City of St. John’s Expands Municipal Habitat Conservation Agreement

The City of St. John’s is proud to announce the expansion of its Municipal Habitat Conservation Agreement, a significant step forward in protecting local wildlife and natural spaces for future generations. The Municipal Habitat Conservation Agreement, created in partnership with SAM and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, recognizes ecologically significant lands and guides the City’s long-term efforts to conserve wetland and terrestrial habitat within its boundaries. The expanded agreement now includes additional protected areas in Southside Hills and Cape Spear, further strengthening the City’s commitment to responsible land use, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. 

 This announcement was celebrated at an event hosted by the Stewardship Association of Municipalities (SAM) Inc. on June 4 at Cape Spear as part of the 2025 Newfoundland and Labrador Habitat Conservation Workshop. The 2025 workshop brought together environmental leaders, Indigenous representatives, municipal officials, and experts from across the province to collaborate on conservation efforts and share best practices. Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary, lead for sustainability, was pleased to speak at both the conference and the celebratory event.

“St. John’s is proud to be a leader in municipal conservation,” said Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary. “The expansion of our habitat agreement is another meaningful step toward preserving the natural areas that define our city and support the wellbeing of our environment, residents, and wildlife. We are especially pleased to share this milestone during Canadian Environment Week—a perfect time to reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting what makes our city and province so special.”