The city of Saint John has unveiled a wide ranging report which outlines what it calls its “vision for economic development.” It’s called a “Roadmap for Smart Growth.”
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The document is based on three basic principles: population growth, jobs and growing the tax base. It contains 45 items on its action list, each with a timeline. They include an immigration strategy, a population growth strategy and a 10-year economic plan for the city.
Mayor Don Darling briefed members of the media on the roadmap on Tuesday.
Asked about the city’s high property tax and water rates, he said with a looming deficit of possibly $5 million, now isn’t the time to think of lowering taxes.
“I think we need to get there,” Darling said. “I don’t think to put it down a penny to give the average taxpayer back $18 is going to make a big difference with where we are today.”
Part of the roadmap addresses the sale of a number of municipal properties. Some committee members feel that is the way to lower taxes.
“To bring land into play where we can get people to build, which would bring people in which no doubt will lead to jobs,” added Coun. Gerry Lowe. “I mean that to me is the most important part of it.”
READ MORE: Greater Saint John mayors critical of economic development agency
The growth committee was formed last July after a snapshot of the city’s economy issued what the report called a humbling reminder of the city’s economic challenges. Since September, the group has met 10 times and says it has put more than 60 hours of work into the committee.
Some of the action items are being put into effect immediately.