The Department of Community Services provides a diverse range of programs and services in the community that enhance quality of life and contribute to resident, newcomer and visitor well-being, advance a variety of City plans including the Economic Roadmap 2021, Municipal Arts Plan, Healthy City Strategy, Recreation Master Plan and the Affordable Housing Strategy, while cultivating partnerships which respond to the fiscal, economic and societal challenges facing the City of St. John's.
Citizen Services |
Access St. John's is a fully integrated Customer Service Centre geared to a quality focused service strategy for residents and commercial customers. Access St. John's operates 24/7, 365 days a year, using a customer response management electronic tracking system to provide a corporate wide response to client requests; an interactive e-government web portal, providing access to a myriad of City services through the City's website; an online 311 app and front counter walk-in service. |
Tourism, Culture and Business Growth |
The Tourism, Culture, and Business Growth division promotes St. John's as an ideal destination to live, study, visit, and conduct business through diverse programs and strategic partnerships. It supports the city's cultural and entertainment initiatives while driving economic growth through collaboration with industry, government, and the community. The division is responsible for planning and executing city events such as Canada Day, ChillFest, and the Downtown Pedestrian Mall. It showcases and supports the arts community, including visual artists, musicians, and performers, and drives tourism by creating engaging experiences that attract visitors and investment. This includes operating the Visitor Information Centre and collaborating with the cruise industry. Additionally, the division drives business growth through the development of programs and services in support of local economic development, supports businesses through the Business Information Centre, provides a variety of economic and statistical information, coordinates programming for immigration and newcomers, and hosts the St. John’s Local Immigration Partnership. |
Housing |
The Housing division is responsible for the administration and management of the City's 476 affordable housing units available for rent to low- and moderate-income earners on the basis of net family income. The Housing division also administers and provides oversight to our ten-year Affordable Housing Strategy 2018-2028. This strategy has been developed with the vision of working with partners, stakeholders and residents to create and maintain safe, suitable and affordable housing throughout the City. |
Humane Services |
Humane Services provides education and enforcement of municipal Animal Control Regulations as well as the Provincial Animal Health and Protection Act. Other support to animal-related activities including stray animal rescue, adoption, animal impounding, community outreach programs, euthanasia and cremation services, licensing, micro-chip program, lost and found reporting, pet safe keeping program and a spay/neuter program for low-income citizens. |
Recreation |
The Recreation division works with individuals, organizations, and the community to support and enhance recreation, leisure, and sport opportunities with the goal to improve the health and quality of life for all citizens. Recreation provides access to indoor and outdoor multi-purpose recreation and leisure facilities throughout the City. In addition to offering year-round programs and services for citizens of every age, Recreation offers inclusive services, leadership training and volunteer placement, after school and Neighbourhood Watch programs. Visit RecConnect for more information. |
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