Minutes of Regular Meeting - City Council

Council Chamber, 4th Floor, City Hall

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

1.
CALL TO ORDER

 

2.
PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

 

3.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

 

3.1
Adoption of Agenda

 
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/221
    Moved ByCouncillor Ravencroft
    Seconded ByCouncillor Noseworthy

    That the Agenda be adopted as presented.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

4.
ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

 

4.1
Adoption of Minutes - June 3, 2025

This item has attachments. 
1.Post-Meeting Minutes - RCM_Jun03_2025 - English.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/222
    Moved ByCouncillor Davis
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ridgeley

    That the minutes of June 3, 2025, be adopted as presented. 


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

5.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

 

6.
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

 

6.1
Request for Parking Relief – 4 Holdsworth Street – INT2500031

This item has attachments. 
1.Development Committee - Request for Parking Relief - 4 Holdsworth Street - INT2500031.pdf
2.4 HOLDSWORTH STREET.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/223
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ravencroft

    That Council relieve four (4) parking spaces for a seasonal outdoor Lounge area (parklet) at 4 Holdsworth Street/346 Water Street.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

6.2
Crown Land Referral – Trans-Canda Highway – CRW2500006

This item has attachments. 
1.Development Committee - Crown Land Easement - Trans-Canada Highway - CRW2500006.pdf
2.E-164178_Crown_Lands_Map_1300.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/224
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ellsworth

    That Council approve the Crown Land Easement off the Trans-Canada Highway in the area of
    Torbayman’s Pond.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

6.3
Request for Residential Fence in Floodplain Buffer – 42 Beauford Place – INT2500037

This item has attachments. 
1.Development Committee- Request for Fence in Floodplain Buffer - 42 Beauford Place - INT2500037.pdf
2.42BeaufordPl.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/225
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Noseworthy

    That Council approve the residential fence in the floodplain buffer at 42 Beauford Place.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

6.4
Notices Published – 75-81 Harvey Road - DEV2400171

This item has attachments. 
1.Notices Published - 75- 81 Harvey Road.pdf
2.Combined Submissions_redacted.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/226
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ravencroft

    That Council approve the Discretionary Use application for 75-81 Harvey Road for two Dwelling Units on the 1st Storey of the building and approve parking relief for one space.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

7.
RATIFICATION OF EPOLLS

 

7.1
Sale of City Land Between 36 Temperance Street and Battery Road

This item has attachments. 
1.e-poll - Sale of City land between Temperance Street and Battery Road.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/227
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ravencroft

    That Council approve the sale of City land between 36 Temperance Street and Battery Road, as outlined in black on the attached diagram.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

8.
COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

8.1
Committee of the Whole Report - June 10, 2025

This item has attachments. 
1.Post-Meeting Report- CoW_Jun10_2025 - English.pdf

1.
Civic Art Collection – Urban Art Gallery

This item has attachments. 
1.Civic Art Collection - Urban Art Gallery .pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/228
    Moved ByCouncillor Hickman
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ravencroft

    That Council approve the Urban Art Gallery initiative on participating Water Street properties, as proposed.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

2.
8 Shaw Street and 4 McLea Place - REZ2500007

This item has attachments. 
1.8 Shaw Street and 4 McLea Place - REZ2500007.pdf
2.8 SHAW ST - 4 McLEA PL - Location Map.pdf
3.Proposed-lots_variance_revC_2025-03-14_lots-only.pdf
4.Development-Regulations-R1-Zone-Table.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/229
    Moved ByCouncillor Davis
    Seconded ByCouncillor Noseworthy

    That Council consider rezoning 8 Shaw Street and 4 McLea Place from the Residential Special (RA) Zone to the Residential 1 (R1) Zone, and that the application be advertised in accordance with the Envision St. John’s Development Regulations.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

8.2
Audit Standing Committee Report

This item has attachments. 
1.Post-Meeting Report - Audit and Accountability Standing Committee_Jun11_2025 - English.pdf

1.
December 31, 2024 Audited Financial Statements

This item has attachments. 
1.December 31, 2024 Audited Financial Statements.pdf
2.City of St. John's 2024 Consolidated Statements - Final for Council Approval.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/230
    Moved ByCouncillor Davis
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ellsworth

    That Council approve the December 31, 2024, audited financial statements.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

2.
2025 Audit Plan

This item has attachments. 
1.2025 Audit Plan.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/
    Moved ByCouncillor Davis
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ellsworth

    That Council approve the 2025 audit plan.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 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 June 4 and June 11, 2025

This item has attachments. 
1.Council List Weeks Ending June 4 and June 11, 2025.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/232
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ravencroft

    That the weekly payment vouchers for the weeks ending June 4 and June 11, 2025, in the amount of $15,445,865.76, be approved as presented.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

12.
TENDERS/RFPS

 

13.
NOTICES OF MOTION, RESOLUTIONS QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS

 

14.
NEW BUSINESS

 

14.1
Sale of City land adjacent to 22 Hayward Avenue

This item has attachments. 
1.DN - 22 Hayward Avenue - Sale of Footpath.pdf

Discussion took place with some Councillors voicing their opposition to the recommendation, emphasizing the importance of preserving the neighbourhood's history and character. Other Councillors sympathized with the property owner, noting the proximity of the foot path to their home does not allow space to install a privacy fence. Additionally, the pathway is not considered critical as there is an alternative entrance to the parking lot that it leads to within walking distance.

  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/233
    Moved ByCouncillor Ravencroft
    Seconded ByCouncillor Davis

    That Council approve the sale of City land adjacent to 22 Hayward Avenue, as shown in the attached diagrams.


    For (3)Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, and Councillor Ridgeley
    Against (4)Mayor Breen, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION LOST (3 to 4)

14.2
Sale of City land at the rear of 294 Torbay Road

This item has attachments. 
1.Sale of City land at the rear of 294 Torbay Road.pdf

Councillor Davis expressed concern that the land is being undervalued, noting that it is no longer within the floodplain buffer and could potentially be rezoned for development. The City Solicitor clarified that values are determined based on the current zoning. She also clarified that while the land is required for the property owner to meet rear yard requirements, the owner could apply for rezoning after purchase.

  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/234
    Moved ByCouncillor Davis
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ellsworth

    That Council approve the sale of City land at the rear of 294 Torbay Road, as outlined in blue on the attached diagram.  


    For (6)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, and Councillor Noseworthy
    Against (1)Councillor Davis


    MOTION CARRIED (6 to 1)

14.3
George Street West Paid Parking

This item has attachments. 
1.George Street West Paid Parking.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/235
    Moved ByCouncillor Hickman
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ravencroft

    That Council approve conversion of timed parking to paid parking on George Street West, including implementing a long stay parking rate in the area.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

14.4
Shea Heights Community Centre Board of Directors – New Board Appointment

This item has attachments. 
1.Shea Heights Community Centre Board of Directors – New Board Appointment.pdf

Councillor Ellsworth declared a conflict of interest and abstained from voting as he sits on the Board as a community member.

  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/236
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Davis

    That Council approve the appointment of Dave Howell to the Shea Heights Community Centre Board of Directors to fill a vacancy within the “At Large” category of the Board structure.


    For (6)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy
    Abstain (1)Councillor Ellsworth


    MOTION CARRIED (6 to 0)

14.5
2025 Canada Games Mural Partnership

This item has attachments. 
1.Canada Games Mural Partnership.pdf
2.Duckworth Holloway Photo 2.pdf

14.6
670 Kenmount Road interpret zone lines

This item has attachments. 
1.670 Kenmount Road interpret zone lines.pdf
2.670 Kenmount Road - SUB2400047-190.pdf
3.670 Kenmount Road - SUB2400047-190-2.pdf
4.670 Kenmount Road - SUB2400047-190-3.pdf

14.7
85 Thorburn Road interpret zone lines

This item has attachments. 
1.85 Thorburn Road interpret zone lines.pdf

14.8
Wetlands Map Amendment – Southlands SL1 – Adoption

This item has attachments. 
1.Wetlands Map Amendment - REZ2500014 - Adoption(1).pdf
2.SOUTHLANDS SL1(1).pdf
3.DR Amend No. 53, 2025 - Map 4 Waterways and Wetlands - MAP (ff).pdf
4.Engage Report - Map Amendment - Wetlands - Southlands SL1.pdf
5.Wetlands Map Amendment - Redacted Submissions.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/237
    Moved ByCouncillor Davis
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hickman

    That Council adopt Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment Number 53, 2025 to update Appendix C, Map 4 of the Development Regulations to reflect changes to the area of the Southlands SL1 wetland.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

14.9
SERC – Memorial Day Road Closure

This item has attachments. 
1.SERC - Memorial Day Road Closure.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/238
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ridgeley

    That Council approve the road closures associated with the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on July 1.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

14.10
Landmark Sign Location

This item has attachments. 
1.Placement of New Landmark Sign.pdf
2.Landmark Sign Placement - Aerial.pdf
3.Landmark Sign Plan.pdf

Councillor Hickman raised concerns about the proposed location for the new landmark sign, suggesting it should be placed in a more visible area.

Discussion took place and the rationale for the location was reviewed, noting considerations such as minimizing light pollution for residents and minimal distraction to drivers.

  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/239
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ravencroft

    That Council approve the placement of the landmark sign in Bannerman Park, near the playground area.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

14.11
Revisions to Street Naming Policy

This item has attachments. 
1.DN - Updates to Street Naming Policy.pdf
2.07-04-01 Street Naming Policy w. Revision Mark-ups.pdf
  • SJMC-R-2025-06-17/240
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByCouncillor Davis

    That Council approve the revised Street Naming Policy.


    For (7)Mayor Breen, Councillor Hickman, Councillor Ellsworth, Councillor Ravencroft, Councillor Ridgeley, Councillor Davis, and Councillor Noseworthy


    MOTION CARRIED (7 to 0)

15.
OTHER BUSINESS

 

16.
ACTION ITEMS RAISED BY COUNCIL

 

Mayor Breen addressed concerns from residents regarding the upgrades to Belvedere Lane to provide secondary access. He clarified that the secondary access is required to facilitate emergency responders, given the current level of development in the area. He advised that the laneway is not being upgraded to a full street and that it will be gated so as not to allow thoroughfare.

17.
ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:28 p.m.

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