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Originally Posted by Fischbob
Considering the typical level of attention and support the provincial government tends to give urban priorities (i.e. not all that much), I think you're right to be concerned.
The new NBM proposal was unceremoniously killed by this government. Radio silence on the funding status for the new Central Peninsula school. And I've yet to see much visible progress on those promised municipal governance and taxation reforms that SJ and other New Brunswick cities are pushing for.
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Cities are the future, rural areas are bleeding of jobs and people and as the world ages that trend will only pick up. It’s time for our provincial government to get on page and invest in our cities. By providing funding a private developer will invest up to $200 million to create a mixed use neighbourhood that has the capability to become the greatest real estate development in Atlantic Canada. A Develop SJ study revealed 5600-8800 new housing units would need to be built in Saint John within in a decade to meet demand. Timing is right, we are absolutely ready for this kind of investment.
Saint John is not alone in this fight, Moncton & Fredericton are both in growing phase and would largely benefit from reforms. (Ex: double taxation of rental properties) The cities are presenting the provincial government an opportunity to capitalize on growth and if they don’t bite new opportunities will go else where like Halifax.
Citizens can play a major role in this. Stop voting in MLAs who aren’t serving us! They’ve had plenty of opportunities to stand up for us like a couple of them did for ERs in rural areas.