All I want for Christmas is… a New Fiscal Framework

This week, the talk of the town is the 2024 Budget. And while everyone is focusing on the individual trees, it’s important to tend to the forest, too. Cllr Ron Ellsworth’s presented a summary of the budget, highlighting key items, the rationale for them and their implications. The discussion that followed didn’t just account for expenses and revenues–they also touched on the question of accountability more broadly. Who should be accountable to and for the City of St. John’s, its maintenance and growth, and what does that accountability look like? At present, property-tax paying residents of the capital city are the ones bearing the brunt of the burden, and in these exceptional times this arrangement seems hardly sustainable, equitable, or fair. 

I’ve been thinking about my own accountability in all of this, too. I’m a townie, born and raised in the city centre, but I’m a first generation one. Like many folks, my parents and the rest of my family are from elsewhere, in this case descendents of Irish settlers from fishing outports on the southern shore of the Avalon. Growing up I spent a lot of time between town and bay, never quite belonging here or there. Back then, I felt like an awkward halfling, desperate to fit in. Now, I’m immensely grateful for my experience, and the privilege of being able to move between worlds. Not only did I get to see the beauty in both of them, I also learned an important lesson: one doesn’t really exist without the other. High-density areas need lower-density ones, and vice versa–in different ways, to different degrees. 

This is even more clear to me as I recently relocated to Conception Bay South, but I’m still coming into town almost every day. I’m between worlds again. I remain partial to St. John’s, but really, I’m accountable to both. My quasi-townie experience is hardly unique; a lot of people spend time between St. John’s and somewhere else, often on a daily basis too. Most people prefer to pick a side, and declare an allegiance to one. Townie or bay, city or suburbs, west end or east. There’s a theory about this tendency towards differentiation: Sigmund Freud called it “the narcissism of small differences.” 

The idea is that we’re inclined to differentiate ourselves from others in increasingly minor ways—the more we have in common with them. It’s a defense mechanism, a way to protect ourselves from perceived assimilation. At the heart of it is a deep fear of losing our individuality, our identity, and our way of life. Such fears are not unfounded, but they can trick us into holding fast to an idea of who we are and where we belong, rather than opening ourselves up to the reality of where we are, and how we must practice accountability to and responsibility for a place.

Amidst the creep of the urban sprawl that continues to lure people away from the city core, towards highways, subdivisions, and big box stores, our downtown—the beating heart of the city—is at risk of emptying out. This was confirmed in the findings from the Downtown Neighborhood Plan consultations that Cllr Ophelia Ravencroft shared last week at the Committee of the Whole. Some of the key issues on residents’ minds were vacant buildings, a rise in short-term rentals, a shortage of mixed-use areas, and not enough eyes on the street. For many, downtown increasingly does not feel like a place for them. Instead it’s for cars—or not, depending who you ask—tourists, diners, drinkers, shoppers, working seafarers, grifters, panhandlers, and the desperate who have nowhere else to go. 

If this is the microcosm of St. John’s, downtown needs to invite people down to have a real relationship with the place, beyond a transaction and the consumption of an experience. Some of the feedback suggested opening a multi-use space, like a library. In fact, we used to have one long ago (RIP Gosling Memorial). As First Light expands its own headquarters on Quidi Vidi Rd., creating a welcoming place with a diversity of uses, they’re offering up a helpful model we might learn from about how to foster relationships between people and the downtown area and the city.

There was a technical difficulty early on in this week’s meeting. Mayor Breen joked, “I hope you’re not expecting me to fix it!” Without further ado, some proactive person restarted the system, and everyone was back to the drawing board, if a little out of sync. It’s not about perfection – all we can do is try.

All members of council were present this week for what was the last regular council meeting for the year. Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary joined remotely, a casualty of the dreaded stomach flu that’s going around. The meeting spanned nearly two hours again. By the end, Cllr Sandy Hickman got distracted and forgot to turn his microphone back on. “It’s been a long meeting,” he apologized, “and it’s been a wonderful meeting.” 

Indeed, despite some somber notes—especially around said budget—gratitude and goodwill were in abundance. And on an otherwise dark evening, city planner Ken O’Brien’s shiny black and gold blazer was the unacknowledged star of the show, bringing a festive vibe to the proceedings. Thanks Ken!

Budget a mixed bag

“Budget” has always struck me as a funny word. It comes from the old French bougette, meaning “leather bag, wallet, pouch.” In a way, this year’s budget is not unlike Santa’s sack – packed full of sundries. There’s some pretty thoughtful gifts in there, some not so good ones, and a few lumps of coal, too. 

But Cllr Ellsworth was much too solemn to play Santa this year. Balancing a city budget is no easy task – even at the best of times. Municipalities aren’t permitted to carry any debt whatsoever and it seems like a juggling feat to make it work. The resulting document is the fruit of 11 months of labour and Ellsworth graciously thanked everyone for their efforts. “But I got some bad news for you folks,” he said, “we get Christmas off and we’re back again the first week of January.”  No rest for the wicked, as they say – though Cllr Ellsworth wants to make sure everyone knows he’s no grinch, but inflation is.

Inflation has raised operating costs by 3.2 per cent, which translates to nearly an extra $9 million in expenses. In order to adapt to this significant increase, Ellsworth explained, there were really only two options available: increase the mill rate for property taxes, or reduce programs and services. While the former is not good, the latter is far worse. So, in the end, the decision was made to stick to raising taxes.

There was no joy in this decision, and Cllr Ellsworth went to great pains to make that clear. “None of us want to increase taxes, we’d like to go backwards if we could. If anyone in our community thinks we’re a heartless bunch of individuals who have no concern or compassion for the residents in our community–gimme a call.”

Ellsworth downplayed the increase in taxes by emphasizing the maintenance of services. “Some of the things we’re trying to bring forward here is to make our city more livable, and certainly more financially attainable for those who are struggling in our community, with some of our services and programs.” 

The counselors were all in agreement; the City needs more money. Since property taxes are its primary source of revenue, it’s really the only variable they have to work with. However, many in the group expressed that this framework is no longer sufficient and must change.      

Municipal gets political

“We need a new municipal growth framework,” Deputy Mayor O’Leary said, referencing a potential plan on the horizon, a collaboration between Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Municipalities NL. 

“Our acute national challenges, we’re facing on a local level,” she continued, “housing and homelessness, mental health, protecting our communities from the impacts of climate change, community safety, and renewing core infrastructure are more pressing than ever.”

Local governments are rising to this challenge with leadership and innovation, but are constrained by this outdated revenue framework – never designed for the realities we are facing in 2023 and going into 2024.” 

Cllr Hickman emphasized the need to expand the tax base. Supporting the creation of more housing is an important way to do that. “That to me is one of our goals,” he said. “Act as facilitator, make land available, help with processes, and make things work.” 

The province should also contribute to property taxes, Hickman noted, to reduce some of the burden on individual residents. “I will never stop saying that,” he promised, “it’s very important.” 

He also remarked that it’s really a small percentage of people who are supporting the entire metropolitan area and more people should be making contributions to maintain it. “All subdivisions should pay for the operation of the old part of the city, the hilly downtown,” he pressed on. “That’s my political speech for the day.”

Cllr Ravencroft said she’d also like to see more provincial investment, as well as graduated mill rates in the future to protect those on the lower end of the financial spectrum. 

We’re hearing snow clearing

Based on the feedback the City received, street and sidewalk clearing were top priorities for residents. The City increased the budget for it, extending the season from 16 to 18 weeks, and investing in their snow clearing fleet. 

Cllr Maggie Burton noted that this will go a long way into making “our winter city a more livable city.”  

Metrobus fine as is

Given that Metrobus has been generating more revenue due to its substantial—almost 50 per cent—increase in ridership since 2019, the city reduced its investment by 6.5 per cent this year – or $1.4 million.

The City is still directing $20.6 million its way, which is not insubstantial. This, combined with its own revenue, shouldn’t impact services, Cllr Ellsworth said. He noted that should Metrobus wish to increase its services, it’ll have the funds to do so.  

In the meantime, the City is already looking into adding electric buses to the fleet, though what it will cost and when and if it might happen remain up in the air. They’re investing in more EV charging stations, and focusing on the development of shared-use paths on trails around the city.   

Also, sports 

Cllr Ellsworth anticipated criticism on the increased subsidy for St. John’s Sports and Entertainment, and preemptively tried to address it. The St. John’s Convention Centre and the Mary Brown’s Centre still haven’t found their feet yet, but nonetheless, “We have a responsibility for economic development and tourism within the city confines, a responsibility to support our businesses, our hoteliers, our restaurants, and service industries.” He referenced, in particular, the upcoming Grand Slam curling playoffs which will be hosted at the MB Centre, where 2,900 event passes have already been sold. 

“Talk about your fiscal framework change,” he added. The money the province is investing—they’ll get their money back. We don’t get our money back in these events. This is where the disparity becomes a real issue.”

The budget was unanimously approved by council after a lengthy discussion; but the budget wasn’t the only topic at hand; there was a lot of other business to cover. 

Mace, meet Shield

There was only one proclamation this week, in honour of the Salvation Army, the largest non-governmental organization providing social services in the country. Mayor Breen declared December 11-17 Salvation Army Week. The organization provides food, clothing, and shelter in the city and across the province. A trio of representatives from the organization, some in uniform, were in attendance for it, standing before council like the three Magi. 

“There is just so much work that the Salvation Army does in our community for those who are in need of help at various times and stages of their lives,” Breen noted. “We always appreciate the opportunity to support the Salvation Army in their work.” 

The Mayor reiterated that the organization’s Christmas Kettle Campaign, happening right now, is critical for its annual fundraising efforts. To promote it, the Salvation Army flag–the biggest flag ever raised at City Hall, said Breen–is already flying high outside. I haven’t had the opportunity to see it yet, but I presume it’s the one featuring the organization’s signature red shield, and not their crest which includes the motto, “Blood and Fire” and depicts, among other things, a sword symbolizing the fight against sin. Alongside the Mayor’s ceremonial mace, these talismans are in good company.  

Given the immense need in our city right now, and the essential support the Salvation Army is providing on the ground, especially through the Ches Penney Centre for Hope, I’m not suggesting we look the gift horse in the mouth…but also maybe we should at least talk about the gift horse? Maybe not right now, but at some point? After the confusion around what happened in Central last year, I know I’d be more at ease if the City and the Salvation Army provided ongoing clarification about how they navigate the tensions between their charitable work and their ministry. 

A place of worship, a new cell tower, a hydroponic greenhouse, new units on Gear Street

The council approved a number of development applications: a building line setback 20 metres at 84 Petty Harbor Rd, parking relief for a firework sales outlet at 210 Kenmount Rd., a variance request for front yard landscaping at 35 Shriners Rd. 

A discretionary use application was also approved for an undisclosed place of worship (the religion listed in the application is redacted!) at Bidgood’s Plaza on 353 Main Rd., a telecommunication tower is going up at 77 Blackmarsh Rd, and a discretionary use application has been approved for a hydroponic greenhouse and an access road on crown land at Northern Pond Rd.

Most importantly, the council approved a request for parking relief at 38 Gear Street, for a development that aims to create six townhouses with largely one-bedroom units. The rationale is that the need for a personal vehicle in the neighborhood is low due to its excellent walkability. 

Cllr Ravencroft was pleased to see a development of this kind in the area. She also remarked on the increase in parking relief applications, which demonstrates that many city residents don’t drive cars. Deputy Mayor O’Leary was also delighted to welcome affordable units in the city core with walkable access to amenities.

Home of the White Russian gets a new cap, a housing development on the horizon in the West End, and hats off to the Accessibility Plan

Council approved a new roof sign for Lottie’s Place at 292 Water St., though Cllr Jamie Korab joked: “I feel like I should abstain for the amount of money I spent there.” I’d had him pegged as more of a Turkey Joe’s kinda guy.

They also approved the redesignation and rezoning of 51 Hazelwood Cres. for residential use. A proposal for a housing development is forthcoming for what is now a vacant lot. 

Council unanimously approved the City of St. John’s Accessibility Plan 2024-26, which was discussed at length during the Committee of the Whole last week and is a step in the right direction to a more inclusive city.  

Province foots the bill for the War Memorial sewer replacement

Council awarded a contract to Can-Am Platforms & Construction Ltd. for the sewer replacement associated with the National War Memorial centennial, for a grand total of $906,425.

The city delegated purchasing authority to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s the province, after all, that is footing the bill for the lavish project.

Eleven brand new light duty vehicles

As part of the City’s fleet replacement plan, they also approved the award for the supply and delivery of 11 light duty vehicles, split between Cabot Ford Ltd. and Hickman Motors Ltd. for just over $900,000, as well the lease of two waste collection vehicles from Big Truck Rentals for $424,800.

Pinnacle Engineering has fingers in all the pies

Pinnacle Engineering ULC was awarded the bid for storm sewer upgrades at University Avenue, Whiteway Street, and Westerland Road ($463,277.50).

The company was also awarded a one-year contract for $557,925 to create a detailed design of Churchill Square based on the Re-Imagine Churchill Square concept plan. 

“Picture if You Will…no, we’re not going there yet,” Cllr Hickman joked about the new face of Churchill Square. “The purpose of this actually is to create that picture for us.” 

Cllr Korab expressed excitement about the results, and Deputy Mayor O’Leary commended him on all the background work he’s done in preparation for this project.

New Year’s Eve plans?

Council approved road closures from 6:30 p.m. onwards near Quidi Vidi for the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks, set to take place at 8 p.m. “Please take note of the time, folks,” Cllr Ravencroft chimed in, lest residents go looking for it in all the wrong places. “Not long after I joined council,” she recounted, “I had an individual match with me on a prominent dating app–only to message me and ask when the fireworks started!” I don’t know, that sounds like a pretext to me.  

Also, there’s a family-friendly NYE event happening on George Street – a phrase I never thought I’d ever say. Council approved the closure of part of Duckworth Street, as well as an extension of the noise by-law for the event. There will be a DJ on the street from 10-12. Hosted by the George Street Association, the event is open to all ages and free of charge.

A (Christmas) tree miracle 

The owner of Angel House, a heritage property at 146 Hamilton Avenue, submitted a request to remove a mature tree from the lot in order to widen the driveway. Cllr Burton noted that though the tree has aesthetic appeal, it is not listed as a character-defining element of the property. She recommended that council approve the application to remove it, especially given that there are more mature trees on the property as well.

Cllr Ravencroft did not support the motion. Though she could see how removing the tree might benefit the owner, in the absence of any collective benefit, the loss of the tree did not seem worthwhile. 

She also pointed out that you can’t really assess the size and significance of a denuded tree in autumn. From now on, if possible, trees should be photographed fully-clothed!

Deputy Mayor O’Leary was also not in support of the motion. She felt removing the tree would negatively affect the value of the heritage of property. “Tree retention and the proliferation of our urban forest is something near and dear to my heart,” she said. “I really hope the owner can find an alternative route rather than taking down a mature tree – it’s irreplaceable. It takes decades, and decades, and decades to grow.” Here’s hoping her wish comes true. 

Mayor Breen, for his part, couldn’t figure out how he felt on the matter and requested it be deferred. The motion was carried, and the old tree abides – for now. Merry Christmas, tree!

Application processes on the fast-track

Council approved changing the public meeting to a public notice for the rezoning application for 214 Waterford Bridge Road. Cllr Ian Froude noted that the Municipal Plan Amendment process has changed since the application was initially submitted. In an effort to expedite the process, now applicants preparing land use reports have to conduct their own public engagement before submitting.

City land for good things

Council approved the expropriation of City land on Cook’s Hill to be used for non-profit housing. Cllr Ravencroft was happy to support the motion, while Cllr Ellsworth noted that we can expect to see more of this kind of thing, where City-owned land is identified and paired with community partners for development. 

Meanwhile, expropriation of City land was approved at 807 Water St. to install an accessibility ramp. 

The go-round

Deputy Mayor O’Leary lauded the We Care Foundation’s Multicultural Gala Night that was held on December 4 at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market on Freshwater Road. The event celebrated 14 inspiring immigrant women in the community. 

“This is our last—” Cllr Hickman announced before Cllr Burton interrupted to correct him. Burton noted there’s a Committee of the Whole meeting next week. Nevertheless, Hickman wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’ll be curious to see who’s in attendance on Tuesday.

Cllr Ravencroft observed that day passed into night over the course of the meeting, and wished everyone a Happy Hanukkah.  

Mayor Breen concluded with his season’s greetings. “Enjoy the break,” he added, “I think everybody is gonna look forward to having a rest this Christmas.” 

I know I am. Rest is important. But more importantly, a place to enjoy that rest. Currently, there’s no room at the proverbial inn. The Housing Task Force that was set up last month promised to get people out of tents and into homes by Christmas Eve. 

We’re all waiting with bated breath to see how this Christmas story plays out.