Minutes of Regular Meeting - City Council

Council Chamber, 4th Floor, City Hall

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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 Debbie Hanlon
  • Councillor Ophelia Ravencroft
Staff:
  • Derek Coffey, Acting City Manager
  • 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
  • Jennifer Squires, 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.”


  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/01
    Moved ByCouncillor Bruce
    Seconded ByCouncillor Noseworthy

    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)
  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/02
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary
    Seconded ByCouncillor Davis

    That the Minutes of December 10, 2024, 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)

Mayor Breen requested that the rezoning at 51 Hazelwood Crescent be moved from the Committee of the Whole Report to accommodate Councillor Noseworthy's schedule.

Councillor Noseworthy informed Council that he had spoken with residents about their concerns on the proposed rezoning to the Apartment 1 (A1) Zone. Residents noted that traffic safety was a concern with the current design and that there have been several accidents in the area. As a result, he would no longer support the proposal. Members of Council advised that the current approval would require the developer to submit a Land Use Report (LUR) and engage with the neighbourhood, hear resident concerns, and consider changes to the proposal to address such concerns. The Commissioners Hearing would provide an additional opportunity for residents to engage with both the City and the Developer on the proposed development. It was acknowledged that traffic safety was an issue, and that these concerns could be addressed by the developer or considered separately from the current application if required. Density is needed in the City, and the location is close to amenities and a school which would be a draw for those looking for a home. 

  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/03
    Moved ByCouncillor Burton
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ellsworth

    That Council consider rezoning 51 Hazelwood Crescent from the Institutional (INST) Zone to the Apartment 1 (A1) Zone.

    Further, upon receiving a satisfactory LUR, that the application be advertised for public input and feedback.


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


    MOTION CARRIED (8 to 1)

Mayor Breen requested that the rezoning at 45, 47, and 53 Blackmarsh Road be moved from the Committee of the Whole Report to accommodate Councillor Noseworthy's schedule.

  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/04
    Moved ByCouncillor Burton
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ridgeley

    That Council consider rezoning 45, 47, and 53 Blackmarsh Road from the Industrial Commercial (IC) Zone to the Commercial Mixed (CM) Zone.

    Further, upon receiving a satisfactory site plan, that the application be advertised for public review and input.


    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)

Deputy Mayor O'Leary inquired if the Environment and Sustainability Experts Panel's recommendation to conserve the trees near the floodplain and relocate the sports court and retaining wall were communicated to the property owner by Staff. The Deputy City Manager of Planning, Engineering, and Regulatory Services responded that he did not know if the recommendation had been communicated to the owner and advised that a number of trees on the property would be conserved, and new trees would be planted. As such, Staff did not see a significant impact on the number of trees on the property. 

Councillor Davis asked if the Accessory Building would still be permitted in the Floodplain Buffer if it was a Secondary Suite. The Deputy City Manager replied that currently, Secondary Suites are considered the same as Accessory Buildings, and the Regulations have not been amended to address the issue of Secondary Suites in the Floodplain Buffer. If the proposed building met the lot requirements, it would be permitted. The issue has not yet been encountered, and the Regulations can be updated to address the issue.

  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/05
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary

    That Council approve the residential Accessory Building and Landscaping in the Floodplain Buffer at 16 Kensington Drive, subject to meeting other applicable conditions of the St. John’s 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)

Councillor Ellsworth asked if the hours of operation for the drive through for 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily were set by the City or the applicant. The Deputy City Manager of Planning, Engineering, and Regulatory Services was uncertain as to who set the hours. He further advised that the hours will be set in the agreement between the City and the applicant and as such the outcome would remain the same. As the current proposal would not use an external speaker/intercom system, a noise attenuation barrier/acoustic barrier/noise wall would not be required. Councillor Ellsworth requested information on the process should the applicant choose to add an intercom or speaker to the site. The Deputy City Manager responded that should the applicant wish to add an intercom or speaker, it would require an amendment to the current Development Application. The amendment would include details on noise attenuation. Councillor Ellsworth requested that this information be shared with the applicant to ensure they understand the process should they wish to move in a different direction. 

  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/06
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ellsworth

    That Council approve the Discretionary Use for a drive through at 330 Lemarchant Road and not require the applicant to provide a noise attenuation barrier as no outdoor speaker(s) are proposed.


    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)
  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/07
    Moved ByCouncillor Noseworthy
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bruce

    That Council approve the Discretionary Use for a Place of Assembly at 710 Torbay Road which will allow the existing greenhouse to be used for a rental event 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)
  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/08
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Davis

    That Council approve the proposed Zone Standards in the Watershed Zone to allow the rebuild of a Single Detached Dwelling at 661 Thorburn Road as follows:
    - Building Line – 38.95m;
    - Side Yard – West: 3.18m; and
    - Side Yard - East: 4.23m.


    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)
  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/09
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Burton

    That Council approve parking relief for five (5) parking spaces at 35 Gilbert Street to accommodate the proposed seven (7) Townhouse Lots.


    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)

Deputy Mayor O'Leary noted her appreciation for remediation work on the site, which will include the spreading of preserved topsoil/mineral soil and organic layer/grubbing over the cleared area to allow natural revegetation/tree growth to occur. She asked if consideration could be given to the reintroduction of trees in a timely manner as a part of the remediation plan when considering quarry applications. The Deputy City Manager of Planning, Engineering, and Regulatory Services advised that a discussion with the Mineral Lands Division of the Province could be had concerning remediation.

  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/10
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary

    That Council approve the Discretionary Use application for the expansion of a Mineral Working Use (quarry) in the Forestry Zone and remediation of land in the Watershed Zone, and approve the related Mineral Lands Division referral for a 2.7 hectare new quarry permit (expansion), and Crown Lands License to Occupy an area of land approximately 2,400 square metres for the realignment of the existing quarry access, which is located on Pasture Land 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)
  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/11
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ellsworth

    That Council approve a 7.33% Variance on Lot Frontage at 79 Old Petty Harbour Road to allow the subdivision and development of a Single Detached Dwelling.


    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)

Please note that this item was approved by Council via e-poll on December 17th.

  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/12
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bruce

    That Council approve the use of $2.5M of surplus previously allocated to lower future borrowing for the 2025 waste collection vehicle funding deficit.


    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)
  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/13
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary

    That Council approve the recommendation of the Selection Committee to appoint Paul Canning to the St. John’s Transportation Commission.


    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)
  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/14
    Moved ByCouncillor Burton
    Seconded ByCouncillor Hickman

    That Council consider rezoning 19 King’s Bridge Road from the Commercial Neighbourhood (CN) Zone to the Residential Mixed (RM Zone) and consider adding Health and Wellness Centre as a permitted use to the Residential Mixed (RM) Zone.

    Further, that the application be publicly advertised in accordance with the Envision St. John’s 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)
  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/15
    Moved ByCouncillor Burton
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bruce

    That Council reject the application to rezone land at 364 Groves Road from the Rural (RUR) and C.A. Pippy Park (CAPP) Zones to the Rural Residential Infill (RRI) Zone as it is beyond the limits of servicing and conflicts with Municipal Plan policies for unserviced development.


    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)
  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/16
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary

    That the weekly payment vouchers for the weeks ending December 11 and December 18, 2024, in the amount of $18,709,037.19 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)
  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/17
    Moved ByCouncillor Ellsworth
    Seconded ByCouncillor Bruce

    That the weekly payment vouchers for the weeks ending December 25, 2024, January 2, 2025 and January 8, 2025, in the amount of $25,496,692.11, 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)

Councillor Davis presented a petition on behalf of residents of the Little Street area concerning the size of a proposed development at 5 and 7 Little Street. They are requesting that the size of the building be reconsidered to ensure there is adequate parking.

As he is a volunteer member of the Shea Heights Community Centre Board of Directors, Councillor Ellsworth declared a conflict of interest on the matter and refrained from speaking or voting on the Terms of Reference.

  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/18
    Moved ByCouncillor Ridgeley
    Seconded ByCouncillor Davis

    That Council review and approve the Terms of Reference as presented.


    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)
  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/19
    Moved ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary
    Seconded ByCouncillor Ridgeley

    That Council approve the travel costs associated with Mayor Danny Breen attending BCMC in Ottawa in February 2025.


    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)
  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/20
    Moved ByCouncillor Bruce
    Seconded ByCouncillor Burton


    That Council approve the travel cost for Mayor Danny Breen to attend the CERA Week Conference in Houston Texas in March of 2025.


    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)

Members of Council voiced their support for the amendments concerning a proposed apartment building at 34 New Cove Road. Resident concerns on traffic, shadowing, and looming were acknowledged, but Council agreed that moving forward to a Commissioner's Hearing would be of benefit to allow residents to engage with the developer and discuss their concerns. The engagement will provide Council with a better understanding of resident concerns and the impacts of the proposal. 

  • SJMC-R-2025-01-14/21
    Moved ByCouncillor Burton
    Seconded ByDeputy Mayor O'Leary

    That Council adopt the attached resolutions for Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan Amendment Number 16, 2024 and Envision St. John’s Development Regulations Amendment Number 48, 2024, related to a proposed Apartment Building at 34 New Cove Road, and appoint Cliff Johnston as commissioner for a public hearing on the amendments. The proposed hearing date is Wednesday, February 12, at 7 p.m. at St. John’s City Hall.


    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)

Mayor Breen recognized Deputy Mayor O'Leary as the recipient of Municipal World's Women of Influence in Local Government award. The award celebrates women who have demonstrated leadership, strength, and determination in local politics.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:06 p.m.

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