City Council Meeting Recap: June 17, 2025
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The following is a recap of the City of St. John's Regular Council Meeting on June 17, 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
George Street West Paid Parking
Council was asked to approve implementing paid parking on George Street West, transitioning from its current timed-free parking status. This aligns with the City’s 2018 Paid Parking Management Strategy, which converted timed parking to paid parking except George Street West due to construction in the area. The approved paid parking rate is $1.75/hour for the first three hours and $3.50/hour thereafter, encouraging turnover while allowing longer stays. Nearby streets like New Gower and Water Street already have paid parking. Permit areas on adjacent streets will remain as permit-only, as will the short-term free spaces for community support program access.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
2025 Canada Games Mural Partnership
The City of St. John’s is partnering with the 2025 Jeux du Canada Games to create a mural celebrating the history and contributions of the Newfoundland and Labrador Francophone community. An RFP has been issued seeking an artist or artist team connected to the Newfoundland and Labrador Francophone community, with submissions judged by a panel including City staff, arts community members, and Games representatives. The mural will be installed on Duckworth Street. This project is funded through the City’s Public Art budget and Games partnership, continuing a successful approach of collaborating on public art projects in recent years.
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:
Request for Parking Relief: 4 Holdsworth Street |
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Council was asked to approve parking relief to support a seasonal outdoor lounge (parklet) at 4 Holdsworth Street, part of Shamrock City/Jungle Jim’s. The 175m² parklet requires nine parking spaces; the business has secured five for staff and is requesting relief for the remaining four. The site is in the Business Improvement Area and Lounge use is permitted. As the lounge is seasonal and nearby parking is available, staff support the request under Section 8.12 of the Development Regulations. Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Crown Land Referral: Trans-Canada Highway |
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Council was asked to approve a Crown Land Easement off the Trans-Canada Highway near Torbayman’s Pond. The 100m² easement is within the Mineral Working (MW) Zone and has been referred by the Provincial Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Request for Residential Fence in Floodplain Buffer: 42 Beauford Place |
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Council was asked to approve a residential fence at 42 Beauford Place, located within the floodplain buffer. Under Section 4.10(6)(a) of the St. John’s Development Regulations, Council may permit such fences without requiring referral to the Environmental and Sustainability Experts Panel.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Discretionary Use: 75-81 Harvey Road |
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Council was asked to approve two residential units on the first floor of 75–81 Harvey Road, within the Commercial Mixed Use (CM) Zone. The units total approximately 83m², and parking relief is requested as no on-site parking is available. Six public submissions were received—one in support, while others raised concern about parking and loss of commercial space. A previous application for one unit was rejected in 2024 for incompatibility with surrounding commercial uses. The building has remained mostly vacant for five years, with no commercial interest. The applicant argues residential use is preferable to vacancy, especially amid a housing crisis. The residential use would not require rezoning and could be reverted to commercial in the future. Council may consider parking relief under Section 8.12 of the Development Regulations, with staff recommending acceptance of a staff report instead of a full Parking Report. 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:
8 Shaw Street and 4 McLea Place |
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Council was asked to consider rezoning 8 Shaw Street and 4 McLea Place from Residential Special (RA) to Residential 1 (R1). The properties are vacant and located within the Residential District, so no Municipal Plan amendment is needed. The rezoning would allow subdivision into three lots for single-detached homes. A 10% lot frontage variance is requested for one lot. Staff have reviewed the plan with no concerns and recommend public notification as the only public review step, since no public hearing is required.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
670 Kenmount Road |
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The City is updating zoning boundaries for 670 Kenmount Road based on new, more accurate elevation data. Residential zones (RRL and R2), which extend up to the 190-metre elevation contour (the limit of current municipal servicing), will be adjusted to match the updated contour line. Land above 190 metres remains zoned Comprehensive Development Area 9 (CDA 9) in the Urban Expansion District. The Chief Municipal Planner interprets the zone boundaries to follow the new elevation data, and corresponding changes will be made to the Municipal Plan map.
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85 Thorburn Road |
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For the commercial property at 85 Thorburn Road, staff found that part of the parking lot is incorrectly zoned Apartment Special (AA) instead of Industrial Commercial (IC). Using the Development Regulations, the zone boundary will be interpreted to follow the property lines, placing the entire property, including the parking lot, within the IC Zone. The Municipal Plan map will be updated accordingly to reflect this change.
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Wetlands Map Amendment: Southlands SL1 |
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Council was asked to adopt Amendment Number 53, 2025 to update Appendix C, Map 4 of the Envision St. John’s Development Regulations to show the expanded boundaries of the Southlands SL1 wetland. A recent study identified additional protected wetland area not currently shown on the map. The update does not require a Municipal Plan amendment. Public consultation was conducted with generally supportive feedback received.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Legal Matters
Council regularly addresses legal matters involving the acquisition or expropriation of land or the sale of City land. These decisions are important to support infrastructure projects and/or facilitate development.
Sale of City Land Between 36 Temperance Street and Battery Road |
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Council ratified an e-poll that was approved between council meetings, granting the sale of City land (approx. 1,410 sq. ft.) located between 36 Temperance Street and Battery Road. The owner of 36 Temperance Street requested the purchase to incorporate the land into a development. No objections were raised by City departments. The sale, subject to development approval, is priced at $40/sq. ft. plus HST and fees, totalling approximately $56,402.80. The buyer must complete a survey and consolidate the land with their existing property.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Sale of City Land Adjacent to 22 Hayward Avenue |
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Council was asked to approve the sale of City land (approx. 232.5 sq. ft.) adjacent to 22 Hayward Avenue. The property owner has maintained the footpath and reported issues such as vandalism and unauthorized use. While one comment noted potential benefit in retaining pedestrian access, the area is not suitable for a shared use path. The sale price is set at $20/sq. ft., totalling approximately $4,650 plus HST and fees. The buyer must complete a survey and consolidate the land with their existing property.
Decision: Motion lost. Three voted in favour of selling the land. Councillors Ravencroft, Noseworthy, Davis, and Mayor Breen voted against. |
Sale of City Land at the rear of 294 Torbay Road |
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Council was asked to approve the sale of City land (approx. 2,586 sq. ft.) at the rear of 294 Torbay Road. The owner requested the land to meet rear yard requirements for a proposed development. Although previously within the floodplain, updated maps show it is no longer in the floodplain. The land will remain open space, and the sale is subject to development approval. The price is set at $1.50/sq. ft., totalling about $3,879 plus HST and fees. The purchaser must complete a survey and consolidate the land with their existing property.
Decision: 6 voted in favour. Councillor Davis voted against. |
Civic Art Collection
Council was asked to approve the City’s Urban Art Gallery initiative, which involves installing vinyl decals of City-owned artwork on windows of vacant buildings along Water Street within the Downtown Pedestrian Mall area. The project aims to promote the Civic Art Collection, beautify properties, and enhance the downtown experience. The decals qualify as temporary signs under the Sign By-Law and will remain in place for at least six months. As they exceed the 50% window coverage limit in Heritage Areas, Council approval is required. The Built Heritage Experts Panel supports the initiative, and City staff recommend approval.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
Audit Standing Committee Report
- December 31, 2024: Council was asked to approve the City’s audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2024. The auditors issued a clean report, confirming the statements fairly represent the City’s financial position. Unlike the City’s annual budget, these statements are consolidated (including St. John’s Sports & Entertainment and the St. John’s Transportation Commission) and prepared on an accrual basis per Public Sector Accounting Standards. Key accounting differences include treatment of debt, amortization, and capital contributions. A summary of these differences is provided in Schedule 7. Cash results will be presented separately.
- 2025 Audit Plan: Council was asked to approve the 2025 Audit Plan developed by the Office of the City Internal Auditor. The plan follows internal audit standards and focuses on three main objectives: risk management, compliance with policies and directives, and alignment with strategic goals. It includes program reviews, follow-up audits, and administrative tasks. Reviews were selected using a risk-based approach informed by management input, jurisdictional scans, and professional judgement. The plan does not include time for new requests, which must be evaluated by the Audit Committee. Some audits are expected to continue into 2026.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
Appointment: Shea Heights Community Centre Board of Directors
Council was asked to approve the appointment of Dave Howell as a new At Large Member on the Shea Heights Community Centre Board of Directors to fill a vacancy. The Board, appointed by the City, supports his nomination following a public call for volunteers and discussion at a Board meeting.
Decision: Approved unanimously. Councillor Ellsworth abstained due to a conflict of interest.
Landmark Sign Location
Council was asked to approve the location of a new Landmark Sign at Bannerman Park. The sign is 38 feet wide, 6 feet tall, made with durable materials, and features customizable LED lighting. While other city-owned land was considered, Bannerman Park was chosen for its scenic setting, year-round foot traffic and photo-friendly space. The sign’s sides and back will also display decals, offering another way to showcase local artists and public art.
This landmark will help put St. John’s in line with other Canadian cities by adding an iconic, accessible attraction in the heart of the city.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
Street Naming Policy
Council was asked to approve a revised Street Naming Policy. Following discussion with Council and direction from Legal and Senior Executive, it was determined that naming streets after people carries a number of risks:
- Problematic legacies.
- Political polarization.
- Disparity in representation/cultural marginalization.
To reduce these risks, the Street Naming Policy has been updated to remove the option to submit people names. Going forward, "The City shall not approve any submission requesting a street be named after a person, regardless of whether that person is living or deceased."
Submissions requesting a street be named after a person that were received prior to approval of the revisions will be processed as per the previous policy.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
Special Events Regulatory Committee
The Royal Canadian Legion will hold a Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on July 1. A rolling road closure will take place from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. along Queens Road, Duckworth Street (eastbound), Cochrane Street (southbound), and Water Street (westbound).
A march will then proceed from the War Memorial along Water Street and south on Ayre’s Cove. This section of Water Street will be closed from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The RNC and City Parking Enforcement Officers will provide support for the event.
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 June 4 and June 11.
Proclamations
The below proclamation took place at the meeting. All proclamations are also shared on our website.
World Refugee Day 2025
Mayor Danny Breen was joined by Zainab Farooq, Zakias Khatoon, and City employee, Glen Paul, Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator, to proclaim June 20, 2025 as World Refugee Day.
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