Minutes of Regular Meeting - City Council

Council Chamber, 4th Floor, City Hall

-
4th Floor City Hall
Present:
  • Mayor Danny Breen
  • Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O'Leary
  • Councillor Maggie Burton
  • Councillor Ron Ellsworth
  • Councillor Sandy Hickman
  • Councillor Jill Bruce
  • Councillor Greg Noseworthy
  • Councillor Tom Davis
  • Councillor Carl Ridgeley
Regrets:
  • Councillor Ophelia Ravencroft
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
  • 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.”

1.
CALL TO ORDER

 

2.
PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

 

2.1
National Poetry Month - Poetry Reading

 

Jennifer May Newhook

2.2
Youth Week

 

Proclamation

2.3
Volunteer Week

 

Proclamation

3.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

 

3.1
Adoption of Agenda

 
  • SJMC-R-2024-04-22/136
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary
    Seconded ByCouncillor Davis

    That the Agenda be adopted as presented.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

4.
ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

 

4.1
Minutes of April 9, 2025

This item has attachments. 
1.Post-Meeting Minutes - RCM_Apr09_2025 - English.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2024-04-22/137
    Moved ByCouncillor Bruce
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hickman

    That the minutes of April 9, 2025, be adopted as presented.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

5.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

 

6.
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

 

6.1
Crown Land Grant – Petty Harbour Road – CRW2500004

This item has attachments. 
1.Development Committee - Crown Land Grant - Petty Harbour Road - CRW2500004.pdf
2.E-163874 2500 Map.pdf

Councillor Ellsworth declared a conflict of interest and abstained from voting as he volunteers with the organization that owns the property.

Councillor Ridgeley encouraged the proponent to work with city staff, the province and Newfoundland Power in hopes of finding a solution to allow the application to proceed.

  • SJMC-R-2024-04-22/138
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary

    That Council reject the Crown Land Grant along Petty Harbour Road for a Cemetery Use, as the property is zoned Open Space Reserve (OR), which does not allow the proposed use, and the parcel of land has no frontage on a public street.


    For (8)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy
    Abstain (1)Councillor Ellsworth


    MOTION CARRIED (8 to 0)

6.2
Proposed Single Detached Dwelling in the Watershed – 5 King’s Hill Road (Town of Portugal Cove – St. Phillip’s) – INT2500021

This item has attachments. 
1.Development Committee - Single Detached Dwelling (PCSP) – 5 Kings Hill Road - INT2500021.pdf
2.Site location.pdf

Deputy Mayor O'Leary inquired whether there has been dialogue with the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, as they continue to refer applications within the water to the City, despite the regulations clearly not allowing this type of development. It was advised that the applications are forwarded to the City as the watershed falls under City jurisdiction.

  • SJMC-R-2024-04-22/139
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Davis

    That Council reject the proposed development for a Single Detached Dwelling at 5 King’s Hill Road, Town of Portugal Cove St. Phillips, as the Lot is located within the Broad Cove Watershed and a new Dwelling is not permitted on the Lot as per Section 104(4) of the City of St. John’s Act.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

6.3
Notices Published – 31 Malta Street – DEV2500039

This item has attachments. 
1.Notices Published - 31 Malta Street - DEV2500039.pdf
2.31 Malta Street_subjectProperty.pdf
3.Combined Submissions_redacted.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2024-04-22/140
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Burton

    That Council approve the Discretionary Use for a Service Shop at 31 Malta Street to allow a beauty salon.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

6.4
Notices Published – 55 Cashin Avenue - DEV2500034

This item has attachments. 
1.Notices Published - 55 Cashin Avenue.pdf
2.55 Cashin Avenue_subjectProperty.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2024-04-22/141
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ellsworth

    That Council approve the change of Non-Conforming Use for a Retail Use at 55 Cashin Avenue.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

6.5
Notices Published - 65 Empire Avenue – DEV2500026

This item has attachments. 
1.Notices Published - 65 Empire Avenue.pdf
2.Combined Submissions_redacted(3).pdf
  • SJMC-R-2024-04-22/142
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Noseworthy

    That Council approve the change of Non-Conforming Use for a Clinic Use at 65 Empire Avenue and parking relief for three (3) parking space.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

6.6
Proposed Demo and Rebuild for a Non-Conforming Use – 267 Thorburn Road – SUB2500012

This item has attachments. 
1.Development Committee- Demo Rebuild of Non-conforming Use - 267 Thorburn Road - SUB2500012.pdf
2.267ThorburnRd.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2024-04-22/143
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hickman

    That Council approve the demolition and rebuilt of the Non-conforming Use at 267 Thorburn Road.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

6.7
Notices Published – 5 Lunenburg Street – DEV2500024

This item has attachments. 
1.Notices Published - 5 Lunenburg Street.pdf
2.DEV2500024-5 LUNENBURG STREET.pdf
3.Combined Submissions_Redacted(2).pdf

Councillor Bruce expressed support for small businesses, however, she noted that this particular business has been in operation without a permit and has already contributed to traffic concerns in the area. Given the businesses success, she advised that a commercial location would be more appropriate.

  • SJMC-R-2024-04-22/144
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bruce

    That Council approve the Discretionary Use application for a Home Occupation at 5 Lunenburg Street for retail sales.


    For (1)Deputy Mayor O'Leary
    Against (8)Mayor Breen, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION LOST (1 to 8)

7.
RATIFICATION OF EPOLLS

 

8.
COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

8.1
Committee of the Whole Report - April 15, 2025

This item has attachments. 
1.Post-Meeting Report - CoW_Apr15_2025 - English.pdf

1.
Wetlands Map Amendment – Southlands (SL1)

This item has attachments. 
1.Wetlands Map Amendment - Southlands (SL1) .pdf
2.Appendix C - Map 4 - October 2024 (Current).pdf
3.SOUTHLANDS.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-04-22/145
    Moved ByCouncillor Burton
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ellsworth

    That Council consider a map amendment to the Envision St. John’s Development Regulations to update Appendix C, Map 4 to reflect the full extent of the Southlands SL1 wetland.

    Further, that the proposed amendment be advertised in accordance with the Development Regulations.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

2.
725 Southlands Boulevard – REZ2500005

This item has attachments. 
1.725 Southlands Boulevard (Galway) - REZ2500005.pdf
2.725 Southlands Boulevard - Aerial.pdf
3.CURRENT - Galway - Schedule B - Land-Use Plan - October 15 2024.pdf
4.PROPOSED - Revised PMD-1 Galway - Schedule B - Land Use - January 27 2025.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-04-22/146
    Moved ByCouncillor Burton
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary

    That Council consider an amendment to the Envision St. John’s Development Regulations to replace maps in Appendix D in the Planned Mixed Development 1 (PDM 1) Zone to reflect the new proposed development plan. Further, that the application be publicly advertised for review and comment.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

3.
146 Casey Street – REZ2500004

This item has attachments. 
1.146 Casey Street - REZ2500004.pdf
2.146 Casey Street - Aerial.pdf
3.146 Casey Rd - Site Plan - 25-01-13 (2).pdf
4.TOR - 146 Casey Street April 9, 2025.pdf
5.RD and AD Zone Tables.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-04-22/147
    Moved ByCouncillor Burton
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary

    That Council consider rezoning 146 Casey Street from the Residential Downtown (RD) Zone to the Apartment Downtown (AD) Zone for a proposed Apartment Building.

    Further, that Council approve the attached land use report (LUR) terms of reference for 146 Casey Street and upon receiving a satisfactory LUR, that the application be advertised and referred to a public meeting chaired by an independent facilitator.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

4.
222 LeMarchant Road

This item has attachments. 
1.222 LeMarchant Road - REZ2500009.pdf
2.222 LEMARCHANT ROAD.pdf
3.222 LeMarchant - Site Plan (Submission 1).pdf
4.Development Regulations - Existing COH Zone.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-04-22/148
    Moved ByCouncillor Burton
    Seconded ByCouncillor Davis

    That Council consider a text amendment to the Envision St. John’s Development Regulations to add “Dwelling Unit – 1st Storey” as a discretionary use in the Commercial Office Hotel (COH) Zone.

    Further, that the application be publicly advertised (notification only) in accordance with the Development Regulations.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

5.
REZ2500003 – 500 Kenmount Road (Huntsman Place)

This item has attachments. 
1.500 Kenmount Road (Huntsman Place) - REZ2500003.pdf
2.HUNTSMAN PLACE.pdf
3.HUNTSMAN PLACE_190m.pdf
4.Engineering Plot Plan Huntsman Pl.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-04-22/149
    Moved ByCouncillor Burton
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bruce

    That Council reject the application to rezone a portion of land at 500 Kenmount Road (Huntsman Place) as the proposed development is premature and is beyond the current limits of servicing.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

6.
500 Kenmount Road – MPA2500002

This item has attachments. 
1.500 Kenmount Road - MPA2500002.pdf
2.HUNTSMAN PL-TIGRESS ST R1 ABOVE 190 (CONTOURS).pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-04-22/150
    Moved ByCouncillor Burton
    Seconded ByCouncillor Davis

    That Council consider rezoning land above the 190-metre contour elevation at 500 Kenmount Road from the Residential 1 (R1) Zone to the Comprehensive Development Area 9 (CDA 9) Zone to ensure the zoning reflects the current limits of servicing.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

7.
Development Design Manual – Updates

This item has attachments. 
1.DN - Development Design Manual Updates.pdf
2.Revisions to DDM - April 10, 2025 (COTW).pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-04-22/151
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ellsworth

    That Council approve updates to the Development Design Manual as proposed herein.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

9.
DEVELOPMENT PERMITS LIST (FOR INFORMATION ONLY) 

 

10.
BUILDING PERMITS LIST (FOR INFORMATION ONLY)

 

11.
REQUISITIONS, PAYROLLS AND ACCOUNTS

 

11.1
Weekly Payment Vouchers for the Weeks Ending April 9 and April 16

This item has attachments. 
1.Council List Weeks Ending April 9 and April 16, 2025.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2024-04-22/152
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bruce

    That the weekly payment vouchers for the weeks ending April 9 and April 16, 2025, in the amount of $17,315,693.65 , be approved as presented.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

12.
TENDERS/RFPS

 

13.
NOTICES OF MOTION, RESOLUTIONS QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS

 

Deputy Mayor O'Leary presented a petition from residents of Margaret Place who are opposed to the apartment complex and townhouse proposal for the area.

14.
NEW BUSINESS

 

14.1
Anti-Racism Working Group – Appointment of New Members

This item has attachments. 
1.Anti-Racism Working Group - Appointment of New Members April 2025.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-04-22/153
    Moved ByCouncillor Burton
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ellsworth

    That Council approve of the following appointments to the City’s Anti-Racism Working Group:

    •Wendy Ihama, Society of Black Graduate Students, MUN
    •Hanaa Mohamed Mekawy, Sexuality and Gender Advocacy Resource Centre, MUN
    •Janneka Power, Individual Representative
    •Ibukunoluwa Fowowe, Individual Representative


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

15.
OTHER BUSINESS

 

15.1
SERC – 2025 Spring Events 2

This item has attachments. 
1.SERC - 2025 Spring Events 2.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2024-04-22/154
    Moved ByCouncillor Bruce
    Seconded ByCouncillor Noseworthy

    That Council approve the road closures associated with the Battle of the Atlantic Parade and Ceremony on Sunday May 4.


    For (9)Mayor Breen, Deputy Mayor O'Leary, Councillor Burton, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Bruce, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (9 to 0)

16.
ACTION ITEMS RAISED BY COUNCIL

 

17.
ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:19 p.m.

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