City Council Meeting Recap: February 10, 2026

The following is a recap of the City of St. John's Regular Council Meeting on February 10, 2026, 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 visiting 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:

Council was asked to approve parking relief for one space at 11 Blackmarsh Road to allow a subsidiary dwelling unit to be added to an existing home in the Residential 2 (R2) Zone. While two parking spaces are normally required, the property has only one. The request for relief is supported by factors including available on-street parking, proximity to amenities and transit, and the goal of maintaining affordable rents. Staff are presenting this report in place of a formal Parking Report, as permitted under the Development Regulations.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

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Council was asked to approve a 5.3% variance in lot frontage at 66 Nascopie Crescent to allow subdivision of the property and creation of an additional townhouse lot. The proposed frontage of 5.68 metres is below the 6-metre requirement in the Residential 2 (R2) Zone but falls within the 10% variance permitted under the Development Regulations. Notices were sent to neighbouring properties, and no objections were received.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

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Rezoning: 405 Ruby Line

Council was asked to consider rezoning land at 405 Ruby Line in Southlands Areas 5 and 6 from Open Space (O) to Residential 1 (R1) to allow development of approximately 97 single-detached residential lots. The proposal would require both a Municipal Plan amendment and a Regional Plan amendment, as the land is currently designated Open Space. Recent wetland studies determined the site does not contain a significant or protected wetland, removing development restrictions. The proposed rezoning aligns with Municipal Plan policies supporting residential growth and is compatible with surrounding neighbourhoods. Staff recommend accepting a staff report in place of a formal land use report, with public notification required and further consultation to occur through a future commissioner’s public hearing.

Decision: 10 voted in favour; Councillor Davis voted against.

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New Dwelling: 23 Monroe Street

Council was asked to approve the design of a new dwelling at 23 Monroe Street, located in Heritage Area 3 and zoned Residential Downtown (RD). While a Heritage Report is normally required, staff recommend that Council accept a staff report instead. The proposed design complies with the Heritage By-Law and applicable design standards, with window details to be confirmed at the building permit stage to meet code and safety requirements.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

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Exterior Alterations: 83 Cochrane Street

Council was asked to approve minor exterior alterations to 83 Cochrane Street (Emmanuel House), a designated Heritage Building in Heritage Area 1. The proposed work includes replacing the porch deck, railing, stairs, and an access ramp while retaining the existing columns, with upgrades to meet Heritage Design Standards, the National Building Code, and accessibility requirements. As the work is considered minor maintenance and complies with applicable heritage standards, staff recommend approval without referral to the Built Heritage Experts Panel.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

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Travel Authorizations

  • Council gave approval for Councillor Davis to attend the Urban Municipalities Committee meeting hosted by Municipalities NL in Channel-Port aux Basques on April 10–11, 2026. The meeting will bring together representatives from the province’s largest municipalities to focus on economic development, and Councillor Davis is St. John’s designated delegate.
  • Council approved travel costs for Mayor Danny Breen to attend the Sport Tourism Canada Prestige Awards Gala in Mississauga on March 11, 2026. The 2025 Canada Games have been nominated for a Prestige Award, and the Mayor has been invited to attend with the Host Society to represent the City and accept the award if it is received.

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Mobile Vending: Parking Lot of the Elks Club

Council was asked to consider permitting a food truck to operate in the parking lot of the Elks Club at 19 Carpasian Road. The food truck will support club events and serve the public, operating mainly Thursday through Sunday and typically closing by 8:00 p.m., with power supplied from the building. As the property is zoned Open Space, Council approval is required under the Mobile Vending By-Law for this use.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

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Tenders

A list of contracts awarded from January 7 to February 3 was shared for Council’s information.

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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 January 28 and February 4.


Proclamations

The below proclamation took place at the meeting. All proclamations are also shared on our website.

View Proclamations

Mayor Breen with Ken O'Brien and Lindsay ChurchHeritage Day/Week (left to right) Mayor Breen was joined by City staff members Ken O'Brien, Chief Municipal Planner, and Lindsay Church, Planner III- Urban Design and Heritage, to proclaim February 16, 2026 as Heritage Day and February 16-20, 2026 as Heritage Week.

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P.O. Box 908, St. John's, A1C 5M2
Phone: 311 or 754-CITY (2489)
Email: access@stjohns.ca

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