The exterior of Saint John City Hall is pictured in this file photo. Image: staff photo
Saint John’s growth committee had the chance to review the final draft of the city’s affordable housing plan this week.
The plan outlines actions needed to help the community maintain and create safe, suitable, and affordable housing options.
Phil Ouellette, director of Growth, Planning and Community Services, told members during Tuesday’s meeting that the plan will enhance the city into a vibrant and inclusive community.
“There’s no silver bullet with affordable housing, and to enhance our ability to deliver affordable housing, this plan incorporates a multitude of actions across various areas to maximize our ability to generate impact and sustainable change,” said Ouellette.
“This plan will introduce immediate and important shifts in affordable housing in Saint John including how we organize ourselves, new funding, and partnerships with other levels of government.”
Randy Hatfield, executive director of the Human Development Council, described the plan as transformational.
“It speaks to an engagement of the municipality on a file that has been traditionally left to senior levels of government,” said Hatfield.
The affordable housing plan outlines 39 recommendations organized into five objectives.
They include creating an $800,000 affordable housing fund, exploring governance enhancements, examining surplus and underutilized land policies, providing additional education, and progressive enforcement of minimum property standards,
The final draft will be presented to Common Council for approval on Oct. 3.
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