FAQs
Why is the City doing this now when it’s been like this for many years?
This street has been flagged as an issue by emergency service providers during the review process for a new development application. Accurate and intuitive civic addressing is essential for emergency response. Non-unique street names and inconsistent numbering can lead to delays, especially for first-time responders, mutual aid partners, and GPS-based navigation systems.
Is the City going to be doing this for other similar sounding street names that exist now?
The reason for change in Highmeadow Drive is due to a combination of duplicate street names, duplicate cross streets and irregular civic numbering, as well as to comply with Provincial 9-1-1 guidelines. Other streets may have duplicate names, but have different cross streets and standardized civic numbering, which are used when emergency service providers are dispatched.
What are the steps that will be taken after Common Council renames the streets? What do I as a resident need to do? What is the resident responsible for and what will the City take care of?
Residents and property owners will receive a letter advising them of their new civic address once Common Council renames the streets. Residents and/or owners will be responsible for changing the civic numbers on their property. The City will notify Canada Post, Bell Canada, Rogers, NB911, Ambulance NB, the Fire Department and the Police Department of the changes. The city will also replace the signs for the affected streets.
Who changes the civic numbers on each house?
The property owner is responsible for changing the numbers.
Is this going to cost the residents money and if so, how much?
Costs associated with changing the civic numbers are the property owner’s responsibility. Costs for numbers vary depending on the type purchased.
What happens if a owner doesn’t do what they are responsible for (i.e. change their civic number on their house)?
Emergency service providers will be looking for a new civic address in the case of a 911 call, so this may cause delays in emergency response. Additionally, residents of the City must follow Section 8 of By-Law Number M-9 A By-Law Respecting the Numbering of Buildings in the City of Saint John. Failure to do so could lead to fines up to $200.
Who places the new street name signage?
The City will replace the existing street signs with new street signs.
How does the mapping get changed?
The City will update its own Geographic Information System (GIS) and report the changes to NB911 and Google.
How will a resident’s mail get to their house? Does the City need to work with the Post Office on this?
The City works with Canada Post to coordinate address changes when renaming a street and we notify them of all civic address changes. Canada Post offers affected residents one year of free mail redirection.