City Council Meeting Recap: February 25, 2025
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The following is a recap of the City of St. John's Regular Council Meeting on February 25, 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.
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:
Crown Land Grant: 870 Kenmount Road |
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Council was advised to reject a crown land grant application for 870 Kenmount Road. The land is zoned Comprehensive Development Area 9 (CDA9), where development is not permitted until a Development Plan is approved, services are available, and rezoning occurs. Additionally, the parcel lacks frontage on a public street, which is required for development.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Discretionary Use: 603 Topsail Road |
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A discretionary use application was submitted by 95887 Newfoundland & Labrador Inc. for a child care centre at 603 Topsail Road. The centre will accommodate up to 58 children and 12 employees, operating Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. within an existing 290.4m² building. The site, zoned Residential 1 (R1) and Residential 2 (R2), requires seven parking spaces, but only six can be provided due to site constraints. Parking relief is requested, and justified by staggered drop-off and pick-up times. Four public submissions were received—two in support and two opposed, citing concerns about traffic and location. Traffic concerns were reviewed, and the development is expected to have minimal impact on the existing traffic flow. The site plan has been updated to meet development requirements.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Parking Relief: 10 Whitty Place |
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An application for a Four-Plex at 10 Whitty Place under the Housing Accelerator Fund requests relief for two parking spaces. Development regulations require one space per unit, but only two are proposed. On-street parking is not allowed due to the cul-de-sac's turning radius. The applicant justifies the request by citing two additional stacked parking spaces for coordinated tenant use and proximity to a bus route on Blackhead Road.
Decision: Approved unanimously. |
Discretionary Use: 11 Barrow's Road |
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A Discretionary Use application was submitted by Long Harbour Holdings Inc. for a temporary seasonal food and beverage operation at 11 Barrows Road for 2025–2026. The proposal includes seven restaurants (five food trucks, an ice cream shop, and a temporary building selling food and beer), with a fenced tented area for alcohol service, picnic table seating, and on-site washrooms. Operating from May to September, the food trucks/tent will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the ice cream shop from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The site, covering 3,135.5m² in the Industrial Quidi Vidi (IQV) Zone, has limited parking, with six spaces along Maple View Place. Parking relief is requested, and a shuttle service will transport visitors from nearby lots. Traffic restrictions will be considered on weekends to reduce congestion. Public feedback included seven submissions—five in support and two opposed—raising concerns about traffic, noise, garbage, unauthorized parking and pedestrian trespassing. Noise bylaws will apply, and no outdoor speakers are allowed. Councillor Ravencroft requested that the application be deferred until the next meeting to provide additional time to consult with residents in the area.
Decision: Deferred, 6-4. Councillors Hickman, Ellsworth, Bruce and Ridgeley voted against. |
Municipal By-Elections Report and Recommendations
Council were asked to accept the 2024 Municipal By-Elections Report, which was discussed during the February 18 Committee of the Whole meeting.
The acceptance of the report allows staff to begin work on the recommendations made in the report, with the exception of mandatory registration, which council asked to defer until legislation allows for telephone/electronic voting. While some of the recommendations in the report will not be carried out for the 2025 general election, staff will introduce additional drop-boxes at community centres for vote-by-mail kits and reduce the number of satellite drop off centres on election day within all wards to one location, with the exception of ward 5 which would have two.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
Notice of Motion
City council approved a motion put forward by Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O'Leary in response to upcoming US tariffs directing staff to report on options and implications of the following:
- adjusting policies to avoid purchase of US goods and services
- closing the City’s X account and considering alternate social media platforms
- continuing the City’s ongoing work of supporting local businesses to diversify and strengthen our economy.
The motion also requests that the Mayor, on behalf of Council, write to the Prime Minister and the Premier to share these actions and positions.
Strategic Plan Progress and Initiatives for 2025
On February 18, a report was presented to Council at Committee of the Whole outlining progress made in 2024 on the City's 10-year strategic plan, Our City, Our Future, as well as the draft plan for 2025. Council officially approved the plan at the February 25 meeting. In 2024, 33 initiatives were completed while 37 new initiatives are planned for 2025. Read the City's summary of the report for more information.
Expropriation – Easement at 301 Back Line
Council was asked to approve the expropriation of an easement over 301 Back Line for future maintenance of a stream headwall upgraded by the City in 2024. Despite multiple discussions with the property owner and site visits, the owner has not provided a lawyer's contact information. Given the delays, expropriation is deemed necessary. The easement area is 669.52 square feet, with an acquisition cost of $669.52 plus legal fees.
Decision: Approved 9-1. Councillor Ridgeley rejected.
Sale of City Land
Council were asked to approve the sale of City land adjacent to 315 Waterford Bridge Road. The property owner has used the land for unpaved parking and wishes to purchase it. The parcel is within the floodplain buffer, limiting development. City staff have no objections. The purchase price is set at $1.50 per square foot, totaling approximately $3,785.08 plus HST and administrative fees. The buyer must complete a survey and consolidate the land with their existing property.
Decision: Approved unanimously.
Travel Authorization
- Council gave approval for Councillor Davis to attend the Urban Municipalities Committee meeting in Marystown on March 28–29, 2025. Hosted by Municipalities NL, the UMC represents municipalities with over 3,000 residents and discusses key issues. Councillor Davis is the alternate delegate for St. John’s.
- Council gave approval for the City Manager to attend the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) Conference and AGM in Mont-Tremblant, QC, from May 26–28, 2025. As a CAMA member, the City Manager would benefit from training, best practices, and networking opportunities. The conference includes seven hours of professional development applicable to certification requirements.
2025 Civic Improvement Assessment Rates
Council set the 2025 assessment rates for civic improvements, as mandated by the City's Assessment Policy. Rates are adjusted annually based on construction cost changes. The 2025 rates reflect increases across all categories compared to 2024. Key rate changes include watermain increasing to $230/m (from $219/m), sanitary sewer to $210/m (from $200/m), and street improvement to $123/m (from $117/m). Other services, including water, sanitary, and storm services, also see increases.
City of St. John’s Emergency Management Plan
Council approved the City of St. John’s Emergency Management Plan 2024. As mandated by the Provincial Emergency Services Act, the plan must be updated and submitted every three years. The 2024 update includes revisions to roles and responsibilities, City facilities and assets, and terminology. The plan has been reviewed by the Emergency Coordination Centre Committee, Deputy City Managers, and received provisional approval from the Province, pending final Council approval.
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 February 12 to February 19.
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