The City of Saint John is reforming zoning bylaws and residents can provide feedback at a public open house and on Shape Your City.

The Government of Canada introduced the Housing Accelerator Fund in Spring 2023 to assist local governments in making significant changes to increase housing availability.

Officials say this event is a chance to see how these changes can enhance housing development and to engage directly with city officials about the benefits these adjustments will bring to the community.

The city has set a target to add 1,124 net new residential units over the next three years, to achieve this ambitious goal, a detailed HAF Housing Action Plan has been created, focusing on supportive policies and regulations for new housing, expanding housing options, and diversifying construction types.

Proposed changes to the Zoning By-law include increasing the number of permitted units in fully serviced residential zones to four, allowing up to six dwelling units in residential intensification areas, boosting density near post-secondary institutions and main corridors, raising the height limit in the Mid-rise Residential zone to five or six stories, and permitting garden and secondary suites in all residential zones as appropriate.

These amendments complement the city’s other affordable housing initiatives, as outlined in the HAF agreement, to meet the housing needs of both current and future residents.

Attendees can look forward to a presentation followed by a chance to discuss their thoughts or questions with staff regarding the proposed zoning changes. The public is warmly invited to participate in this informative session.