Wall Sign: 54 Circular Road
The City received an application for a wall sign on a retaining wall at 54 Circular Road (Bannerman House), a designated Heritage Building in Heritage Area 1. The sign, which was painted on the property’s retaining wall, prompted a complaint, leading the property owner to apply for a permit. The sign exceeds the 3-square-meter limit outlined in the St. John’s Sign By-Law, measuring 11.5 square meters. The Built Heritage Experts Panel reviewed the application on November 27, 2024, and recommended that Council approve the sign, a recommendation which staff also support.
Decision: Approved unanimously
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Naming of Lion's Club Driveway
City Council approved the St. John’s Lions Club request to name the driveway leading to their chalet and ballfield as "Lions Club Way." The civic address for the property will remain 139-141 Mayor Avenue.
Decision: Approved unanimously
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Residential Energy Coach and Efficiency Program
The City of St. John's, in partnership with Econext and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), sought approval for a Residential Energy Efficiency Retrofit Concierge and Financing Program. This initiative addresses energy poverty in St. John's, where 34% of households are affected. The program offers support for home energy upgrades, including financial assistance through low-interest loans and grants, targeting single-family, owner-occupied homes. The City will coordinate with financial institutions, Econext, and contractors to provide concierge services, energy audits, and training programs. The program aims to reduce energy consumption, promote net-zero goals, and alleviate energy poverty. This collaborative effort is the first of its kind in Canada and could serve as a model for other regions.
Decision: Approved unanimously
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Policy Approvals
Council approved revisions to two City policies:
- Employment Equity Policy: The updates modernize the policy, which has not been revised since 1994, to align with current legislation and use more inclusive, general language that reduces the need for frequent revisions. The updated language was developed in consultation with legal experts and supporting research.
- Attendance Management and Support Policy: Developed by HR staff in summer 2024, the policy aims to provide guidance and support for employees and managers regarding workplace attendance. Updates were informed by research and cross-jurisdictional surveys of other municipalities.
SJRFD Mechanical Division Internal Audit
Council was asked to approve the St. John’s Regional Fire Department (SJRFD) Mechanical Division audit report and the accompanying management action plans.
Key points:
- The audit, conducted by the Office of the City Internal Auditor, found effective processes for fleet maintenance, including standardized service requests, an electronic fleet management system, skilled staff, and documented safe work practices.
- Areas for improvement include ensuring annual vehicle inspections at Official Inspection Stations, updating and implementing the preventive maintenance program, and enhancing governance, inventory control, occupational health and safety, and information management systems.
- Management agrees with all recommendations and has proposed action plans with timelines.
- Adding a new staff member to the division could improve implementation and operations.
Decision: Approved unanimously
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Appointments
- Seniors Advisory Committee: Council approved the replacement of the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Sector Pensioners’ Association (NLPSPA) representative on the City’s Seniors Advisory Committee. Maureen McCarthy has been nominated to replace Al Skehen, who has completed his term with the Association’s Board of Directors and is no longer eligible to serve.
- Sustainable and Active Mobility Advisory Committee: Council approved the appointment of Trevor Smith to represent individuals who cycle on the Sustainable and Active Mobility Advisory Committee.
Special Events Regulatory Committee
Council approved road closures and a noise by-law extension for two New Year’s Eve events in St. John’s.
City of St. John’s Fireworks: Fireworks will take place at Quidi Vidi Lake on December 31 at 8 p.m. (with a backup date of January 1). Road closures for safety are recommended from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
George Street Association Event: This free, all-ages event on George Street includes a DJ and pyrotechnics show. A noise by-law extension is requested until 12:30 am. A road closure on Duckworth Street (from New Gower Street to Bates Hill) is requested from 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., pending an acceptable traffic plan.
Both events will have security and parking enforcement in place to manage the closures.
Details on the road closures can be found in the decision note. An advisory will also be issued for all road closures prior to the event through the City's website to email subscribers and posted on social media.
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Scholarship Presentation
Each year, the City of St. John’s awards two scholarships to recognize the academic achievements of children of City employees. These scholarships are granted to students who not only successfully complete high school but also achieve the highest overall averages among all applicants.
The 2024 recipients of the City of St. John’s Scholarships are below:
Rachel Coffey
Shenstone Earle
