What We Heard (to date) on Budget Engagement

Since July, the City of St. John’s has been engaging with the public and key stakeholders on budget plans for 2022.

Engagement to date has included:

• 1,100 visits to EngageStjohns.ca
• Establishing an Ad hoc budget advisory committee
• Meeting with the City-Business Roundtable
• Booth at Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) Event Oct. 27, 2021
• Focus groups with City Advisory Committees and Local Immigration Partnership members

In general, the feedback gathered focused on the impact of demographic changes on program and service access and delivery; the state of small businesses; cost of living and affordability concerns; creating more equity in who pays taxes and comments about tax rates; and gaps in service that should be the focus for Council in budget planning such as sidewalk snow clearing, public transit, affordable housing, and improved accessibility.

To read the ‘What We Heard’ document and all feedback gathered to date, visit engagestjohns.ca.

Council is currently meeting with staff, reviewing the feedback gathered through public engagement and planning for budget 2022.

To learn more about plans and to continue to contribute to the process, please register for the upcoming virtual event:

• Virtual Public Engagement Session on Budget 2022 Registration Link
• Thursday, November 25, 2021, at 7 p.m.

Learn more about budget plans and share your ideas and feedback with Councillor Ron Ellsworth, Council lead for Finance.