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2025-02-04 Growth Committee Agenda Packet - Open Session Growth Committee Meeting Open Session November 19, 2024 MINUTES - OPEN SESSION GROWTH COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 2024 @ 12:00 P.M. nd 2 FLOOR BOARDROOM, CITY HALL Present: Deputy Mayor John MacKenzie, Chair Councillor Barry Ogden Councillor Gerry Lowe Councillor Brent Harris Absent: Mayor Donna Noade Reardon Also Present: Chief Administrative Officer B. McGovern Commissioner Growth & Community Services A. Poffenroth Director Growth & Community Planning D. Dobbelsteyn Director Community Planning & Housing P. Nalavde Project Manager Housing Accelerator Fund C. Smith Manager Housing A. Reid Communications Officer E. White Growth Manager F. Lima Administrative Assistant K. Tibbits 1. Meeting Called to Order Deputy Mayor MacKenzie called the Growth Committee open session meeting to order. 2. Approval of Minutes 2.1 Minutes of October 8, 2024 Moved by Councillor Ogden, seconded by Councillor Lowe: RESOLVED that the minutes of October 8, 2024 be approved. MOTION CARRIED. 3. Approval of Agenda Moved by Councillor Ogden, seconded by Councillor Lowe: RESOLVED that the agenda of November 19, 2024 be approved. MOTION CARRIED. 4. Disclosures of Conflict of Interest No disclosures of conflict of interest but Councillor Harris acknowledged that he is involved in the Vacant and Vibrant initiative. 5. Consent Agenda (Recommendation: Receive for Information) 6. Presentations / Delegations Growth Committee Meeting Open Session November 19, 2024 6.1 Gap Analysis Municipal Housing Entity Governance Reform Review C. Smith, Project Manager, Housing Accelerator Project provided a brief background on this governance reform initiative and introduced the consulting team, K. Foulds and E. Starr from Re/Fact Consulting. The consultants Moved by Councillor Lowe, seconded by Councillor Ogden: for information. MOTION CARRIED. (Councillor Harris withdrew from the meeting) 6.2 Industrial Opportunities in Saint John challenges, opportunities, overall economy in the region. Moved by Councillor Lowe, seconded by Councillor Ogden: RESOLVED that received for information. MOTION CARRIED. 7. Business Matters 7.1 Affordable Housing Action Plan Update A. 2024 Progress Moved by Councillor Ogden, seconded by Councillor Lowe: RESOLVED that the submitted report entitled "Affordable Housing Action Plan 2024 be received for information. MOTION CARRIED. 7.2 Growth Updates and Stay Immigration Strategy, the Saint John Local Immigration Partnership, upcoming special events, and the City Market Strategic Plan. Moved by Councillor Lowe, seconded by Councillor Ogden: RESOLVED that the for information. MOTION CARRIED. 8. Referrals from Common Council 9. Adjournment Moved by Councillor Lowe, seconded by Councillor Ogden: RESOLVED that the open session meeting of the Growth Committee be adjourned. MOTION CARRIED. The open session meeting of the Growth Committee held on November 19, 2024, was adjourned at 1:40 p.m. m a r g o r P t n a r G e v i t n e c n I t n e m p o l e v e D n a b r U e v i e c e r o t : n o i t o M GROWTH AT A GLANCE Development permits received: Building 707 permits received 739699699660632707 (5-year average same period: 686) DECEMBER 201920202021202220232024 Value of $156 million projects (5-year average same period: $113.5 million) Number of units created Building & Development 707 435 29 (5-year average Upcoming 21 same period: 361) Infrastructure 20 projects with over 209261 1,600 new units Plumbing planned. 231 64 Planning Heritage Qspevdfe!cz!Djuz!pg!Tbjou!Kpio! Dpsqpsbuf!Dpnnvojdbujpot xxx/tbjoukpio/db Kbovbsz!3136 CROISSANCE EN UN COUP D’ŒIL Development permits received: Permis de 707 739699699660632707 décembre201920202021202220232024 (moyenne sur 5 ans pour la même période : 686) Valeur des 156 millions de dollars projets de (moyenne sur 5 ans pour la même période : 113.5 millions de dollars) Nombre d’unités permis supplémentaire créées développement 707 435 (moyenne sur 5 29 Puit et carrière ans pour la même À venir 21 Infrastructure période : 361) 20 projets avec plus 209 261 de 1600 nouvelles Plomberie unités prévus. 231 64 Patrimoine Qspevju!qbs!m“êrvjqf!ef! dpnnvojdbujpot!hêoêsbmft!ef!mb! xxx/tbjoukpio/db wjmmf!ef!Tbjou!Kpio kbowjfs!3136 January to September 8 Associations received the Awareness Grant, which aims to help them engage a broader community in their cultural initiatives and their group's mission. Applications were open from 2024. 2024 Ethnocultural Grants Outcomes Report In 2024, the Ethnocultural Grant program supported eight community associations out of twelve applicants, providing each with CAD $2500 to help promote cultural awareness, engagement, and integration within Saint John. First Cycle January to April 2024. Awarded in April 2024. 1. Brazilian Association of Saint John Inc. (CAD $2500) The Brazilian Association planned to use the funds to enhance community engagement through various activities: Meetings and office space rentals. Development of marketing materials (logo, flyers, and advertisements). Organizing the Brazilian Association Awareness Celebration, including event space, music, and a celebratory cake. 2. Filipino Association of New Brunswick Saint John Chapter (CAD $2500) The Filipino Association used the funds to organize two key events: Filipino Heritage Month and the Inter-City Sportsfest in June 2024, engaging approximately 170 families (ages 4-70+). The funding supported: Gym rentals and insurance for events. Referee fees and event logistics. The events helped foster a sense of belonging and cultural pride among Filipino residents, while providing recreational activities for all ages. 3. Collective of Indonesian Cultures Association of Saint John (CAD $2500) The Indonesian Association aimed to raise public awareness through branding and marketing: Developed a website, purchased stationery, folding tables, and event banners. Provided community outreach materials, such as business cards and promotional banners. Hosted events to raise awareness of Indonesian culture and foster community connections. City of Saint John: 2024 Ethnocultural Grants Outcomes Report 4. The Cameroonian Association used the funds to improve organizational capacity and visibility: Purchased office equipment (laptops, desktop computers, printer ink). Covered communication costs (telephone services and internet subscriptions). Established a website to promote Cameroonian culture and events, along with transportation and food expenses for community activities. Second Cycle April to September 2024. Awarded in December 2024. 1. Bangladeshi Community of Saint John (CAD $2500) programs are set for the first quarter of 2025. The funding will cover venue rentals, decorations, performers, and media campaigns to foster cultural exchange and integration within Saint John. heritage but also promote inclusivity and respect across diverse ethnic groups in the city. 2. NB Persia - Saint John Iranian Community Inc. (CAD $2500) The Iranian community successfully hosted their Winter Solstice "Yalda" celebration in December 2024. The funds supported: Facility rental, catering (snacks), entertainment, and small gifts for children. The event provided an inclusive environment for community members to celebrate this ancient tradition, while also welcoming newcomers and facilitating social connections among residents. 3. Association Ubuntu Inc. (CAD $2500) The Association Ubuntu focuses on enhancing their visibility and engagement through cultural outreach: Purchase of a sound system for events. Continue the development of their website to showcase mission and activities. Purchase of polo shirts and miniature flags representing 48 countries, promoting unity and diversity within the community and their more than 200 members. City of Saint John: 2024 Ethnocultural Grants Outcomes Report 4. Saint John Malayali Association (CAD $2500) The Saint Jo gathering served as key initiatives to promote physical activity and community building. The funding was used for: Organizing an indoor Winter Cricket Tournament to engage individuals of all ages in a healthy, team-building sport. Hosting a social gathering to ensure that even those not actively participating in sports remained connected within the community. Conclusion The Ethnocultural Grants program in 2024 has been instrumental in supporting cultural awareness initiatives throughout Saint John. The funds have allowed diverse ethnic communities to celebrate their heritage while promoting inclusivity and integration within the broader Saint John population. Each funded association has made significant strides toward fostering greater understanding among residents and offering meaningful experiences that highlight the city's cultural richness. Each association has expressed their sincere gratitude to the City of Saint John for its ongoing support. City of Saint John: 2024 Ethnocultural Grants Outcomes Report