City Releases What We Heard Report for Young Adult Engagement

The City of St. John’s has released a What We Heard report summarizing findings from public engagement which took place from November 2025 to March 2026. The engagement gathered feedback from residents aged 17 to 30 and will help inform the development of a new young adult engagement strategy that reflects the current needs and expectations of young adults.

The What We Heard document will be shared at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. 

Highlights of What We Heard include: 

• Opportunities to provide feedback are important to young people: They want to have a say in things that impact their lives, and engagement must feel meaningful and connected to outcomes.
• Most young people feel somewhat engaged with the City: While not fully disconnected, many describe their current level of involvement as moderate.
• Perceptions of City engagement efforts are mixed: Some youth feel engagement has improved, while others remain unsure or unconvinced.
• Barriers to participation in City-led engagement exist: These include lack of awareness, time and competing priorities, event timing and scheduling, transportation and location challenges, as well as language and sensory or cognitive barriers.
• Awareness of engagement tools is low: Platforms such as EngageStJohns.ca and City Influencers are not widely known among youth.
• City communications need to meet youth where they are: Efforts should focus on the platforms and spaces where young people already interact.
• Youth are not a single group: Different age ranges and experiences, such as teens, those aged 18–24 and 25–30, newcomers, and students, require tailored approaches.
• Topics of interest to youth are diverse: These include parks, trails, open spaces, public transit, affordable housing, traffic, roads and parking, as well as arts and culture.
• Informal engagement opportunities are preferred: Youth tend to favour drop-in sessions, pop-ups, short surveys, and online options, though not exclusively digital methods.
• Preferred notification methods are direct and accessible: Email, social media, and text messaging are most effective for reaching youth.
• Perceptions of the City are shaped by key life factors: Employment and education opportunities, cost of living and housing, safety and public spaces, and a sense of community and belonging all play a role.
• Civic and institutional spaces can feel unwelcoming: Many youth perceive them as adult-centric, formal, and intimidating, which can limit inclusivity and participation.

Promotional efforts resulted in 492 survey responses, reflecting a diverse cross-section of participants. Additional feedback was gathered through two pop-up events at City recreation facilities, one general focus group, and two targeted sessions with Choices for Youth and the Association of New Canadians. City staff were also consulted.

The City of St. John’s has a strategic direction to be a Connected City, building cohesion, belonging, pride and ownership of place. A new young adult engagement strategy plays a key role in advancing this direction.

Related Links: 

• What We Heard Report
• Media Release: City Seeking Feedback from Young Adults Aged 18 to 30
• Engage St. John’s Project Page