‘Pin It Saint John’: What do residents hope for new mayor and council?

The City of Saint John has launched a new way to engage the public on what they think the priorities of Common Council should be over the next four years.

“Pin It Saint John” is a take on the popular website Pinterest, and involves Saint John residents being asked to “pin” things they hope to see in their city.

Stephanie Rackley-Roach, the city’s manager of corporate planning, says it’s hoped this exercise will give a broader perspective from the everyday issues.

“By giving them some suggestions and explaining to them a little bit about what we actually do provide to the city, it gives them an opportunity to think a little bit more broadly than just the pothole they hit on the way here,” Rackley Roach said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "By giving them some suggestions and explaining to them a little bit about what we actually do provide to the city, it gives them an opportunity to think a little bit more broadly than just the pothole they hit on the way here," Rackley Roach said.

Some of the residents at Wednesday’s first “Pin It” session at the East Branch Library said they want to see more done to draw more people to the uptown area.

“We were a vibrant, really colourful city and now we’re fading out to nothing,” said Pam Johnston.”That’s a lot of it and there’s no reason, nothing’s drawing us up.”

Kirby Lucas pressed the need for ongoing road maintenance.

“Pin It” isn’t just looking for residents concerns — it’s also looking for things they like about their city as council prepares to enter budget negotiations this fall.

The city ended 2015 with a surplus, but has been warned about ongoing challenges like its net debt heading into this year’s meetings.

Getting as much information as possible is key to members of council, according to councillor Gary Sullivan.

The city has scheduled several more “pinning” sessions over the next few weeks. The findings, along with other public input, will be presented to Common Council in late September.

Other sessions which stretch through September 9 are being held in various locations chosen strategically to help ensure a good turnout and wide range of ideas.