Building a Sustainable Future
Meeting the Housing Needs of Saint John
Saint John's Housing Challenge
Addressing Saint John’s Housing Crisis
The urgent need to more than double annual housing starts to meet the city’s population growth targets.
Current Housing Output in Saint John
- Brent McGoven’s statement on the need for over 700 units annually.
- Historical data showing an average of 270 units per year over the past five years.
- Expectation of just over 300 housing starts in 2023.
Saint John's Housing Statistics
- Saint John’s vacancy rates for different apartment sizes.
- Comparison with other cities in New Brunswick, highlighting Saint John’s position.
- Information on housing starts in the second quarter and average rent rates.
Strategies and Challenges Ahead
- Andrew Reid’s insights on focusing on affordability and addressing supply and demand issues.
- The city’s growth target of 85,000 people in 10 years.
- Mention of Saint John’s housing action plan and potential measures like inclusionary zoning.
Moncton's Housing Approval Overhaul
Introduction
- Current system involves public notices and hearings.
- Proposed changes aim to streamline, accelerate housing supply.
Existing Approval System
- Zoning rule-permitted uses: Approved in approx. 2 weeks.
- Planning advisory committee approval for conditional uses (6-8 weeks).
- Rezoning requiring city council approval (4-6 months).
Proposed Change
- All mid- and high-density residential uses are conditional.
- Shift from conditional to permitted, impacting notices and hearings.
Impact on Residential Uses
- Conditional uses subject to committee terms.
- Change to permitted use eliminates certain notifications and reviews.
Public Hearing on Jan. 15
- Proposal to eliminate public hearings requires a public hearing.
- Scheduled for January 15 for input and concerns.
Responsibility for Notifications
- Developers responsible for notifying residents.
- Addressing councillor concerns about community awareness.
