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2016-10-06 Growth Committee Agenda Packet MINUTES - OPEN SESSION GROWTH COMMITTEE MEETING AUGUST 31, 2016 AT 11:00 A.M. th 8 FLOOR BOARDROOM, CITY HALL Present: Mayor D. Darling Deputy Mayor S. McAlary Councillor B. Armstrong Councillor G. Lowe Councillor J. MacKenzie Councillor R. Strowbridge Also Present: City Manager J. Trail Deputy Commissioner Building Inspection A. Poffenroth Deputy Commissioner Growth and Community Development P. Ouellette Common Clerk J. Taylor Administrative Assistant K. Tibbits 1. Meeting Called To Order Mayor Darling called the Growth Committee open session meeting to order. 1.1 Approval of Agenda Moved by Councillor Armstrong, seconded by Councillor Lowe: RESOLVED that the agenda of this meeting be approved with the addition of item 1.4.2 presentation. MOTION CARRIED. 1.2 Approval of Minutes August 24, 2016 Moved by Councillor MacKenzie, seconded by Councillor Lowe: RESOLVED that the minutes of the Growth Committee meeting of August 24, 2016 be approved. MOTION CARRIED. 1.3 Review of Feedback collected during August 24, 2016 Session 1.3.1 Key Themes 1.3.2 Proposed High-Level Sequencing Mayor Darling recapped items discussed at the previous meeting. In addition to encouraging development and clarity of mandates for all economic development agencies, priorities for the 2017 budget, priorities of Council, funding from the provincial and federal governments and the state of the Saint John economy. The committee discussed possible options for encouraging development within Saint John and ways to reduce barriers to development. Moved by Councillor MacKenzie, seconded by Councillor Armstrong: RESOLVED that the document entitled Growth Committee Meeting Feedback Session Notes, be received for information. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Darling commented on the proposed high level sequencing of events for the Growth Committee, including identifying the various groups the committee wants to hear from and collecting data based on these discussions. Using ideas collected from these various groups, the committee would develop a comprehensive growth plan which would be presented to Council at the end of the 6 month period for adoption by Council. Throughout the process, the committee would take action as necessary to encourage growth within the City. Mr. Trail commented that there appears to be a desire to focus on the development side of growth and barriers to development. The City has implemented a new incentive pilot program and a One Stop Development Shop designed to streamline the process for developers. The committee was encouraged to consider all of the various aspects of growth to ensure that consideration is given to the overall picture and how these pieces fit together. Moved by Councillor MacKenzie, seconded by Councillor Armstrong: RESOLVED that the process of data collection, development of a comprehensive growth plan, presentation of the growth plan to Common Council for adoption, and taking action throughout the process, be identified as the objectives of the Growth Committee. MOTION CARRIED. 1.4 Discussion on Key Outcomes 1.4.1 Review of each possible Growth Indicator 1.4.2 Growth Committee: Indicators (Presentation by P. Ouellette) and asked for feedback from committee members with respect to what each member hoped to achieve as well as top growth indicators. Indicators fell under the broader categories of: Employment Indicators, Development Indicators, Demographic Indicators and Geographic Indicators. The Growth Committee is the definer of growth and provides feedback to the whole of Council, for adoption by Council. The economic development agencies are only one part of a much broader group and thought must be given to how other entities such as Harbour Station and the Trade & Convention Centre impact growth within the community. (Deputy Mayor McAlary withdrew from the meeting) Commenting on the growth indicators, Mr. Trail noted discrepancy of some metrics. The committee will have to align these metrics to determine what it hopes to track, how it defines growth and what it believes is most important as this will influence the creation of the growth plan. The Growth C to growth which will also impact the budget and allocation of resources. The tentative date of the next meeting of the Growth Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21, 2016. Adjournment Moved by Councillor Lowe, seconded by Councillor Strowbridge: RESOLVED that the Growth Committee open session meeting held on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 be adjourned. MOTION CARRIED. The Growth Committee meeting held on August 31, 2016 was adjourned at 12:50 p.m. ______________________________________ Common Clerk MINUTES - OPEN SESSION GROWTH COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 20, 2016 AT 9:30 A.M. th 8 FLOOR BOARDROOM, CITY HALL Present: Mayor D. Darling Deputy Mayor S. McAlary Councillor B. Armstrong Councillor G. Lowe Councillor J. MacKenzie Councillor R. Strowbridge Also Present: City Manager J. Trail Commissioner Growth and Community Development J. Hamilton Deputy Commissioner Growth and Community Development P. Ouellette Deputy Commissioner Building Inspection A. Poffenroth Planner J. Cyr Technical Services Engineer C. McKiel Common Clerk J. Taylor Administrative Assistant K. Tibbits 1. Meeting Called To Order Moved by Councillor Strowbridge, seconded by Councillor Armstrong: RESOLVED that the Growth Committee move into open session. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Darling called the Growth Committee open session meeting to order. 1.1 Growth Committee Sequencing Mr. Ouellette reviewed the proposed timeline and sequencing of events for the Growth Committee based on feedback from previous meetings. The process includes an information gathering stage, a development stage and a growth plan to be submitted to Common Council. This is an action based committee. 1.2 One-Stop Development Update to the Growth Committee Presentation Ms. Poffenroth reviewed the submitted report. The improvements adopted by Common Council are approximately 60% complete with major improvements being seen in the updating or creation of the Zoning Bylaw, Building Bylaw, Subdivision Bylaw and Drainage Bylaw, which have a single front counter experience for all development services which provides seamless interaction for developers. The turnaround time for building permits has undergone significant improvements and has decreased processing times by a matter of days. 1.3 Neighborhood Planning Presentation Ms. Hamilton reviewed the Neighborhood Planning Presentation. The plan focuses on particular neighborhoods in terms of development and focuses resources to accelerate growth and transform priority neighborhoods. Neighborhood planning is as an opportunity to leverage and prioritize capital investment. Mr. Cyr commented on how efforts might be focused in terms of neighborhood planning and the components to be considered when determining areas to prioritize. Ms. Hamilton stated that this is part of a grant application to FCM for funding and an endorsement from Council will be sought to support the application. If approved, launch of the program would occur in 2017. Mr. Trail stressed the importance of focusing on a single neighborhood and that it is not recommended that all three neighborhood plans be conducted simultaneously. Moved by Deputy Mayor McAlary, seconded by Councillor Armstrong: RESOLVED that the Growth Committee recommends to Common Council that it supports the Central Peninsula neighborhood plan and the application to FCM. MOTION CARRIED. Adjournment Moved by Councillor Lowe, seconded by Councillor MacKenzie: RESOLVED that the Growth Committee meeting of September 20, 2016 be adjourned. MOTION CARRIED. The open session Growth Committee meeting held on September 20, 2016 was adjourned at 11:20 a.m. ______________________________________ Chair ______________________________________ Recording Secretary 1 minutes) within Program * (15 minutes) Program (15 minutes) 20 minutes) PDA/intensification areas (20 minutes) Presentation REID Survey (15 minutes) - Shop banking (20 minutes) - Business Opportunities (20 minutes)Service Level Agreements (60 minutes) owned properties in the Neighborhood Planning (30 minutes) - Sequencing :00 AM Start) Development (9 :30 AM Start) March 2017 Overview of existing progress (10 minutes)Remaining project deliverables (10 minutes)Q & A from Committee Members (10Q & A from Committee Members (20 minutes)Overview of current focus (5Review areas of possible improvements/new areas (10 minutes)Discussion on Urban Development Incentives (9 Stop - a.b.c.a.a.b.c. ON SESSIONSESSION Financial Matter Review proposed sequencing of Growth Committee meetings (15 minutes)OnePresentation onFinalizing Sequencing of Growth Committee MeetingsDeveloper meetings approach: Initial feedback (30 minute)Survey results from IPSOSEnterprise Saint John Presentation: Growth Strategies (40 minute presentation) Urban Development Incentives ProgramPresentation on landOverview of Cityminutes)Overview of new dwelling starts in Saint John/PDA/intensification areas (20 minutes)Overview of major land in PDA owned by Provincial and Federal governments (20 minutes)Finalization of developer meeting approach (Financial Matter SESSION 1.1.2.3.1.2.3.1.2.3.1.2.3.4.1. CLOSED OPEN SESSIONOPEN SESSIOPEN OPEN SESSIONCLOSED September 2016 March 2017) - INFORMATION GATHERING PHASE and Growth Committee: Stop Shop Components - THEME Committee Itinerary/FocusOneDefining Committee Itinerary and Defining Developer/Partner MeetingsEnterprise Saint John and GrowthReal Estate/GISBudget 2017 0 PM /16 0 PM :0 2 11:012:30 PM12:30 PM 11:00 AM Growth Committee Sequencing (September 2016 : Draft MEETING DATE Tuesday Sept. 20/169:00 AM Thursday Oct. 611:00 AM Wednesday Oct. 12/1611:00 AM Wednesday Oct. 19/1611:00 AM Wednesday Nov. 2/1611:00 AM 2 (45 minutes) How the Committee will monitor the : Needed next steps actions and responses for Growth Plan ata, reporting and targets to evaluate growth out marketing/communications strategies to - 2020 - conomic development coordination and targets Needed may vary according to nature of discussion. E out by Common Council through the Council Priority : Mapping:: - sheets, needed materials, dashboard template proposed process for development phase - timelines info and recap of information gathering phase and identification of of the Attachment #1 actual See Overview possible conclusions (45 minutes)Review Facilitated sessionFacilitated sessionUrban Development Incentives ProgramGrowth and Common Council Priorities: Setting exercise 2016Facilitated session: Needed dFacilitated sessionimprove growth targetsNature of Overview and recap of Review of the proposed process for submission phase R 1.2.1.1.2.1.2.1.2.1.2.1. SUBMISSION PHASE DEVELOPMENT PHASE OPEN SESSIONOPEN SESSIONOPEN SESSIONOPEN SESSIONOPEN SESSIONOPEN SESSION March 2017) - for agenda items, but /Stakeholder target timelines and introduction to Needs: Council, Growth DeveloperMeetingsRecapdevelopment phasefocusedEconomic Development Coordination and TargetsData Committee, CommunityComponents of Marketing/Communications StrategyConsensus on desired actionsReview of Final Draft of Presentation of Growth Plan to Common Council , th , th /17/17 25/17 12:30 PM12:30 PM12:30 PM12:30 PM12:30 PM12:30 PM12:30 PM Growth Committee Sequencing (September 2016 : Draft * All times found in brackets are Wednesday Dec. 14/1611:00 AM Wednesday Jan. 11/1711:00 AM Wednesday Jan. 11:00 AM Wednesday Feb. 8/1711:00 AM Wednesday Feb. 22/1711:00 AM Wednesday March 1/1711:00 AM Tuesday March 2111:00 AM Monday March 276:00 PM Developer and stakeholder consultations will occur between November 72016 to December 72016 City of Saint John Council Priority Setting Engagement Raw Data Table of Contents PINIT In-Person Results ........................................................................................................................... 1 PINIT Online Results .............................................................................................................................. 22 Focus Group Results: Living in Saint John .............................................................................................. 46 Focus Group Results: Growing Saint John ............................................................................................. 54 Employee and Civic Partner Engagement Results ................................................................................ 60 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ź 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. August 31, 2016 East Branch Library People are friendly and helpful, history, the architecture and the pace of life. Also many activities (i.e., walking trails) Small town feeling in a large city Happy about new water system when it is done - new road Nice people/friendly. We are different. Good university. Easy access to shops etc. Beautiful parks & walking trails. Friendly people. The weather doesn't get too hot. The uptown area. Friendly people and courteous drivers. Relatively easy getting to destinations without traffic snarls (I rarely drive peak hours). Abundance of musical and cultural events. Happy about new water system. Good snow removal in East area. Saint John for families. Great Market Sq. area. Open green areas - well kept I like the weather! I enjoy the vibrant arts culture, restaurants and history. We've lived in several provinces and Saint John, but Bathurst has better snow removal and infrastructure maintenance - I'd also like metered water. Love weather. Great shopping. Close to all amenities. Low crime. Good weather. Friendly people. Close to shopping and services. I live at Heather Way. I like the friendliness and supportive community I live in. I love that we are surrounded by green areas and water. People! Easy access to many stores. Fairly good roads. People - close to stores and entertainment. Heritage celebrations. City services. I like special events held in Saint John That I can see the Saint John Sea Dog :) The people and promise of a strong future for our families. Continual growth. Size - travel across town in 10 min. Natural beauty. August 31, 2016 Sports and Recreation Expo, Trade and Convention Centre Big city with a small town feel. Beautiful architecture. Right on the Bay. I like the people. They are friendly, small enough that I feel comfortable (visually impaired). Handy everything Uptown is beautiful Presents of family and quality of life Family is near. City has a lot to offer families to do. Born and bred Friendly people. Heritage architecture. Uptown lifestyle. Heritage architecture/uptown area. Affordable quality of life. Friendly people. I love the Rockwood park area and I love that we have a local zoo. I love that we have a zoo in our small city! It is a privilege to have a real tiger here! Wow! Easy access to get to everything 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ Њ 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 September 1, 2016 - Market Square 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ Ћ 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 September 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! 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ Ќ 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 September 4, 2016 - Queen Square 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. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ Ѝ 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. September 6, 2016 West Branch Library Friendly and different place; opportunities Sense of Community Closeness to friends and family Green space, community greeneries, clean-up week for garbage Variety of people, bigger City Close to amenities and good for families People are friendly Born here, like the fog It's home and the people Uptown events, green spaces, heritage The people and safe environment Convenience 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ Ў What do you like about living in Saint John? Home Family Home Cool summer temps Down to earth people Short commute to work September 6, 2016 YMCA Access to parks like Nature/Rockwood, Vibrant Uptown/Waterfront, Historic Buildings Great Place Everything, lived here all my life September 8 City Market Friendly, slow, polite Good City, good opportunities in the past Attitude of workers and people, big city atmosphere, community spirit History of City Climiate - not too hot or cold, people friendly and approachable Beautiful waterfront Walking trails Lots of green space Small City, just like it here A simpler life style History of City Friendly people, scenery Friendy, safe The people The buildings and squares Living near Rockwood Park and running in the park Close to everything Fog Volleyball court - it's great, keep it, its used, its loved Close to uptown, no highway driving, its where the actio is, everything except taxes I live on a bus line uptown Family People Festivals, free wifi, cleaniness Vibrant Arts and Culture Community and Heritage buildings It's home, lived away, came back for family and living by the water Close proximity, great services: police, fire, w&s, no boil orders Love living here been here 40+ years, friendly Friendly place to live Being close to nature while being in City limits Friendly, good atmosphere, weather 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ Џ What do you like about living in Saint John? History, diversity Harbour, boats/fishing September 9 - Carleton Community Centre 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. September 9, 2016 Harbour Station Pedway Rockwood Park. Convenience. Green space Close to everything. Accessible transportation. The Uptown. It's small. Farmers Market on Sunday and the City Market. Next to water. The boardwalk and the events there. Everything is close. People Nature trails. Parks. Close to restaurants. Internal pedway system. Friends are here. Seadogs. Sportsteams. School in the Uptown. Friendly people. Environment It's home. Nothing Friendly people. No traffic. Affordable housing. (From Bejiing - will stay here if they can get work.) 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ А What do you like about living in Saint John? of Saint John. Mention Count Mention Count Everything 3 Schools 6 Close to things 28 Weather 20 Safe 6 Short commute 2 Friendly People 28 Beautiful 7 Friendliness 14 Industrial Feel 4 Friendly City 2 History 22 Family 14 Diversity 4 Great place to raise a family! 2 Small town feel 4 Friends 2 Arts, music and culture 9 City Staff 2 Food 7 Sense of community 5 No Traffic 3 Surrounded by water 19 Shopping 2 Waterfront 3 Transit 3 Greenspace 13 Quality of Life 2 Sea Dogs Hockey 3 Pace of Life 4 Parks 10 Atmosphere 3 Rockwood Park 11 Recreation 1 Nature 5 Old buildings 8 Nature Park 3 Heritage 5 Mispec 1 Architecture 8 People 39 Home 9 Beaches 3 Affordable 5 Trails 7 Low Cost of Living 4 Walkable 3 Special Events 4 Markets 10 New Water System 2 Uptown 22 City Services 7 Uptown Vibe! 4 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ Б 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. August 31, 2016 Sports and Recreation Expo, Trade and Convention Centre Sport tourism In live in the country, but I lover the nature of the Rockwood park and the zoo. The waterfront is a national natural treasure. More waterfront development. St. John River. September 1, 2016 - Market Square Lots going on great atmosphere on the water. Character. I like the uptown, that's what's unique The scenery! The food! Harbour and view. Market shopping. Golf Friendly city. Very accessibly city The mayor History Uptown! Balance of history and new development Commitment to people. Accommodating to groups Its calm History when combined with progress Uptown. People. Whale bone. People Uptown. Culture The people Safe, low crime diversity Close knit keel. Urban/small town feel The history and stories of Saint John September 2, 2016 - King Square The parks and green spaces and that I can use the comex buses Love the atmosphere uptown. Love the history. Love to explore all the wonderful business and fine dining. The history, Irving, small start-ups, City Market, Harbour Station Love the uptown core and the vibe. Bring more businesses so we can enjoy it more. That everybody is easy going :) The history of Saint John Kennebecasis and SJ Rivers, Shamrock Park, Uptown SJ, Friendly people, Rockwood Park bike trails 30+ years in SJ, now in Quispamsis. I have unconditional love for Saint John. Great city, great people. I have organized Tris (triathlon) in SJ. The city staff were fantastic to work with. September 4, 2016 - Queen Square History, Arts, People Uptown has some really dynamic culture, architecture, people, Queen's Square Market, artists, theatre folk 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ В 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. September 6, 2016 West Branch Library Born here, like the fog Shopping September 8 City Market Walking trails, harness racing Great place to live City Market Rocks The inside connection and waterfront Uptown! The growing community of young, creative/driven/passionate people dedicated to staying in the City Geography, climate, friendly people It's a friendly city September 9, 2016 Harbour Station Pedway It's home. Lots of activities compared to smaller communities. Volunteer organizations to help with. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЊЉ What should we focus on in the next four years in order to move us toward our long- term goals? Identify your top five (5) priorities by placing stickers on the chart. y t . y . C y r C r e q . qa aC aCk S r qS l r r A Tw n b t S a a b i C nd - o t i e L t g e e Responses from Saint John residents only. L ko M o M t e n re P t lT i s pY y sar u KtS x e i aa Q E M H EC C W Growing Saint John 32 55 74 40 128 9 25 70 25 20 478 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 Living Saint John 25 63 68 48 116 6 24 54 16 30 450 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 Natural & Built Environment 25 40 41 42 104 7 18 31 13 21 342 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 How the City of Saint John Works 22 29 36 15 61 5 19 36 11 13 247 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 Total 104 187 219 145 409 27 86 191 65 84 1517 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЊЊ What should we focus on in the next four years in order to move us toward our long- term goals? Identify your top five (5) priorities by placing stickers on the chart. y t . y . C y r C r e q . qa aC aCk S r qS r r A Tw n b t S a b i C nd - o i e L t g e e L k M o M t e n re P t l i s pY y sar u KtS x e i aa Q E M H EC C W 0 8 30 12 12 1 3 21 0 4 91 Growing Saint John 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 0 0 1 0 2 1 1 3 0 1 9 Living Saint John 0 4 22 22 9 2 3 18 0 3 83 A clean, safe vibrant urban core 0 0 5 3 2 1 0 3 0 0 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 0 2 8 1 3 0 0 5 0 1 20 Natural & Built Environment 0 3 16 11 9 2 3 14 0 3 61 Investment in municipal infrastructure 0 0 3 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 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 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 How the City of Saint John Works 0 3 10 4 3 2 0 7 0 0 29 Spending efficiency and cost saving measures 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 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 Total 0 18 78 49 33 7 9 60 0 10 264 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЊЋ In each category post comments that you think we would benefit from hearing to move us toward our long-term goals. August 31, 2016 East Branch Library Cleanliness (sidewalks - green growth needs to be addressed) Can do better with cleanliness - garbage around Stress the heritage as opposed to the building. There are ways of preserving heritage (i.e. pics displays etc) Small buses on necessary but not well utilized routes - cost savings overall - roads, fuels, buses! Bus stops not cleared in winter in some locations ignoring health issues (province) example alcoholism, major illness outdoor skating rinks - may be a source of revenue - renting skates (sugar refinery) Local, amateur artists need places to show work, socialize with each other, etc. fixing up playgrounds the sports teams ƒĻƷĻƩĻķ ǞğƷĻƩ Ǟƚǒƌķ źƒƦƩƚǝĻ ĭƚƓƭĻƩǝğƷźƚƓ ƚǝĻƩğƌƌ ğƓķ ĭƚƭƷƭ ŅƚƩ ƷŷĻ źƓķźǝźķǒğƌ ğƓķ ƷŷĻ ĭźƷǤ Ǘ Parks being well kept Value for extreme water and sewer fees Roads, curbs should be maintained better strategic recycling program - (pay extra / plebiscite) happy about new water system reprioritize some snow plowing routes Would like garbage pick-up week. In rural area at camp have it weekly. One stop shopping for businesses to get permits and by-law info re zoning Allow additional mini-home subdivisions. Need for seniors who don't prefer apartments easier connections to other cities in Canada and US Northeast Don't use taxes as main source of revenue - look at other options - ok to maintain rate August 31, 2016 Sports and Recreation Expo, Trade and Convention Centre Bring new businesses that will stay. Don't leave when funding is gone to another City Create assertive strategy to get more businesses Create diversified economy. Likes the small shops and filling up the streets. But also fill malls. What's the strategy? Wants to see uptown core built up. "Good business" environment Everyone pays fair share (taxes) Keep development uptown happening! More growth uptown = more jobs (hospitality with waterfront development) More affordable housing Energy East More jobs Better infrastructure for disabled people Create financial opportunities for seniors. Living on the edge, no money for emergency. Maybe reduce their property taxes. New buses are not friendly to passengers with mobility issues. Can't reach cord. Some don't have cord and visually impaired can't see buttons. Would like to see main buses go more often - need to review whole system. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЊЌ In each category post comments that you think we would 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 September 1, 2016 - Market Square 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. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЊЍ In each category post comments that you think we would 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЊЎ In each category post comments that you think we would benefit from hearing to move us toward our long-term goals. September 2, 2016 - King Square 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. I 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. I 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. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЊЏ In each category post comments that you think we would 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! September 4, 2016 - Queen Square 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. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЊА In each category post comments that you think we would benefit from hearing to move us toward our long-term goals. I 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 September 6, 2016 West Branch Library More development on west side (shops and restaurants) Movies Theatres Stop free parking in south (except for residents and over night visitors Implement antipoverty initiatives Help immigrants find employment so they stay in the city and don't move to larger urban centres (i.e., Toronto) after 1-2 years. No more subdivisions without making sure there are sidewalks and street lights and greens space - yes! More support for our new Syrian refugees - apprenticeships etc. Derelict buildings are a deterant for people to live or work here! Grow the tax base Life in the evening and lights on the streets Slum landlords need to go! Create greater mental health care infrastructure, education, gov't programs and support in ward 3. Taxi drivers and cars need 'sprucing up' still!!! Mutli-purpose recreation facility (like Qplex - generate revenue) Keep parking for south enders Incentives to fix vacant buildings (especially north end) Save out historic buildings Honor treaties More cleanly core - decreased recently Water supply Water is expensive, not high quality Grannan lane made into a pedestrian only street Create more awareness of living/education resources to those who need it the most Decrease in public transportation harder to get to work. Taking cabs $$$ Derelict buildings have to go! Not putting everything like playgrounds in the priority neighbourhoods. Invest in our other neighbourhoods too. Don't put people who are leaving in the news , concentrate on the people who stay Further develop waterfront and Tin Can Beach Roads - so many small streets and courts that the City needs to resurface and ensure fall in the plowing schedule Growth plan for active transportation - shanrows - paint separated lane - painted lanes - barrier lanes 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЊБ In each category post comments that you think we would 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 Rothesay/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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЊВ In each category post comments that you think we would 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 September 6, 2016 YMCA Need more tax from industry Airport role in growth - Nexus card for example Opportuntities for employment for our graduating youth so they can stay here Prioritize health, activity and social for our youth Water metering needs to be available Better bus routes for programming at the YMCA (East to Y - poor timing) Better water Stop doing everything in 2 languages Policy for commuity grants/initiatives Have a longer plan - 10 years that serves council Targets/outcomes Water rates (meteres) fixesd rates for seniors on fixed incomes Sidewalk on Boarshead Improve governance - stay out of the weeds Improve communication - wards Focus on the elderly - determinants of health Set the stage for quality people on counicl, pay, governance, etc. English jobs - majority speak English Roadwork - why patching on new roads September 8 City Market Maintain city properties Partnership with ALC to build a new racetrack New apartments with indoor parking for low income individuals More things for children to do, especially in the winter (indoor playground) Streamline supports when moving from another provice - federal More transport options for elderly Don't do away with uptown parking (south/central peninsula) 1 hour free parking in uptown parking lots Commex service restored Marsh Creek biking/walking, comuter trail Flouride back in water supply Removal of at least a portion of the breakwater to Patridge Island as a beach nourishment measure for Bayshore Beach 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЋЉ In each category post comments that you think we would benefit from hearing to move us toward our long-term goals. September 9 - Carleton Community Centre We need nice housing opportunities for seniors (affordable). Big baby boom is going ot 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 $$$ I 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? September 9, 2016 Harbour Station Pedway Every place wants to be a great place to raise a family, why is this on board? Work on attracting young urbanites too! Get rid of taxi meters. Roads on outer areas need work too, not just the urban core. Revitalization of the Canada Games Aquatic Centre! Concentrate on lower West and North End - need work on properties/housing. Needs upgrading. People don't fix up their homes. Healthcare system is inadequate. Takes too long to go places on the buses. Water and property taxes are too high. Should be more frequent bus times, should be every 10 minutes, especially in the morning and evenings. Air quality is decreasing on the East side. It's been like the 80s for the past two years. Likes the sportsfields and Harbour Station. Better plowing in winter. Takes days to clear the sidewalks at St. John the Baptist school. Do more public feedback events like this - I like that you are doing this and they are in public places. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЋЊ All Participants: 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: Very Somewhat Less Not Rating Response Answer OptionsImportant ImportantImportantImportantImportantAverageCount Responsible and quality urban and economic development19297201014.47320 Diversified local economy that stimulates innovation and job creation2049714514.55321 Attract new businesses and industries1979524534.48324 Business startup process and requirements that reduce red tape14693631634.13321 Attract development in urban neighbourhoods14395571884.08321 Attract, retain and successfully integrate immigrants1011107124183.78324 Attractive destination for tourists to recruit visitors112126641564.00323 Preservation of heritage buildings and places761088539173.58325 Variety of housing choices831318118113.79324 Waterfront development14397591694.08324 A clean, safe vibrant urban core1959232414.47324 Great place to raise a family1898738444.41322 Great public spaces and facilities16811133914.35322 Local festivals, arts and culture141110551244.16322 Recreation, entertainment, and social facilities and opportunities138120471514.18321 Local parks, green spaces, sports fields147115411444.21321 Public safety services that meet the needs of the community150121391214.26323 Access to free wifi in public spaces67639561403.17326 Poverty reduction2017632774.41323 Investment in municipal infrastructure110124691344.01320 Road maintenance12912851934.16320 Reliable and accessible public transit139985121124.03321 Active transportation (bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, pathways)132975924113.98323 Transportation routes for goods and services621199141123.55325 Access to parking near retail and work60909250323.30324 Taxi service availability308911553353.08322 Preserve and restore natural landscapes112107722583.90324 Recycling programs and services15290641374.13326 Flood mitigation and watershed management94108852883.78323 Spending efficiency and cost saving measures158105451264.22326 Demonstrating value for money16211040944.28325 Lower tax rate122767933143.80324 Funding sources other than property taxes1649948844.27323 Managed debt level137115601124.15325 Public input into City decisions14410462964.14325 Timely access to City services and information112129691044.03324 eGovernment and open data99106852683.81324 327 0 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЋЋ All Participants: 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) 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) Most Important Answer Options Response Count Areas to Me 9696 Responsible and quality urban and economic development Diversified local economy that stimulates innovation and job 122122 creation 115115 Attract new businesses and industries 5858 Business startup process and requirements that reduce red tape 4747 Attract development in urban neighbourhoods 4242 Attract, retain and successfully integrate immigrants 3232 Attractive destination for tourists to recruit visitors 4242 Preservation of heritage buildings and places 8383 Waterfront development 2727 Variety of housing choices 8888 A clean, safe vibrant urban core 5252 Great place to raise a family 4444 Great public spaces and facilities 8585 Local festivals, arts and culture 5050 Recreation, entertainment, and social facilities and opportunities 6060 Local parks, green spaces, sports fields 3737 Public safety services that meet the needs of the community 1515 Access to free wifi in public spaces 106106 Poverty reduction 2323 Investment in municipal infrastructure 5858 Road maintenance 5353 Reliable and accessible public transit 4242 Active transportation (bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, pathways) 22 Transportation routes for goods and services 44 Access to parking near retail and work 33 Taxi service availability 1212 Preserve and restore natural landscapes 3535 Recycling programs and services 1212 Flood mitigation and watershed management 3131 Spending efficiency and cost saving measures 2222 Demonstrating value for money 5555 Lower tax rate 2727 Funding sources other than property taxes 3232 Managed debt level 1414 Public input into City decisions 22 Timely access to City services and information 77 eGovernment and open data 327 0 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЋЌ All Participants: 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? 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЋЍ All Participants: 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? 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЋЎ All Participants: 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? 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 young people. 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 eye sore. More variety 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЋЏ All Participants: 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? 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. I 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. Or just 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 like 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 Poverty 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 I 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЋА All Participants: 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? we need jobs in this city!! 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, quality, affordable housing. 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) I 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. vip...listen to the people I have 2 areas. One is the bus service. the other is recycling. 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. Poverty 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. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЋБ All Participants: 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? 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 changing hut, outdoor pools in every area for kids... Waterfront development Jobs I 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. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЋВ All Participants: 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? 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЌЉ All Participants: 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? 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? I 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. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЌЊ All Participants: 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? 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 waterfront stolen. A series of legally registered subdivisions were created in the 1920s which identified 50 ft of 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЌЋ All Participants: 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? 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 city boundaries Water rates are way too high. 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 job 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЌЌ All Participants: 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? 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 Receiving 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. I 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 Rothesay/Quispamsis 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 jobs to keep the city from dying. 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЌЍ All Participants: 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? 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. hockey 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 ,panhandlers 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. Poverty 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЌЎ All Participants: 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 City of Saint John today? Answer Options Response PercentResponse Count 11.4%37 Very Good 61.8%201 Good 25.2%82 Poor 1.5%5 Very Poor 325 2 In the past three years, the quality of life in the City of Saint John has Answer Options Response PercentResponse Count 34.5%112 Improved 50.8%165 Stayed the same 14.8%48 Worsened 325 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. I 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 city 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЌЏ All Participants: Quality of Life Questions 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 I 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 I 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЌА All Participants: Quality of Life Questions 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 qualified staff do their job 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 growth 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 city sorely 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЌБ All Participants: Quality of Life Questions 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 ways 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 pay more taxes to the city 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 . 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЌВ All Participants: Quality of Life Questions 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!!!!!!!AND SHOULD BE STOPPED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We 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)I 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЍЉ All Participants: Quality of Life Questions Economy failing 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 I 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 can not 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) I 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 groceries. The line would start way before the food bank opened 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 jobs, poor roads. Way 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЍЊ All Participants: Quality of Life Questions 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 job at 14 and didn't look for a year 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 quite a bit whereas incomes for those in poverty 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЍЋ All Participants: How satisfied are you with the overall level and quality of services and 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 PercentResponse Count 7.7%25 Very satisfied 70.6%230 Somewhat satisfied 19.0%62 Not very satisfied 2.8%9 Not at all satisfied 326 1 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЍЌ All Participants: Balancing taxation with service delivery question. 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 Response PercentResponse Count 31.2%92 Increase taxes - to expand services 22.7%67 Increase taxes - to maintain services 25.8%76 Reduce services - to maintain current tax levels 20.3%60 Reduce services - to reduce taxes 295 32 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЍЍ All Participants: Customer service related questions. Have you contacted or dealt with the City of Saint John or one of its employees in the last twelve months? (This includes all civic employees including emergency personnel) Answer Options Response PercentResponse Count 63.8%206 Yes 36.2%117 No 323 4 If you answered Yes above, how satisfied were you with this most recent contact with the City? Answer Options Response PercentResponse Count 45.4%94 Very satisfied 34.8%72 Somewhat Satisfied 13.0%27 Not very satisfied 6.8%14 Not at all satisfied 207 120 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: Somewhat Not very Not at all Rating Response Answer OptionsVery satisfied SatisfiedsatisfiedsatisfiedAverageCount ?6?W?D?I?I?∂?V???N?Q?R?Z?O?H?G?J?H 12310824123.28267 ?6?W?D?I?I?∂?V???S?U?R?I?H?V?V?L?R?Q?D?O?L?V?P 1409324113.35268 ?6?W?D?I?I?∂?V???K?H?O?S?I?X?O?Q?H?V?V 1199532193.18265 ?6?W?D?I?I?∂?V???D?E?L?O?L?W?\\???W?R???U?H?V?R?O?Y?H???\\?R?X?U???L?V?V?X?H 10210432293.04267 ?6?W?D?I?I?∂?V???D?E?L?O?L?W?\\???W?R???X?Q?G?H?U?V?W?D?Q?G???\\?R?X?U???Q?H?H?G?V 12010033133.23266 The courteousness of staff1488519163.36268 The speed and timeliness of service1079729333.05266 270 57 How satisfied are you with your ability to contact the City for inquiries or service delivery? Answer Options Response PercentResponse Count 31.9%91 Very satisfied 51.2%146 Somewhat Satisfied 11.9%34 Not very satisfied 4.9%14 Not at all satisfied 109 In your view, what is the one thing that the City can do to improve customer service? 285 42 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЍЎ Focus Group Results: Living in Saint John Focus Group Questions - Living in Saint John September 8 2016 630-830 PM Participants Organization 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- Edge- SJ has its own personality and it feels like we are on the edge of either something great or that we could fall flat on our faces. Growing Potential Emerging Overwhelmed Community Struggling Safe 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЍЏ 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. eams this summer, there is always stuff going on in the community. We are the entry point to in-land industry through the harbour, IT and telecomm industry, the city is walkable and we have a diverse energy sector. The city is surrounded by water and we ne - Foody scene is developing- it is diverse - Great parks that are accessible - Built heritage - I - SJ is artistic, galleries, public art. SJ has so many art galleries and they are thriving (not just surviving) with a relatively low population size we have in relation to the amount of galleries. Events like Third Shift build pride in Saint John. People with disposable income are supporting these galleries. Another thing we should celebrate is people like Keith Brideau with Historica, they have seen great success in their investment of buildings in the uptown, and they have been successful in targeting tenants looking to pay $1500/month or more for apartments which many would have seen as a risk. They have filled their apartments and brought a vibe back into the Uptown core which has brought business back uptown. He sees the possibility. Young adults feel safe enough to explore and take risks (there are creative and exciting shops popping up around the uptown etc.) and because they are taking the risks things are coming back to the core, I think that the older demographic was hesitant but they seem to be catching the buzz now. When there is concentration of despair in a neighbourhood it brings everyone down around them, mixed use neighbourhoods are needed. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЍА 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 look inviting. There is a personal investment that you have to make and barriers that you have to overcome in Saint John, before you can truly say you love it here. Our strengths/positives are amazing but our weaknesses are really weak. Example- le the siding how much control do I have? I had a car when I lived North and was considered a rich person because of it, I was lucky because I could escape. But I was unemployed on the East side without a car and it was horrible. Victoria Square and Shamrock Park are beautiful and have seen investment and are not being destroyed but the buildings around those areas are in poor condition. I feel that people are caring for their space the best they can, not everyone has the money or the means to do major renovations. There are weak/good neighbourhoods everywhere in the City we need to focus on the middle class the most and we do that by attracting people and working on our first impressions of the city. SJ has the highest concentration of poverty. Coming back to SJ after graduating from univer directly from Saint Johners. We have a large amount of people living in poverty and level, we need the help and resources of other levels of government as well. If you went to Times Square in NYC you would see garbage too. Every City has a garbage issue. People are at the heart of it all and Saint Johners just have an outdated image of themselves. We need to market ourselves better. Many newcomers are coming from big cities and we need to improve as you enter the City, especially when it comes to the Airport. When I came to Saint John I flew into the Airport and then drove through so many entrance. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЍБ 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, Saint John is very homogenous- dig one layer deeper and we need work- not so welcoming as we believe. SJ friends have been to his place, but he has never been invited into their homes since being here (15 years). The group that is sitting around the table tonight has already had to overcome the issues facing Saint John and we are still here, the City should have another focus group with people that have moved out of the City limits and ask them beyon The old Municipal Plan of 1973 projected that the city would have a booming population of 150,000. The hospital moved to the Millidgeville area then the donut effect took place. We need to give up on tho and we should focus on those that want to live in this urban environment. KV residents opinion of SJ is poor, it always has been. It is predominantly the wealthy that choose to move out to KV. There is a divide, its poverty or plenty. For that reason we have move poverty than plenty so its difficult to ask them because we do capability/ability/might not have the resources to make the city great again, we rely on greater Saint John to make it better. We need to map our assets. The benefits are higher than Moncton and Fredericton, but the negatives are higher too We have extremes here, dichotomies of poor/wealthy and nice houses next to bad houses People still think we stink, that the city smells We have outdated mindsets, outdated practices. We need to be out with the old and in with the new. There is also a landlord/property owner issue. Unemployment is high. Underemployment is high. Need to reduce negative opinions. High tax rate, old housing inventory, airport Demographic challenges Morale of people Safe and affordable housing is hard to find in city Snow clearing for sidewalks needs to be improved Tax rate pushing middle class to suburbs Distinct communities with competing priorities Size 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЍВ Focus Group Results: Living in Saint John 4. when they set their priorities? Uptown Saint John conducted a study 6- securing Coming out of airport, you get a bad first impression. Arts/Culture and how it links to economic growth should be a top priority for Council/Mayor. Currently there is no financial support from the City. When we survey people on what they like about the City or what drew them here I really like seeing art in the core and would like Council/Mayor to make it a top priority. Morale of SJers needs work, sees Water quality, and road/street improvement. I applaud the previous Council/Mayor for setting priorities and sticking to them. - We need to remove asphalt sidewalks in Uptown it does not provide accessibility for those that are - I am always impressed with the lack of graffiti in the Uptown. Push the benefits we have from being surrounded by water! - Appreciate the efforts made towards the closure of illegal parking lots, we do Detroit in appearance (burnt out!). - - it currently makes ng able to enforce the poop scooper bylaw. A charge for that is settled by the province! SJ is operating in a gilded cage. - Be a tourist in your own City! Municipalities Act is a major problem. Investments are happening and it appears that people are leveraging each other assets. Ex: the Peel Plaza- neighborhood could have benefited. Knows of someone that lives east and works overnight uptown, it is quicker for them to walk from uptown to east -5 worker then the bus system is useless. That is the same for child care; it is geared towards the 9-5 workers. Livability of Saint John is a challenge; it is a city that is made for someone that owns a car. If you live on foot, it is difficult to get food. Public tr We need to recognize what is going on new Irving headquarters, $ for port, people are trying to leverage each If we look outside out city we see driverless cars, car co-ops, why not introduce them into our transportation plan? Parking and Transit are together now, so a good trend is starting towards removing fiefdoms. We need biking in the city; I currently put my bike in my car and take it to the park How often is Council consulting youth? How do we keep them and create opportunity they need? The time is now, with the economic dip out west and outpriced Vancouver and Toronto markets Car co-ops are on their way to SJ, and now that Transit and the Parking Commission are combined these issues will/should be worked into the Transportation Plans. We need to increase parking rates they are very low in comparison to other municipalities. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЎЉ Focus Group Results: Living in Saint John It is dangerous to bike in SJ. The best ROI 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 need to think outside the box Safe cycling options A commitment to Supporting residents that are most vulnerable (safe / affordable housing), transportation, childcare, health & wellness centre in priority neighbourhoods, early childhood education for all residents, resources for our neighbourhood associations. Mixed income neighbourhoods Return of residential growth in uptown Lack of focus for developing a market for startups/new businesses Continue to address water quality 5. Dotmocracy what factors in the Growing Saint John, and How the City Operates directly affect living in SJ that Council should make a priority? 5 - Attract new businesses and industries 3 Attract development in urban neighbourhoods 5 Attract, retain and successfully integrate immigrants 4 Preservation of heritage buildings and places 4 Waterfront development 1 Poverty reduction 4 Investment in municipal infrastructure 6 Reliable and accessible public transit 1 Active transportation (bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, pathways) 1 Recycling programs and watershed management 1 Flood mitigation and watershed management 1 Demonstrating value for money 1 Lower tax rate 2 Public input into City decisions 2 eGovernment and open data Short answer notes: Grow population tax generators middle class immigrants Have an immigration strategy Attract creative class that can thrive in city 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЎЊ 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) What should Council do? Need to focus on repatriate Saint Johners. Newcomers/immigrants are the key to increasing population. Make it safe and secure for them to thrive in Saint John and when that happens others will know we are open for integration. Focus efforts on the volume of slum buildings in SJ, it makes people feel insecure when they are living in conditions where there could be a dangerous building or the potential for a fire etc. Focus on high end infrastructure upgrades such as those made recently to Princess Street and Prince William Street and the great job that was done with Harbour Passage. staff on hand to complete the reports or flush the fire hydrants for example, and if not then why not hire summer students or more staff rather than pay large amounts of money to non-SJ companies. Create these opportunities within City Hall. Example was a Halifax company flushing hydrants. Give Council the mechanisms to handle slum landlords, the people that are living in those conditions feel hopeless and the middle class is doing what they can but need the support of Council that the slum landlords will be dealt with. Get involved with the next generation now, while they are in school the Gen X/Yers should be engaged by Council to get involved with the City so that they will stay here after graduation, for too long we have heard the story of everyone moving west after school. Municipalities Act is an issue. Taxation Issue- penalized by an increase in taxes if they renovate their home etc. People that demolish buildings to save on money should still have to help pay for the utilities just like everyone else as they are still available. massive City. of their city. Go after those living in LA or Toronto that want cheap housing and recruit to our city. We have access to people and ideas. We are a really easy City to integrate into (ex: friends moved here recently from Guatemala, they see opportunity and have purchase a home to flip on Horsfield Street). Pedestrian streets in the summer- close down particular streets and make nice green entrances during the summer season (such as Canterbury/Grannan lane). Fog! Use fog as a brilliant branding campaign, take awesome photographs in the fog, and romanticize it! Prioritize investments. Focus on first impressions and stop focusing on those that have left for the Valley (fog and taxes are excuses). 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЎЋ 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- been doing because in my short life, there had been little change. Hall, we need someone that understands how to drive the Plan forward. Facilitate alternative lifestyles to diversify i.e.: you need to have a car in SJ/ morally conservative. Challenge the negative/pessimistic people/opinions of ourselves (Saint Johners). Those that are thriving have similar life stories. Municipal taxation reforms, equitable taxation, have different funding form for municipalities. Clean up the slum buildings. They make it difficult for people to live with even a bit of security or a feeling of safety Keep focused on high end infrastructure upgrades like Princess Street and Harbour Passage Lower taxes by cutting external expenses on contractors outside of the city and performance with internal staff Push for amendments to the municipalities act Have SJ Transit talk to stakeholders like Industry/Business, High Schools, NBCC, UNBSJ, etc., *before* they cut/change routes to ensure they maximize ridership based on those schedules. For instance - when they cut or change a run that impacts our students, they lose ridership. Anecdotally, I have heard students say 'The bus schedule changed and isn't convenient for me, so I carpool or bring my own car instead.' Metered water for ALL households (SJ Water currently discriminates against single households/buildings with less than 3/4 units) Crack down on slum lords Make more effort cleaning streets (summer and winter). I have *almost* conǝźƓĭĻķ ƒǤ ŅźğƓĭĽĻ Ʒƚ ƭĻƌƌ ŷĻƩ ƦƌğĭĻ źƓ KV and move uptown with me next year when we buy, but dirty streets is a pet peeve of hers. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЎЌ Focus Group Results: Growing Saint John Focus Group Questions Growing Saint John September 7 2016 830-1030 AM Participants Enterprise Saint John Saint John Waterfront Development Corporation The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce Fusion Saint John Uptown Saint John Inc. East Point Shopping The Hardman Group Limited Entrepreneur - Elle Saint John Real Estate Board Bonfire Communications 1. What is your name and what is one word you would use to describe the City? Worldly, affected by changes Authentic Lagging behind lot more can be done to grow SJ, our problems are blocking our growth, example; we need to grow and educate our workforce in right areas Historical Insecure we lack confidence, to change this we need a consistent story to tell. Shared story that when Inspiring Loyal Potential Ready Friendly people City is in a mess but st developments together, and get the message out. We need cheerleaders and marketers t see it, and are not aware of it, it perpetuates the negativity. Branding How do we raise this? Huge opportunity Create one voice, all working hard with small budgets But Saint Johners need to believe it to get people here I see confidence in SJ, we get money via grants coming in but we need to collect data to see where lack of confidence is 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЎЍ Focus Group Results: Growing Saint John I see development in the uptown In the last 10-15 years, the city has come a long way We have natural economic challenges, outside SJ at the provincial level 2. What strengths or positive aspects do you feel Saint John has; that we should build on to see Saint John grow? customer incentive to build loyalty Growth stats Assets = Huddle, Historica, Discover SJ Humble, not Quality of Life Discover SJ is using this (growing food and alcohol scene) for new photos to promote We have lots of companies that are ready to grow (waterfront development, arts & culture, beer & e providing skilled labour), good ingredients, need investment Maritimes and how it works is low. The presence we have outside the Maritimes is low. Frank McKenna did something to raise this awareness, He was a good marketer 1-800-CALLFRANK We have enough, people talk about TO but we have enough, we have restaurants, movie theatre, ed to support each other. Globe & Mail, National Post is an opportunity to promote positives, but not the TJ. National Post has reached out (2 weeks ago) and saying this (SJ) is where you should invest. And we should do this (promote SJ) all the time We n in just travel to and from work. 3. What are the challenges of Saint John as a place to work and do business in? We need to reach out to US and tell them SJ is world are seen inside and outside the City. Operating costs are lower here but people are not starting start-ups I believe we have great capacity to move data around, does anybody else know this? Start- 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЎЎ Focus Group Results: Growing Saint John ator space we need to create space that people use to develop their business. They have 18 months to get your company going and then they are out for a new group, whether they get going or not. We need places for people to gather and organize. We should bring UNBSJ etc in more to city centre and focus education to meet needs of employers. It is a And then we should aggregate the two together and really create opportunities Another challenge is that we are lagging behind and distance is growing We also have to realize that most decisions are not made in the City of Saint John, like Energy East, but we ave to be one thing could be a welding shop to a technology start up and them we need to help them sell outside. Live here, sell outside. - opportunities, maybe it How do you open your door to innovation? You connect resources with innovators. We need to focus on what we can put our hands on. This is about people. Communities will figure out a way, to articulate opportunities, to get people here Without dealing with our looming demographic (age) crisis, we are really managing a shut down in the next 20 to 30 years. In my family, 1 of the 12 nieces and nephews work in Saint John, others are out west We (Fusion) struggle to find somebody to award the immigration entrepreneur recognition award to Growth is coming to places who open up immigration, Saint John lags in resources to welcome and connect new immigrants There is lack of awareness of what SJ is and has to offer 4. when they set their priorities? The tax rate, greater Saint John is growing, Saint John is not When I was setting up my business, I decided to rent. With taxes this high, the business case to buy Other urban centres invest in making their places attractive. We try. But people are not highly trained. ere is no marketing strategy for the City. Halifax has 16 cranes in their harbour and they are still selling and still investing 1 million / year on attracting more business. People outside need to know what SJ has to offer. We are not putting our A game here so others are beating us to the punch. with it. Things are coming and we need to be ready to tell the world City Council / hall has to develop a men happen. Look at the economics of a project and if it works, support it, put the pipe 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЎЏ 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 investors. Council should invest in the urban core. The first impression is key. What do we see? Derelict buildings. Poorly constructed sidewalks. We need Saint Johners to love their city and take care of it. More artistic things uptown (i.e. Halifax has painted mailboxes, power stations, etc.) Beautify the city (Better support of Parks & Recreation, festivals, etc) Beautification and cleanliness is an issue. We need enhancement in the uptown grant for maintenance. Civic pride is not expressed. We (Uptown SJ) pressure washed some streets and people came out to ask for cleaning in front of their building too. Clean streets will reduce litter. Council cut even touch that budget line item in Moncton. Council should make people feel safe walking on streets have a strategy for that, but what about the and manage it. is not a good investment). Support economic growth from within local start-ups retail, professionals etc. Give people a reason to come back and bring their experience with them. Immigration/repatriation City never played a role in helping us (business community) figure this out. We need to have an owner for this. Deal with lack of consistency. Do branding so we have common message/purpose/direction. Stop the day to day stuff going to Council meetings. It wastes their time to be involved with lease agreements, for example. Saint John has lost its brand, we just market to tourists. who does what and At a demographic cliff we need people, the right people! Retain, attract and develop to work towards a proper talent pool, an end game with urgency. 5. Please pick three priorities that you feel are the biggest influencers to the challenges we face trying to grow Saint John. (No dots in the BLUE section). 5 A clean, safe and vibrant urban core 1 Great public spaces and facilities 6 Local festivals, arts and culture 2 Recreation, entertainment, and social facilities and opportunities 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЎА 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 A lot of people chose activities and culture as important to growth, why? Uptown was like a ghost town over the long weekend We have a beautiful province, people want to get out of the city and get some kayaking in Festivals and events take a lot of work We need to fill seats at hockey games, do promotions and bus trips, benefit from the spin offs 506 will be a tremendous annual event Not enough funding for Canada day New years and during buskers, the hotel was sold out If some interest happening, we need to get everyone together on this to increase it If I was Council, my priority would be investing in getting people here. Figure out the endgame and work towards it. Strategize. What are we trying to achieve? Priorities are set for 4 years. ABCs should also have to work towards them. Example; assign uptown SJ a task to help achieve the endgame. (Final round table) What are the key opportunities for Council that we should take away? You have to have a plan. No plan, you plan to fail. A plan helps deal with the course. Start- environment so start- We need a manager of that space. Halifax did this and it launched in 8 weeks. Discuss and execute model. agencies and support and push them. Ask, why are we behind Canada 150? We need to create a sense of things differently. City is trying to move more towards data and performance metrics. Not all reports to Council have economic impact info but they should. Some things have to say how the idea aligns with council priorities now, and city staff should keep doing this. Need facts to make vision real. Build something and use benchmarking or measures. s to get this done. Groups sometimes will develop several strategies, this is leading to failure. Plan your work and work your focus on it. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЎБ Focus Group Results: Growing Saint John best parking year, driven by meetings and events something is happening, the hotel is Occupancy rates are higher than the last five months too. see a clear priority. I see lots of different interests. They need to have common purpose and work as a team, not as individuals. Council needs to collaborate internally and with external resources. There are companies th profile etc. What do people say about us? What are our stats? One Stop is a great idea, a partnership of ideas. This all leads to people coming back. Create a One Stop develop roots. Bring your champions together Council, rather than being in competition with each other. One message / one vision / one focus together as one team and engage those who want to be engaged. Have follow-up and let them know you are listening. partners to help. Stronger bylaw enforcement how can the building on King Street be allowed to sit there and rot? It does not support a clean, safe and vibrant urban core. The city has to attract more professionals and families to the core Offer tax incentives for KV and other residents to move into city? Introduce more bus routes with more frequent runs, don't cut them More waterfront development (think waterfront in Halifax) Investigate other sources of revenue for city besides property taxes that do not need to be shared with province NB's population is barely a mid-sized city, it shouldn't have so many different tax rates. There should either be 1 tax rate for entire province, or a max of 3 tax rates: Urban (City), Suburban (like KV), and rural (LSDs) Saint John is too large geographically for the cost of services it must provide compared to the cost of those services (police, fire, roads, water, etc.). We could 'cut loose' some of the outer areas that are too expensive to maintain and let the province turn them into Local Service Districts. I am picturing a city that ends at Gault Road (West), Lakewood Heights/Hillcrest Road (East), Foster Thurston/Glen Falls (North/East). You could even do a cost/benefit to examine cutting loose Red Head and letting Irving and the province be responsible for their own firefighting/police/road maintenance and clearing at LNG/Canaport Cost of providing firefighting response to refinery, pulp mill, paper mill, LNG, etc., should be partially offset by the company owning 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЎВ 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: Very Somewhat Less Not Rating Response Answer Options Important ImportantImportantImportantImportantAverageCount 43487204.32100 Responsible and quality urban and economic development Diversified local economy that stimulates innovation and job 513412214.32100 creation 68229204.54101 Attract new businesses and industries 353820723.95102 Business startup process and requirements that reduce red tape 374511614.11100 Attract development in urban neighbourhoods 1324421583.19102 Attract, retain and successfully integrate immigrants 294028403.93101 Attractive destination for tourists to recruit visitors 1621342193.14101 Preservation of heritage buildings and places 1836331133.54101 Variety of housing choices 453512814.14101 Waterfront development 543611104.40102 A clean, safe vibrant urban core 603110014.46102 Great place to raise a family 50398304.36100 Great public spaces and facilities 324120723.92102 Local festivals, arts and culture 384611424.13101 Recreation, entertainment, and social facilities and opportunities 413916414.14101 Local parks, green spaces, sports fields 453716314.20102 Public safety services that meet the needs of the community 11183427122.89102 Access to free wifi in public spaces 334117743.90102 Poverty reduction 384616014.19101 Investment in municipal infrastructure 394610414.18100 Road maintenance 213634653.61102 Reliable and accessible public transit 1738321133.54101 Active transportation (bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, pathways) 1329411713.36101 Transportation routes for goods and services 2129262043.43100 Access to parking near retail and work 5194026112.81101 Taxi service availability 1535361143.46101 Preserve and restore natural landscapes 2434291413.65102 Recycling programs and services 223734633.68102 Flood mitigation and watershed management 254724413.90101 Spending efficiency and cost saving measures 314123343.90102 Demonstrating value for money 35222013123.54102 Lower tax rate 493216304.27100 Funding sources other than property taxes 324030004.02102 Managed debt level 2528331153.56102 Public input into City decisions 1343321313.53102 Timely access to City services and information 6323716113.06102 eGovernment and open data 102 0 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЏЉ 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) Most Important Answer Options Response Count Areas to Me 2121 Responsible and quality urban and economic development Diversified local economy that stimulates innovation and job 3838 creation 4747 Attract new businesses and industries 99 Business startup process and requirements that reduce red tape 1616 Attract development in urban neighbourhoods 88 Attract, retain and successfully integrate immigrants 66 Attractive destination for tourists to recruit visitors 88 Preservation of heritage buildings and places 3131 Waterfront development 11 Variety of housing choices 2727 A clean, safe vibrant urban core 2828 Great place to raise a family 99 Great public spaces and facilities 1818 Local festivals, arts and culture 2222 Recreation, entertainment, and social facilities and opportunities 1717 Local parks, green spaces, sports fields 2121 Public safety services that meet the needs of the community 11 Access to free wifi in public spaces 1717 Poverty reduction 2020 Investment in municipal infrastructure 2929 Road maintenance 99 Reliable and accessible public transit 88 Active transportation (bike lanes, crosswalks, sidewalks, pathways) 11 Transportation routes for goods and services 44 Access to parking near retail and work 00 Taxi service availability 22 Preserve and restore natural landscapes 77 Recycling programs and services 1111 Flood mitigation and watershed management 1010 Spending efficiency and cost saving measures 66 Demonstrating value for money 2727 Lower tax rate 1616 Funding sources other than property taxes 1111 Managed debt level 22 Public input into City decisions 22 Timely access to City services and information 00 eGovernment and open data 102 0 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЏЊ 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 I 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЏЋ Employee and Civic Partner Engagement: Local Issues at UNBSJ. Also for example if you start an Engineering degree here in SJ, 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 community 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 surely attract more residential development in the City. 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 facility'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. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЏЌ 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. Poverty and Child Poverty Poverty reduction will have many 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. property taxes are too high 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. The province must be supportive of city initiaves 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 consequence. 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 prosperity and low unemployment. 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЏЍ 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. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЏЎ 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 City of Saint John today? Answer Options Response PercentResponse Count 9.8%10 Very Good 65.7%67 Good 22.5%23 Poor 2.0%2 Very Poor 102 0 In the past three years, the quality of life in the City of Saint John has Answer Options Response PercentResponse Count 24.5%25 Improved 56.9%58 Stayed the same 18.6%19 Worsened 102 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЏЏ 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 support. 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. I 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. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЏА 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 over time. 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЏБ 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 jobs 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 up. Please focus on windmill turbine coming here to 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 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ ЏВ 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. 9ƓŭğŭĻƒĻƓƷ wĻƭǒƌƷƭ АЉ