The City of Saint John is taking proactive steps to modernize its police governance model while addressing community safety concerns related to temporary shelters. A recent independent Police Governance Review confirmed the need for improved oversight and transparency.
Common Council commissioned the review in 2025. Stakeholder engagement and benchmarking against comparable jurisdictions informed the findings. The review concluded that the current Police Commission model remains appropriate for the community.
Key findings:
- The review identifies opportunities to modernize and strengthen oversight.
- It emphasizes alignment between policing and community expectations.
- Recommendations include developing a clear mandate for the Police Commission.
Donna Noade Reardon stated, “This report confirms that we have a solid foundation in place.” Tamara Kelly added, “This is about continuous improvement.” These statements reflect a commitment to enhancing public trust and accountability.
City Council will review these recommendations and develop an implementation plan. This process aims to ensure that police governance aligns with community needs. Officials have not yet shared a timeline for implementing these changes.
Meanwhile, the City of Hamilton will begin issuing water bills directly through Hamilton Utilities Billing starting in April. Late-payment fees for these bills will not be charged until July 1, 2026.
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