City Council Meeting Recap: March 10, 2026

Set Zone Standards: 123 Cochrane Pond Road

Council was asked to set the zone standards for a proposed single detached dwelling associated with an existing agricultural operation. The dwelling is a permitted use in the Agriculture (AG) Zone, provided the farm has operated continuously for at least three years. The application was reviewed by the provincial Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, which granted approval. Council must establish the applicable zone standards for the agricultural use and dwelling: minimum lot area of 11,000 m², minimum lot frontage of 55 m, minimum building line of 20 m, minimum side yards of 15 m, and a minimum rear yard of 161 m.

Decision: 8 approved. Councillor Halley rejected.

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Public Works and Infrastructure in the Floodplain and Buffer: 371 Main Road

Council was asked to consider approving public works and infrastructure within the Floodplain and Floodplain Buffer at 371 Main Road to service the proposed Goulds Fire Station. The original design required an easement over private property, but an agreement could not be reached. A revised design proposes installing the storm outlet on City land at the edge of the stream, which would minimize impacts to the Floodplain and Buffer and allow the area to be reinstated to existing grade. The Environment and Sustainability Experts Panel reviewed the proposal and support the work.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

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Discretionary Use: 34 Campbell Avenue

Council was asked to consider a Discretionary Use application by Despacito for a bakery and restaurant at 34 Campbell Avenue. The proposed 90 m² business would operate daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with parking provided on-site. The property is zoned Commercial Local (CL), and one submission was received in support of the application.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

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Rezoning: 74 Doyle's Road

Council was asked to consider rezoning a portion of 74 Doyle’s Road from Residential 1 (R1) to Residential 2 (R2) to allow a six-unit townhouse cluster development. The 1.3-hectare property is primarily zoned R1 within the Residential District, and only the residential portion is proposed for rezoning, so a Municipal Plan amendment is not required. The proposal supports Municipal Plan policies encouraging a mix of housing types, moderate intensification, and efficient use of existing infrastructure. Due to the property’s flag-lot configuration and limited frontage, a townhouse cluster with a single driveway access from Doyle’s Road is considered an appropriate development option. Staff also recommended referring this to public notification if Council wishes to consider rezoning.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

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Amendment to the Envision St. John’s Development Regulations: 453 Main Road

Council was asked to consider an amendment to the Envision St. John’s Development Regulations to allow the conversion of an existing accessory building at 453 Main Road, Goulds into a Commercial Garage. The building previously operated as a non-conforming commercial garage until 2023, when it was changed to a residential accessory building, which removed its non-conforming status. To allow the use again, the regulations would need to be amended to add Commercial Garage as a discretionary use in the Commercial Neighbourhood (CN) Zone, and the rear portion of the property would need to be rezoned from Residential 1 (R1) to CN. Staff do not recommend the amendment or rezoning, citing potential land use conflicts with the surrounding residential area. The non-conforming status of the former garage was lost when the building’s status changed to a residential accessory building.

Decision: 7 approved the rejection. Councillors Halley and Earle rejected.

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Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Housekeeping Amendment

Council was asked to adopt Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment No. 45, 2026, a housekeeping amendment intended to clarify and improve the wording of the Development Regulations. Since the regulations came into effect in 2021, staff have identified minor issues such as inconsistencies, typographical errors, duplications, omissions, and unclear language, which this amendment addresses. The proposed changes are minor and do not require a Municipal Plan amendment. Following public notification and review, the City received one written submission and two online comments with mixed feedback, including concerns about reduced landscaping requirements in the Apartment Special (AA) Zone and adding horticulture as a discretionary use in some residential zones. If adopted, the amendment will be forwarded to the provincial Department of Municipal and Community Affairs for registration.

Decision: Approved unanimously. 

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Adoption: 70 Power's Road

Council was asked to adopt Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment No. 74, 2026, to add Cidery/Winery as a discretionary use in the Agriculture (AG) Zone, enabling a cidery at 70 Power’s Road, Goulds. The property is in the Agriculture District and already has a farm operation (Horticulture use). Since cidery is not currently defined or listed in the AG Zone, the amendment includes a definition aligned with provincial liquor regulations, allowing for ancillary tasting, retail, or restaurant uses in the future. The NL Land Development Advisory Authority approved the proposed use. Public consultation received mostly supportive feedback, highlighting benefits to local agriculture, agribusiness, and the economy, though some concerns were raised about traffic, land suitability, and proximity to firefighting training areas. Staff recommend accepting the staff report in lieu of a full land use report, and if adopted, the amendment will be forwarded to the provincial Department of Municipal and Community Affairs for registration.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

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