Saint John councillors have voted unanimously to press for clearer local leadership and a coordinated governance framework for homelessness supports as the city heads into the colder months.
Motion targets gaps, roles and accountability
The notice of motion, introduced by councillors Eric Savoie and Ryan Moore, asks the city chief administrative officer to immediately work with provincial officials to set up a local lead organization and a governance structure that will coordinate municipal, provincial and non-profit efforts. The CAO is expected to report back to council by Oct. 5.
Coun. Moore told council the objective is to establish clear roles and identify where services overlap or are missing.
“If you want to know where you need to be, you need to know where you are, what you have too much of, where the holes are, [and] where you need to go.”
Moore acknowledged the regional nature of homelessness but said residents have repeatedly expressed frustration that the issue has been left on the back burner. The motion stresses that municipal responses must be tailored to Saint John’s specific needs rather than relying solely on broad provincial strategies.
City staff already working on coordination
Chief administrative officer Ian Fogan told council staff have been developing a responsibility matrix with other municipalities. He indicated the new motion will be incorporated into that work rather than duplicating efforts.
- Council voted to bypass the usual two-week waiting period in the procedural by-law so the motion could be debated and acted on immediately.
- Coun. Savoie urged the waiver, citing the urgency as winter approaches and community concern grows.
- New data presented to council shows homelessness continues to rise locally: 82 newly identified individuals in August, bringing the total to 551 people experiencing homelessness that month.
Implications for local agencies and residents
The motion aims to resolve a commonly reported problem in Saint John: multiple non-profit agencies delivering essential services without a single coordinating body, leading to duplicated effort and gaps in coverage. The governance framework sought by council is intended to create accountability by defining distinct responsibilities for the municipality, the province and community agencies.
By asking the CAO to negotiate a local lead with the province, council is signalling a push for a practical mechanism that can align funding, shelter capacity, outreach and supports during a season when demand typically increases. How quickly that lead can be established and what powers or resources it will have remain to be seen; council will review the CAO’s update in early October.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motion sponsors | Eric Savoie, Ryan Moore |
| CAO tasked | Ian Fogan |
| Report back to council | By Oct. 5 |
| Recent local homelessness data | 82 newly identified in August; total 551 that month |
Council’s decision reflects growing public pressure and the practical realities of preparing for winter. Residents, service providers and the province will be watching the CAO’s work plan and the governance model it produces to see whether it leads to clearer accountability and faster, better-coordinated supports on the ground.
