City Council Meeting Recap: September 17, 2024

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The following is a recap of the City of St. John's Regular Council Meeting on September 17, 2024, 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.

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7 Rickett’s Road

Council were asked to consider a proposal to rezone 7 Rickett’s Road from an Institutional (INST) Zone to an Apartment 1 (A1) Zone for a cluster development of multiple apartment buildings (150-200 units). The rezoning aligns with the city’s Municipal Plan to support affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. A public consultation will follow upon receiving a satisfactory Land Use Report from the developer. The development will integrate with the surrounding residential area, respecting existing neighborhood character and infrastructure.

Councillor Ellsworth shared his support for the development and also encouraged all developers and non-profit organizations considering projects in the future to connect with council as early as possible. He also shared how encouraging growth has been taking place in terms of development compared to last year, with an increase of approximately $100 million worth of developments approved.

Decision: Approved Unanimously

Easement Over Harbour Drive Approved

A contractor hired by the Port Authority has reached out to the City to get permission to install a communication wire over Harbour Drive, from the light pole to Atlantic Place. Councillor Hickman voiced concerns about the aesthetics and if other options could be explored.

Decision: Five out of seven Councillors in attendance voted to approve the easement (Councillor Hickman and Councillor Davis were not in favour).

Work for Team Gushue Highway Extension Approved

The Provincial Government has issued a tender for the final phase of the Team Gushue Highway extension, which will connect Topsail Road to Pitts Memorial Drive. the extension of the Team Gushue Highway from Topsail Road to Pitts Memorial Drive, new roundabouts at the Pitts Memorial Drive Interchange and the intersection of Team Gushue Highway/Brookfield Road, new alignment of Brookfield Road and Tobin’s Road, and construction of a new street to ensure frontage of existing properties on Heavy Tree Road. As the highway encroaches on floodplains and wetlands, Council approval is required under the Development Regulations. The Environmental and Sustainability Experts Panel reviewed the plans, recommending measures to minimize environmental impact.

Decision: Approved unanimously

Overnight Construction Approved for Elizabeth Avenue

Staff were seeking approval for intermittent overnight construction along Elizabeth Avenue (between Anderson Avenue and Freshwater Road) from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. between September 17 and November 15, 2024. This work, primarily related to watermain infrastructure which will require water to be shut off in the area, is necessary to avoid disruptions to local businesses during the day. The construction will not occur every night and depends on weather and the contractor's schedule. Approval is required to exempt the project from the City’s noise by-law during this period.

Notifications of overnight work and other disruptions will be shared with residents. Residents can subscribe to receive updates through the City's website and/or follow this project on Engage St. John's.

It has typically been the opinion of City Council and staff that overnight construction activities are not desirable in the City due to the noise caused by construction activities and the effect this would have on nearby residents as well as increased costs typically associated with overnight work.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

Text Amendment Adopted for Heritage Use Definition and Conditions

Council was asked to adopt a text amendment to clarify the definition of "Heritage Use" in the Envision St. John’s Development Regulations. This amendment addresses concerns about the size of extensions to Heritage Buildings, ensuring any additions are compatible with the original structure. The change aligns with heritage preservation standards, including guidelines from Parks Canada. The amendment will allow more flexibility while protecting the character of designated Heritage Buildings. Public consultation was completed and the Heritage Experts Panel was consulted, with their feedback contained in the decision note. More information can also be found on the project page on Engage St. John's.

Decision: Approved unanimously.

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 September 17 meeting:

a property outlined on a map to show the location on the street

Redevelopment of a Non-Conforming Building – 121-125 Campbell Avenue

An application has been submitted to redevelop 121-125 Campbell Avenue from a Non-Conforming Retail Use to an apartment building. The plan includes adding four new residential units on the main floor, alongside the two existing units on the second floor. No changes will be made to the building’s footprint, and the internal reconfiguration won’t increase its non-conformity. The proposed use is permitted in the R2 Zone.

Council Decision: Approved unanimously

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Deck in the Wetland Buffer – 45 Leonard J. Cowley Street

An application was submitted for the approval of a deck at 45 Leonard J. Cowley Street, in which a portion of the rear yard of the Lot is located within the Wetland Buffer. On September 3, 2024, Council approved a 9.61m2 deck for this property, but the applicant has since submitted a new application for an increase in size (19.8m2)

Council Decision: Approved unanimously.

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New Appointments

New appointments to the following working groups and boards were approved by City Council:

St. John’s Sports and Entertainment Ltd. Board of Directors - Michael Duah
Youth Engagement Working Group – Bradley Greeley and Zeinab Salehiankia
Pippy Park Commission Board – Councillor Sandy Hickman was assigned as a council representative on the Pippy Park Commission Board
NL Sports Centre Board – Councillor Tom Davis was assigned as the council representative and Deputy City Manager Tanya Haywood was reappointed to the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Centre Board.

Permits Issued

Council was provided with a list of Development and Building Permits issued during the August 29 to September 11 period for their information.

Weekly Payment Vouchers

Council approved the weekly payment vouchers for the period of September 4 to 11.

Proclamation - National Tree Day

Bruce Roberts, Ecologist and Registered Professional Forester with Tree Canada and Jessica Foley, Manager of Parks and Open Spaces at the City of St. John's joined Mayor Breen for the signing of the proclamation.

View Proclamations