Having well-researched, properly funded, and thoughtful plans is one way the City secures the strongest future possible for all residents. Through Corporate Plans, the City maps out priorities and key focus areas that will guide the decisions of Saint John Common Council. The following Corporate Plans address some of the City’s challenges and opportunities, and give Council direction on where and how to invest resources. A strong future—through better planning.
Our 10-year, Long-Term Financial Plan developed in 2020, will ensure the City can afford to provide reliable services and sound infrastructure for the next decade and beyond. The plan is a foundation that lays out targets to be implemented in our annual budgets.
PlanSJ is our municipal plan and guides development and investment in the City of Saint John. It ensures that the development and planning decisions made by the City over the the 25-year planning period are made in the long-term, best interests of the whole community. This holistic plan shapes how the City develops and delivers infrastructure and services to enrich the quality of life for its citizens. Adopted in 2012, it represents a fundamental shift in the City of Saint John’s (the City) future; one grounded in a more sustainable and compact pattern of growth for the City.
MoveSJ is a three phase project that will guide how people and goods will move throughout the City. The plan will guide transportation infrastructure investments within the City for the next 25 years. The purpose of MoveSJ is to create a balanced transportation network. It integrates active shared modes of transportation and supports sustainable development, healthy communities, and a vibrant urban centre.
The City of Saint John has been recognized nationally as a leader in environmental leadership in Canada. This section contains our Climate Action Plan and information about the many environmental and climate change initiatives undertaken by the City.
PlaySJ is the strategic plan for parks and recreation to meet the community’s recreational needs while remaining within our financial means. It provides guidelines and recommendations on how best to advance our quality of life and make Saint John a more attractive place to live, work and play.
Growth plans emphasizing economic and population growth will determine Saint John’s future. This section provides specifics about how the City is working to encourage growth.
The 2023-2033 Saint John City Market Strategic Plan will chart a vision forward under key direction to maintain its reputation as the premier destination and gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
The City must couple our short-term cost-control measures with reforms. For several years, we’ve been working to close our budget gap. The Sustainability Plan addresses the immediate priority of balancing the 2021 and 2022 budgets and details the longer-term work needed with the province and our regional partners to close the gap.
The City of Saint John's 10-Year Strategic Plan identifying a renewed vision for the City and a new set of long-term goals was approved by Council on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. The plan will serve as a management tool to improve the City’s performance and align with existing plans, including the Long-term Financial Plan, PlanSJ, and MoveSJ.
Community grants are available to non-profit organizations in the City of Saint John to support inclusive quality of life services and initiatives that align with Saint John Common Council priorities, vision and goals.
Since 2015, the Community Grants Program has granted over $1 Million to local organizations whose services foster community engagement, promote healthy, active and inclusive communities, support diversity and accessibility, and deliver activities to meet the social, cultural and recreational needs of residents.
The grant envelope is determined within the City of Saint John annual General Fund Operating Budget. A call for applications follows the approval of the budget by Common Council, which generally takes place by mid-December.
Purpose & Objectives
The Operational Funding Grant assists with the general administrative expenses of an organization
- Supports the City of Saint John in its ongoing pursuit to be a community of choice for all and promote economic health to residents and visitors.
- Enhances the ability of organizations that deliver important social, wellness and quality of life support to all residents of the City of Saint John.
- Encourages innovation, sustainability and cooperation through the various organizations within the City of Saint John.
- Upholds and advances the terms of Council Priorities, PlanSJ and/or PlaySJ.
Eligibility
Eligible funding activities under Organizational Support includes: rent, utilities, human resources, office supplies, essential travel, fundraising activities and information technology upgrades.
The following are ineligible for grant funds:
- Individuals or corporations seeking funding.
- Lobbying of federal, provincial and municipal governments.
- Activities or initiatives outside of the City of Saint John.
- Expenditures that occurred prior to the application.
- Funding of deficits or debts.
- Free or discounted tickets to an event.
- Fellowships, scholarships or bursaries.
The Community Grants Evaluation Committee will assess applications according to a pre-established evaluation matrix, which will score the application on a variety of variables, including, but not limited to:
- Innovation.
- Likelihood of accomplishing stated outcomes.
- Link to Council Priorities.
- Long-term benefits/impacts.
- Level of community support.
- Ability to generate cooperation between citizens and other organizations.
- Ability to acquire other sources of funding/in-kind support.
- Sustainability of business plan or development plan.
Purpose & Objectives
The Community Project Grant is designed to distribute seed funding for the start-up of projects, and/or funds for a short-term undertaking with a clear start and completion date.
- Support the City of Saint John in its ongoing pursuit to be a community of choice for residents and visitors.
- Enhance the ability of organizations that deliver important social, wellness and quality of life support to the residents of the City of Saint John.
- Encourage innovation, sustainability and cooperation in the delivery of Community Projects in the City of Saint John.
- Uphold and advance the terms of Council Priorities, Plan SJ and/or Play SJ.
Eligibility
The following are ineligible for grant funds:
- Individuals or corporations seeking funding.
- Lobbying of federal, provincial and municipal governments.
- Activities or initiatives outside of the City of Saint John.
- Expenditures that occurred prior to the application.
- Funding of deficits or debts.
- Free or discounted tickets to an event.
- Fundraising events.
- Fellowships, scholarships or bursaries.
- Conferences or professional development.
Application Requirements & Evaluation
- Applications must demonstrate:
- Fundraising and community partnership.
- The number of residents/visitors impacted by the project.
- How the Community Project responds to interest from the broader community.
- Specific outcomes to be achieved.
- Projected budget including sources and use of funds/in-kind support.
- Timelines for implementation of the project.
The Community Grants Evaluation Committee will assess applications according to a pre-established evaluation matrix, which will score the application on a variety of variables, including, but not limited to:
- Innovation.
- Likelihood of accomplishing stated outcomes.
- Link to Council Priorities.
- Long-term benefits/impacts.
- Level of community support.
- Ability to generate cooperation between citizens and other organizations.
- Ability to acquire other sources of funding/in-kind support.
- Sustainability of business plan or development plan.
Purpose & Objectives
The Special Events Grant is designed to support events that are of cultural, sport, social or recreational significance to the Saint John community.
- Support the City of Saint John in its ongoing pursuit to be a community of choice for residents and visitors.
- To support events that result in important cultural, environmental, heritage, sport, recreational, educational and financial returns for the City of Saint John.
- To encourage innovation, sustainability and cooperation in the delivery of Special Events in the City of Saint John.
- Uphold and advance the terms of Council Priorities, Plan SJ and/or Play SJ.
Eligibility
The following are ineligible for grant funds:
- Individuals or corporations seeking funding.
- Lobbying of federal, provincial and municipal governments.
- Activities or initiatives outside of the City of Saint John.
- Expenditures that occurred prior to the application.
- Funding of deficits or debts.
- Free or discounted tickets to an event.
- Fundraising events.
- Fellowships, scholarships or bursaries.
- Conferences or professional development.
Application Requirements & Evaluation
- Applications must demonstrate:
- Event identifies a community need or priority
- The number of residents/visitors impacted by the event.
- Event supported by community partners, sponsors and stakeholders.
- Specific outcomes to be achieved.
- Projected budget including sources and use of funds/in-kind support.
The Community Grants Evaluation Committee will assess applications according to a pre-established evaluation matrix, which will score the application on a variety of variables, including, but not limited to:
- Innovation.
- Likelihood of accomplishing stated outcomes.
- Link to Council Priorities.
- Long-term benefits/impacts.
- Level of community support.
- Ability to generate cooperation between citizens and other organizations.
- Ability to acquire other sources of funding/in-kind support.
- Sustainability of business plan or development plan (for repeated/annual event)
Builders and artisans from the distant past crafted our built heritage. Community members from the near past and present have ensured that many of these buildings survived. These forward-thinking individuals recognized the potential value of heritage buildings to the City’s future and their work is now evident on City streets.
The first heritage committee of Common Council, the Preservation Review Board, was formed in 1980, and the City’s first Heritage Conservation Area, Trinity Royal, was created in 1982. Today, Common Council’s Heritage Development Board, a citizen board, and the Heritage Officer oversee the service.
The Heritage Development Board is a critical part of the City’s commitment to protect and maintain the City’s built heritage. Primary responsibilities of this board are to review applications for major alterations to existing buildings, new construction, and demolition in the City’s Heritage Conservation Areas, and to provide recommendations to Common Council on Heritage By-Law Amendments. The Board also recognizes excellence in building conservation through an annual award program. The Heritage Development Board meets the first Wednesday of the month.
To see agendas for upcoming meetings, to review minutes of past meetings, and to inquire about becoming a member of this board, please click the appropriate links. Reporting to the Board, the City’s Heritage Officer acts as an interface between property owners, the Board and other city departments and services, primarily Building Inspection and Planning. The Heritage Officer can also approve applications dealing with regular building maintenance in Heritage Conservation Areas.
As described in the City of Saint Jon Arts and Culture Policy, adopted by Common Council on September 26th, 2005, the arts make a substantial contribution to the quality of life and vitality of our community. The City of Saint John believes that one of the most effective means of facilitating the development of arts and culture in Saint John is to provide funding support to non-profits arts and/or cultural organizations serving our community. In this way, arts and culture organizations are encouraged to establish themselves, enhance their services, and provide their programming to the community. Accordingly, the City through the Saint John Community Arts Board has implemented the Community Arts Funding Program.
The following information will assist you when applying for a Community Arts Funding Grant. If you have further questions, please contact the Program Officer via artsandculture@saintjohn.ca
Who is eligible for a Community Arts Funding Grant?
This program is designed to provide project support for non-profit organizations or groups wishing to offer quality arts activities in any discipline of the creative arts within the City of Saint John.
Any non-profit organization whose primary purpose is the presentation, promotion, or education of the visual, performing, literary, media, or material arts in Saint John, or that wishes to undertake arts-related projects or activities of benefit to the community, is eligible to apply.
An organization that has previously received funding and has not complied with funding requirements (i.e. failed to submit a post-event report to the Board) will be deemed ineligible.
What type of projects can be funded?
Project/Activity Funding
Arts related projects, activities, events, or initiatives (including a series of activities or events) that are primarily participatory, actively engage the public, are educational in nature, or that develop the arts in the community.
Arts Festival Funding
Preparation and presentation of one-day or multi-day arts festivals, major arts events, or arts celebrations.
What type of projects, activities, or applicants are ineligible?
The following are examples of applicants and/or projects/activities that are NOT eligible for funding:
Building or equipment purchase, lease, renovation, or repair;
Funding that is primarily for the benefit of an individual;
For-profit organizations;
Organizations that fund other projects/festivals;
Retroactive funding (without prior approval of the Board);
Deficits or debts;
Free or discounted tickets;
Fundraising events;
Fellowships, scholarships, or bursaries;
Contributions to an endowment fund;
Conferences or professional development;
Non-specific operating expenses.
What are the Criteria for Evaluation?
During evaluation of applications, preference will be given to organizations that are based in Saint John and to projects and/or activities:
That are consistent with the objectives of the City’s Arts and Culture Policy:
https://saintjohn.ca/en/arts-and-culture
That are consistent with the current Council’s priorities:
https://saintjohn.ca/en/city-hall/council-and-committees/council-priorities
With significant community involvement;
That have not received other funding from the City of Saint John in 2024;
That have also sought and/or obtained other sources of funding (i.e. matching funds); and
That will benefit the creative arts, the arts community, and the community at large.
The applicant must also demonstrate organizational capacity and good management practices, including programming, finances, and human resources. Other practices will be considered such as: event attendance, audience development, community and business support, cultural diversity, funding, human resources, partnerships, public accessibility, and strategic planning.
What is the Evaluation Process?
The Saint John Community Arts Board will review and evaluate each application using these Program Guidelines and any other applicable program criteria as a framework for discussion. The Board will then determine which projects and/or activities will receive funding and the level of funding to be awarded based on the approved applications and the availability of funds.
The amount of funding available is determined annually by Common Council. Applicants will
normally be notified of the adjudication results by writing within 45 days after the application deadline.
Saint John Community Arts Board members who are also associates of an applying organization won’t be entitled to participate in the evaluation and decision process.
What is the role of the Program Officer?
Program Officer reviews the applications received to ensure they are complete and eligible. The Program Officer also moderates the jury meeting but does not influence the decisions about which applications receive funding. Rather, they offer support to the jury as its members evaluate the feasibility and merit of the applications. Once the jury makes its decisions about the distribution of the available grant budget, the Program Officer will communicate these results to the applicants via email, contact the grant recipients to issue payments, and prepare a summary of the grants to submit to Common Council.
How do I apply?
The fillable application form can be filled out on the City’s website (link here)
Read over the application and write out your thoughts prior to filling out the form. You can not save the page so be sure to have everything ready when you begin to fill it out online.
Review the Council Priorities and the Arts and Culture Policy to see where your project fits.
Be sure to have the following documents ready to upload:
Supporting documents such as your latest financial statement, list of board members, budget, letters of support, and other information you feel would support your project.
Applications must be clear, concise, and complete. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will be rejected.
If your organization cannot submit via the online form, you may contact the Program Officer to discuss alternative options. Please contact at least 48 hours in advance of the deadline. artsandculture@saintjohn.ca
Applications received after the deadline will NOT be accepted.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday March 14th, 2024.
The City of Saint John recognizes the importance of public participation in the decisions that impact our community. There are a number of ways citizens can be involved in municipal government, such as completing City surveys and attending public meetings.
Citizens may also apply to serve on a board or committee. The City of Saint John has over thirty agencies, boards, commissions and committees, often referred to as ABC’s, that oversee municipal entities, initiatives or services and provide guidance and recommendations to support the decisions of Common Council.
Saint John City Hall is the centre of municipal government for the City of Saint John. It’s home to the Mayor’s office and Council Chambers, and it’s where these City officials meet to discuss City business. It’s also where Saint John residents can access various City services.
You’ll find City Hall near the foot of King Street, at 15 Market Square, in uptown Saint John. Visitors must check in at the first floor reception, which is accessible by the main street entrance, or via the pedway system and a newly installed elevator—which will take you to the public areas of the building.
The first City Hall building in Saint John was a wooden structure, built in 1797 at about the same location as the current City Hall, which was built in 1971. In 2020, the City made significant renovations to the building, and moved City operations to the first four floors, which makes City Hall much more visible and accessible.