City Shares Progress on Resilient St. John’s Community Climate Plan

Promotional graphic for the 'Resilient St. John's Climate Plan: Community Update 2022–2024.' In the top left corner there is icon from the City's Strategic Plan which symbolizes being 'A Sustainable City'. On the right, is an image of the cover of the report.

The City of St. John’s is pleased to share highlights from the latest update on its Resilient St. John’s Community Climate Plan, a roadmap to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, complete the clean energy transition, and help the city adapt to the impacts of climate change. The progress report will be shared with City Council at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on June 24, 2025.

“By taking action now, we aim to create a cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable future while supporting economic growth, creating jobs, and improving quality of life for everyone in St. John’s,” said Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary, lead for Sustainability. “We’re proud of the progress so far but know there’s more work ahead. Together, we’re moving toward our strategic goal of being a truly sustainable city.”

The plan, adopted in 2022 after Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019, sets ambitious targets, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. It aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan, Our City, Our Future, which commits St. John’s to a sustainable and resilient path forward.

Highlights include:

Municipal operations: GHG emissions from City operations are on track, down 22% due to completed and funded projects. Of 13 facilities that used oil heating 70% (9 building) switched to electric or hybrid system.
Community-wide progress: Indicators show positive trends in buildings energy retrofits, electric vehicle adoption, public transit ridership, and protected green spaces. A full GHG inventory reassessment will be done in 2027 using updated census data, but action continues in the meantime.
Leadership and Smart Growth: Updated planning and housing policies, climate-informed flood mapping, infrastructure upgrades, and studies on sea level rise help keep neighbourhoods safe.
Efficient, Affordable Buildings: New builds like the LEED-certified H.G.R. Mews Community Centre, Fortis Canada Games Complex, and the upcoming Passive House Goulds Fire Station set new standards for energy efficiency. Retrofit program collaborations support homes and businesses in cutting energy costs and emissions.
Transportation Transformation: Metrobus continues to improve service and move toward electrification. Investments in shared-use paths, sidewalk snow clearing, and public charging stations encourage active transportation and EV adoption.
Protecting Nature and Food Security: Ongoing efforts include naturalization projects, tree planting through the ReLeaf program, community gardens, and protection of sensitive watershed areas.
Disaster Resilience: Climate risks are integrated into City planning and emergency preparedness.
Clean Energy: New renewable opportunities, such as captured landfill gas, are being explored, and the City collaborates with industry to plan for future energy needs.

St. John’s reports progress annually through its Strategic Plan and the international Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Since 2022, the City’s CDP score has jumped from a D to an A– in 2024 — putting St. John’s closer to A List status. Only eight cities in Canada and 112 cities worldwide hold this top distinction.

The Resilient St. John’s plan is made possible through collaboration with local organizations, businesses, and community groups. The City also honours local climate leaders each year through the Applause Awards, celebrating contributions to sustainability and resilience.

To learn more about the Resilient St. John’s Community Climate Plan, visit StJohns.ca/Sustainability.

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