City Council Meeting Recap: July 15, 2025
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The following is a recap of the City of St. John's Regular Council Meeting on July 15, 2025, which provides an overview of Council decisions. All related documents for the decisions outlined below and the full agenda from the meeting are available by clicking the button below.
Council Meeting Video, Agenda & Documents
Artist Selection: 2025 Canada Games Mural Partnership
The City of St. John’s, in partnership with the 2025 Jeux du Canada Games, has selected artist Anastasia Tiller to create a mural celebrating the history and contributions of the Francophone Community of Newfoundland and Labrador. The selection was made through a competitive RFP process that received two submissions, evaluated by a committee of City staff, arts professionals, and Games representatives. Tiller, a multidisciplinary artist with strong ties to the Francophone and visual arts communities, was chosen for her experience, artistic merit, and alignment with the project’s theme.
Rezoning: 7 Waterford Bridge Road
Council was asked to adopt Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment Number 58, 2025, to rezone part of 7 Waterford Bridge Road from Residential 1 (R1) to Apartment 2 (A2). This rezoning would allow renovation of the existing single-family dwelling into a six-unit apartment building. The application follows a previous rejected proposal and includes a plan to subdivide the property into two lots with shared driveway access. Public consultation received mixed feedback, with concerns about parking and traffic, but the applicant’s provision of eight parking spaces meets regulatory standards. Transportation Engineering raised no objections. The amendment is recommended for adoption and submission to the provincial department for registration.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
59 Duckworth Street: Designated Heritage Building
Council was asked to approve exterior alterations to 59 Duckworth Street (Devon House), a designated Heritage Building in Heritage Area 3 and zoned Commercial Downtown Mixed (CDM). Proposed changes include:
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Replacing roofing shingles on the mansard roof.
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Replacing windows with ones matching original size and style.
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Converting an upper dormer window at the rear into a door with original shape retained.
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Adding balconies with glass and metal railings on upper stories at the rear.
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Removing one window on the east side and filling the opening with brick.
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Installing new code-compliant fire escape railing and upgrading street-level railings.
The alterations comply with the City’s Heritage Design Standards and were reviewed and supported by Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador and the Built Heritage Experts Panel, who recommended using brick for filling window openings. The proposed changes accommodate previously approved residential use and are recommended for Council approval.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
Demolition of Buildings: 46 and 48 Blackwood Place
Council was asked to consider issuing a Demolition Order for 46 and 48 Blackwood Place, which were severely damaged by fire and are now uninhabitable and pose safety concerns. One unit was under repair and the other was occupied at the time of the fire. Despite a notice issued to the property owner to demolish the buildings, no action was taken. Inspection Services has since boarded up the units due to unauthorized access.
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:
Accessory Building in the Watershed: 264 Oliver's Pond Road |
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Council was asked to approve an application to build a replacement accessory building at 264 Oliver’s Pond Road in the Broad Cove Watershed, within the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s. The proposed structure meets the St. John’s - Paradise Watershed Agreement requirements, with a size of 30.03 m² and a height of 3.6 m, both within the allowable limits. The application complies with relevant policies and replaces an existing building on the property.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Approval of Building Line, Rear Yard Variance, and Heritage Design: 36 Bonaventure Avenue |
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Council was asked to approve a Building Line Setback, Rear Yard Variance, and design for a proposed Tiny Home Dwelling at 36 Bonaventure Avenue, within Heritage Area 2. The application includes subdividing the lot to create a second parcel fronting Belvedere Street. The proposed 0.95 metre Building Line and 4.05 metre Rear Yard Setback (10% variance) comply with applicable regulations and surrounding development patterns. No objections were received from nearby property owners. The building design meets the Heritage Design Standards, and staff recommends accepting the staff report in lieu of a formal Heritage Report.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Establish Building Line: 26 Cemetery Lane |
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Council was asked to approve a Building Line Setback of 5.87 metres for an extension to the existing dwelling at 26 Cemetery Lane. Although the R1 Zone typically requires a 6-metre setback, Council has the authority to adjust this. The proposed setback aligns with the character of surrounding development.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Discretionary Use: 166 St. Clare Avenue |
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Council was asked to consider a Discretionary Use application from Phonetastic Repair to operate a home-based mobile phone repair business at 166 St. Clare Avenue. The business will occupy 9.29 m², operate Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and serve up to 3 clients per day. The site is zoned Residential 2 (R2) and includes off-street parking. No public objections were received.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Discretionary Use: 36 Pearson Street |
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Council was asked to consider a Discretionary Use application from S-Squared Holdings Inc. to extend the operating hours of an existing restaurant at 36 Pearson Street. The proposed new hours are 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily, replacing the current hours of noon to 9 p.m. The restaurant’s floor area (195 m²) and off-street parking will remain unchanged. The site is in the Commercial Neighbourhood (CN) Zone, and three submissions in support of the change were received.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Change of Non-Conforming Use: 413 Bay Bulls Road |
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Council was asked to consider a Non-Conforming Use Change application from Advanced Autoworks & Detail Centre Ltd. to add a Car Sales Lot to the existing Commercial Garage and Office at 413 Bay Bulls Road. The sales operation will be conducted from the 41.8 m² office, with no vehicles sold on-site, and will operate Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The site is zoned Rural Residential Infill (RR1), and no public submissions were received.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Discretionary Use: 50 Mundy Pond Road |
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Council was asked to consider a Discretionary Use application from Morgan Enterprises Limited for a medical clinic at 50 Mundy Pond Road. The clinic will have a floor area of 2,092 m², operate Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and includes on-site parking. The site is zoned Industrial Commercial (IC), and no public submissions were received.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Ratification of E-Polls
Sometimes, City Council needs to make decisions quickly—before the next regular meeting. When that happens, members can vote electronically. This is called an E-Poll. At the next official council meeting, those decisions are brought forward and formally approved, or ratified, to make them part of the official public record.
Council ratified the following e-polls at the meeting:
Mobile Vending at Various Locations Throughout the City |
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Council approved a mobile vending operation by Protein Cravery, a startup offering a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream via a bicycle cart. The vendor plans to operate in various downtown and park locations, including Bannerman Park, Quidi Vidi, Bowring Park, Signal Hill, Harbourside Park, Pippy Park, and 208 Gower Street. The cart's compact and mobile design is expected to cause minimal disruption to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
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2025 MNL Conference, Trade Show and AGM |
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Council approved for Councillors Noseworthy, Bruce, Hickman, and Davis to attend the 2025 Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) Conference, Trade Show, and AGM in Corner Brook from November 20 to 22, 2025. The event is the largest municipal gathering in the province, offering professional development and networking opportunities. Mayor Danny Breen will attend as MNL Board representative with expenses covered by MNL. The councillors aim to gain knowledge to support future Council decision-making.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
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Film Shoot Road Closure |
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Council approved the temporary closure of Buchanan Street (between New Gower Street and George Street West) for filming the television series Saint Pierre. The closure took place from 5 p.m. on July 14 to 9 p.m. on July 15. Professional traffic control was used and emergency access maintained throughout.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
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Petition - Dunfield Street and Berteau Avenue
Councillor Davis presented a petition from residents requesting traffic calming measures on Dunfield Street and Berteau Avenue. Staff will circulate the petition to Planning, Engineering and Regulatory Services Staff for consideration.
2025 Canada Games Road Closures
Council approved road closures for the 2025 Canada Games to support event logistics and safety. A traffic control company will manage closures, with support from the RNC and Provincial Government. Impacted residents and businesses will be notified, and local/emergency access will be maintained when possible. The City will also ensure road closures are promoted to the public prior to the start of the Canada Games.
All plans meet traffic and safety requirements.
Special Events Regulatory Committee
Council approved the following road closures and by-law exemptions related to upcoming events:
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Churchill Park Music Festival (July 25–29): Daily road closure on Elizabeth Avenue from 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., excluding July 28.
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Regatta Eve (July 29): Evening closures from 5 to 10 p.m. on streets around Quidi Vidi Lake, including Carnell Drive, Lakeview Avenue, and Clancey Drive.
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Royal St. John’s Regatta (July 30 or next suitable day): Extensive road closures from 7 a.m. until post-event, covering areas surrounding Quidi Vidi Lake.
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George Street Festival (July 31 – August 6): Daily closure of eastbound Duckworth Street from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Request includes:
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Noise By-Law exemption until 3 a.m. nightly
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Alcohol sales extension to 3 a.m. on August 4–6
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Canada Games Torch Relay (August 1): Rolling road closures along the relay route, from Water Street to Bannerman Park. Also includes a Parks By-Law exemption to permit sale of merchandise in Bannerman Park
Traffic control and enforcement will be handled by hired companies, the RNC, and City staff, with emergency access maintained where possible.
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.
Subscribe to Receive Advisories
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 weeks ending July 2 and July 9.
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