Minutes of Regular Meeting - City Council

Council Chamber, 4th Floor, City Hall

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 3:00 P.m. - 4:30 P.m.

4th Floor City Hall

Present:

• Mayor Danny Breen
• Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth
• Councillor Kate Cadigan
• Councillor Lynn Hammond
• Councillor Sandy Hickman
• Councillor Jill Bruce
• Councillor Brenda Halley
• Councillor Greg Noseworthy
• Councillor Tom Davis
• Councillor Donnie Earle

Regrets:

• Councillor Nikita Ryall

Staff:

• Derek Coffey, City Manager
• Tanya Haywood, Deputy City Manager of Community Services
• Jason Sinyard, Deputy City Manager of Planning, Engineering & Regulatory Services
• Ken O'Brien, Chief Municipal Planner
• Theresa Walsh, City Clerk
• Jackie O'Brien, Manager of Corporate Communications
• Linda Bishop, Senior Legal Counsel
• Christine Carter, Legislative Assistant

Others:

• Honourable Chris Tibbs, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

​​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

Mayor Breen called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm.

2.

PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

2.1

Long Service Awards Presentation

Honourable Chris Tibbs, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

The Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, the Honourable Chris Tibbs, recognized and presented long service awards to Mayor Danny Breen for 16 years of municipal service and to Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth for 12 years of municipal service to the City of St. John’s.

3.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

3.1

Adoption of Agenda

Prior to the start of the business portion of the meeting, Mayor Breen provided an update on the ongoing snow clearing being conducted throughout the City.

The Mayor advised that the City has awarded contracts for snow removal in the areas of Southlands, Kenmount Terrace and Airport Heights. Contractors have begun their work in those areas to clear snow, and it is expected that this will be completed by Sunday, March 1st. The Mayor also reminded residents that the 24-hour parking ban is still in effect and asked that all drivers be mindful of pedestrians.

Mayor Breen recognized City Staff who have been working around the clock and are doing great work getting areas cleared.

• SJMC-R-2026-02-24/044
  Moved By Councillor Cadigan
  Seconded By Councillor Davis

  That the Agenda be adopted as presented.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Deputy Mayor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Davis, Councillor Noseworthy, Councillor Halley, Councillor Cadigan, Councillor Hammond, and Councillor Earle

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

4.

ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

4.1

Adoption of Minutes - February 10, 2026

• SJMC-R-2026-02-24/045
  Moved By Councillor Hammond
  Seconded By Councillor Halley

  That the minutes of February 10, 2026, be adopted as presented.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Deputy Mayor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Davis, Councillor Noseworthy, Councillor Halley, Councillor Cadigan, Councillor Hammond, and Councillor Earle

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

5.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

6.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

6.1

Notices Published – 320 Torbay Road – DEV2600001

Councillor Bruce advised Council that she has received feedback from area residents questioning the location of the main entrance and concerns raised about noise levels later at night when events, such as a wedding, would be ending and guests departing the venue. 

Another issue raised by residents was the use of the emergency exits at the rear of the venue, during the events, and whether the use of the emergency exits could be enforced so that they are only used in case of an emergency. 

The Deputy City Manager of Planning, Engineering and Regulatory Services confirmed that the entrance to the venue is in the front of the building, not the rear, and that he would discuss with the City's Legal Department the restricted use of the emergency exits.

• SJMC-R-2026-02-24/046
  Moved By Councillor Bruce
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Ellsworth

  That Council approve the Discretionary Use at 320 Torbay Road for a Place of Amusement.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Deputy Mayor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Davis, Councillor Noseworthy, Councillor Halley, Councillor Cadigan, Councillor Hammond, and Councillor Earle

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

7.

RATIFICATION OF EPOLLS

7.1

E-Poll – Rose Bowl Award

• SJMC-R-2026-02-24/047
  Moved By Councillor Bruce
  Seconded By Councillor Hickman

  That Council approve to renew and continue sponsorship of the Kiwanis Music Festival Rose Bowl Award through 2029.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Deputy Mayor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Davis, Councillor Noseworthy, Councillor Halley, Councillor Cadigan, Councillor Hammond, and Councillor Earle

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

8.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

8.1

Audit and Accountability Standing Committee Report - February 11, 2026

1.

Privacy Management Audit

• SJMC-R-2026-02-24/048
  Moved By Councillor Davis
  Seconded By Councillor Hammond

  
  That Council approve the Privacy Management audit report and the associated action plans put forth by management.

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

8.2

Committee of the Whole Report - February 17, 2026

1.

City of St. John's Heritage Strategic Plan 2026-2036

Members of Council expressed their support for the St. John's Heritage Strategic Plan and thanked the members of the public that engaged in the process, and City Staff for their great efforts on completing the plan that will guide heritage planning and preservation in the City of St. John's.

• SJMC-R-2026-02-24/049
  Moved By Councillor Davis
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Ellsworth

  That Council endorse the St. John’s Heritage Strategic Plan 2026-2036 and use it as a guiding document for actions to be completed over the next ten years. 

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Deputy Mayor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Davis, Councillor Noseworthy, Councillor Halley, Councillor Cadigan, Councillor Hammond, and Councillor Earle

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

2.

2025 General Municipal Election Report

Councillor Davis noted that he had been asked by a resident as to why the final recommendation to Council would not be presented for consideration until 2028. The City Clerk advised that this timeline would provide the required time to research, consult and hold the necessary engagement to prepare the recommendations for Council's consideration prior to the next Municipal General Election.

• SJMC-R-2026-02-24/050
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Ellsworth
  Seconded By Councillor Davis

  That Council accept the 2025 Municipal General Election Report and approve the recommendation contained therein.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Deputy Mayor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Davis, Councillor Noseworthy, Councillor Halley, Councillor Cadigan, Councillor Hammond, and Councillor Earle

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

3.

366-374 Empire Avenue – REZ2600001

Councillor Halley supported this rezoning as there is a great need for housing in the City, and that this is an ideal location for a new development.

• SJMC-R-2026-02-24/051
  Moved By Councillor Davis
  Seconded By Councillor Noseworthy

  That Council consider rezoning 366-374 Empire Avenue from the Residential 3 (R3) Zone to the Apartment 1 (A1) Zone for a Cluster Development. Further, that Council approve the attached land use report (LUR) terms of reference for 366-374 Empire Avenue and upon receiving a satisfactory LUR, that the application be advertised and referred to a public meeting chaired by an independent facilitator.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Deputy Mayor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Davis, Councillor Noseworthy, Councillor Halley, Councillor Cadigan, Councillor Hammond, and Councillor Earle

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

9.

DEVELOPMENT PERMITS LIST (FOR INFORMATION ONLY) 

9.1

Development Permits List February 5 - 18, 2026

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 February 11 and February 18, 2026

• SJMC-R-2026-02-24/052
  Moved By Deputy Mayor Ellsworth
  Seconded By Councillor Bruce

  That the weekly payment vouchers for the weeks ending February 11 and February 18, 2026, in the amount of $18,151,789.96, be approved as presented.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Deputy Mayor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Davis, Councillor Noseworthy, Councillor Halley, Councillor Cadigan, Councillor Hammond, and Councillor Earle

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

12.

TENDERS/RFPS

13.

NOTICES OF MOTION, RESOLUTIONS, QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS

14.

NEW BUSINESS

14.1

358-376 Portugal Cove Place – REZ2200011 - Adoption

Deputy Mayor Ellsworth noted that the public meeting for this development was well attended, and the biggest concern was the traffic study provided, and the volume of traffic that this would add to the area. The Proponent conducted a second traffic study after hearing the traffic concerns of the residents in attendance. The second report did not raise any concerns about increased traffic volumes. The infill development is important, it is a walkable distance to local amenities, and it is on bus routes. This development is targeting a mid-range market, which is currently under-serviced, and there is a need for this type and size of housing. The Deputy Mayor noted his support for this project. 

Councillor Bruce raised the issue of the emergency exit which will exit onto Portugal Cove Road, and how it will be controlled so it will not be used as an alternate exit by area residents. The Deputy City Manager of Planning, Engineering and Regulatory Services advised that the emergency exit would be gated and not be used as a thoroughfare, and only to be used in case of an emergency.

Councillor Davis added that he is also supportive of this development and recognizes the challenges of parking on Bell's Turn and the traffic issues of Portugal Cove Road and Higgins Line intersections which is currently being assessed by Staff. Traffic and parking issues in the area will need to be watched closely by Staff as this evolves, and that he also is supportive of this project.

• SJMC-R-2026-02-24/053
  Moved By Councillor Davis
  Seconded By Deputy Mayor Ellsworth

  That Council:
  1) adopt the attached Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment Number 73, 2026, to rezone land at 358-376 Portugal Cove Place from the Residential 1 (R1) Zone to the Residential 2 (R2) and Apartment 1 (A1) Zones, and reduce the required landscaping for Apartment Buildings and Cluster Developments in the A1 Zone from 35% to 30% of lot area.
  2) approve the land use report for 358-376 Portugal Cove Place, dated January 26, 2026.
  3) set the zone standards for a Cluster Development at 358-376 Portugal Cove Place as follows:
  - Lot Area (minimum) – 28,480 m2
  
  

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Deputy Mayor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Davis, Councillor Noseworthy, Councillor Halley, Councillor Cadigan, Councillor Hammond, and Councillor Earle

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

14.2

2026 Civic Improvement Assessment Rates

• SJMC-R-2026-02-24/054
  Moved By Councillor Noseworthy
  Seconded By Councillor Halley

  That Council approves the assessment rates for 2026.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Deputy Mayor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Davis, Councillor Noseworthy, Councillor Halley, Councillor Cadigan, Councillor Hammond, and Councillor Earle

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

14.3

45-53 Blackmarsh Road – REZ2400022 – Adoption

Councillor Noseworthy voiced his support for this development, noting that although there were some concerns raised, this allows for additional housing, economic development, and amenities for the area. This neighbourhood is seeing growth, and this will further help to reinvigorate the neighbourhood.

Deputy Mayor Ellsworth added that he also supports this development and noted that when the City's Development Regulations were reviewed several years ago, this type of development is what was envisioned and what Council is trying to accomplish. Creating areas that have housing and are within close proximity (walkable) to local amenities. He added that Council would encourage other property owners with similar properties to look at this development and consider it for their properties.

• SJMC-R-2026-02-24/055
  Moved By Councillor Davis
  Seconded By Councillor Noseworthy

  That Council:
  (1) adopt Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment Number 75, 2026, to rezone 45-53 Blackmarsh Road from the Industrial Commercial (IC) Zone to the Commercial Mixed (CM) Zone;
  (2) accept this staff report in lieu of a land use report; and
  (3) approve the discretionary use of four (4) dwelling units on the first storey of the existing building at 47 Blackmarsh Road.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Deputy Mayor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Davis, Councillor Noseworthy, Councillor Halley, Councillor Cadigan, Councillor Hammond, and Councillor Earle

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

14.4

Travel Authorization – 2026 MNL Municipal Symposium, Gander, NL

• SJMC-R-2026-02-24/056
  Moved By Councillor Hickman
  Seconded By Councillor Bruce

  That Council approve of the travel for Councillor Ryall, Councillor Hammond, and Councillor Cadigan to attend the 2026 MNL Municipal Symposium in Gander from May 7-9, 2026.

  
  

  For (10)

  Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Deputy Mayor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Davis, Councillor Noseworthy, Councillor Halley, Councillor Cadigan, Councillor Hammond, and Councillor Earle

  
  
  
  MOTION CARRIED (10 to 0)

15.

OTHER BUSINESS

16.

ACTION ITEMS RAISED BY COUNCIL

17.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:05 pm.