Budget 2017 'What We Heard' Document Now Available

Today the City of St. John’s released ‘What We Heard’ during the five-month budget consultation process. The document reflects key themes and priority areas identified by residents and other stakeholders. The process included:

• Online engagement at engagestjohns.ca with an interactive question: “What is one thing you would like to see addressed through Budget 2017?” and a Budget Video
• Ward Sessions in October and November
• City Committees, Task Forces, Working Groups and Expert Panels
• Roundtable sessions with sectoral groups and a business roundtable 

From the above process we heard key themes from residents and stakeholders, including:

• Fiscal responsibility and smart spending
• Snow clearing, accessibility & inclusion
• Infrastructure, transit and active transportation
• Arts, culture and place
• Business friendly and downtown
• Affordability
• Automated garbage and cleanliness
• Environment
• Other (Envision, Goulds, Traffic calming, Increase parking fees, continue Heritage Grants, Social enterprise, incentives for youth, communications – youth, seniors – specific tools and messages) 

Additional information about these themes and other details from the engagement process can be found at engagestjohns.ca in the ‘What We Heard’ document. The City’s Budget 2017 will be released on December 12 during the City Council meeting.