City Council Meeting Recap: February 11, 2025
The following is a recap of the City of St. John's Regular Council Meeting on February 11, 2025 which provides an overview of Council decisions. You can also view all related documents for the decisions below, video and the full agenda from the meeting by clicking the link below.
Recreation Master Plan
Council approved the new Recreation Master Plan, a comprehensive framework designed to proactively manage the current and future provision of recreation facilities, spaces and programs. The recommendations and direction within the Recreation Master Plan will help prioritize investment in recreation infrastructure over the next decade. The plan was discussed at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
Building Safer Communities Grant Recipients
39 Topsail Road (Leaside Manor)
Council reviewed a proposal for 39 Topsail Road (Leaside Manor), a designated Heritage Building, to allow an 18-unit residential extension. As part of the proposal, Council were asked to approve the new Heritage Use, the building extension, the exterior design of the extension, and the proposed off-street parking.
Staff and the Built Heritage Experts Panel (BHEP) assessed the proposal, and found it complies with the City's Heritage Design Standards. The BHEP recommended approval with conditions on materials and design to ensure compatibility with the existing structure. The proposed development received mixed public feedback, with concerns over parking, traffic and neighborhood impact. However, a traffic study found no significant increase on existing traffic volumes, and parking is restricted to designated areas.
Staff recommended Council approve the Heritage Report and the discretionary use application to allow 18 new Dwelling Units. Council were also asked to set the parking requirement for the Heritage Use at 40 parking spaces and set the zone standards as follows: building line at 14.3 metres, side yard 1.6 metres and rear yard 17.9 metres. There was also discussion about requiring a privacy fence at the rear.
Decision: Approved unanimously
Travel Authorization
- Council approved Councillor Jill Bruce's attendance at the Seatrade Cruise Global Conference in Miami from April 6-10, 2025. The event will provide opportunities to promote St. John’s as a cruise destination, strengthen industry relationships and support ongoing tourism initiatives.
- Council approved Mayor Danny Breen and Councillor Sandy Hickman’s travel to Ottawa for the 2025 Canada Games Torch lighting on June 11. The event marks a key milestone for the Games, which will be hosted in St. John’s from August 8-24. The torch, sponsored by Orangestore, will be lit at the Centennial Flame and begin a relay through 14 Newfoundland and Labrador communities, involving over 130 torchbearers before the opening ceremony on August 9.
Appointments: Built Heritage Experts Panel
- Council approved the appointment of three new members to the Built Heritage Experts Panel (BHEP) as recommended by staff. The BHEP provides expertise on heritage matters and advises on applications and proposals. Following the end of three members' terms in 2024, a call for applicants was issued, resulting in nine submissions. The selected appointees are Anika Bursey (Planner), Matt C. Reynolds (Architect) and Aaron Terry (Other with Relevant Experience).
- Council approved the appointment of Megan Webb as the new Chair of the BHEP.
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 period of January 29 and February 5, 2025.
Proclamations
The below proclamation took place at the meeting. All proclamations are also shared on our website.
Heritage Day/Week
Mayor Breen was joined by City employees, Ken O'Brien and Lindsay Church to proclaim February 17 as Heritage Day and February 17-23 as Heritage Week.
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