Growth continues to be the focus in Saint John.
The city’s Growth Committee has released its work plan for 2019, and a number of projects will help Saint John achieve some much needed growth goals.
2018 saw a number of successful projects, including the introduction of group Develop Saint John, a draft of the Neighbourhood Plan for the central peninsula, and achievement of growth targets. As well, last year saw the implementation of the population growth framework, an economic strategic plan, and a draft of a new Heritage Bylaw.
Mayor Don Darling says the successful growth is something his council is proud of.
“We’re reversing the 30 or 40 year trend in our population decline, or whether we’ve got a growth in the number of available jobs, our unemployment rate is down, we’ve grown the tax base,” he said in an interview.
“We’re focused on what matters most in terms of the growth file for the city and that we’re working really really hard to achieve results, and at the end of the day the citizens of this city have to feel that and see that and that’s what we’re working hard to do.”
According to data from the city, the population of Saint John has grown by 432 people in the last year, bringing the population to 68,808. This is an overall increase of 1,233 residents since the 2016 census (link).
Population growth has been linked largely to immigration and newcomers choosing Saint John as their home.
The labour market is strengthening too, with employment up by 7,700 in March of 2019 compared to 2018. The unemployment rate went down from 6.8 per cent to 5.6 per cent.
Big projects for this year include a focus on immigration, with the creation of a Newcomer Guide and more resources.
“I think at the end of the day what we’re all trying and striving to do here is show the citizens of this city that we’re improving the city, that we’re making it a better place for people to live, work and play here,” said Darling.
(Source: City of Saint John)
