City Council Meeting Recap: April 9, 2025
More
Search
Back to Search
The following is a recap of the City of St. John's Regular Council Meeting on April 9, 2025 (originally scheduled for April 8 at 3 p.m.), which provides an overview of Council decisions. Due to technical difficulties, the meeting was not live streamed and video is not available. All related documents for the decisions outlined below and the full agenda from the meeting is available by clicking the button below.
Council Meeting Agenda & Documents
The meeting was attended by the following members of council:
- Mayor Breen
- Deputy Mayor O'Leary
- Councillor Burton
- Councillor Hickman
- Councillor Ellsworth
- Councillor Bruce
- Councillor Noseworthy
- Councillor Ridgeley
Councillor Davis and Councillor Ravencroft were not in attendance.
PayByPhone Parking App Changes
Council approved the extension of its PayByPhone contract, with an increased transaction fee of $0.35, up from $0.16, which will raise the annual cost from $100,000 to $218,750. PayByPhone accounts for 77% of all paid parking transactions, and the fee increase will apply to each session.
Currently, users can purchase or extend parking in one-minute increments. To reduce transaction fees, Council approved the implementation of a minimum 15-minute increment for paid parking when using the app. The change aligns with the existing minimum time required at pay stations in the same areas. The change will come into effect on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. In areas with a base rate of $1.75 per hour, the minimum session will cost $0.44, and in $1.00 per hour zones, it will cost $0.25.
Decision: Approved unanimously
2025 Street Rehabilitation Program List
Council reviewed a list of streets that will receive rehabilitation and/or grind and patch work in 2025.
By-Law Amendments
Council voted to approve amendments to the following by-laws:
- Building By-Law
- Commercial Maintenance By-Law
- Amendment to Residential Property Standards By-Law
The by-laws are being amended to take into account the Life Safety Code, 2024, which is the newest version of that Code. The by-laws adopt the Life Safety Code as if that Code was part and parcel of the by-law, so it is necessary to amend them to adopt the latest version of the Code.
Decision: Approved unanimously
Development Applications:
Development applications are formal requests submitted to the City of St. John's by individuals, businesses, or developers seeking approval for projects that involve land use, building construction, or changes to property. These applications require council approvals and ensure that proposed developments comply with the City’s Envision St. John’s Development Regulations.
The following development applications were reviewed at the meeting:
Crown Land Grant: 358 Blackhead Road |
|
The Provincial Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture referred an application for Crown Land Grant at 358 Blackhead Road. The land is approximately 0.6 hectares and is zoned Open Space Reserve (OR). The area is currently used for a telecommunications tower and will maintain the same future use.
The Deputy Mayor emphasized that telecommunication towers fall under federal jurisdiction. While these applications are brought before Council, the authority to make the final decision is with the federal government.
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Public Utility Within the Floodplain, Wetland and Associated Buffers: Petty Harbour Road |
|
Council reviewed Newfoundland Power’s application to replace utility poles along Petty Harbour Road as part of a three-phase upgrade. Some poles are located within a floodplain, wetland, or buffer zone. As required by regulations, the application was reviewed by the Environment and Sustainability Experts Panel, which raised no concerns.
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Discretionary Use: 112 Camrose Drive |
|
Council reviewed a Discretionary Use application for 112 Camrose Drive to remediate an abandoned quarry. The work will include filling, regrading, and landscaping approximately 18,976 m² within the Watershed (W) Zone, specifically in the Little Powers Pond Watershed. No buildings are proposed. One public submission raised concerns about heavy equipment and road impact. The Town of Paradise was notified, as the property fronts that municipality, although the work is within the city's boundary. The goal is to naturalize the area.
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Proposed Subsidiary Dwelling and Parking Relief: 26 Major's Path |
|
Council reviewed an application to add a Subsidiary Dwelling Unit to a non-conforming semi-detached dwelling at 26 Major’s Path, located in the Industrial Commercial (IC) Zone. No changes will be made to the building’s footprint—only interior reconfiguration. Parking relief for one space was also requested, as only one space exists onsite. A stacked parking space is proposed, and the site is near a bus stop. A staff report was submitted in lieu of a full Parking Report.
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Approval-in-Principle for Apartment Building: 5 & 7 Little Street |
|
Approval-in-Principle was requested for a proposed five-storey, 78-unit apartment building at 5 & 7 Little Street. The unit mix includes 30 micro units, 40 one-bedroom units, and eight two-bedroom units, with 54 parking spaces provided — meeting the requirement. The proposal is a Permitted Use in the Apartment 2 (A2) Zone. A previous application was rejected in January 2025 due to concerns over building size and insufficient parking. The revised proposal addresses these issues, and preliminary review confirms the site can be serviced, has adequate access, and meets parking and zoning requirements.
Council members emphasized the importance of balanced decision making that promotes increased density while ensuring developments do not cause additional problems for residents.
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Zone Standards: 661 Thorburn Road |
|
Council set Zone Standards for a Single Detached Dwelling in the Watershed Zone at 661 Thorburn Road. Although rebuilding was approved in 2022 and the house location set in January 2025, the applicant now wishes to relocate the dwelling. As per regulations, Council has discretion to determine the Zone Standards, which are proposed as:
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Discretionary Use: 2 William Street |
|
A Discretionary Use application was submitted for a bakery as a Home Occupation at 2 William Street, with operating hours Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The bakery will have no onsite retail, and sales will be delivered to markets and stores. The applicant is requesting parking relief, as no onsite parking is available. The applicant also requested a waiver of the parking requirement, with a staff report presented instead of a full Parking Report.
Six objections were received, raising concerns about traffic safety, congestion, parking, fire safety and noise. However, the applicant will have to follow all applicable code requirements for a home-based business. There is also no onsite retail, pickup or delivery of goods, and as such parking and traffic is not expected to be an issue.
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Planning Applications and Information:
A planning application is a formal request to amend the Envision St. John's Municipal Plan and/or City’s Envision St. John’s Development Regulations. This would include applications to rezone or change the text in the Municipal Plan or Development Regulations. An amendment can be initiated by city staff, City Council, or a property owner.
Active applications can be viewed on the Planning St. John's webpage, which allows the public to learn more about planning applications, track progress, give feedback and ask questions and view upcoming public meetings all in one place.
The following planning applications were reviewed at the meeting:
Rezoning: Curlew Place |
|
Council were asked to consider rezoning land at Curlew Place (500 Kenmount Road) from the Residential (R1) Zone to the Residential 2 (R2) Zone to allow the development of 18 semi-detached dwellings and one single-detached dwelling. The application was reviewed at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on April 1. The site is within the Residential District of the Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan, which supports increased residential density. The proposed development aligns with the plan’s policy for diverse neighbourhoods. The site is near a wetland and floodplain, with certain development restrictions in place. Staff recommend accepting a report instead of a Land Use Report due to the scale of the project and suggest public notification once the site plan is finalized.
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Rezoning: 18 Campbell Avenue |
|
Council were asked to consider rezoning 18 Campbell Avenue from Residential 2 (R2) to Residential 3 (R3) to allow the development of two semi-detached dwellings. The application was reviewed at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on April 1. The property is in the Residential District of the Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan and Heritage Area 3. The rezoning is needed due to insufficient lot area and frontage to meet R2 requirements. The proposed development aligns with Municipal Plan policies promoting diverse housing types and infill development. A staff report is recommended in lieu of a Land Use Report and Heritage Report. The staff report will be completed following public consultation. Public notification will occur once the site plan and building design meet required standards.
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Rezoning: 425 Blackmarsh Road |
|
Council were asked to consider rezoning a portion of land at 425 Blackmarsh Road, between 418 Blackmarsh Road and 70 Welland Street, from the Apartment 2 (A2) Zone to the Residential 2 (R2) Zone to create a new lot for a single detached dwelling. The application was reviewed at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on April 1. The proposed development aligns with the Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan, which supports infill development and a mix of housing types. The surrounding area includes single detached dwellings, townhouses, and commercial uses. Staff recommend accepting a staff report instead of a Land Use Report, as the rezoning would reduce the density and only involve one new lot. Public notification is advised, as the development is small-scale and aligns with Municipal Plan policies.
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Rezoning: 125 Southlands Boulevard |
|
Council reviewed an application from CGI Development Inc. to support the development of a 90-unit semi-detached dwelling subdivision. The application was reviewed at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on April 1. The application contained three decisions for council approval:
The land, part of a larger wooded area, would retain a portion for future commercial use. The proposed development aligns with the Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan’s goals of increasing housing supply and creating diverse, walkable neighbourhoods. The rezoning would meet the plan's policies on affordable housing and diverse housing forms. Additionally, pedestrian connections will be considered in the design, and future intersection upgrades may affect the land at the corner of Southlands Boulevard and Gold Medal Drive. Council requested that staff include information regarding pedestrian connections, walking trails and other amenities for all future proposed greenfield developments.
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Rezoning: 188 New Pennywell Road |
|
Following a commissioner’s public hearing, Council proceeded with the final steps in the amendment process for a rezoning application for 188 New Pennywell Road which seeks to seeks to change the land from Residential 1 (R1) and Rural (RUR) Zones to Residential 2 Cluster (R2C) Zone for a 32-unit townhouse development. A Municipal Plan amendment is also required to redesignate part of the land from Rural to Residential.
Council were asked to approve the land use report and the resolutions for Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan Amendment Number 14, 2024 and Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment Number 40, 2024.
The commissioner’s report supports the proposal, noting that it aligns with good planning practices and housing policies. The report recommends approval of both amendments and suggests that the developer work to preserve existing trees and vegetation. The City also plans to sell a portion of nearby land to the developer, and the properties must be consolidated into one lot.
A detailed landscape plan will be required, and the applicant must comply with the City’s landscape development policy. A zone line interpretation will also be done for a small parcel at the rear of the lot. Minor changes to the land use report may be required during development, with any major changes needing Council approval.
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Zone Lines: 250 East White Hills Road |
|
Council reviewed an information note related to Zone Lines for 250 East White Hills Road where the Province is relocating Her Majesty’s Penitentiary to a new facility. The City’s zoning lines were not updated with the correct property boundaries, resulting in part of the site being in the Rural (RUR) Zone, while most of it is in the Industrial Commercial (IC) Zone. After reviewing the updated boundary, City staff confirmed that the IC Zone can accommodate the new facility. To address this, the Chief Municipal Planner will interpret the zone lines so the entire property is zoned IC. A similar change will be made to the Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan to designate the site as Industrial instead of Rural. This adjustment follows the Envision St. John’s Development Regulations for interpreting zone boundaries.
|
Zone Lines: Southlands |
|
Council were provided an information note on Zone Lines in Southlands. A strip of land at the northern end of the Southlands development, bordering Galway, remains zoned as Comprehensive Development Area (CDA) Zone, creating a zoning anomaly. This area was previously designated for future development as part of CDA 8, but the zoning does not align with the current planning or land use. The land, owned by Fairview Investments, is intended for residential development. City staff propose to interpret the zone lines, removing the CDA zone and rezoning the land to Residential 1 (R1) and Open Space (O) Zones where appropriate. This change will align with the Envision St. John's Municipal Plan, removing the Urban Expansion designation and reflecting natural features like wetlands. This interpretation follows the Envision St. John’s Development Regulations for zone boundary interpretation.
|
Rezoning: Main Road and Shoal Bay Road |
|
Following provincial release of the proposed amendments for Main Road and Shoal Bay Road, Council were asked to adopt Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan Amendment Number 15, 2025 and Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment Number 44, 2025, and proceed to a commissioner’s public hearing. Council were asked to appoint Marie Ryan as commissioner for a public hearing with a proposed date of Monday, May 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. at St. John’s City Hall. The amendments will allow for the rezoning of the land from Rural Residential Infill (RRI) to Residential 1 (R1) to reflect upgraded municipal services. A Municipal Plan amendment is also needed to redesignate the area from the Urban Expansion District to the Residential District. Council also directed staff to prepare terms of reference for a Goulds Neighbourhood Plan will guide future growth, taking into account local needs and infrastructure.
Decision: Approved unanimously
|
City Cyber Insurance Policy
Council ratified an e-poll related to a new cyber insurance policy. In January 2022, the City lost its cyber insurance coverage due to changing insurer qualifications and a need to enhance IT controls. After improvements in employee training and cyber threat response, the City was advised that the market for cyber insurance had softened and coverage could be obtained again. Three underwriters provided quotes, with Coalition offering the most suitable coverage at $110,134 plus HST. This policy includes important endorsements for cyber crime and breach response, with a $5 million policy limit.
Decision: Approved unanimously
Travel Authorization
Council ratified an e-poll which approved travel for Councillor Jill Bruce to attend the Cruise Canada New England Symposium in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from June 9 to 11, 2025. The symposium brings together over 150 industry delegates, providing a platform for sharing insights, building relationships, and learning about the latest trends in the cruise and tourism industries.
Previously, approval was granted for Councillor Bruce to attend the Seatrade Global Cruise Conference in Miami. However, due to the current political climate, the trip was cancelled. It was advised that the Cruise Canada New England Symposium would be a beneficial alternative.
Appointments
- Shea Heights Community Centre Board of Directors: Council approved the appointment of Emma Whalen to fill a vacancy in the At-Large category. Following a public call for volunteers and review of her application, the Board members supported her appointment to help oversee social, recreational, and educational programs for the community. Councillor Ellsworth did not vote due to a conflict of interest related to his involvement with the board.
- Inclusion Advisory Committee: Council approved the appointments of Sandra Cunning as the Universal Design/Accessibility representative and Sherry Nandha as the Anti-Racism representative. These candidates were recommended after a Call for Members and a selection process based on their expertise and experience.
- Affordable Housing Working Group: Council approved the appointments of five members following a Call for Members: Rosalind Langer (CHANAL), Sherry Whittle (The Gathering Place), Harim Jun (Memorial University), Jennifer Tipple (End Homelessness St. John’s), Emily Timmins (Provincial Government).
Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee Hall of Fame Banquet
Council was asked to approve funding for the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee's Hall of Fame banquet on July 24, 2025. The event honours individuals and crews for their achievements in fixed seat rowing and recognises those who have made significant contributions to the sport in Newfoundland. The City has sponsored this event since 2003. The banquet will be held in the Foran Greene Room with an estimated attendance of 100-120 guests.
Decision: Approved unanimously. Mayor Breen and Councillor Hickman declared conflicts of interest as they are members of the Regatta Committee and as such did not participate in the discussion or vote on the matter.
City Council Summer Schedule 2025
Council approved the summer schedule for Regular and Special meetings, with Committee of the Whole meetings not being scheduled but rather at the call of Council or Senior Executive should such be deemed necessary.
The proposed schedule includes meetings on July 2, 15, and 29, and August 12 and 26. The regular weekly schedule will resume after Labour Day, starting with a Committee of the Whole meeting on September 2, 2025.
Decision: Approved unanimously
Special Events Regulatory Committee
Council approved road closures and lane reductions for three upcoming road races:
-
Flat Out 5K (April 27, 8 to 9:15 a.m.)
-
Mews 5K (May 11, 7:50 to 9 a.m.):
-
ANE Mile (May 25, 7:45 to 8:45 a.m.)
Details on the road closures can be found in the decision note. An advisory will also be issued for all road closures prior to the event through the City's website to email subscribers and posted on social media.
Tenders Awarded
A list of contracts awarded from March 5 to April 2 was shared for Council’s information.
Permits Issued
Council was provided with a list of Development Permits and Building Permits issued since the last council meeting for their information.
Weekly Payment Vouchers
Council approved the weekly payment vouchers for the period of March 26 to April 2.
World Poetry Month Reading
In celebration of World Poetry Month, there is a poetry reading at each Council Meeting during April.
This week, Chukky Ibe shared his poetry and stories. The reading was posted on the City's Facebook and Instagram.
Proclamations
The below proclamations took place at the meeting. All proclamations are also shared on our website.
Records and Information Management Month, April 2025
Mayor Breen was joined by Neachel Keeping, Archivist, Paula French, Archives Technician, Samantha Tuck, Records Analyst, and Kirk Rogers, Manager of Archives and Records Management to proclaim April 2025 as Records and Information Management Month.
Contact Us
Subscribe