Continuous Improvement

The City uses proven continuous improvement (C.I.) tools and methods to tackle process problems and engage staff in problem solving. Learn more by searching ‘continuous improvement’ at StJohns.ca

Continuous Improvement Success

In 2020, our Council adopted an asset management policy and began developing a formal plan. The goal is basically to coordinate activities so that we get the best value possible from our services and investments.

“Assets” include everything from our buildings, artwork and fleet to our water, sewer and road infrastructure and even include the methods we use to deliver services to the community.

CASE STUDY ASSET MANAGEMENT

C.I.

The Challenge

Our project involved mapping the current business processes of 11 types of assets including buildings and sewer infrastructure through their lifecycle – from pre-construction and purchase to disposal or replacement. We needed to document how each department interacts and the information needed for decision making.

The Solution

Using a variety of C.I. tools including what is called a ‘swim lane diagram’ (image above), we have created checklists for building acquisition that better track warranties and ensure a preventative maintenance program so that buildings and their systems are not prematurely replaced. For sewer infrastructure, we now have a plan in place with our Planning, Engineering and Regulatory Services Department so that paving and underground work are coordinated, saving time and money.

How You Benefit

The Public Works Department has exceeded our expectations and made significant strides in improving data collection, which means we have a better understanding of our assets and a better plan for their maintenance and eventual replacement. Preventative maintenance allows for a more efficient use of public funds and although we are early in evaluating this program, already we have seen future cost avoidance of about $380,000 for two streets alone in 2021!

Did You Know...

Residential water & sewer repairs are consistently rated by residents as one of the Top 3 important City services in our Citizen Satisfaction Surveys.

The City of St. John’s is committed to continuously looking at what we do and how we do it to ensure we are performing effectively and achieving results. Through continuous improvement, we are making our processes more efficient to deliver more value to our citizens. Better, every day.