City Seeking Feedback on University Area and Cowan Heights Neighbourhood Plan Recommendations

The City of St. John’s invites residents and businesses to share their thoughts on the initial recommendations for new neighbourhood plans for the University Area and Cowan Heights.

“In fall 2024, we heard from community members during the first round of engagement,” said Councillor Maggie Burton, lead for Planning. “We’ve listened to what matters most in each neighbourhood, and now we’re checking back in to ensure the draft recommendations reflect those priorities.”

The neighbourhood plans will translate the vision and high-level policies from the Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan to local policies and improvements for each neighbourhood.  Initial recommendations address the following key areas:

• Mix of land uses
• Height and density of development
• Transportation
• Open spaces
• Protection of natural and cultural heritage features

This engagement opportunity is open to all residents and businesses, with a particular focus on those living and working in the University Area and Cowan Heights. The project team will also connect with local community groups, institutions, and key interested parties. A variety of tools are available to support engagement, including:

• Complete the Cowan Heights survey and/or the University Area survey;
• Submit ideas at EngageStJohns.ca. A project page has been set up for both the Cowan Heights and University Area neighbourhoods;
• Attend an online or in-person open house session (schedule below);

• Email engage@stjohns.ca; and/or
• Call 311 and ask to speak to a member of the project team.

Feedback will be collected until May 16, 2025. Findings will be shared with the public prior to the development of the final neighbourhood plans. 

Engagement Event Schedule

For the Cowan Heights neighbourhood, the following open houses have been scheduled:

• Online Open House: Tuesday, April 29 from 7 to 8 p.m. (Registration required to receive a Zoom link)
• In-Person Open House: Wednesday, May 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. at École St. Matthew's School, 119 Cowan Avenue (No registration required). This includes a walking tour that begins at 5:30 p.m. (weather dependant).

For the University Area neighbourhood, the following open houses have been scheduled:

• Online Open House: Wednesday, April 30 from 7 to 8 p.m. (Registration required to receive a Zoom link)
• In-Person Open House: Thursday, May 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the St. John’s Community Market, 245 Freshwater Road (No registration required). This includes a walking tour that begins at 5:30 p.m. (weather dependant).

The City recognizes that some people may need alternate ways to provide feedback. If accommodations are required for an in-person meeting or to provide feedback, please email engage@stjohns.ca or call 311 and ask to speak with a member of the project team.

The City of St. John’s has a strategic direction to be a Sustainable City, planning for land use while preserving and enhancing the natural and built environment for residents. The University Area and Cowan Heights neighbourhood plans play a key role in advancing this direction.