Minutes of Regular Meeting - City Council

Council Chamber, 4th Floor, City Hall

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 3:00 P.m. - 4:30 P.m.

4th Floor City Hall

Present:

• Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O'Leary
• Councillor Maggie Burton
• Councillor Ron Ellsworth
• Councillor Sandy Hickman
• Councillor Jill Bruce
• Councillor Ophelia Ravencroft
• Councillor Tom Davis
• Councillor Carl Ridgeley

Regrets:

• Mayor Danny Breen
• Councillor Greg Noseworthy

Staff:

• Kevin Breen, City Manager
• Derek Coffey, Deputy City Manager of Finance & Corporate Services
• Tanya Haywood, Deputy City Manager of Community Services
• Jason Sinyard, Deputy City Manager of Planning, Engineering & Regulatory Services
• Lynnann Winsor, Deputy City Manager of Public Works
• Cheryl Mullett, City Solicitor
• Ken O'Brien, Chief Municipal Planner
• Theresa Walsh, City Clerk
• Jackie O'Brien, Manager of Corporate Communications
• Stacey Corbett, Legislative Assistant

​​Land Acknowledgement

The following statement was read into the record:

“We respectfully acknowledge the Province of Newfoundland & Labrador, of which the City of St. John’s is the capital City, as the ancestral homelands of the Beothuk. Today, these lands are home to a diverse population of indigenous and other peoples. We would also like to acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Mi’kmaq, Innu, Inuit, and Southern Inuit of this Province.”

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

As the Mayor was absent, Deputy Mayor O'Leary acted as Chair and called the meeting to order.

As the Mayor was absent, Deputy Mayor O'Leary acted as Chair and called the meeting to order.

2.

PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

3.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

3.1

Adoption of Agenda

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/262
  Moved By Councillor Ravencroft
  Seconded By Councillor Ellsworth

  That the Agenda be adopted as presented.

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

4.

ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

4.1

Adoption of Minutes - July 2, 2025

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/263
  Moved By Councillor Bruce
  Seconded By Councillor Hickman

  That the minutes of July 7, 2025, be adopted as presented.

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

5.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

5.1

Artist Selection – 2025 Canada Games Mural Partnership

Councillor Hickman reviewed the information note and advised that Anastasia Tiller has been chosen as the artist to complete the 2025 Jeux du Canada Games mural project.

6.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

6.1

Accessory Building in the Watershed (Town of Portugal Cove – St. Phillip’s) – 264 Oliver’s Pond Road – INT2500041

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/264
  Moved By Councillor Ridgeley
  Seconded By Councillor Burton

  That Council approve the Accessory Building in the Watershed at 264 Oliver’s Pond Road, Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s.

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

6.2

Approval of Building Line, Rear Yard Variance and Heritage Design – 36 Bonaventure Avenue – SUB2500008

The Deputy City Manager of Planning, Engineering and Regulatory Services informed Council that this development would be considered by the Housing Accelerator Action Fund.

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/265
  Moved By Councillor Ridgeley
  Seconded By Councillor Ravencroft

  That Council approve the Building Line Setback at 0.95 metre and a 10% Variance for a Rear Yard Setback of 4.05 metres for a second Lot at 36 Bonaventure Avenue; and
  
  Council accept this staff report as the Heritage Report for a new residential building at 36 Bonaventure Avenue in Heritage Area 2, as per Section 8 (3) of the St. John’s Heritage By-Law, and approve the building elevations dated June 19, 2025.

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

6.3

Establish Building Line – 26 Cemetery Lane – INT2500045

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/266
  Moved By Councillor Ridgeley
  Seconded By Councillor Davis

  That Council approve the 5.87 meter Building Line to accommodate the building extension at 26 Cemetery Lane.

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

6.4

Notices Published – 166 St. Clare Avenue – DEV2500092

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/267
  Moved By Councillor Ridgeley
  Seconded By Councillor Ravencroft

  That Council approve the Discretionary Use application for a Home Occupation at 166 St. Clare Avenue for mobile phone repair.

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

6.5

Notices Published – 36 Pearson Street – DEV2500087

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/268
  Moved By Councillor Ridgeley
  Seconded By Councillor Bruce

  That Council approve the revised hours of operation of 10 a.m. - 12 a.m. (midnight), seven days a week for the existing Restaurant, which is a Discretionary Use at 36 Pearson Street.

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

6.6

Notices Published – 413 Bay Bulls Road – DEV2500090

Councillor Davis requested clarification on why a Car Sales Lot would be added as a use when the decision note states that no vehicles will be sold on site. It was advised that although vehicles would not be sold at the location, the location would be used to place vehicle orders.

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/269
  Moved By Councillor Ridgeley
  Seconded By Councillor Burton

  That Council approve the change of Non-Conforming Use at 413 Bay Bulls Road to allow Car Sales Lot within the existing Commercial Garage and Office Use.

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

6.7

Notices Published – 50 Mundy Pond Road – DEV2500089

Councillor Davis clarified that the medical clinic currently located at 50 Mundy Pond Road is relocating. The new clinic being proposed is intended to support new Canadians with integration into the healthcare system.

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/270
  Moved By Councillor Ridgeley
  Seconded By Councillor Ravencroft

  That Council approve the Discretionary Use for a medical Clinic Use at 50 Mundy Pond Road.
  

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

7.

RATIFICATION OF EPOLLS

7.1

Mobile Vending at various locations throughout the City

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/271
  Moved By Councillor Hickman
  Seconded By Councillor Burton

  That Council approve the mobile vending proposal as described.
  

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

7.2

2025 MNL Conference, Trade Show and AGM

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/272
  Moved By Councillor Burton
  Seconded By Councillor Ellsworth

  That Council approve the registration and travel expenses for the following Councillors to attend the MNL Conference to be held in Corner Brook from November 20 – 22, 2025:
  
  •Councillor Greg Noseworthy
  •Councillor Jill Bruce
  •Councillor Sandy Hickman
  •Councillor Tom Davis
  

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

7.3

SERC – Film Shoot Road Closure

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/273
  Moved By Councillor Bruce
  Seconded By Councillor Ravencroft

  That Council approve the road closure associated with the filming of the television series Saint Pierre.

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

8.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

9.

DEVELOPMENT PERMITS LIST (FOR INFORMATION ONLY) 

9.1

Development Permits List June 26 - July 9, 2025

10.

BUILDING PERMITS LIST (FOR INFORMATION ONLY)

10.1

Building Permits List

11.

REQUISITIONS, PAYROLLS AND ACCOUNTS

11.1

Weekly Payment Vouchers for the Weeks Ending July 2 and July 9, 2025

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/274
  Moved By Councillor Ellsworth
  Seconded By Councillor Bruce

  That the weekly payment vouchers for the weeks ending July 2nd and July 9th, 2025, in the amount of $36,462,566.33, be approved as presented.

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

12.

TENDERS/RFPS

13.

NOTICES OF MOTION, RESOLUTIONS QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS

13.1

Petition - Dunfield Street and Berteau Avenue

Councillor Davis presented a petition from residents requesting traffic calming measures on Dunfield Street and Berteau Avenue.  Staff will circulate the petition to Planning, Engineering and Regulatory Services Staff for consideration.

14.

NEW BUSINESS

14.1

59 Duckworth Street –Designated Heritage Building - DEV2400024

Deputy Mayor O'Leary commented on the building's significance within the downtown core. She expressed satisfaction with the public engagement involved in the application and also noted that the proposed exterior alterations were reviewed by the Built Heritage Experts Panel.

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/275
  Moved By Councillor Burton
  Seconded By Councillor Ravencroft

  That Council approve the exterior alterations, as proposed, to 59 Duckworth Street, a designated Heritage Building.

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

14.2

7 Waterford Bridge Road (2025) - REZ2500013 - Adoption

Deputy Mayor O'Leary noted the importance of staff review of the classification of Waterford Bridge Road as a minor arterial due to traffic concerns in the area.

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/276
  Moved By Councillor Burton
  Seconded By Councillor Ellsworth

  That Council adopt the Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment 58, 2025, regarding an apartment building at 7 Waterford Bridge Road.

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

14.3

Demolition of Buildings – 46 & 48 Blackwood Place

It was clarified that, although the decision note indicates the properties are in Ward 1, they are located within Ward 4.

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/277
  Moved By Councillor Hickman
  Seconded By Councillor Davis

  That Council grant the Demolition Order of 46 and 48 Blackwood Place as the buildings are in a state of total disrepair and are creating a potential safety concern.
  

  
  

  For (8)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

15.

OTHER BUSINESS

15.1

2025 Canada Games Road Closures

Councillor Ravencroft requested clarification regarding the road closures for the canoe and kayak events scheduled from August 6 - 17. It was advised that closures will be spaced out and happen only during the specific times when the events are taking place rather than the road being closed for the entire period.

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/278
  Moved By Councillor Bruce
  Seconded By Councillor Davis

  That Council approve the road closures associated with the 2025 Canada Games.

  
  

  For (7)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

15.2

SERC - 2025 Summer Events 3

Councillor Bruce requested clarification on whether the road would be closed fully or if one lane would be open. It was advised that it would be a full road closure due to heightened security measures. The road will still be open for residents and buses.

• SJMC-R-2025-07-15/279
  Moved By Councillor Bruce
  Seconded By Councillor Ravencroft

  That Council approve the road closures and by-law exemptions associated with the following events: Churchill Park Music Festival July 25 - 29, Regatta Eve July 29, Regatta Day July 30 (inclement weather date is the next suitable day), George Street Festival July 31 – August 6, and Canada Games Torch Relay August 1.

  
  

  For (7)

  Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Davis

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

16.

ACTION ITEMS RAISED BY COUNCIL

17.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:48 pm