City Council Meeting Recap: May 6, 2025

- May 09, 2025

The following is a recap of the City of St. John's Regular Council Meeting on May 6, 2025, 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 clicking the button below.

Council Meeting Video, Agenda & Documents

Fees Reduced for Parklet Program

In response to feedback from the business community, City Council voted to eliminate the portion of fees previously charged to recoup lost parking revenue for parklets located on City-owned land, such as sidewalks or on-street parking spaces. Previously, a typical parklet installed in a metered parking space was charged a lease rate of $27.50 per square foot per year, based on lost parking revenue. Under the new structure, that fee has been reduced to $2.50 per square foot per year, aligning with the rate for non-revenue-generating City land. Businesses will still be required to pay applicable application and permit fees.

A parklet is a seasonal patio or outdoor seating area, often located on sidewalks or parking spaces, that provides businesses with additional outdoor service space. Parklets can be installed anywhere in the city from late May to the end of October. They are a key part of St. John’s vibrant summer streetscape, particularly in the downtown core.

Decision: Approved 8-1 (Councillor Davis voted against)

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Rezoning - 74 Welland Street (Formerly 425 Blackmarsh Road)

Council adopted Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment Number 50, 2025, to rezone a portion of land at 74 Welland Street (formerly 425 Blackmarsh Road) from Apartment 2 (A2) to Residential 3 (R3), allowing for the creation of a new single detached dwelling lot. Public consultation revealed some concerns from neighbouring residents about how the rezoning might affect future development on the larger vacant parcel in the area. Staff clarified that the proposed rezoning affects only a small portion of the site and will not limit access to or the potential for future development of the remaining land, which will stay zoned A2. Council also accepted a staff report in lieu of a full Land Use Report, given the limited scope of the application.

Decision: Approved unanimously

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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 reviewed a Discretionary Use application from Sunlit Kaya Inc. to operate a restaurant at 397 Empire Avenue. The restaurant will occupy approximately 173 m² and will operate from 7:30 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and 8 a.m. to midnight on weekends. On-site parking will be provided.

The property is zoned Commercial Neighbourhood (CN), and the proposed use aligns with zoning requirements. One public submission was received with questions about liquor sales and potential use as a lounge; however, after clarification from staff, the concern was withdrawn. While the menu is still being finalized, the business is expected to serve Chinese cuisine. Any future plans to serve alcohol or operate as a lounge would require separate applications and approvals.

Decision: approved unanimously

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Council reviewed a Change of Non-Conforming Use application for 93-95 Merrymeeting Road, which would allow Ajoke Naija Stores to operate a retail grocery business at the location. The change is from a former Place of Amusement use to a Retail Use.

The store will have a floor area of approximately 147 m² and operate from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Off-street parking is available. The property is zoned Residential 3 (R3), and the application received three letters of support from the public.

Decision: approved unanimously

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Council reviewed a Discretionary Use application for 279 Portugal Cove Road, submitted by Birhane Shop Incorporated, to operate a restaurant at the location.

The restaurant will occupy approximately 123 m² and will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. On-site parking is available. The site is zoned Commercial Neighbourhood (CN), and no public submissions were received.

Decision: approved unanimously

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Council reviewed a Change of Non-Conforming Use application submitted by Ceylon Bright Limited for 57 Blackler Avenue. The application is for the conversion of the space from a restaurant to a retail use for grocery items.

The store will occupy approximately 98.85 m² and operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Off-street parking is available. The property is located in a Residential 1 (R1) zone.

Decision: approved unanimously

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Legal Matters

Council regularly addresses legal matters involving the acquisition or expropriation of land or the sale of City land. These decisions are important to support infrastructure projects and/or facilitate development.

Council approved the sale of a small portion of City-owned land fronting on Mayor Avenue, adjacent to 45 Scott Street, to resolve an existing encroachment of a side porch onto City property. The land, approximately 41 square feet in size, will be sold at a rate of $30 per square foot plus HST and administrative fees, totaling around $1,230 plus HST. The purchaser is responsible for completing a survey and consolidating the land with their existing property. No objections were raised during internal consultations.

Decision: approved unanimously

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Council approved the expropriation of easements for the installation of the Shared Use Path at 13 and 30 Crosbie Road, as well as the relocation of two bus shelters, with estimated associated costs for the easements set at $15,877.85 and $542.51, respectively, plus reasonable legal fees.

Decision: approved unanimously

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Council approved the expropriation of a temporary emergency access easement at 17 Airport Heights Drive for the culvert replacement project, to ensure emergency access for the St. John’s Regional Fire Department during construction, if the property owner does not agree to the easement by May 9, 2025.

Decision: approved unanimously

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Inclusion Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Update

Council approved an amendment to the Inclusion Advisory Committee’s Terms of Reference to include the Universal Design Network Newfoundland and Labrador (UDNNL) as a member organization. This change, recommended unanimously by the committee, will enhance the City's focus on accessibility and inclusion by bringing UDNNL’s expertise in universal design to the table.

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Policy Updates

Council approved updates to both the Training and Learning Policy and the Procurement Policy. The Training and Learning Policy now includes a new provision encouraging the use of online training tools where possible, as part of its scheduled review. The Procurement Policy was revised following a Continuous Improvement project, with terminology updated to replace “cheque requisitions” with “Payment and Reimbursement Forms.”

Travel Authorization

Council approved Mayor Danny Breen’s participation in the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress, taking place June 19–21, 2025, in Saint John, New Brunswick. The forum brings together municipal leaders from across Atlantic Canada to discuss regional issues such as U.S. trade, immigration, electrification, and municipal governance. Mayor Breen’s attendance — covered under the City's AMC membership — supports continued collaboration, networking, and regional advocacy on behalf of the City of St. John’s.

Sponsorship

Council approved the sponsorship of the 2025 Annual Conference of the Atlantic Planners Institute (API) in St. John’s as a Platinum Sponsor at a cost of $5,000, which includes various promotional opportunities and conference participation benefits.

They also approved a $1,500 Bronze Level sponsorship for the 2025 Atlantic Canada Water and Wastewater Association Conference, which will bring together 400 industry professionals in St. John’s this October for technical sessions, networking, and a tradeshow.

Appointments

Council approved the following appointments to committees:

  • Environment and Sustainability Experts Panel - Council approved the appointment of Morteza Amiri and Adrian Rogers to the Environment & Sustainability Experts Panel, filling vacancies in the areas of Climate Science & Resilience and Natural Environment & Resources based on staff recommendations following a public call for applications.
  • Seniors Advisory Committee - Council approved the appointment of Fraser Piccott as a public representative, filling a recent vacancy following a member resignation.

Permits Issued

Council was provided with a list of Development Permits and Building Permits issued since the last council meeting for their information.

Tenders

A list of contracts awarded from April 2 to 30 was shared for Council’s information.

Weekly Payment Vouchers

Council approved the weekly payment vouchers for the weeks ending April 23 and April 30.

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