City Council Meeting Recap: October 21, 2025
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The following is a recap of the City of St. John's Regular Council Meeting on October 21, 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. This marked the first council meeting for the new City Council, elected on October.
Council Meeting Video, Agenda & Documents
Horlick Avenue Drainage Improvements
Council approved funding for the Horlick Avenue Drainage Improvements project in Shea Heights, requested by residents at civic numbers 9–29. The work includes lining the ditch along Blackhead Road and adding an asphalt swale connected to the storm sewer. To cover the $165,000 project cost, funds will be reallocated from existing budgets: $100,000 from Traffic Signal Communications Upgrades (Eng-2021-015) and $65,000 from Pedestrian Safety Improvements (Eng-2024-214).
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:
Proposed Building Expansion of a Non-conforming Lot: 410 Logy Bay Road |
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Council was asked to approve an expansion of the existing building at 410 Logy Bay Road, located on a non-conforming lot without frontage on a public street. The proposed 197.49 m² addition for warehousing represents a 7.8% increase in floor area, which is within the 50% expansion limit permitted for non-conforming buildings under Section 7.5.3(e).
Decision: Approved unanimously.
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Landscaping and Driveway in the Floodplain and Floodplain Buffer: 8 Portugal Cove Road |
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Council was asked to approve landscaping and driveway upgrades within the Floodplain and Floodplain Buffer at 8 Portugal Cove Road to support improvements to the Feildian Grounds soccer fields. The proposal includes resurfacing and levelling the fields with grass, and widening and reconfiguring the gravel driveway, with no lights or major grade changes. The Environment and Sustainability Experts Panel raised no concerns but recommended an erosion and sedimentation mitigation plan before final approval.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
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Demo Rebuild of Non-conforming Building: 250-252 Back Line |
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Council was asked to approve the demolition and rebuilding of a single detached dwelling at 250–252 Back Line, which is currently non-conforming due to a reduced rear yard setback. The existing setback is approximately 0.95 metres, below the required 6 metres under the Rural Residential Infill (RRI) Zone. The proposed new dwelling would have a 4.59-metre setback, thereby reducing the existing non-conformity.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
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Proposed Rebuild of Four Non-conforming Dwelling Units: 204-210 Empire Avenue |
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Council was asked to approve the rebuilding of four dwelling units at 204–210 Empire Avenue, which were destroyed by fire. The property is a non-conforming use, as the apartment building exceeds the six-unit limit permitted in the Residential 2 (R2) Zone. The proposed rebuild complies with all R2 Zone standards and is permitted under Section 7.5.3(g), which allows non-conforming residential buildings to be rebuilt following destruction, except for lot size requirements.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
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Planning Applications:
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:
Amendment Adoption: 670 Kenmount Road |
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Council was asked to adopt Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment Number 69, 2025, to rezone land at 670 Kenmount Road from the Residential 2 (R2) Zone to the Residential Reduced Lot (RRL) Zone. The rezoning, requested by Pinnacle Engineering on behalf of the property owner, would allow 19 additional single detached dwellings on smaller lots as part of the Stage 1C Kenmount Road subdivision. Staff recommended accepting a staff report in place of a full Land Use Report, as the proposal is consistent with surrounding residential uses. Public consultation showed general support, with some comments about housing affordability, traffic control, and pedestrian access. If adopted, the amendment will be forwarded to the provincial Department of Municipal Affairs and Community Engagement for registration.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
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Amendment Adoption: 135 Harbour Drive |
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Council was asked to adopt Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment Number 67, 2025, to add Office as a discretionary use in the Industrial General (IG) Zone. The amendment, prompted by an application for a law office at 135 Harbour Drive, would apply city-wide within the IG Zone. Public consultation showed general support, with some concerns about waterfront access and maintaining restaurant uses. Staff identified no issues with the amendment, noting sufficient parking and no substantial changes to the building. A full Land Use Report was deemed unnecessary, and if adopted, the amendment will be sent to the provincial Department of Municipal Affairs and Community Engagement for registration.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
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Amendment Adoption: Landscaping and Driveway Requirements for Small Apartment Buildings |
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Council was asked to adopt Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment Number 66, 2025, to modify landscaping requirements and allow driveways for small Apartment Buildings with six or fewer dwelling units in Residential Zones. Currently, these buildings are treated under commercial landscaping standards, requiring parking lots, while similar medium-density residential uses can have driveways. The amendment introduces new landscaping standards specific to small Apartment Buildings, allows driveways instead of parking lots, clarifies front yard landscaping, aligns hard landscaping with site drainage plans, and exempts these buildings from bicycle parking requirements unless located on a planned bicycle network. Public feedback was mixed, with concerns about additional driveways, curb cuts, and reduced on-street parking. If adopted, the amendment will be forwarded to the provincial Department of Municipal Affairs and Community Engagement for registration.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
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E-poll: Travel Authorization
Council ratified an e-poll to approve travel costs for Mayor Danny Breen to attend the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Fall Board of Directors meeting and Advocacy Days in Ottawa from October 28–30, 2025. As a board member, the Mayor is required to attend. The event includes in-person meetings with federal decision-makers to advance municipal priorities such as housing, infrastructure investment, and climate resilience, along with an all-party reception and hybrid board sessions.
Petition from the Residents of Albany Place
Councillor Noseworthy presented a petition from the residents of Albany Place, asking City Council to take immediate action regarding a deteriorated fence owned by Leaman Signs.
Quit Claim Deed: Gap Between 5 and 17A Job Street
Council was asked to approve a Quit Claim of land between 5 and 17A Job Street. The property owner requested the City release any potential interest in the parcel, which is believed to be a surveying error. The City’s Legal Department confirmed it has no claim to the land but agreed to sign a Quit Claim Deed at the owner’s request. The owner will provide a survey, and the City will retain the portion of land between 5 Job Street and the road for snow storage.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
Sale of City Land: 7B Midstream Place
Council was asked to approve the sale of a City-owned parcel of land at the rear of 7B Midstream Place. The land, part of a previously expropriated area earmarked for non-profit housing, was reviewed by staff with no objections. Non-Profit Services confirmed the sale would not affect future development potential. The 1,817 sq. ft. parcel, zoned Open Space, will be sold at $1.50 per sq. ft. (approximately $2,725.50 plus HST and fees). The purchaser must complete a survey and consolidate the land with their existing property.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
Designated Heritage Building: 283 Water Street
Council was asked to approve exterior alterations to 283 Water Street, the designated Heritage “Grace Building.” Immediate repairs are required due to fallen masonry. The work includes replacing damaged brick, wood trims, flashing, and fascia on the Water Street and Beck’s Cove facades, matching existing materials and finishes. The alterations are minor, comply with Heritage Design Standards for non-residential buildings, and do not require Heritage Panel review, so staff recommend approval.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
Special Events Regulatory Committee
Council approved a temporary road closure for the filming of the TV show Saint Pierre on either Sunday, November 2, or Thursday, November 6 (date will be finalized in the coming days), from 8:30 pm to 1:00 am. The closure will affect Danny Drive (TCH roundabout to Beaumont Hamel Way) and Beaumont Hamel Way (Danny Drive to Costco parking lot). Traffic control will be provided, local and emergency traffic will be allowed, and nearby businesses will be notified.
All closures aim to support event safety while maintaining necessary access where possible.
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Tenders
A list of contracts awarded from September 17 to October 15 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 weeks ending October 8 and October 15.
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