City Council Meeting Recap: March 25, 2026
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The following is a recap of the City of St. John's Regular Council Meeting on March 25, 2026. The recap 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
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 Variance on Accessory Building Height: 12 Lake View Drive |
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Council was asked to approve a 10% variance for an accessory building at 12 Lake View Drive, allowing a height of 5.5 metres (above the 5-metre limit). The request meets the allowable variance under the Development Regulations, and no feedback was received from neighbouring properties.
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Extension to a Single Detached Dwelling in the Watershed: 112 Camrose Drive (Town of Paradise) |
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Council was asked to consider approval of an extension to a single detached dwelling at 112 Camrose Drive in the Broad Cove River Watershed. The proposed addition meets the requirements of the City of St. John’s Act, as it is less than half the size of the existing dwelling, and the City Manager has no concerns with the application.
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:
Text Amendment: Section 6.20 Heavy Equipment |
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Council was asked to consider an amendment to the Development Regulations to reduce the required separation distance between heavy equipment storage and residential areas from 20 metres to 15 metres. The change is prompted by a specific application at 280 Back Line that cannot proceed under current rules, and is intended to maintain compatibility while allowing greater flexibility.
Decision: Councillor Ryall noted new information has surfaced on the application and Council agreed to defer it for two weeks |
Rezoning: 245 Forest Road |
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Council was asked to consider rezoning City-owned land at 245 Forest Road from Residential 1 (R1) to Apartment 1 (A1) to support a future affordable housing development. The City is developing a land disposition program as part of its Housing Accelerator Fund action plan to make select City-owned lands available for non-profit, affordable housing developments. If rezoned, this property will be part of this program and a request for proposals process will be launched to identify a non-profit developer.
Decision: Approved unanimously |
Appointments
Council made appointments to the following areas:
Arts and Culture Advisory Committee |
| Council approved the appointment of three new members to the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee to fill existing vacancies. The recommended appointments are Michelle LaCour (Sound Arts Initiatives), Juliet Lanphear (Heritage NL), and Shawn Broomfield (Municipal Reconciliation Liaison, representing First Light). |
NL Sports Centre Board |
| Council approved the appointment of Karen Sherriffs, Deputy City Manager of Community Services, as the City’s representative on the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Centre Board for a three-year term, replacing Tanya Haywood. |
Travel Authorizations
Council approved the following travel authorizations:
Cruise Canada New England Symposium |
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Council approved travel for Councillor Jill Bruce to attend the 2026 Cruise Canada New England Symposium in Saguenay, Quebec, from June 9–11, 2026. The symposium provides an opportunity to network with cruise industry executives, promote St. John’s as a destination, and support increased cruise ship visits and economic growth. |
Federation of Canadian Municipalities & Canadian Capital Cities Organization – 2026 Conferences |
| Council approved travel for Councillor Sandy Hickman to attend the 2026 Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual Conference (June 4–7, 2026) and the 2026 Canadian Capital Cities Organization (CCCO) Annual Conference (June 8–10, 2026) in Edmonton, Alberta. Councillor Hickman will represent the City at both conferences, which are scheduled consecutively. |
Big City Mayor’s Caucus Meetings (BCMC) and FCM |
| Council approved travel costs for Mayor Danny Breen to attend the Big City Mayor’s Caucus meeting (June 4, 2026) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual Conference (June 4–7, 2026) in Edmonton, Alberta, including a reception on the evening of June 3. |
Policy Development Framework
Council was asked to approve a new Policy Development Framework to guide how City policies are created, reviewed, and implemented. The framework establishes a consistent, organization-wide approach with clear roles and processes, and has been reviewed by the City Solicitor and Senior Leadership Team, with minor clarifications made following Committee of the Whole.
Decision: Approved unanimously
Heritage Report Terms of Reference & Petition: 34 Battery Road
Council was asked to approve the Terms of Reference for a Heritage Report related to a proposed residential subdivision at 34 Battery Road and 30 Cabot Avenue, located within Heritage Area 4. This was not an approval of the development.
For any new development in a Heritage Area, a Heritage Report is required before any decision on the application can be made. The report must demonstrate how the proposed development fits within the surrounding area and complies with the City’s Heritage Design Standards, as required under the Heritage By-Law. The Terms of Reference approved by Council simply outline what must be included in that report so the applicant can proceed with preparing it.
During the meeting, Councillor Halley presented a petition on behalf of the citizens of the city and residents of the Battery and Signal Hill neighbourhood requesting that the City pause the approval of the proposed development of 34 Battery Road and Cabot Avenue to allow for community engagement.
Decision: Council unanimously approved the terms of reference for the Heritage Report
Royal St. John's Regatta Committee Hall of Fame Banquet
Council was asked to approve sponsorship of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee Hall of Fame banquet, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The annual event honours individuals and crews for achievements in fixed seat rowing and recognizes contributions to the sport, with an expected 100–120 guests.
Decision: Approved unanimously
Cyber Insurance Policy Approval
Council was asked to approve the expenditure of $100,000 (plus HST) to secure cyber insurance coverage from Beazley. The policy, expiring April 4, 2026, provides $5M in coverage for breach response, legal, forensic, and public relations costs, and aligns with the City’s risk management strategy. This represents a $10,034 reduction compared to last year’s premium.
Decision: Approved unanimously
Downtown Pedestrian Mall: Engagement Review and Staff Recommendations
Council was asked to approve staff recommendations for the Downtown Pedestrian Mall, based on public and business engagement, operational reviews, and past program insights. The recommendations aim to enhance safety, accessibility, programming, and overall downtown vibrancy.
Decision: Approved unanimously
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 March 11 and March 18.
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