The exterior of Saint John City Hall is pictured in this file photo. (Staff photo)
Saint John city council voted unanimously Monday night to join the nearby municipalities in a regionalized economic development model.
The city will work with Rothesay, Quispamsis, Hampton, and Grand Bay-Westfield to establish a board of governors who will look for a chief economic development officer to push for the unified vision of economic growth and tourism in the region.
Mayor Don Darling called the vote something to celebrate.
“It’s a great celebratory night tonight, to have a tangible example where all of the communities have come together and unanimously voted to collaborate, to come together, to share in a new way,” the mayor said.
Longer-term, Darling is looking forward to having one group pushing a single message for the neighbouring municipalities.
“I think acting as one strong region is going to be a big plus: one plan, one message, and one voice,” Darling said.
He believes the new organization will give the region an opportunity to be open and transparent with the community.
“Most importantly in my perspective is (communication with) the citizens, the taxpayers who are going to be funding this agency,” said Darling.
The mayor is hoping to begin the process of putting together the board and starting the hunt for the chief economic development officer shortly, with the goal of having the department in place by January 2021.
