Councillor Ridgeley inquired if the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philips had a copy of the agreement requiring the City to consider applications in the Watershed. These requests are frequently considered by Council and are always rejected as development in the watershed is largely prohibited. It was suggested that the Town be contacted to discuss the rejection of applications directly, rather than requiring them to be brought before Council for rejection. Members of Council agreed that it was problematic and inefficient to have such applications come to the City for rejection rather than the rejection coming from the Town itself.
The City Manager noted that, since the City oversees Watershed, it is important to remain informed about incoming development applications. This oversight helps prevent situations where approvals might proceed without the City's awareness. Reviewing development applications provides an added layer of oversight, enabling the City to fulfill its responsibility as a steward of the Watershed. Therefore, it is appropriate for such applications to be brought before Council for consideration and rejection.