The World Health Organisation has defined Quality of Life as ‘individuals’ perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live, and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns’. St Georgians seek access to safe and affordable housing, good health care, secure employment, a healthy and accessible environment and diverse recreational opportunities. These are priorities.

GOAL A: Achieve a high quality of life for residents

Objective: To create a safe, friendly and healthy environment in which all residents thrive

 

Survey respondents identified the following priorities for action:

  • Job creation
  • Need to draw businesses to town so it become less of a commuter town
  • Too many run-down, empty buildings
  • Lack of land/facilities
  • Need for more modern/apartment style housing/micro-living options to attract young professionals
  • Accessibility issues
  • Address traffic flow, parking and pedestrianisation
  • Need for a daily ferry to Hamilton
  • Growing homeless population
  • Need for housing suited to elderly
  • Need for better social programmes/wellness offerings for seniors and after school care programmes
  • Need for police station in Town
  • More night time entertainment
  • More night time public transport and taxis
  • Better marketing of what Town does have to offer
  • Need to be more welcoming to new residents

residentssample

Key opportunities identified:

  • More realistically priced housing
  • Amenities close by - shops, restaurants, banks, churches etc
  • Special provisions under Residential zoning allow relaxation of new development standards to fit into St George’s unique urban fabric without detracting from Town’s distinctive character
  • 2 year payroll tax exemption for businesses moving to Town
  • Good networking opportunities
  • Availability of land for building more modern housing units
  • Peaceful, quiet, tranquil and clean
  • Harbourside views, forts and walking trails
  • Attractive gardens, good eateries, historically interesting buildings
  • Old world charm
  • Generally safe
  • Proximity of Urgent Care facility


KEY ACTIONS:

A1. Improve and maintain the appearance of the Town

A2. Enhance and maintain public safety

A3. Develop a bespoke St George Town Plan for land use and development of more diverse housing stock and commercial opportunities

A4. Undertake a transportation study and implement recommendations

A5. Protect the natural environment

A6. Facilitate and encourage healthy lifestyles

A7. Become a more welcoming community

Town Plan FAQs
Meet the team that is leading the delivery of the Town Plan and gain insight into the process.
  • What is the purpose of the Town Plan? +

    A Town Plan gives the community direction on how their Town will be developed for the benefit of all.

  • How often is the Town Plan developed? +

    The Town Plan should be reviewed in line with the Government census. The census provides important indicators on demographic changes which impact resources and funding sources.

  • What does a Town Plan encompass? +
     “TownBoundry"Click Map To Enlarge

    Management of land within the following borders: 
    The limits of the Town of St. George shall extend from the westernmost line of the glebe land to the easternmost line of land formerly of Edwin Stone Burch, Esquire, afterwards of the Honourable A.F. Cockrane, Esquire, and shall include Ordnance Island and the causeway connecting Ordnance Island to St. George’s Island.

    Managing projects with such a size as:
    - St. George’s Marina Project
    - Restoration of docks at Market Wharf, Hunter’s Wharf, and Penno’s.
    - Park Gates embankment reinstatement
    - Reconstruction of the demolished building at 20 Wellington Street


    Managing limited funding sources
    - wharfage from airport
    - port fees from cruise ships and yachts
    - There are no municipal taxes to fund projects and/or service
  • What impact does a Town Plan have on: +
    - Residents - A plan indicates how many residents will have an adequate supply of municipal services such as trash collection, water, sewage and road access. And the creation of new services fits the purpose and overall vision of the Town.

    - Businesses - A plan indicates the resources available and services maintained to support current businesses and industries, for example, parking lots, road access and repair, planning approval, and dock facility support, to name a few. Additionally, programmes are designed to help encourage people to choose the Town as a place to live or vacation.

    - Infrastructure - A plan provides for the modernization of existing services and the accommodation of future services while retaining the island's national status as a World Heritage Site. A programme is built-in to monitor technological changes and introduce them in a timely fashion in conjunction with Town partners or new industries changes. Examples include the installation of fiber optic cables, CCTV cameras, a unified national sewage programme and even solar panels and charging stations. Although the Town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it maintains all modern conveniences.
  • Who do you partner/communicate with during the planning process? +

    Residents, businesses, the government, and investors are all involved in the process. Surveying, face-to-face meetings, research, and continuing engagement are all part of the Town Plan process.

  • What does the Town / CSG own, manage or maintain? +
    Main roads:
    Public municipal roads not private estate roads. Public Roads-MPW

    Buildings include:
    - Town Hall
    - Market Wharf Building
    - Penno’s Cruise Terminal
    - Queen’s Warehouse
    - Penno’s Warehouse

    Services:
    - Water
    - Sewage
    - Trash
    - Electricity (to CSG venues)
    - Street lighting
    - Parks
    - Beach building

    Contact CSG
    - To have events on CSG owned property
    - Inform us of property matter
  • What is NOT the Town’s property, assets or responsibility? +
    • CSG is not responsible for buildings and lands owned by private residents or businesses.  
    • CSG can only create ordinances to establish common standards.  
    • Architectural elements are the domain of St. George’s Preservation Authority (SGPA).
  • What current activity is in progress (that would be part of a Town Plan?) +
    All projects that are submitted for planning approval and requires CSG to provide approval.
Town Plan Elements

There are many parts to the development and delivery of a town plan;
social, economic, infrastructure, and funding are overarching themes.