What We Heard: Water Access and the Slipway in Quidi Vidi

The City of St. John’s has released a What We Heard report summarizing findings from public engagement regarding water access and the wooden slipway in Quidi Vidi. The current slipway has reached the end of its lifecycle and is no longer safe to use. Feedback was collected from residents, property owners and visitors on how they currently use the area and potential options to maintain access to the water.  

What We Heard will be shared with at the Council meeting on Tuesday, August 20 at 3 p.m.

Highlights of What We Heard:  

• All feedback received focused on the community’s desire to retain a slipway in Quidi Vidi with a preference for something wooden, similar to what currently exists. 

• There is a view that the slipway is a visual indicator of the fishing village and its history and an iconic landmark for tourists, visitors, photographers and others. 

• People who live in Quidi Vidi feel development decisions over the years have eroded the fishing community and they are frustrated with the potential loss of the slipway. 

• The slipway is well used for boat storage, launch, and tie up. 

• Improve the access overall to allow better launching options. 

Addressed mail was sent to 160 households and property owners in Quidi Vidi with information about the project and details of a community meeting which took place on June 25. Postcards were also sent to rental properties in the area. Promotional efforts resulted in 620 visits to the project page on EngageStJohns.ca. Participants could provide feedback using an ideas tool which generated 194 contributions. More than 25 people attended the community meeting and 29 submissions were received via email and letter submissions.  

City staff will use the What We Heard to help inform their recommendation to Council about the plans for the slipway. 

Related Links: 

• What We Heard Report
• Media Release Announcing Engagement Opportunity  
• Visit the Engage Page