If you walk through uptown Saint John today, you notice a shift in the atmosphere. Public safety is the top priority for the incoming city council. As new and returning members prepare to take their oaths on June 1, they face complex challenges on the city streets. According to a recent report from CTV News Atlantic, residents and frontline workers want bold action.

Frontline Workers Call for Practical Solutions

Avenue B Harm Reduction sits at the heart of Waterloo Street. Every day, the nonprofit group helps dozens of housed and unhoused individuals. These people report feeling less secure on the streets than they did in the past. Executive director Laura MacNeil points to systemic gaps rather than individual failings.

“There is a lot of concern for sure,” MacNeil says. “It is just that we try to frame them in like a human centered design way, where we are not making the folks the problem. The problem is the systemic gaps.”

MacNeil notes the situation involves homelessness, trauma, poverty, and a toxic drug supply. She wants the new council to focus on practical solutions.

“Sometimes practical solutions are not glamorous,” she says. “But there are things like garbage disposal, public washrooms, more safe sharps disposal and other supported spaces for folks who are in crisis.”

Business Owners Notice Improvements

The city recently launched a Community Safety Services team. This team responds to calls that do not require a uniformed police officer. Local business owners already see a difference.

Alex Coffin owns Alex and Lily’s Shoes and Swimwear on King’s Square. He notes a positive shift in public safety perception since the new patrols began.

“I do feel like when I do visit other cities that we do have a very safe uptown here in Saint John,” Coffin says. He acknowledges past issues, including a broken window and a break in at his business. However, he praises the visible security and the impact of small modular homes in the area.

New Leadership Promises Action

Ward 3 sees the bulk of these public safety concerns. Councillor elect Eric Savoie heard this loud and clear during his campaign. He plans to build on existing programs and introduce fresh ideas. Savoie believes Saint John residents want their city to collaborate with other governments and frontline organizations. He points to a neighboring city as a strong example.

“Fredericton has a good model in my view,” Savoie says. “They have an integrated action plan across a range of domains, and there is people bringing updates to city council and updates to the community.”

Savoie emphasizes the need for transparent decision making. He says the new council must listen to citizens and take bold action to improve the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Community Safety Services team?

The Community Safety Services team is a newly introduced group in Saint John that responds to calls not requiring a uniformed police officer.

Where is Avenue B Harm Reduction located?

Avenue B Harm Reduction is located on Waterloo Street in Saint John.

What solutions do frontline workers suggest for public safety?

Frontline workers recommend practical solutions like better garbage disposal, accessible public washrooms, safe sharps disposal, and supported spaces for people in crisis.

When does the new Saint John city council take office?

The new Saint John city council takes office on June 1.