Envision Saint John Creates Roadmap For The Region

The Saint John region’s growth agency unveiled its 10-year roadmap for growth during this week’s Saint John Common Council meeting.

Envision Saint John’s 10-year strategic vision outlines three driving outcomes: growing the population, increasing the municipal property tax base, and enhancing our regional brand perception.

Paulette Hicks, CEO for Envision Saint John, presented the vision to council and outlined continued growth in the region is boosting municipal property tax revenues.

“We know from a municipal investor perspective the City of Saint John should want to grow its tax base, so in this region, we want to see that grow by 30 to 35 per cent (over 10 years).”

Hicks also outlined the desired population growth for the next decade.

“We would like to see population grow within our region by 25,000, that would include retention plan, immigration and workforce strategies, but we’re absolutely focused on hitting this number.”

Hicks added there are potential areas of opportunity for the region, and they will work with several partners to anticipate and leverage those opportunities while nurturing current success.