their families. It would be nice to see something change, so that people feel a pride in their city and a sense of happiness about living here, instead of just living here because they'd like to be close to family. Poverty reduction I moved from Alberta to buy a house back east here at home. I love living in the city but property taxes are to high I'm considering buying out of the city Develop an Immigration Strategy Rockwood park is a gem and should see more city dollars. Did you know the trail system is mostly maintained and built by a volunteer group? Active transportation and dedicated, segregated bike lanes for commuting Making Corporations pay their fair share. I'm on a fixed income and tired of subsidizing corporations with millionaire owners. The city transit has over the years become unreliable. one factor in purchasing my home was the availability of transit. I work shift work. As early as 6 am, as late as 11 pm. Including weekends. My area is serviced by the Champlain heights bus. I can not get to a shift by transit starting before 8 am. As well as get home by transit after 930 pm.(factoring in connections needed) Monday-thru-Friday. The Sunday bus was eliminated. And the Saturday bus is useless. Last bus leaving the mall home is 550 pm, and does not start until 1020 am. I have lost hours available to me at work since the transit is so poor and the taxi changes. What was once a $7 dollar fare is now approximately $11. With the transit being unavailable to me at either the beginning or end of my work day, taxis have become unrealistic. I have been a long time commuter of city transit.(25 years) The service has continuously gone down hill since the city introduced the connector lines. If you want or need people to use Engagement Results 24 NW All Participants: As a resident of the City of Saint John, what is the one most important "SAiN-� LOCAL issue facing the City today that you feel should receive the greatest attention ® from Common Council and City Management? transit you must make it available, you must make it convenient, until then people will not see any value in it. Raise parking rates. Make transit easier to understand and use, I am not now, nor was against metering the taxi system, even though it has affected me greatly. But other sources, like transit, need to be available if you want people using it. It needs to be easy and simple. Tax reduction. economic development WATERFRONT Shrinking population Poverty/ Especially Children I'd love to see more going on activity wise. We have a beautiful uptown area with gorgeous architecture, waterfront and culture like no other. Water street has so much potential. It could stand to see some business that stick around. Government refusal to stay within a budget that reflects it's actual income. Golden paychecks and golden parachutes for failed politician/ bureaucrats and policies. Cut the red tape when it comes to dealing with the city in building and purchasing land. jobs and and help for seniors Deteriorating public transit. The "Oh Well" attitude of council and city bureaucrats for the terrible mistakes they have made through bad decisions & poor choices, and the belief that they deserve another chance. Fire those that fail, the real world does. Active transportation. More bike lanes and connected trail infrastructure will address issues of healthy lifestyle, obesity, quality of life, and foster a positive image of the city. Fiscal management and tourism The degradation of the uptown area, alot of buildings are falling into disrepair and make the rest of the developed areas look worse. A declining population. We have more people in retirement homes and dying than we have births. A large recreation facility - It will not only benefit locals, but attract others to the area for tournaments/events. City council should be captioned on tv or use an ASL interpreter. Arts and culture The bus system has unmarked bus stops with busses that don't follow routes. At this point the transit system is so broken all it does is cost money. Create a rational transit system, not one that shows up at the door of people who complain. And buying new busses will not fix this problem. water quality job creation Attracting newcomers and immigrants by providing the social infrastructure (including access to free cultural events) that they need to establish themselves here for life. Efficiency in the workplace - communication between depts - middle management over haul Jobs! Of this year's trades grads from NBCC (electrical especially) No grads have been able to find work as apprentices in SJ as no one is hiring. Building a fun vibrant uptown Attracting new business, investors; job creation Sustainability Budgeting, or lack of it Debt reduction Amalgamation of the Greeter Saint John area Job creation Engagement Results 25 NW All Participants: As a resident of the City of Saint John, what is the one most important "SAiN-� LOCAL issue facing the City today that you feel should receive the greatest attention ® from Common Council and City Management? Poverty reduction Curb side recycling POVERTY and ADDICTION Poverty reduction, breaking the cycle of generational welfare, getting kids interested in having a future other than having kids and sitting on welfare for years. Stop the migration from the city to the outlying communities. If you build it they will come. Recreational programs for youth and adults in the community. Economic growth and development, ESJ does a great job but you need spend money to make money. Poverty More social and active spaces Poverty and homelessness. Retention of well educated voune Deoole. Encouraging a vibrant uptown core - attracting new residents and reducing slum landlords. Easily poverty reduction. There needs to ways to improve the quality of life for the poverty stricken in our city. Lower the Personel cost of living in the city. Property tax, water tax etc. Add tolls to people who use our city everyday but do not contribute to the operation cost. Attracting businesses to the uptown area. A vibrant uptown will have many positive effects The preservation/celebration of heritage buildings while still allowing the city to grow & develop. High property taxes. making sure that there are enough employees to do what needs to be done rather than getting employees to do more than one job due to availability of resources.... poverty Reduction of taxes, and accountability for spending Crumbling roads Poverty Reduction Economic Development Stopping urban sprawl. Encourage business and residency in uptown core. For example get rid of change over day for uptown outside of winter months. Not enough being done to reduce wages & salaries of EVERYONE paid by the City taxes. population loss Poverty Reduction Building the uptown core. Rejuvenating the uptown core. Everything else will prosper as a result. Too high of taxes forced by having too much infrastructure. Diversified local economy that stimulates innovation and job creation Too much bureaucracy and not enough transparency, how is it possible that the waterfront development corporation is funded by tax payer money but their books are not available to tax payers? How long has the old coast guard building been standing there unused as we wait for something to be done? Why not remove it and let food trucks rent space there. Use it instead of it being an eve sore. More varietv of businesses The sprawling land mass the city is responsible for. If we limit the size of our city, we are better positioned to care for what we have. Can we rid ourselves of some of the outlying areas? Making a more vibrant urban core for citizens Diversifying economy. Narrow focused resource extraction/development has not gotten the city where it has the potential to be. Investment in young, start up businesses with global market capacity outside of resource Engagement Results 26 1�--,. NW All Participants: As a resident of the City of Saint John, what is the one most important "SAiN-� LOCAL issue facing the City today that you feel should receive the greatest attention ® from Common Council and City Management? development will bring healthy growth that attracts young families who will buy homes and pay taxes in the urban core Job creation Public Transit needs to improve and better serve the city/region seven days a week, 12 months a year, if healthy positive growth is a priority / goal. A clean, safe vibrant urban core The city's lack of green initiatives really need work. We need curb side recycling/compost. Balanced budgets while investing in public and municipal infrastructure. really wish we had better bus routes so that this type of commuting was more feasible for more people. I think for a city the size of Saint John, our bus system needs to improve and be more frequent. Recycling is such a chore. Please add recycling pickup like the suburbs! Also, retain focus on building up the Uptown area to be an attractive place for young people and families to settle & live. Common Council must Invest in and promote an urban -focused economic development strategy that will spur growth in the city's core. Saint John must stem out -migration and work with the provincial government and surrounding communities to achieve a true metropolitan center. We are, effectively, stronger together. Debit control reduction Redevelopment of uptown core... including a new school to consolidate the various uptown elementary schools... no families will move uptown unless something is done! Poverty Better long term planning. An example would be the use of poor quality ashfault in road construction that requires more upkeep then a higher quality ashfault in turn costing about the same over the course of its life but causing more headache for the public. Orjust shortsighted public policy in general. Poverty reduction A greater focus on (barrier free for the population of Saint John with physical disabilities) accessibility to private, local businesses, city transit/taxi service, festivals/cultural events, and recreational areas. I'd li ke to see an inclusive Saint John. Environmental sustainability, including but not limited to; active and public transportation availability, climate change readiness, stormwater management/green infrastructure and increased population density. Poverty Funding sources other than property taxes (get a 1% cut of hst... or something) As I walk through the uptown area I am not happy with the boarded up and empty buildings. In particular the former Woolworth's building at the top of King st. The # of posters on poles, buildings is unsightly, the pink wood structure on Germain St is disgusting. I think there should be a roller skating arena. Ensuring the Uptown develops to create more vibrancy and interest. Jobs for new graduates Money management/ keeping and growing economy Arts & culture in uptown core child poverty Too much focus on maintaining old ways while all the youth move away and the city falls apart. Economic development do not want to support the energy east pipeline. I want the city to get behind an alternate and renewable energy source. Immigration policy Debt management, including emphasis on ridiculous tax rates Engagement Results 27 1�--.. NW All Participants: As a resident of the City of Saint John, what is the one most important "SAiN-� LOCAL issue facing the City today that you feel should receive the greatest attention ® from Common Council and City Management? we need iobs in this Asset Management - specifically water, sanitary and storm infrastructure. Public safety - that includes safe roads, policing, plowing in winter. Attracting entertainment events to the city and the overall condition and maintainance of our sports fields. For the amount of money you spend to rent a softball field you would expect a certain level of up keep. There is a reason other places like Moncton that get tournaments and part of it is condition of fields and lack of proper fields for the sport of softball. This would also include hockey and other sports. I feel that there is way too much RED TAPE in decisions that are important for our city. I also feel that our city is "MONOPOLISED" There is not enough competition to keep cost of living down. The reason for this is that we do not have enough major corporations. We only have a few and they are localised to here and each one monopolises is there services. We have the potential, with our port to have so many different businesses here. Lets start inviting corporations to our city and let them see it "WITHOUT INTERCEPTION" and fear tactics given by one monopoly. More business, more employment. More employment, more money spent. NUFF SAID. leadership A deversified economy, less reliance on one source for our jobs, developement and growth. Safe. aualitv. affordable housine. Make the core vibrant Clean air. Must hold polluters accountable. Economic developments 1) Poverty. 2) Is there any shelter for homeless people? I know there used to be one at St.James street uptown. I never know what the reason that the shelter was closed which really made me feel worried and sad about it. 3) Saint John needs more new business/industries for more job opportunities 4) More bus routes, bus stops, and schedules. 5) 1 understand the point I am about to mention might not the most important issue, but I still would like to let you know. Our neighbourhood really need a safe and clean family public playground completely fenced and maintained). The playground that we (on Collins and Morris Street, West Side) is completely not safe because it doesn't have fence and it is just NEXT to the streets. Because it doesn't have fence, the irresponsible people would walk their pets trough the playground or even let their pets run around in the playground without even care to pick up their pets excrement. There was a day when I found pieces of broken glass bottle on the ground (maybe it came from some people who just spent their time at night and drink, but did not throw the bottle in the garbage can). 6) The garbage pick up schedule in some neighbourhoods need at least twice a week instead of only once a week. For me and for some people have to keep the trash in our home for the whole week. We can't keep it out side because it will dirty the neighbourhood. We have no choice but to keep bags of trash in our small apartment/town house for the whole week. ...listen to the have 2 areas. One is the bus service. the other is Child poverty Growing the economy of the City and attracting more people to the City itself. The geography is too large and the borders need to shrink. Bring people into the core. All systems and services of a city, especially those responsible for public transportation, work to benefit the general population in many aspects. This includes their ability to work and maintain a position of employement. I for one rely on public transit, on a budget that at times has struggled to afford it, and it has always been forefront in my ability to arrive to work at time. I very much believe that accessible and affordable, as well as efficient transit system is crucial to a well functioning city -system. Investing in public transit Bus service on Sunday evenings & holiday evenings from Hospital to Uptown & east! Out of control salaries for city staff, fire, police, transit. These are way too high and they hurt our ability to grow. Engagement Results 28 NW All Participants: As a resident of the City of Saint John, what is the one most important "SAiN-� LOCAL issue facing the City today that you feel should receive the greatest attention ® from Common Council and City Management? Urban slums Economy Cost management Defined Contribution pensions, Contract city services out, Reduce operating expenses and growing wages, Reduce unions, New Management, Lower tax rate, Attract new business The tax rate Water quality Bringing more people Uptown to live, work and play and to bring back a far better quality of life in the different areas of the city for children especially in areas of Millidgeville, westside, eastside, south end. North end has Shamrock Park. We want our children to put down their electronics and get outside but there are no good playgrounds anymore or tennis courts, where play time is free and keeps kids interested... We need the city to bring back the quality of life that we had and other towns and cities have ... tennis courts, basketball courts, outdoor rinks with changine hut. outdoor Dools in every area for kids... Waterfront development Jobs feel that the Saint John Waterfront's lack of use and development is a major issue. If properly developed, it could breathe new life into Water st., the tourism sector and all uptown. It's shameful that it is relegated to parking. Improvement of public spaces. Poverty For me personally, the transportation situation. I do shift work, usually stuck with mid day, and there are no bus schedules where I live in the early afternoon, evening, or weekends. So now I'm forced to pay approx. $30 a day on metered taxi's to get to and from work. That adds up to $300 out of a pay cheque and it's a real struggle. High taxes. absolutely insane budgets for police and fire. Lack of attracting new business The quality of some of our roads! Transparency in decisions and input from citizens. Taxpayers are the boss. Responsible spending. My one question is, since the population has not gotten bigger (actually shrunk I think) why has the number of employees increased? Downtown core development Economy All I know is that this city is dying. Younger couples need to be drawn to it and they aren't. I feel as a city we have lost our sense of pride, majority of people say they are from sarcastically. Like many here, I have watched family and friends move away to get work to provide for their families. Job creation would be a small step in bringing some of them "home" and be proud to be from the greatest little city in the east. I want to raise my children here because I am proud to be from here, and want them to have the same memories I did growing up going to school, playing in the rinks and ball fields and enjoying this beautiful city. We had that once and we can get that back. I'm not so much sure if this is an issue but just my 2 cents. Economic growth and development opportunities encouragement. Flood mitigation and watershed management Public transportation. Poverty - this is a wide ranging topic that is affected by businesses that establish themselves in the area (creating employment), public transit, active transportation, and public spaces, to name a few. poverty reduction Water quality at an affordable cost. The increasing cost of water and sewerage services is very stressful to people amd seniors on a fixed income . PS. Question number 11 should have an option of - maintain services by maintaining the tax level. Engagement Results 29 NW All Participants: As a resident of the City of Saint John, what is the one most important "SAiN-� LOCAL issue facing the City today that you feel should receive the greatest attention ® from Common Council and City Management? Lack of jobs that pay a sustainable living . We need more industries here to offer the wages that attract our tradespeople back to our community ... With that would come more money into the area . Why not have our dry dock in use ? Help the pipeline get built to help not only us but the national economy I really feel like the city is on the rise. Keep development happening! Especially on the waterfront! Waterfront Development will help revitalize the urban core .... tied with a better recycling program. There's far too much garbage on garbage day! I'm a business owner in the city. Economic development is most important from my perspective, noting that with increased businesses, and larger tax base, the attraction of new businesses to the city would be beneficial for all. Public transit Poverty reduction and inconsistencies with regulations for non-profit organizations. Fairness in tax rates: those who can afford to own more expensive properties should be taxed at a different rate than those who are barely holding their own in properties with a lower assessment value. Poverty reduction, especially child poverty. More development and growth in the city Roads, waterfront development and flood , snow removal Attracting and keeping new businesses and putting welfare people to work More needs to be done to promote SJ transit and make it work for more people which will lead to more usage i.e. money. The taxes in this city have scared away many of my fellow nurses from buying houses and instead they choose to move to quispzmsis and grandbay Change management plan - coming up with a strategy to have people understand why we do something even though they may not agree. I've lived here my entire life, 42 years and this city has businesses closing EVERWHERE. Please stop focusing on businesses in the uptown area relying on cruise ship business and start investing in businesses on other areas of the city such as the west side so the people that live here have decent places to shop! I make a minimal salary and can't afford a lot of the prices uptown, many can't. We're one of the poorest cities with one of the highest tax rates. Doesn't take much to see why businesses are closing. Active retention and inclusion of Saint John residents through economic growth and business opportunities. The Irving's. Don't let them bully you. They're not going anywhere. Because Market Slip has not been dredged, we are losing small yacht/tourist traffic from visiting boats who have no where to stop but instead go right up the river. They would otherwise be spending money in businesses and restaurants up town. It is a relatively small, cheap, quick and easy fix. Creating new opportunities for businesses to open. Affordable housing and transportation. Making Trinity Anglican Church a heritage preservation site, raise awareness that the building is for everyone in SJ, getting citizens using it for events, meetings, etc - we must have people actively use the building. We cannot lose Trinity. It is currently in trouble financially. Trinity Church keeps the uptown neighbourhood together - keeps time, gives back to the community by feeding the poor, many outreach events happen there, the doors are open to the city - everyone must use it and benefit from this grand building.... we cannot let Trinity be empty or torn down.... Recreation facilities that allow for year round tennis We need to address the poverty in our city. This can only be done through education and job creation. Break the welfare cycle. It shouldn't be a lifestyle. X Funding for Transit to provide higher service levels. Housing/property management- we need to change to way the city interacts with property owners. It needs to be less adversarial and more co-operial. Easier to start up business. Saint John needs to offer more activities, events, and recreation opportunities to citizens. I am tired of hearing Engagement Results 30 NW All Participants: As a resident of the City of Saint John, what is the one most important "SAiN-� LOCAL issue facing the City today that you feel should receive the greatest attention ® from Common Council and City Management? how everyone can't wait to get out of the city to go experience something on their long weekends. Why are all of these things in other cities, but never or rarely in SJ? I also feel that there should be properly organized sports and recreation available for adults, not just for youth. The demand is there, but no one knows how to get involved unless the "know somebody". The city manage to live within its means. Minimize debt, and stop putting off necessary infrastructure repair and maintenace Really it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that economy and jobs remain the biggest concern. I would like to reiterate as the parent of a young adult with disabilities that maintaining the transit system is crucial for her and many other citizens. The recent cutbacks are very alarming although I understand the fiscal nature of those decisions, it can really limit the world for those unable to drive, further exacerbating the loneliness that so often parallels living with a disability. Job creation Taxes.... I am single, have a great job, bought a house and plan to stay in SJ. Taxes are killing me, especially for water that I can't even drink! Lack of jobs with sufficient pay to enable a person to support themselves. The creation of a DIVERSE economy that does NOT depend on large industry or any single employer, and where everyone pays their fair share! Jobs, and poverty Poverty Working jointly with citizens, businesses, community foundations to create a functionally sustainable municipal economy and infrastructure, that unites and integrates poverty reduction initiatives, affordable housing alternative, access to affordable all inclusive programs, services and transportation, while providing an municipal environment that is eccomonically viable and safe for citizens and hospitable to immigrants and tourist alike. Poverty Poverty Poverty reduction Staying focused on those issues which fall under municipal responsibility and ensuring that other levels of government do not transfer extra responsibilities to the City without accompanying resources. The stagnation of development/business in the uptown core. Saint John is a great place to live, great neighbourhoods, schools, green spaces. Why are people still migrating to the burbs? as a single member household would like to have metered water bills. It has made me rethink my decision of purchasing a house in the city limits. Property Taxes to high. Highest I believe in the province. Poverty Attracting more individuals to the Uptown area to live, work and play. Businesses use to open and close faster than you knew they were even there. Getting more ANCHOR stores Uptown to support the boutiques who struggle to get by, rather than all on the East Side. Make Uptown a destination once again. Business growth Growth Managing the poverty level by offering proven options to people to get them working and learning life skills to make big life changes (respect in themselves). I know that this is a huge problem not solved by someone like me but there must be more that we can do to lift our community up, all together. Better value for my tax dollars. MoveSJ--the holistic approach to transportation and moving people in and around the city. FUND IT value for our tax dollar. Engagement Results 31 1e--,. All Participants: As a resident of the City of Saint John, what is the one most important iSAIN`LOCAL issue facing the City today that you feel should receive the greatest attention ® from Common Council and City Management? Recycling education Tax Rate containing the costs to residents such as the ever growing water bill. We use to pay yearly what we now pay quarterly. Quality is poor and the # of boil orders do not match the rising costs. Employment Overall quality of life in Priority Neighbourhoods. ( ie: Jobs, clean/maintained streets and sidewalks. New light - medium industry in those communities hiring local workers.) Public Transportation. If we want poverty reduction, we should have reliable public transportation for those who need it. Some people have to spent several hours worth of their wages to get to work by cab early in the morning or late at night. What if a lawyer or doctor would spend several hours of their salary on parking? I think we would have an outrage and Revolution at city hall. Conserve our water & power resources by smart decisions. Let's put restrictions on water usage; one side of street on even calendar days, other side on odd and only use between 8-10 p.m. Power- reward for prime time usage. City needs to keep our city cleaner. Too much garbage lying around and green spaces need to be better kept. Thanks Lack of arts funding. Development - Common council has to accept proposal that make economic sense for all taxpayers. Common council has to stop think about increasing the tax base. They need to consider the net tax base. They need to compare all cost (direct and indirect) of a proposed development to the potential increase in the property tax base. Tax payers should not have to support developers project. Council should be pro development when it makes economic sense for all tax payers. open and transparent government Imperial Theatre Imperial Theatre Economy The roads, high tax rates, and the city needs to discourage new subdivision development that require new roads, water connections etc. and force developers to build within existing neighbourhoods, and commercial areas. The Crossing is a perfect example of something that should not be build where they are proposing. It should be built in an existing commercial area according to Plan SJ. sustainable economic growth. it does not happen in SJ. Why does this city always get "short-changed" ?? Why does the City staff seem to stumble over each other ? (There is so much duplication of staffing and very little delivered!) Get our waterfront developed, it is probably the most valuable asset the city has and it is currently a wasted space. install water meters, it it ridiculous what i pay for water I live alone spend the week in Moncton Mon -Fri yet I pay the same as someone with 5 kids using water constantly does not make sense? Let those that use it pay for it. Same with sewage infastructure, streets sidewalks, costs of city operations. Stop investing in fashionable causes. The Y could have taken over the Aquatic Center. The city could have made money; instead we gave money to a duplication of service. You built million dollar splash pads for special communities. Your job should be to treat all communities as equals. You built works of art on the Cranberry trail for $200,000.00, and then complain about no money and the need to sell off community open spaces for children in all communities. The West side Bay shore beach is a prime example of how the city works for the majority. Bay Shore beach was fronted by city property. The land was sold to a contractor for residential development. Parking was left for 4 cars to park. The only City owned beach on the Bay of Fundy with sand tidal flats, inner tidal reefs were seals come out of the water to rest, and a fantastic view of Partridge Island. How is that for nice leadership that works for the whole group? Martin Engagement Results 32 NW All Participants: As a resident of the City of Saint John, what is the one most important "SAiN-� LOCAL issue facing the City today that you feel should receive the greatest attention ® from Common Council and City Management? waterfront as a public space. The City has taken ownership of the waterfront and started selling it off to the property owners to privatize the public space for the chosen few. This is another wonderful example of leadership for the public good. Do you know that to launch a trailerable boat into the Saint John River or the Bay of Fundy you need to go to Grandbay or KV. Not one City owned launch for a city that advertises itself as a city built on the River and the Bay. It looks like our leadership only sees the general population as economic food stock to feed a vicious, small economic wolf pack. I believe in the school system the children call them the bullies. As adults bullies are rewarded. The outmigration of people who work in the city but live outside of the city and therefore do not contribute to the community that provides them with a job. Following the municipal plan, PlanSJ, is the most important issue facing the City for the next 25 years. Develop in the intensification areas, not outside of them. This type of development approach has proven to be sustainable and successful across North America and, if we follow it to a "T," we can have the same success. Don't fall into the trap of "development for development's sake" or we will continue to fail. If the development doesn't have the City at least break even in costs, the answer must be "no." The trouble is, PlanSJ is a 25 year vision and doesn't fit conveniently into a 4 -year political cycle nor are we comfortable pressuring developers to prove that the development is also in the best interest of the City, not just theirs. This has to be a given. Our politicians must have the fortitude to do what is right for the community in the long term and the plan is all laid out for them in PlanSJ. Just follow it. Same goes for City employees: anyone who doesn't believe in adhering to PlanSJ should be fired otherwise we'll never hit our goals. The roads through out this city be maintained on a continuous basis. Made each community area responsible to work with the city. Encourage each community to keep the roads free of obstructions especially in the winter. Have a community committee work with the city. This cannot be done by a small group of city staff workers and staff. LOWER TAXES The poor quality of our streets and roads. Holes are dug to repair broken lines and left unpaved for weeks at a time and then shoddily patched. migration of population outside citv boundaries Water rates are wav too h Finding methods of funding the services without increasing taxes Uptown development must be encouraged and made easy for developers. While it is important to protect our heritage buildings, not every building is worth protecting just because it is in a heritage areas (e.g. apartment building from 1950, abandoned building). Employment Lowering our poverty rate. Safety Lack of growth and iob creation roads Jobs Taking measures to control climate change Not enough development I think we need to allow more then just one compney to run our city we need to expand our ideas and listen to every thing need to put more effort in to keeping the facility's we have up kept and don't allow them to fade away and get run Down over time when some thing becomes a problem it should be fixed or takeing care of right away Poverty reduction and homelessness People living with poverty and homelessness. Transit Spending efficiency and cost saving measures Lower Income neighbourhoods have been forgotten by the Mayor & City Council. Create Urban development Engagement Results 33 1e--,. NW All Participants: As a resident of the City of Saint John, what is the one most important "SAiN-� LOCAL issue facing the City today that you feel should receive the greatest attention ® from Common Council and City Management? that results in higher revenue so taxi passengers don't have to choose between buying bread, milk & nutritious food AND taking a taxi to & from St Joe's or the Regional for a medical test ordered by a Physician. How does one choose???? Poverty reduction, especially in the uptown area. It's evident and visible every day for those working uptown. Every day, I am asked for money or food. property taxes are way to high Reduce the # of derelict buildings. POVERTY Diversified local economy that stimulates innovation and job creation Receivine fair taxes from corporations. Oh my god, do you even have to ask? Jobs, stimulate jobs. Now, when I say that, I realize there are many jobs already in information technology. What we need to do is EDUCATE these plebians on the fact that we don't need any more plumbers, electricians, teachers, etc. Why bother to have free education for poor people if we're just going to let them take courses that force them back on to welfare because of their poor job choices. We need to get rid of that GODDAMNED "heritage" board and stop preventing businesses from coming here. mean housing is all well and good, but how many people can afford the 1500.00 apartments with no GD job?? PLEASE focus on showing our lovely unemployed/welfare citizens that you can be more than the 5 career prospects that are pushed on Saint Johners. For the LOVE of god please let new businesses come here. We are so worried about changing the look of some "heritage" buildings that MANY uptown buildings sit vacant and fall apart because people cannot afford to restore them. WHY? Because of a bunch of saps sitting in a building with high paying jobs that allow them to stiffle development in Saint John and for what?? So that you can make sure your windows are authentic heritage style. NO THANKS. Also waterfront development would be very nice. It's a goddamn shame our former council said "No" to a casino. We need to take this city and throw some gentrification at it. The above is very confusing and jumps around a bit, but my final answer is Jobs/Training and Skills Development and Urban/Economic Development. I just get so mad, because we'd rather live in the past instead of looking towards the future and that kills me because I know this city and the people that live in it can be SO. MUCH. MORE. then they/we choose to be. Also while I'm on my soapbox, we should amalgamate the surrounding areas of saint john. Because I for one am super tired of people from Roth esay/Qu ispa msis complaining about saint john, yet taking all the jobs and paying less taxes. That doesn't sound very fair does it? Developing Saint John in a way that includes *all* residents of *all* income levels and doesn't gentrify residents into oblivion. If you want to maintain a vibrant uptown core, we need high density residential development so that taxpayers don't have to keep subsidizing uptown development. Health of our population. Healthier lifestyles lead to better education and economic outcomes. Jobs police writing tickets for parking violations outside up town Mis-use of existing spaces (e.g. empty uptown buildings, waterfront potential, etc) Encourage, enhance & support a sense of pride in our urban core. A sense of optimism about the potential of Saint John was noticeable during the previous Council term. I would lie to see that optimism move forward. Need to create iobs to keep the citv from dvine. Reducing poverty/more low income housing Poverty..slum landowners... people with no doctors.. too much children are living in slum housing it is so sad that these landowners are allow to rent these places ... If we don't look after the children who will... Support life in the city --Arts and Culture and Heritage (for quality development and for tourism). Make the high taxes worthwhile... Industrialization of the Red Head Community without the residents knowing just how our lives will change & we loose forever our peaceful/healthy way of life !?. Collaboration. A focus on building the uptown core's vibrancy & vitality by keeping property taxes reasonable Engagement Results 34 NW All Participants: As a resident of the City of Saint John, what is the one most important "SAiN-� LOCAL issue facing the City today that you feel should receive the greatest attention ® from Common Council and City Management? and reducing red tape with respect to bylaws, heritage bylaws etc will not only benefit the larger and more established industries in the city, but would also enable entrepreneurs and residents to fully participate in growing Saint John. Investing in Greening the city. Wind, Solar, Geothermal etc.? All FREE energy when paid off, unlike what we have now that you PAY FOR FOREVER. Drinkable City water so we don't have to buy so much bottled water to drink. rinks and ballfields Poverty Job creation. More and more diversified job opportunities allows younger people to stay. And the rest will follow. Attracting more, good paying jobs.This will help with a lot of other issues listed above. Hopelessness. The sense that there is nothing that we as citizens can do . That the system is rigged against us. That we don't live in a democracy but a plutocracy. That decision made are not made in the best interest of the citizenry but in the best short term interest of a small select corporate few. If you are willing to look you can see it reflected in the poverty and the low voter turnout which are directly connected. All these great projects that are supported be industry, government and the media that will turn saint john around. And yet there is absolutely no public engagement no dialogue no discussion no debate. Despite the fact that in Saint John there is the TJ CBC UNBSJ all with the ability and the means to hold such public events in the public interest. In Saint John there was a brief shining moment of Hope. In between True Growth and True Growth 2.0, there was Vision 2015. It was inclusive and engaging. It sought to address the problems of today without limiting the ability of future generations of Saint Johners. Maybe you could dust that off the shelves update it and use it as a template. Quality of place. Building better neighbourhoods not just a better city to visit for work or tourism. Boosting the economy. support innovative industries and startups to jumpstart the economy. Support the arts to attract creative people to live here. get homeless. Dan handlers off ALL streets and stop smoking in public High taxes and fees that do not equal service, we cannot be everything to everyone, but we need to have people be able to work, live and play here. Some examples: sidewalk snow removal on walking routes to the uptown is sporatic (Garden, Coburg, City rd) Crosswalks are not painted and maintained, streets are not swept... our city looks un -kept. We have the resources and a focus should be on logistics. We need more people to want to live here. In regards to question 9, that is an impossible question. The city needs to spend within it's means, your real estate values are going down due to decisions made. If you spend your money wisely and strategically, more people will move here, values will go up and there would be no need to increase taxes. Changing the water and sewage payment model. I feel that residents should be charged for water by usage, not a flat rate. Charging for water by usage is a more fair system, and will also force conservation of water reserves. Reduction Lower the property tax rate to be the same as Moncton's so as to no longer be at a competitive disadvantage to Moncton, thereby helping to attract new businesses, giving existing business lower costs so that they can hire more employees and to help attract new residents to the city Engagement Results 35 1e--,. NW All Participants: Quality of Life Questions "SAiN� Quality of life describes the general well-being of individuals, family and the community. How would you rate the overall quality of life in the City of Saint John today? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count Very Good 11.4% 37 Good 61.8% 201 Poor 25.2% 82 Very Poor 1.5% 5 answered question 325 skipped question 2 In the past three years, the quality of fife in the City of Saint John has Answer Options Response Percent Response Count Improved 34.5% 112 Stayed the same 50.8% 165 Worsened 14.8% 48 answered question 325 skipped question 2 Why do you think the quality of life has improved? I think more attention is being paid to the uptown core and developing and promoting local businesses Focus on livability Clean spaces. More families choosing to live and raise their kids up town. More outdoor music. Living spaces that have diversity in culture and economics. New business, new vibrancy, new attitude. I think the quality of life has improved in Saint John for me personally because of the attempts at rejuvenating the uptown area, where I live. However, I understand that this is a very subjective view, and on an objective basis, I'm not sure that the quality of life has improved. It's great to open new restaurants and have fantastic events in the uptown area, but the poverty rates in Saint John are scary, and the overall sense of this being a dying industrial city seems to permeate most residents' feelings about living here. A focus on responsible urban development We got a new park ... the Rez for another great outdoor space for families. We got some more bike lanes and alternative transit has got more attention. An increase in small business and diversity through entrepreneurship, and a move away from reliance on big industry to provide jobs. find people's attitudes are starting to change for the better - still a long ways to go but i find people more optimistic There seems to have been an increase in things to do like the color run and area 506. An increase in uptown _development. I feel like there are places to "discover" now. The uptown has been improving by leaps and bounds. Things like Third Shift, Fringe, and Area 506 have given the citv a sense of momentum. Alive There are more things happening in the city, festival 506, new pubs and restaurants, East Coast Games There are more arts events Engagement Results 36 NW All Participants: Quality of Life Questions "SAiN� There's a great momentum building, lots of new business start ups, infrastructure projects and growth in some exciting and innovative industries. Less crime We are slowly bringing more entertainment options but there is room for so much more. I have the perception that forward thinking business and municipal leaders have stepped up to take Saint John in a better direction. I would think the cruise ship revenue must be helping fund some of these initiatives. Also choose not to answer question 11because those are narrowed minded choices. How about we keep the same taxes and find innovative ways to find municipal services. We already have among the highest tax rates in Canada. Why should we reduce our services or raise taxes more. We need leadership. Roads, drinking water, and road side services have all improved. Uptown has more life, people are a bit more optimistic about the entire city because of the uptown think it has worsened in some ways (public transit, higher cost of living) but has improved in others (arts & culture scene, new local businesses). Seeing more people attending street events like recent 3rd Space event recently. Like a vibrant core!! For me it seems like there are more activities & festivals in SJ now than there were 3 years ago. It's a move fun vibrant place to be. the culture seems more positive, money saving is happening, more cruise ships arriving.... more pride in the city, new local businesses, more young people involved A lot more excitement around the city, with lots of young, energetic people getting involved in the city! I live Uptown, and this area of the city continues to mature and gain new exciting businesses that add to the vibrancy of the community created here. More things to do and more shops uptown More things happening in the Uptown core, refurbishment of empty buildings with more people moving to these buildings to live in new apartments and open new businesses. A number of new festivals and more cultural events. More appreciation for our beautiful heritage Uptown, because of proper development... and a number of new projects on the go, restoration of the Imperial Theatre, new Irving head quarters, new Port development, and potentially a lot more to come... It's becoming a more liveable city for young people. Uptown is showing signs of renewal. city seems to be cleaner. smell on west side is still really bad The strong leadership of the previous council. Our current council is yet to prove itself and from what I am observing, they seem to be destroying some of the legacy left behind. More small business opportunities and startups that benefit citizens and help revitalize uptown Development of uptown areas. This attracts youth with new ideas and energy to a city that has tried for to long to cater to an aging/dying perspective on business and prosperity. New businesses and better use of green space Better restaurants, better food, better bars, better retail uptown. A renewed confidence has returned to Saint John. Both social and economic indicators have suggested that more people are keen to return and invest in the city. Urban programs brought us back from quispam to move back to the core. Things like the Queen square market, the new urban development program etc. Are welcome! We are seeing new development in the city and a marginal glimmer of hope that we had not had before. - Hotspot Parking (from Freddy) has completely changed my life in a great way. - radar speed signs in school zones - flashing yellow cross walks (no red/yellow/green) - well guided/focused years; change doesn't have to be drastic... many small changes is the way to make it happen. - kids splash pads - Queen square farmers market - Tech seems to be growing in SJ - Area506 festival and other festivals are great for quality of life. ECMA next year will be nice to have in city again. - More structured plowing schedule (I know some didn't like, but Engagement Results 37 1e--,. NW All Participants: Quality of Life Questions "SAiN� with tweaks it is how it has to go... priority routes need to be a priority) A more vibrant uptown area - but needs more work. More growth of uptown area. Great food scene in Saint John. More events There is a fun open atmosphere in the uptown area. New business in uptown attracting young professionals, more active art scene New small businesses that seem to be thriving that match my interests. The core is thriving & there is the beginnings of a culture shift. More focus on initiatives that allow for better quality of life. Investment into the Uptown core, road repairs, festivals and events Clean safe drinking water on the way, investment in the uptown / south end, engaged council. improved leadership at the elected level letting highly aualified staff do their iob better roads, waterfront improvements and improvements to the appearance of the uptown area. New businesses and start-ups attracting and retaining young workers and creating a more dynamic urban core More effective Municipal Government Small business More development. People improving their properties. There are more businesses, restaurants and bars uptown, which is good for recreation and economic purposes. There is a level of optimism and excitement fueled by local development that the citv sorelv needed. Development and upgrades of urban core. The uptown growth. New businesses and events. Development = jobs = $ = : The uptown core has more interesting businesses, bars, restaurants and the Syrian refugees add so much to our lives and city in such a positive way. The Port is busier, more people are moving back from out west and starting small businesses, less difficult to find employment and city now has a great mayor who cares. More development in the uptown core. Economic conditions seem to be improving Uptown development has improved the sense of community and pride with residents. I left for grad school about 3 yrs ago, and was gone for 2, and have been back for about 1 yr. When I returned, I noticed people were becoming more active, thanks to the campaigns for health, which I see disappearing sadly, the communal spaces are better maintained so the parks and squares are pleasant thus attract more people to venture out and use the spaces, there is more going on in the city, so people have things to come out and do as a family or with friends, new business uptown, which seem more professional and prepared to invest in long term plans of establishing themselves and growth, and more interest in fixing up the area for appearances and aesthetics to give a sense of well being to the city. More progressive business opening is also a very positive sign. The vibe of the city improved with the Mel Norton administration. There is more pride in the city. More activities around the city to attract people to the uptown area such as the queen square market. The uptown has particularly transformed with more people living in the core, new businesses (restaurants, bars, shops, Irving head quarters, etc), upkeep of our parks, public spaces and roads, heritage preservation activities, excellent garbage pickup including composting, smooth alternate parking programme, etc. There are so many places to go and things to see/do - it is a busy city Business announcements such as Barge Terminal and Port usage. New stores being built out east, various areas of uptown getting face-lifts, the new YMCA, the football field at the Shamrock grounds being beautifully redone, the one -mile interchange being completed, and an overall Engagement Results 38 1�--,. NW All Participants: Quality of Life Questions "SAiN� sense of people caring and taking action in improving different areas of the city. More variety in retail and restaurants. Uptown is revitalized. Some new jobs. I think people more people in their late 20's and 30's are tired of nothing progressing in the SJ. People want to be more involved, want to see developments happening and are tired that SJ has a rep for not being business friendly. Every one ion political reps seem to be on the same page. By developing focused plans such as planSJ and similar initiatives and adhering to these plans, we have been able to achieve a renewed senses of pride in the City. This has been accompanied by many new local businesses being launched by young entrepreneurs who have demonstrated a contagious sense of optimism. The uptown core has improved. Improved rental unitss, more restauraunts... Trails in Rockwood park are amazing year round. There is a revived positive energy growing in the Uptown that has given way to this new attitude that we can make things happen once again! The previous council was the best I had seen in my time thus far. I have great faith in this one as well. Positivity, arts and culture Slow but improvement is evident with new types of business and development other than industry in our city. Uptown Revitalization Efforts, Investment in Arts and Culture, Focus on Economic Growth. Discover SJ has done a tremendous job presenting SJ as a fantastic destination spot nationally and internationally and the off -shoot of that success is a building of civic pride among the community. better restaurants and improved down town core more restaurants in the uptown redevelopment of Rockwood Park more events like the Fringe Festival, Gallery Hop, etc. Look at life in the Uptown core -- it is our bell -weather. There is barely an empty storefront. New restaurants are popping up everyday and the selection of stores and amenities and festivals and events is astonishing. Much of this didn't even exist 5 years ago. The communities appear to be more vibrant and people in general appear to enjoy what the community has to offer. Nature, the Art world and great access to outdoors activities and lifestyle. We are fortunate be live in such a peaceful place. We should promote beautification of our communities. Promote to have groups of people working together to enhance their community appearance. The community can do their own fundraising to get there and hopefully if possible this be matched up with a bit of funds from the city or offer prizes for innovative of making each area attractive. I've seen some great development of both commercial and residential units uptown and a good focus on poverty reduction from some businesses with the schools and growth in arts and culture (e.g. Fundy Fringe Festival an Area 506). There had been more development and job creation over time now It seems like there are more activities, festivals and events, and a renewed and refreshing sense of community There has been some revitalization of the city, such as Historica restoring old buildings. Uptown development New sports fields (Shamrock) We finally got city-wide sewage management in place, there seems to be more of an effort to make intersections pedestrian -friendly, there are more community gardens. More local opportunities and activities for individuals and families (many that are free or low cost). Uptown is going through a rebirth. That is the engine that drives this area. People are moving back. The more investment into that area (versus suburbs) the more the entire area benefits. Make big business oav more taxes to the Some things have improved but others don't seem to have gotten better. New businesses/life in uptown core Quality of life is about the same but there are those who intend to change all of this due to the coming of western crude oil & it's effect on quality of life . Many lives will be changed & not all for the good . Engagement Results 39 1e--,. All Participants: Quality of Life Questions iSAIN� Local business has helped to change the face of Saint John. Tuck Studio, Thandis, Port City Royal, Hemmings House. The give the city nuance and and culture. Quality of life has improved for those of us that are making an above average wage - uptown development, more festivals and entertainment options. However, if you make minimum wage, quality of life has worsened with transportation cut backs, increased tax rates, etc. The City has abandoned the idea of taking away services and decreasing taxes and are finding ways to continue operating at a high level. I feel some things have improved (urban core, land use planning) while others have worsened (care of bikelanes, reductions in transit, loss of beat cop) Attitude of residents charge a poll tax for'burbs who work in city I actually saw crosswalks painted before October this year. There seems to be a renewed sense of pride in our city amongst residents, and a fresh realization that, despite the challenges, Saint John is a truly great place to live. Why do you think the quality of life has worsened? The quality of life has changed for some residents do to the standards of life they once enjoyed but now have to cut back on due to the employment situation here Saint John . Question 11 needs needs another option - make those living outside the city of Saint John pay for services they use in Saint John . Also make those such as Big Industry pay fairly for the Bulk Waters they use in their manufacturing process - pulp & paper mills , refineries & commercial business . Homeowners drink 8 - 10 glasses of water while industries consume MILLIONS of gallons per day from the Saint John watersheds . Not Fair value for same waters ? This will help the tax base problem of fair taxation ! "Status quo" or "same" is not the desired outcome for the 30th or 40th year in a row! 1) King Street ....fighting, spitting, bumming, loitering, swearing, smoking sitting on ground .... this has been going on ever since moved in there ....it is DISGRACEFUL!HHHAND SHOULD BE STOP PE have thousands of cruise ship visitors walking by there every year and it is just an embarrassment ... I have heard tourists say "This city is a dump"....... for starters, remove that bench from outside... people won't stand around for 3 or 4 hours but they do sit on that bench now for hours on end ... the ones doing all the activities listed above.... Waterloo Street has all these activities plus prostitution and drug dealing ... I have complained to them many times to no avail 2) urban slums especially Peters Street, bottom block of Waterloo, Alma Street, Brinley Street, City Road... eyesores ....3)can you stop the clubs from advertising on the attractive Victorian looking lamp posts by not sticking signs with 20 feet of scotch tape wrapped around them on the posts?? really detracts from the attractiveness of the lamp posts 4)1 know the federal gov't. will be doing a study ... in my humble opinion the cause of most poverty is teenage pregnancy ... I have lived here 60 years and this problem has just perpetuated throughout the generations... young people need an incentive to stay in school .....5)Is there still a Heritage Board and can they do something about the tacky, tasteless, giant, multi -colored signage in the uptown area? Sorry about the negativity, but that is how I see Saint John..it gets uglier every year ..... and maybe that guy can take down that tacky Girls Girls Girls sign from Blush on Sydney Street because the tourists go that far East to look at the beautiful Loyalist Burial ground ....I know there are many many more pressing problems, but please work on these ....Thank You average taxpayers are forced to make up the slack of industry. Cuts to services. dirty streets, panhandlers , smokers and people swearing in the streets Economic Stagnation, fewer jobs have led to fewer opportunities. Less investment in Waterfront and sports fields/arenas Economy Engagement Results 40 NW All Participants: Quality of Life Questions "SAiN� Economv faili free transit going to a 4 day work week lest traffic and air pollution to many mangers Heavy taxation, senior care and child poverty are worsening high taxes and fee lack of reliable public transportation feel evidence of poverty is more prevalent... in schools, businesses, and neighbourhoods. I personally am extremely disappointed with the quality of life for children. There are no tennis courts in very neighbourhood anymore like when we were growing up. Everywhere in other cities, there are public tennis courts in abundance and ball fields and skating rinks AND outdoor pools for all the inner city kids who never get a chance to leave the city. These are so important for a good quality of life, no matter what people's income is. I really don't know exactly about the quality of life in saint john if it stayed the same or worsened, and in same time i cannot say that it has improved. Because: 1) I've seen the medium to small sized businesses in Saint John had to close their businesses or barely survive their businesses (included the business that I and my ex- husband ran). 2) 1 had chance to get to know few people who live in south end area. When I asked if they visit Queen Farmer market, spontaneously they gave the answer "oh we cant afford to get stuff from there!!". 3) The people whom I know, who moved to other city, gave me same reasons why they decided to move to other city because they could not find job in Saint John and that condition made more difficult for them to improve their quality of life. 4) Our store was few doors from food bank. I saw the long line at food bank to pick up some very basic aroceries. The line would start wav before the food bank oaened the door to start the service. Increased poverty. slum landlords. huge tax burdens increased taxes, less services. It has improved for myself. Living and having a job uptown, the addition of great new local bars, restaurants and Real Foods but we still have a terrible poverty rate so that's why I selected worsened. That's more important to address to make this city better for everyone. Lack of development. Nothing here for families to enjoy such as water parks. Lack of iobs. poor roads. Wav too much focus on tourists Less is being spent on maintaining and servicing roads and other infrastructure in outlying areas. Housing for those living in poverty is poorly maintained and needs to be diversified. Less jobs and more poverty. How about we meet in person instead of these online surveys as well! More community involvement with a caring attitude towards everyone involved would help! Less jobs, aging communities Less jobs, worse road conditions, higher water rates, less work efficiency, lack of vision. Question 11- Improve efficiency to lower taxes Less opportunities for those who are seriously trying to get ahead Less services, decrease in affordable rental accommodation, especially in the uptown area. Less public transportation. Losing work or low paying jobs ! Bringing in third world immigrants with no education or credentials to replace the people that can't afford to support a family on low paying jobs . Unemployment rate is high and you have poverty. You don't need immigration when people are moving. Economics 101 More Crime and Unemployment in the city. More people are struggling to pay bills, taxes and keeping a roof over their head. More people falling below the poverty line More people out of work. more pollution More poverty My city is covered in prostitutes no jobs.. feels like the city is dying Engagement Results 41 1e--,. NW All Participants: Quality of Life Questions "SAiN� Nobody has a job, nobody can be *** to take the *** jobs that are there and nobody gives a *** about all these technology jobs because "I don't want to sit at a desk all day". Plus, we can't bring in anything else, so we stagnate. Not enough work for the young. I had my first iob at 14 and didn't look for a vear to find it. People seem less satisfied overall, more stressed about taxes and poor road maintenance/ clearance in the winter Poor economy, poor housing market, NB province not supporting our recent university and college grads -turned their backs on them. No wonder they're leaving in droves! Poverty is increasing and all of the youth are moving away to make a life for themselves. Property Taxes bankrupting landlords resulting in unoccupied, boarded up apartment buildings in the North End. Not only are we a poor & neglected neighbourhood we also LOOK neglected. Public transit options have worsened. Roads gotten worse, property tax rates SJ transit needs better system. spending and costs keep rising, tax base does not, deterioration of many neighbourhoods continues The city of Saint John has let many companies leave our city. Saint John use to be a "Call Center" city but now even the call centers are packing up and leaving. The City of Saint John has not ensuring that its Multicultural Association (M.A.S.J. Inc.) is better supported and accessible to the public. The Historic Saint John City Market renovations could be an opportunity for the City of Saint John to demonstrate better support and respect for human rights by providing an accessible office and space to the M.A.S.J. Inc. so that we may continue our work and better encourage the importance of working together in achieving our common goals and objectives in a more cost-effective and efficient manner than at present. The community is more stressed about the economy and financial state of the City. My air and water quality has decreased. The cost of living has risen auite a bit whereas incomes for those in aoverty have remained the same. The cost of living has risen quite a bit whereas incomes for those in poverty have remained the same. the loss of quality jobs but the cost of living has increased (cost of taxis or buses, rent, taxes). Lowering bus service (reducing routes and eliminating routes to lower costs but this will lower ridership). Make buses more accessible and more people would use them. Invest in smaller buses. The unemployment rate has jumped higher The amount of after tax dollars for families have dwindled The jobs that are offered within the city do not offer a living wage The uptown isn't as vibrant as it once was Our roads are a disgrace Most of our workers are living outside the city and using our facilities and services but aren't paying the taxes for them ( a toll on the highway would help that ) Unsightly properties, poorer roads, population decrease Engagement Results 42 All Participants: How satisfied are you with the overall level and quality of services and rsn[N?JOHN programs provided by the City of Saint John? How satisfied are you with the overall level and quality of services and programs provided by the City of Saint John? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count Very satisfied 7.7% 25 Somewhat satisfied 70.6% 230 Not very satisfied 19.0% 62 Not at all satisfied 2.8% 9 answered question 326 skipped question 1 Engagement Results 43 All Participants: Balancing taxation with service delivery question. 4;.SAIN� Municipal property taxes are the primary way to pay for services and programs provided by the City of Saint John. Due to the increasing cost of maintaining current service levels and infrastructure, the City must balance taxation and service delivery levels. To deal with this situation, which of the following four options would you most like the City to pursue? Answer Options Increase taxes - to expand services Increase taxes - to maintain services Reduce services - to maintain current tax levels Reduce services - to reduce taxes Response Percent Response Count 31.2% 92 22.7% 67 25.8% 76 20.3% 60 answered question 295 skipped question 32 Engagement Results 44 NW All Participants: Customer service related questions. "SAiN� Have you contacted or dealt with the Qty of Saint John or one of its employees in the last twelve months? (This includes all civic employees including emergency personnel) Answer Options Response Percent Response Count Yes 63.8% 206 No 36.2% 117 answered question 323 skipped question 4 If you answered Yes above, how satisfied were you with this most recent contact with the City? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count Very satisfied 45.4% 94 Somewhat Satisfied 34.8% 72 Not very satisfied 13.0% 27 Not at all satisfied 6.8% 14 6WIMNCRI tliG1H answered question 207 24 skipped question 120 Thinking of the last time you contacted the City of Saint John or one of its employees, please tell me how satisfied you were with the following: Answer Options Very satisfied Somewhat Not very Not at all Rating Response Not very satisfied 11.9% Satisfied satisfied satisfied Average Count 6WIMNCRI tliG1H 123 108 24 12 3.28 267 6\GIMSIPoHMF4M3P 140 93 24 11 3.35 268 6t11AlM HSO G -W 119 95 32 19 3.18 265 6t61IMEll IMMKFOHDRODW H 102 104 32 29 3.04 267 6\19 INCH IMM O3-OVAWCU R OnQ+Gt 120 100 33 13 3.23 266 The courteousness of staff 148 85 19 16 3.36 268 The speed and timeliness of service 107 97 29 33 3.05 266 answered question 270 skipped question 57 How satisfied are you with your ability to contact the City for inquiries or service delivery? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count Very satisfied 31.9% 91 Somewhat Satisfied 51.2% 146 Not very satisfied 11.9% 34 Not at all satisfied 4.9% 14 In your view, what is the one thing that the City can do to improve customer service? 109 answered question 285 skipped question 42 Engagement Results 45 Focus Group Results: Living in Saint John Participants Human Development Council Business Coalition Anti -Poverty Fusion SJ Citizen (2) Sociological Hemmings House Saint John Arts Board Heritage Development Board Planning Advisory Committee Living SJ One Change SJ Multicultural- newcomers 1. What is your name and what is one word or phrase you would use to describe the City? • Determined- people are looking to make a difference • Connected • Determined- We have diverse leadership (all players not just in City Hall) at the table focused/determined on improvements. People want to be a part of the change. • Opportunity • Potential • Insecure - Engagement Results 46 Focus Group Results: Living in Saint John 2. What strengths or positive aspects do you feel Saint John has, that we should build on to make living in Saint John better? Compared to other cities/areas Saint John is lucky to have clean air. Cost of housing is very affordable which allows us to target different demographics and allows us with the potential to increase our population. We need to look at our educational institutions, they are an asset, and focus on keeping the youth here after graduation. We have a strong sense of community! We also take for granted our access to people and places, anything you need access to is only a call away (he gave the example that while filming the recent documentary on SJ called City on Fire he was pleasantly surprised that anything or anyone that they wanted to talk to was easily made available typically just by calling. We have a defined central business core and a strong industrial base. SJ can be a world logistics centre with a deep and unfreezing harbour. We have the potential to be a gateway to the world. Engagement Results 47 Focus Group Results: Living in Saint John The condition of buildings and infrastructure is poor and inner City schools can be an issue. We have some schools that are an embarrassment. • Competitive costs for higher education • New energy around poverty reduction • Heritage 3. What are the challenges of Saint John as a place to live in? There is a lack of pride Engagement Results 48 Focus Group Results: Living in Saint John Airport could be/is one of our biggest problems. Ex: Radian 6- poor flight options... when Moncton is so close to us, Engagement Results 49 Focus Group Results: Living in Saint John 4. Engagement Results 50 Focus Group Results: Living in Saint John It is dangerous to bike in SJ. The best R01 for SJ has been Harbour Passage, he says that HP is the main reason his neighbours on Alexandra Street live in that area. European Cities do a great job of focusing on the people and not on the car. We need to raise the costs of bringing your car into town (generate revenue). The design of the City could be an issue and if we make it difficult to bring your car into town we might not be successful. Property taxes are very high in the City (this should be a priority for Mayor/Council) and it makes it hard to sell the City to newcomers. We need Arts & Culture, diversity, opportunities for all Engagement Results 51 Focus Group Results: Living in Saint John • Plan to retain immigrants (Syrian refugees) by developing opportunities through our existing infrastructure • One Greater Saint John municipality • Vision of having a multicultural Saint John embodied in every aspect of life • Celebrate our clean air Final Thoughts (roundtable) Engagement Results 52 Focus Group Results: Living in Saint John Focus on improving infrastructure, beautifying, public art etc. and enhancing and celebrating it the urban core! The urban core is the destination. Poverty reduction - Engagement Results 53 Focus Group Results: Growing Saint John Engagement Results 54 Focus Group Results: Growing Saint John Engagement Results 55 Focus Group Results: Growing Saint John Engagement Results 56 Focus Group Results: Growing Saint John • The city has to be better managed • We need incentive to be developed to get young people to stay / come back. We need to integrate UNBSJ students with business community. • Council needs to fund/support more start-ups, example; remove restricting bylaws. Council has to support investment. • We could reach more markets with more investment (Discover SJ) • When I wanted to start my business, I could find investors but they wanted me to move first. I was told Engagement Results 57 Focus Group Results: Growing Saint John 1 Access to free wifi in public spaces 1 Poverty reduction 6 Investment in municipal infrastructure 3 Active transportation (bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, pathways) 1 Spending efficiency and cost saving measures 2 Lower tax rate 2 Timely access to City services and information 6. Debrief/Last thoughts Engagement Results 58 Focus Group Results: Growing Saint John Engagement Results 59 Employee and Civic Partner Engagement: How important is it for the City of Saint John to focus attention in each of the following areas How important is it for the City of Saint John to focus attention in each of the following areas Answer Options Very Important Somewhat Less Not Rating Response Important Important Important Important Average Count Responsible and quality urban and economic development 43 48 7 2 0 4.32 100 creation 51 34 12 2 1 4.32 100 Attract new businesses and industries 68 22 9 2 0 4.54 101 Business startup process and requirements that reduce red tape 35 38 20 7 2 3.95 102 Attract development in urban neighbourhoods 37 45 11 6 1 4.11 100 Attract, retain and successfully integrate immigrants 13 24 42 15 8 3.19 102 Attractive destination for tourists to recruit visitors 29 40 28 4 0 3.93 101 Preservation of heritage buildings and places 16 21 34 21 9 3.14 101 Variety of housing choices 18 36 33 11 3 3.54 101 Waterfront development 45 35 12 8 1 4.14 101 A clean, safe vibrant urban core 54 36 11 1 0 4.40 102 Great place to raise a family 60 31 10 0 1 4.46 102 Great public spaces and facilities 50 39 8 3 0 4.36 100 Local festivals, arts and culture 32 41 20 7 2 3.92 102 Recreation, entertainment, and social facilities and opportunities 38 46 11 4 2 4.13 101 Local parks, green spaces, sports fields 41 39 16 4 1 4.14 101 Public safety services that meet the needs of the community 45 37 16 3 1 4.20 102 Access to free wifi in public spaces 11 18 34 27 12 2.89 102 Poverty reduction 33 41 17 7 4 3.90 102 Investment in municipal infrastructure 38 46 16 0 1 4.19 101 Road maintenance 39 46 10 4 1 4.18 100 Reliable and accessible public transit 21 36 34 6 5 3.61 102 Active transportation (bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, pathways) 17 38 32 11 3 3.54 101 Transportation routes for goods and services 13 29 41 17 1 3.36 101 Access to parking near retail and work 21 29 26 20 4 3.43 100 Taxi service availability 5 19 40 26 11 2.81 101 Preserve and restore natural landscapes 15 35 36 11 4 3.46 101 Recycling programs and services 24 34 29 14 1 3.65 102 Flood mitigation and watershed management 22 37 34 6 3 3.68 102 Spending efficiency and cost saving measures 25 47 24 4 1 3.90 101 Demonstrating value for money 31 41 23 3 4 3.90 102 Lower tax rate 35 22 20 13 12 3.54 102 Funding sources other than property taxes 49 32 16 3 0 4.27 100 Managed debt level 32 40 30 0 0 4.02 102 Public input into Gay decisions 25 28 33 11 5 3.56 102 Timely access to City services and information 13 43 32 13 1 3.53 102 eGovemment and open data 6 32 37 16 11 3.06 102 answered quest/on 102 skipped question 0 Engagement Results 60 Employee and Civic Partner Engagement: Select your top five areas of importance that you feel the City of Saint John should focus on Please select your top five areas of importance that you feel the City of Saint John should focus on. (Five (5) choices must be selected) Answer Options Most Important Response Count Areas to Me Responsible and quality urban and economic development 21 21 creation 38 38 Attract new businesses and industries 47 47 Business startup process and requirements that reduce red tape 9 9 Attract development in urban neighbourhoods 16 16 Attract, retain and successfully integrate immigrants 8 8 Attractive destination for tourists to recruit visitors 6 6 Preservation of heritage buildings and places 8 8 Waterfront development 31 31 Variety of housing choices 1 1 A clean, safe vibrant urban core 27 27 Great place to raise a family 28 28 Great public spaces and facilities 9 9 Local festivals, arts and culture 18 18 Recreation, entertainment, and social facilities and opportunities 22 22 Local parks, green spaces, sports fields 17 17 Public safety services that meet the needs of the community 21 21 Access to free wi i in public spaces 1 1 Poverty reduction 17 17 Investment in municipal infrastructure 20 20 Road maintenance 29 29 Reliable and accessible public transit 9 9 Active transportation (bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, pathways) 8 8 Transportation routes for goods and services 1 1 Access to parking near retail and work 4 4 Taxi service availability 0 0 Preserve and restore natural landscapes 2 2 Recycling programs and services 7 7 Flood mitigation and watershed management 11 11 Spending efficiency and cost saving measures 10 10 Demonstrating value for money 6 6 Lower tax rate 27 27 Funding sources other than property taxes 16 16 Managed debt level 11 11 Public input into Qty decisions 2 2 Timely access to Qty services and information 2 2 eGovemment and open data 0 0 answered question skipped question 102 0 Engagement Results 61 Employee and Civic Partner Engagement: Local Issues As an employee of the City of Saint John or one of its ABCs, what is the one most important LOCAL issue facing the City today that you feel should receive the greatest attention from Common Council and City Management? Provide feedback on why it is an issue and possible solutions. As someone who has lived in other cities across this country, I am always saddened when I hear the phrase "NIMBY". Saint John appears to be a city that is closed for business. So many missed opportunities. I want Saint John to be "Open for Business". This city is by far and away the most physically attractive city that I have had the opportunity to live in. The Waterfront view as you enter over the Harbour Bridge is breathtaking, however, that is where it stops. I feel that with greater development, will increase the pride, the economic well being, and overall quality of life of Saint John, and for the Saint Johners who live in and around this city. I often tell visitors from away that Saint John is in the story of " A tale of Two Cities" but change the word for Two to Three". Moncton "Makes things happen, Fredericton, is the Intellectual, and Saint John is the "Poor one" that sits on the outside being content with mediocrity. Attracting new business Better organization of City Staff and structure Change the conversation to our advantages, not our weaknesses. Regional cooperation, we are all in the same boat economically. City subsidizing surrounding communities and the weight of it on its taxpayers (strain placed on City services/infrastructure by those coming in to City to work, and leaving to invest and pay taxes in surrounding communities) Collecting all taxes from industry. Customer service! Too much time has been spent on developing and changing policies and the everyday services have been compromised. Debt Demonstrating value for money. The citizens of Saint John often believe that the City of Saint John is not operating in an effective and efficient manner and we need to demonstrate that the City is striving to deliver services in the most effective and efficient manner. Economic development and private investment. With the exception of the IOL HQ, the only large scale construction that has happened in the last few years has been for government (Courthouse, Parking Garage, Peel Plaza Police HQ). Economic development. Many citizens are living at or below the poverty line. The City needs more options and availability for jobs, so creating an environment that is favourable for business to start up and remain in SJ is vital. Without well paying jobs citizens have little option to advance and improve their quality of life. Economic Development... Saint John needs good paying reliable jobs to pull the citizens out of poverty. Educate the public to lower the poverty in the City. Giving more free money isn't the way. We should educate and give then skills. Employment opportunities EXTREMELY HIGH PROPERTY TAX grow the tax base by making people want to be here hunger, poverty, Demographic poverty is huge in SJ. Feed our kids/families, proper nutrition, and create jobs to stop generational poverty I am currently looking to purchase a new home and have excluded the City due to its high taxes and costly water/sewer bills. I believe this would be top priority to change if the City wants growth. I believe Saint John needs to focus on being pedestrian friendly. This doesn't just mean crosswalks and street trees - but public space design, scale, active transportation, proper mixed use neighbourhoods. Useful steps: - Convert streets into pedestrian thoroughfares -Reduce traffic and parking gradually -Turn parking lots into public squares or built space -Keep built scale dense and low -Honor the human scale -Populate the core - Encourage student living -Adapt the cityscape to changing seasons -Promote cycling as a major mode of transportation -Make bicycles available think that the issue of our youth leaving Saint John to pursue jobs following graduation or leaving even before graduation to go to post secondary in other cities is something we need to focus on. Tuition costs are very high Engagement Results 62 Employee and Civic Partner Engagement: Local Issues at UNBSJ. Also for example if you start an Engineering degree here in Si, you can take the first 4 years here, but need to finish the degree at UNB in Fredericton, why is that? Perhaps like other cities we could move some of the programming to the Uptown, instead of having that population live in the Millidgeville area away from the core. We need to find a way to have quality job creation become a reality, so that we can keep our next generation here in the SJ. Inability to attract and retain residents Increment of population & business in city area Inequality in property tax assessment system. With all of the heavy industry in this City, we should not be a have-not municipality, struggling to provide the necessary services. Heavy industry needs to pay its fair share of property taxes. Investment in capital infrastructure. Give residents a reason to stay and visible evidence of where their tax dollars are going. It is important to attract new business, foster new business development and attract and retain all people to the city (immigrants AND people from other provinces). Job Creation - We need to stimulate our economy and one way of doing this is creating jobs. By creating jobs, people spend more money and keeps businesses afloat and people employed Job creation to keep next generation here in our communitv Job creation with higher salaries so individuals do not have to move and leave their families to find sustainable work. Attract more businesses to open here to create jobs- also developing the waterfront into an entertainment venue would stimulate the economy and create jobs- win win. Jobs other than call centres. keeping or improving the level of service we have now, there is a tendency to cut from the snow control, streets and road budgets along with others to save money, but services can only be trimmed so much before they are not providing the desired effect. Lack of coordination between the efforts of the City's agencies, boards and commissions and Common Council/City of Saint John. Great direction/integration/sharing of expectations are required between the City of Saint John and the ABCs. We're missing an enormous opportunity to ensure that all of the City's resources (financial and human) are working off the same song sheet. Lack of jobs for young people. If we want them to stay, they have to have a reason and a way for them to provide for themselves & their family Lower property tax rates. Lower tax rate. If this is achieved. it would surelv attract more residential development in the Citv. Lower taxes and lower water bills, as people are moving outside the side because of this Lower water Bill Lowing the tax rate to bring new families to the City to help our economy. Maintaining and updating our current facilities. We have a very unique set of public facilities that service the arts, entertainment, sport, health and recreation as well as business. Those facilities, The Trade and Convention Centre, Harbour Station, The Aquatic Centre, Rockwood Park, The Market, and local community centers and parks offer places to develop local talent, advance the community, allow for integration and improve both physical and mental well being which is vital. A healthy and happy population will be more engaged more outgoing and perhaps more involved in other aspects of community development. Need a strong lobby to change the allocation of federal funding to municipalities or else we will always be underfinanced; Immigration is a major issue. I just don't know what the City's role is, as other agencies are doing good job handling it. Need more local businesses. Need more sports facilitv's ie: rinks, ballfields Need to focus on bringing new jobs in to the area for those that live in Saint John and surrounding areas. Instead of continuing to complain on what was spent and built in the past,(Peel Plaza, parking garage, bus terminal) cannot do anything about those now, focus on the future of jobs and new income for the city. Engagement Results 63 Employee and Civic Partner Engagement: Local Issues Obviously growth of the tax base has been flatlined for several years and represents SJ's greatest challenge. We need to recognize that government has a limited role to play and cannot'fix this'; it can simply create good conditions for growth in the future. It can do this through prudent spending decisions and targeted investments. The urban development incentives program is a good example of this. Targeted investment into parks & public spaces is another. People do not follow the cities by-laws as they are not consistently enforced. -Petition the Province of New Brunswick legislature to enact mandatory voting for provincial and municipal elections and bi-elections. The May 2016 municipal elections generated a dismal 37% eligible voter turnout in Saint John -it would be a major step forward to engage a greater civic "commitment". -Saint John region municipal amalgamation. A province of N.B legislated Saint John Regional Municipality (SJRM) would reduce costly staff/asset duplication, encourage greater political cooperation (rather than the current "competitive" environment), and streamline a more equitable and fair property tax system. and Child Pove Povertv reduction will have manv spin off effects. Pride in what the City has to offer needs to be improved. We have so many great attributes (Rockwood Park, Restaurants, Uptown, etc.) and events that are not recognized by our own citizens. Better publicity of these things would help our citizens have more pride in their City, while attracting bigger and better things. taxes are too h Providing transportation, resources and assistance for low income families Provincial funding and support. This city has a lot of overhead and a lot of diversity supportive of city initiaves The province must be Public Safety Services, Police and Fire are being cut to the bone, and can not lose any more resources. Public Safety: Detroit became a wasteland because it became unsafe ...all the other issued followed as a conseauence. Recreation - We have the largest municipal park in Canada, but it is still under utilized and developed. They have done great work so far (ie Lily Lake) but much more needs to be done. Simple things related to nature get people outside, for example the Irving nature park and harbour passage.... droves of people on a nice day. Development of a park similar to Point Pleasant Park in Halifax on the old Sugar Refinery Site/general area would also be a great addition. Regional integration. City just cannot compete with other communities in terms of property tax, recreation, water rates.. Reinvestment in the urban core and intensification areas. Retention of citizens. High tax rate compared to neighbouring communities. Lack of funding to address the communities issues such as roads, fooling, parks and open spaces, etc.. Saint John needs to attract new, long-term businesses and industries. This creates new job opportunities, need for housing, increase in local spending and spin-off businesses. Other issues go away when there is economic arosoerity and low unemalovment. Saving money in logical areas. Ask the employees what works best, you just might learn something. Schools are old and outdated. Young families want the best educational facilities and they don't want to send their kids off to school with "poor" kids. Change the conversation. We are more than a city full of poverty with the highest taxes put on the few. It all starts with the schools. Families are willing to pay for the best educational facilities. Where are they? St. John the Baptist? no. Princess Elizabeth? no. Show me the good schools and I will show you where the young families are buying homes. Sport fields and hockey rink splash pads too Support goals to create a vibrant urban core that will spur further investment and development in the City. support public safety services ... be proud of it, flaunt it Support services for those looking to invest in our city (new business ideas, innovation, etc) - I believe this would result in additional economic growth and net new jobs. Tax rate and water rate. It is very expensive to live in Saint John and own a home, which is why people are Engagement Results 64 Employee and Civic Partner Engagement: Local Issues moving out of the City. The ability to grow our budget, simply put the more money we have the more things we can do with it. Attracting more business to our city but to do so we need it to be safe . So need a police and fire department that can meet those needs as well as a clean and useable city( snow removal and not seeing garbage on the streets). The economy The huge amount of infrastructure that the City of Saint John needs to maintain with a shrinking population is not a sustainable trend. Strategies to attract people to move to within the City limits rather than move to outside municipalities (Quispamsis/Rothesay) need to be looked at very seriously. The number one issue is Provincial Government support for regionalization. HRM is thriving after their regionalization; and, if Saint John waits until after Moncton regionalizes it will be too late. Moncton has become the go to city/area in New Brunswick; however, I believe it is not because Dieppe is French, and Moncton is Bilingual, rather it is because they have had constant political support from the Provincial Government. Otherwise, we need to say that we are completely going at this on our own, invoke our rights under the charter and sever all ties to the Province and take care of our own affairs. Lastly, short of regionalization, we should place a toll on every last road leading in and out of our city that is free to city residents, but start generating revenue from all of those that use our city resources and then escape to the bedroom communities. There is an abundance of poverty and vacant buildings in the city's North end. We need to find a way to break the poverty cycle through education and sustainable jobs. Too many people are living in the past (1700's). Live with a vision to the future Water Front delvopment We need more affordable and market housing in the city core to increase the population base and reduce the need to rely on vehicle traffic and, instead, encourage pedestrianism. We also need to find ways to enforce By - Laws. So much garbage and litter on the streets because residents are putting their garbage out 2-4 days before pick-up day. Young people need modern housing in downtown core. Height restriction needs to go for buildings in the core. Old two and three storey buildings are nice to look at but are not tax effective, safe, green or sustainable. Two or three streets near the water are all that is required for the tourists. Engagement Results 65 Employee and Civic Partner Engagement: Quality of Life Questions Quality of life describes the general well-being of individuals, family and the community. How would you rate the overall quality of life in the Qty of Saint John today? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count Very Good 9.8% 10 Good 65.7% 67 Poor 22.5% 23 Very Poor 2.0% 2 answered question 102 skipped question 0 In the past three years, the quality of life in the City of Saint John has Answer Options Response Percent Response Count Improved 24.5% 25 Stayed the same 56.9% 58 Worsened 18.6% 19 answered question 102 skipped question 0 How/why do you think the quality of life has improved? Better water on the way. Park improvements. Completion of Harbour Cleanup. High quality Condo & Housing projects developed. New YMCA, improved roadways, investment in manufacturing, barge terminal, and high quality retail investment. Create economic growth, don't close fields, and play grounds. When a city truck drives by an old matress or garbage on the side of the road and doesn't stop to pick it up, and it stays there for weeks, it creates a sloppy city. It doesn't take much to do the little things, but the quality of life depends on whether or not the people who look after this city really care, or are they just herer the pay checque, and really don't care, because they don't live in this city anyways. economy seens to be slowly improving, pipeline talk, irving office etc I feel that over the last few years there has been a significant improvement in the atmosphere of the Uptown. There seems to be more happening around the City and people seem to really be engaged and this has provided a sense of community and pride which has led to the gradual improvement of quality of life for Saint Johners. For Example: the Queen Square Farmer's Market, Third Shift, Buskers etc Improved municipal infrastructure, improved vibrancy in uptown core Improved the water system for cleaning water Influx of new restaurants, businesses, meeting places, investments by developers, arts & culture events, infrastructure improvements, etc. Infrastructure improvements. New businesses developing in the uptown area into previously vacant buildings. Improvement in streets and sidewalks. More live music and cultural events. new housing and services have improved the urban core. new shops, bars and restaurants are great. need more. New restaurants, businesses and cultural events are becoming more prevalent within our City. This has had positive impacts on the local economy as a lot of funds remain local. Population has become more diversified. More activities uptown. The new "Y" was built close to my house. The City seems to be attracting more and more tourism each year which is good for our local economy. The uptown has finally started to develop character and a vibrancy. Cleaning up the heritage buildings, all of the new bars /restaurants.. Fredericton and Moncton cannot touch us on this. The urban core has become more vibrant. Public opinion of the city has risen. There is positive momentum and Engagement Results 66 Employee and Civic Partner Engagement: Quality of Life Questions the desire for change. There are more cultural festivals, artistic exhibitions, rebuilding of the uptown core and these are bringing more vibrancy in the uptown core. It attracts people - both local and tourists. We need to build on this. There has been consistent investment into roads. There have also been some interesting developments and new businesses opening Uptown, in particular around Canterbury. Finally, the arts & culture sector is very dynamic with lots of festivals and events. There has been visible change in the uptown area (with little new construction) just reinvigorating old facilities and allowing those with new ideas and approaches to take a chance to develop their businesses with more local suaaort. There is finally a (small) grocery store in the uptown. Water system. How/why do you think the quality of life has worsened? Abandoned buildings, population decrease, high unemployment. Businesses have been shutting down in droves. Create more opportunities for business, don't shut door, (Open them). closed businesses Cut backs in fire and police doesn't make me feel as safe or that my money is being spent on the right priorities. Why live or work in a city that keeps cutting back on such things. Why would I come live or start a business here if there's not enough people justify me doing so. Fewer people living in the city, more bankruptcies, more vacant buildings, fewer jobs with decent wages. am not sure if it IS worse, but that is the perception. If you look around the City, you will see a number of empty buildings and/or storefronts. There are a lot of citizens without jobs. If you compare Saint John to other municipalities (ie. Moncton), the economy is Saint John seems to be declining. Little representation at the horseshoe. Our council is not agreesive in improving sj. If we continue to leak it's residents to the surrounding areas our tax base will continue to suffer. NO JOBS AVAILABLE. NO FUNDING FOR TRANSIT AS WAY TO GET AROUND FOR MANY No labour jobs that pay well, nothing to keep people in Saint John, property taxes up, low wages, decreasing middle class, what do we have to attract tourism or people/families to reside in Saint John No major delvopment No spending ability. Taxes keep increasing and the water bills are competing with the property taxes. Everyone I know plans to retire outside the city to avoid the high water taxes. Even if you own your home, the monthly tax payments on a pension are pretty intimidating. The only people who can afford to stay in the city are tenants who don't pay the water tax or property taxes. The landlords are increasingly challenged. With the vacancy rate high, they can't increase their rent to cover those costs; thus, more subsidized and poor moving into the city and fewer homeowners. Slowing down economy, many shops has been closed. Tax increases with the HST hike, citizens are taxed to death. Along with the HST hike, this affects our power bills, and has a great trickling effect in a very bad way. No disposable income Taxes, water bill escalated too much. Both could be half. Too many cuts. Transit. Grant funding. Playgrounds. Increased user fees for recreation. We have spent to much time on specific areas and other citizens have felt left out. Engagement Results 67 Employee and Civic Partner Engagement: Other comments for Common Council to consider as they set their priories Any other comments for Common Council to consider as they set their priorities. - Concentrate council efforts on civic "legislative" business and leave the Admintrative work to the City Manager, Management and, Staff. Too many pet projects (i.e. Tin Can Beach road/parking enhancement, and Reversing Falls Restaurant) were created for the old Saint John "guard"- really???. If anything, require the City Manager to establish priorities via the best means of public "engagement" and annual capital and operating budget preparations. - Direct the City Manager to implement a "Management Succesion Plan". The current group of Managers are lacking in significant experience particularly in areas of Snow Control, Street Maintenance, Sanitation, and Rec & Parks. For example, how does the Deputy Commissioner of Parks & City Landscape continue to successfully function as the Traffic Engineer? -Pursue and eliminate all delinquent tax payers, 1. Tax rate- wages are going down -people have less money -can't afford the tax and water bills and the mortgage. Affordable recreation for all. A lot of how we feel as a community comes from visual cues, clean streets, nice curbs, pretty parks, cleaned up buildings etc... If we focus on the looks, actions will follow. A lot of people in this city make negative comments, I think positivity towards our community and involvement should be enforced. A marketing strategy is required that 'sells' the benefits of our city in order to attract young people, professionals, newcomers, etc. We have a great quality of lifestyle here, but the rest of the country doesn't know about it. Additional measures should be taken in effort to build our tax base on industry, complimenting the existing residential tax base. Although it is necessary to grow and develop more areas for businesses and industry it must be done with the notion that the space we live in and how we view it and interact in it, is of great importance. We have a unique city layout with beautiful architecture and scenery and future development should take this into consideration. be creative. take chances. trust our management team at the City to make good choices for the community. We need to gather baseline data so we can clearly see where we are and how we are improving overtime. Be more active and aggressive to improve economy. In order to improve we need more business & population in the city. Bike lanes please! Businesses investing in NB to look to Moncton and Fredericton first, and we are their 3rd choice. We see chains open up in those cities and years pass before we see them here, if at all. Capitalize on our beautiful environment. As a city and as a province, we have not capitalized on attracting people who want to hike, bike, kayak, etc and other provinces and states have created these opportunities and taken the market, yet we have the better product. Also, focus on attracting retirees and selling the less stressful (and less expensive) lifestyle of the Maritimes. An influx of retirees opens new business opportunities in terms of health care, leisure activities, and today's retirees also bring their wealth. Capitalize on the waterfront and attracting people to the area to live/experience life on the east coast. Council can maximize its efficiency and effectiveness as a body of government by utilizing the expertise of the professional staff within the City of Saint John and ABCs. Create a giant park like Halifax's Point Pleasant Park on the Lower cove area/ old sugar refinery site. It would be an amazing spot for outdoor concerts and also draw people deeper into the South End Peninsula. For the love of God man, bring some of the educational institutions uptown (Like Halifax). Move UNB or NBCC uptown! This is a no brainer. Add a suitable marina near downtown (Like Halifax).. and let the right people design it (West side of Long wharf in front of Fort Latour would be a good spot). Currently pleasure boats do not always have the wharf space to moor at market square. Get the heritage people to relax a bit .... they are doing a great thing ...they just need to relax a bit more.... heritage buildings and new buildings can coexist together.... and oh yea get someone to clean the primary sidewalks (King/Water Prince William etc) each night like in most cities. Special machines do exist for cleaning the gum, barf and pigeon crap. I have seen some businesses spray washing the sidewalk in front of their business on King Street.... pretty sad. On the flip side I think I see a bit of light for Saint John's future . I hope I am not wrong or I will be gone as well.... probably Halifax. create recreation and tourism excitement. create events that generate positive economic outcomes without risking tax dollars Engagement Results 68 Employee and Civic Partner Engagement: Other comments for Common Council to consider as they set their priories Cut from the top, hard, most effective since the top has allowed the migration of people out of the city Don't listen to the vocal minority of special interest groups. Don't treat the Irvings like they are gods. Do not be intimidated by the Not In My Back Yard groups. Find ways to attract new industries such as manufacturing, either heavy or light, to the City. We have underutilized industrial parks and we need more iobs and more people. finding outside sources of income is key to maintain the services while not raising taxes. Focus on building healthy, livable, and equitable communities. Don't be afraid of forcing aesthetic design constraints onto developers through policy - it contributes greatly to how communities look and feel. focus on roads and water infrastructure before anything else, these are degrading faster than being maintained, patches don't count For me, this city blew their chance to do something with our waterfront (CasinoNB). The attitudes of this city were to blame. No matter if you wanted it or not and no matter what you think of gambling... For me the attitudes of the city (and such organizations as heritage and fusion and SJ business groups) are a detriment to this city. get the kids off the computers and get them back into the rinks and fields playing sports. Kids are the future of SJ and we need them active with the communities Getting and keeping quality employees: through better benefits and pay increases. Getting rid of any old buildings including Landlord properties. I think that Council should focus on raising the quality of life in the city. If the quality of life is high, people and businesses will want to locate here. Soliciting businesses and people directly, should not be a priority. Rather, we should create the conditions for growth by building a city where people want to live, work, play, and invest. Improve ,sport field and hockey rinks Increasing property tax base (not increasing property tax rate) by encouraging people to move into City limits needs to be a top priority. A lot of development/effort in the City, especially uptown, appears to be geared towards improving tourism. The reality is that the tourism season in Saint John is (at best) 4 months of the year; shouldn't more resources be geared towards the citizens who live here 12 months of the year and improving things with them in mind rather than the visitors? Job creation and developing more entertainment venues would go hand in hand. job creation, first responders mental health, fix the roads Listen and learn about all issues that effect the people of Saint John. Listen to the citizens, managers and the workers before making a decision. Most importantly do the right thing, morally and financially. Thank you Lobby the government to move some of the poverty outside the city boundaries. They have placed the non- profit housing here and all services for the poor within the city centre. They have the power to move some of that poverty outside the city boundaries and they should start now. Spread the poverty burden to some of the bedroom communities. We are witnessing a complete separation of the rich and the poor. Soon there will be only poor living in what I am hearing called Saint John Industrial Park. Who wants to live in an industrial park? Maintaining a safe, clean, vibrant core attractive for residents and visitors - and some attention to our tourist attractions, ie: Reversing Rapids, that is such a beautiful natural site and could be spectacular with a little attention just to start the process rolling. New businesses are needed which will bring new jobs. Lower taxes (property and water) so people can afford to own a home in Saint John. The water tax has gotten completely outrageous. No - the Common Council is doing a very good job! On the right path, keep it u Please focus on windmill turbine coming hereto our City, this would create so many jobs, good paying jobs. In turn, citizens of Saint John could benefit up to 70% decrease in their power bills. This could turn out city into the "Greatest little city in the East". This option would make much more viable sense then a pipeline, as the pipeline will not create long term jobs for our City. We should focus on positive, clean jobs that will be good for our environment, such as windmill turbines. We could prosper. Also, please stop clearcutting, this is not good for our environment, nor the wildlife here. Irving needs to stop spraying to kill the hardwood after they clearcut, if it is killing hardwood, think about what it is doing to our citizens of Saint John breathing this in. Thank you for Engagement Results 69 Employee and Civic Partner Engagement: Other comments for Common Council to consider as they set their priories the opportunity to provide input. Please seek help from other levels of government similar to 1980s programs - CMHC/Prov government offered loans, grants to renew housing stock. political thought should be given to create a regional municipality (much like Halifax) to evenly use the tax base Pushing the provincial government to look at the arbitration for protective services. When you look at escalation of cost in past ten years.. Wages for police and fire have outgrown all other expenses.. Put recreation back into the equation. It it's a priority, then put capital funds into it. Complete Market Place. Dominion Park. Rainbow Park. That's what makes our city attractive to retain residents and spur growth. Saint John needs to be open for business for everyone, not just Irving businesses. A vibrant diverse business community where everyone pays their share so growth will be continual evident much like Moncton. support public safety services ... be proud of it, flaunt it. direct management to be proud it, allow safety services to flourish, be out in the public, create a public media awareness campaign, appoint a proper trained media relations officer for Fpublic Isafety RservicesE. Tax rate is not a concern for me. I would rather pay for better services (ie curbside recycling, transit). There's too much emphasis on roads. The City needs to be more walkable to be connected. Look at Harbour Passage, very successful, and should be completed to link the westside and Rockwood Park. This type of development increases tax revenues, is good for local community and supports tourism. We are badly in need of new arena complexes and more of them. The main priority for this Council should be to maintain everything the city current has going on with respect to staffing levels, infrastructure, and any and all core ABC's that truly enhance this Greatest Little City in the East that we have here. That being said, and it is a shame to say, but there are certain examples of poor investments: The Zoo (unless it was going to draw in thousands and thousands of visitors per year by expanding it - which is not likely); the taxi service (why do we ever regulate a private industry like that any way); and, I would even go so far as to say running a deficit of more than say $500,000.00 to $750,000.00 for any ABC is too much! tolls Tourism has potential to bring money to the city. More festivals throughout the summer like Buskers also brings locals to the uptown area and spend money. Sports tournaments, concerts and other recreational activities brings money into the city. Rockwood park, having so much land could have so many more things to do and attract more people to it. Transit has potential to enhance different city opportunities. Cleaner buses and more frequent service will attract more people to use the service. We could use more training opportunities on City systems such as sharepoint and Naviline to ensure that we are getting the full benefit of our existing IT systems. We need to bring the moral of the City up. People are to negative and set in there way. What can help the middle income earner - not the high paid folks, but the ones that are just getting by paycheque to paycheque - what would matter most to them and improve quality of life for those that can't afford the extras. Engagement Results 70