St. John’s council has busy final meeting of 2024

St. John’s city council brought down its 2025 budget Tuesday, to the tune of $349,151,881.

Mil rates, both residential and commercial, will stay the same in the capital city over the coming year, but there will be a small increase to the water tax. Residential properties will see an annual increase of $15 while commercial properties will see an increase of 2.2 per cent.

Coun. Ron Ellsworth, council’s lead for finance, said the water tax increase will offset higher costs of providing the service. He said the City expects to see a $1.4 million rise in the cost of providing water, which includes increased electrical cost, the increased cost of chemicals for treatments, and some replacement equipment that was required.

The City is increasing the amount of money it provides to Metrobus this year by $598,000 for the acquisition of hybrid buses, service enhancements, and increased capital costs. Ellsworth said the City is still seeing record ridership on Metrobus and that use is expected to surpass 5 million riders this year.  He said the investment in hybrid buses will help reduce costs and emissions. 

For the first time since 2017, the City reduced its operating grant to St. John’s Sports and Entertainment Ltd. It was decreased by $727,000, bringing it to around $6 million. Last year the City increased funding to its subsidiary by $577,136, but Ellsworth said increased events at the Mary Brown’s Centre and the convention centre, as well as changes at the organization, have resulted in less financial reliance on the City.

“We came out of COVID and we’re starting to see more events, more conventions, more opportunities for events there,” he said, explaining the four special events hosted in September 2024 alone represented more than in the entire previous year. “Then we had the Grand Slam of Curling coming through — those [types of] events,” he said. “So really, right-sizing the operation, getting focused on the expenses, but also bringing in new revenues — and that’s why we’re able to decrease the grant.”

The City is increasing its funding for sidewalk snow clearing by $2 million, which will add six more sidewalk plows while enabling the City to add the new Kelly’s Brook shared-use path to its itinerary.

Ellsworth mentioned in the budget speech that, according to the City’s recent Resident Satisfaction Survey, affordable housing was the top community issue and area of investment. He mentioned the City’s $2.3 million investment to operate its 476 non-profit housing units, and that it will continue to redirect 10 per cent of the development fees collected to a reserve for community-led affordable housing projects. “We made it clear from the beginning that the affordable housing component piece is not something that we are able to address or take on financially,” he told reporters before the council meeting. “What we did previously [in] this year is we changed our development regulations, we moved to allow increased density, increased height. We allowed opportunities for grants through the [federal] Housing Accelerator Fund to make housing more affordable for the community, to be able to build these components.”

When asked by The Independent why the City itself hasn’t invested in building more affordable housing units, Ellsworth said the money to build the existing units came from a federal government program that ended more than 30 years ago and no longer exists.

“I’m not really sure that we can handle the complexities and needs of tenants today,” he added. “Our ability to assist the tenants in how they need to be assisted is a challenge.” Ellsworth said the City’s current 476 units “are full at all times,” and that the City has “partnered with community groups and organizations […] to make sure the highest needs in our community are being met.”

Child care centre may be coming to Galway

After the budget was read, council got into its regular business.

A proposed child care centre in Galway was given an approval in principle by council, though it is subject to a number of conditions, including that until the Southland Boulevard connection moves ahead, no development application can be accepted for the site. A few councillors chimed in on the application, saying the location is right for this type of facility.

“This application has definitely got merit, it’s needed in the area,” said Coun. Carl Ridgeley, who represents the area. “There is no daycare right now in Southlands or the Galway area, and I’m really hoping that in the next little while we can get some sort of agreement in place for Southlands Boulevard so that this can move ahead.”

Ellsworth raised the need for the centre and the completion of Southland Boulevard, which has been a point of contention between the City and developer Danny Williams. “I think it is a great place for daycare, a great location in the residential area,” Ellsworth said. “The limitation here, once again, is that we have an agreement with a developer dating back to 2016 that requires the completion of Southlands Boulevard. What we’re trying to do here is help the proponent move as far as we can through the system, so they got some clarity on what potentially they can be doing in this area, and until, unfortunately, there’s a work plan that gets presented to the city when [Southlands Boulevard] will be completed, this as far as she can go with her application.”

The City says the road’s completion is the responsibility of Dewcor, the company owned by the former premier. According to a CBC article published last month, Williams says the road isn’t his responsibility and that the land is owned by a neighbouring developer. The centre is proposed to provide care for 156-200 children, have approximately 45 employees, and will have a floor area of 2,121 m2. 

Lester’s planning to grow veggies near Fowler’s Road

Lester’s Farm Market Inc. is hoping to get 85 hectares of crown land off Fowler’s Road to grow produce like berries and vegetables. The crown land application came before council this week; it was referred to them by the provincial Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.

Council voted to approve the crown land lease but noted any development there will be subject to a development application should the lease be issued, and “there shall be no development within any wetland, floodplain, or associated buffer.”

Jack Axes returning to downtown

Council approved a discretionary use application by Jack Axes Inc. for the Baird Building at 187 Water St., which is a municipally registered historic structure. According to the application, the company plans to offer axe throwing, archery, and a paint splatter room in the building; it will operate Monday to Sunday, from 12 to 11 p.m. 

This isn’t the first time the building, which previously housed the Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union, has been used for revelry. According to Heritage NL, the second and third floors of the building were the home of the City Club, a social club for the well-to-do merchants and financial men of the city, instituted in 1893. “To gain membership to this club one had to pass the blackball test,” the entry for the building reads. “If a member placed one blackball (a bean) in a pot during the selection process it was enough cause for rejection to the club.”

Coun. Tom Davis abstained from voting on this application, citing a conflict of interest. 

Apartment buildings proposed for Mount Cashel Road

Council voted in favour of considering rezoning 18 Mount Cashel Rd. from the Residential 2 Cluster Zone to the Apartment 1 Zone, and to move forward with the terms of reference for a Land Use Report. If a satisfactory Land Use Report is received, a public meeting will then be held about the project.

KMK Capital Holdings is the company proposing to build the two three-storey apartment buildings—with a combined 72 apartments—on the currently empty land in the east end of the city. Both Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary and Davis spoke in support of the public hearing that may be held if the project moves forward, saying they were happy residents will get a chance to provide input.

“Obviously, we’re looking for more housing, we’re looking for more beds for heads, but I’m really pleased that there is going to be this public consultation,” Davis said. “I encourage residents to look out for more information so that you can attend and have your voices heard.”

Council approves attendance and employment equity policies

Council updated its employment equity policy for the first time since 1994. Ellsworth, who presented the motion, said the changes now reflect current legislation and makes the policy language more general and encompassing.

They also voted to approve the attendance management and support policy, which Ellsworth said staff have been working on since last summer. He said the intent is to offer more support and programs and services to staff to increase attendance, in particular for the regional fire department.

Cluster development on Blackmarsh Road

An affordable housing proposal for three seniors’ apartment buildings moved another step forward. Council voted to consider rezoning 746 Blackmarsh Rd. from the Rural Residential (RR) Zone to the Apartment 1 (A1) Zone for the proposed cluster development, which will also require a municipal plan amendment and a Land Use Report.

Coun. Maggie Burton, who presented the motion, pointed out that the applicant, Tucker Group Inc., will have to consult with the neighborhood before submitting the Land Use Report, and when council gets that report, they’ll carry out public notification as well.

Coun. Greg Noseworthy, who represents the area, said last weekend he was chatting with residents in and around Canada Drive, and this was a topic of conversation. “I’m very pleased to bring support from the local neighborhood on this,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity. I think a lot of people, when they think cluster development it sounds scary, but this is […] not a massive apartment building [that’s] going to be right in the heart of Cowan Heights. This is something, as Councilor Burton alluded to — it’s affordable housing, it’s targeted towards seniors. It’s in a great area and it’s a good development and very supportive.”

Coun. Ophelia Ravencroft also chimed in. “Cluster developments are fantastic. So are larger apartment building developments. So is anything,” she said. “We know exactly how severe the housing crisis is at the moment. We know that folks that are struggling more, which disproportionately do include groups such as seniors—who are in desperate need of projects exactly like this—and I’m really happy to see it come forward. Absolutely no fear of it at all. Frankly, it could be a whole lot bigger than this, and I wouldn’t be afraid of it at all. But what is proposed here, I think, is an excellent start and a fantastic project.”

Coun. Sandy Hickman said he was also in support of the project, saying he hopes it is opening the door for further development in the area.

Anti-genocide sign on Circular Road property gets OK from council

A controversial sign painted on a retaining wall on Circular Road was given permission to stay up by council. The sign, which reads “ArmsEmbargoNow.ca,” was the subject of a complaint to the city after it was erected a few weeks ago, and the owner of the home then applied for a permit. 

The matter went to the Built Heritage Experts Panel, who recommended council approve the use of the sign.

Maggie Burton, who presented the motion, said the only comment she would make on it is that “free speech is a really important part of our society, and that on a private property a resident has the right to exercise their freedom of speech.”

Coun. Ophelia Ravencroft echoed her support of the sign, saying when she first heard about this issue she was very distressed. 

“I think the fact this is something that the resident in question was put through indicates, frankly, we need to have a good hard look at our heritage bylaws to examine whether cases like this are merited, or whether they should be able to happen at all,” she said. “In my opinion, no resident of St. John’s or of any city should be threatened with a fine of any kind for putting a sign on their property protesting a genocide. I was incredibly angry to hear how things went at that time, but I’m really grateful that the recommendation has come back the way that it has today and I’m grateful to Councillor Burton for her advocacy on this as well. If there was ever an argument to be made for decolonizing our heritage bylaws, I think we have it in this case, right here. But at the moment, I am incredibly, incredibly happy to vote to support and allow this resident to keep her very good and very right sign.”

Davis and O’Leary also voiced in their support, with Davis pointing out that it was important to note the motions passed on Dec. 10, which is Human Rights Day in Canada. Coun. Sandy Hickman said he was very much in support of free speech but concerned the sign may present a distraction to drivers.

“I’ve been told many times about signage along roads that are distractions, and this is a huge distraction for me on a very dangerous corner,” he said, adding he is “a little surprised that the traffic staff didn’t have something to say about it, but if they’re putting their professional designation on this and say that will not be a problem for traffic, then I 100 per cent will support it. What the sign says doesn’t bother me, I don’t care what the sign says, it’s freedom of speech, but I am concerned about the driving public.”

Deputy City Manager Jason Sinyard responded, explaining staff are mostly concerned with signs which change, or are illuminated, and that static signs are not much of a concern. When the motion passed, about a dozen people in the public gallery applauded.

Alexander Street senior’s building moving forward

Council adopted a development regulations amendment to rezone 26 Alexander St. from a commercial zone to an apartment zone, which will allow Connections for Seniors—which operates emergency housing for seniors—to redevelop the building into affordable seniors’ housing with 60 rental units. 

Coun. Maggie Burton presented the motion and said while most residents in the area supported the proposed changes, many were concerned about parking. The applicant asked the City for parking relief for 50 spaces, which Burton said had a myriad of reasons behind it.

“One, the residents who will live in the proposed building will not own vehicles,” she said. “Two, Connections for Seniors has their own transportation program for residents and, three, most of the seniors receiving income support automatically qualify for a Metrobus pass thanks to the City’s work on this. Many of their clients already use Metrobus, there are two stops within 200 meters of the subject property, and any client over the age of 65 receiving guaranteed income supplement is eligible for a free GoBus [accessible transit] pass.” Burton said there are concerns given existing parking problems in the area, including limited on-street parking along Alexander Street. While there are bus stops nearby, users must cross Water Street—a five lane arterial road in that area—to access the bus route traveling east. 

But since the project is an affordable, accessible apartment building for low-income seniors, she said, it aligns with the municipal plan. “The proposed accessible apartment building will add another housing form to the neighborhood and is near Metrobus routes,” Burton said. “It also aligns with our range of housing choices for all ages, income and family types, and it’s a good fit for promoting infill, rehabilitation and redevelopment. So it really uses existing infrastructure and reduces the need to expand our services.”

The councillor said Connections for Seniors has indicated to the City that tenants will not be promised a parking spot in the rental agreements, and the limited on-site parking, reserved for visitor​​s, will be strictly enforced. 

There is a potential parking problem with the development if it does not proceed as per the applicant’s claims, Burton continued. However, the project is governed by a 30-year agreement with CMHC and NL Housing and serves a population that is less likely to have vehicles. Burton said she supports the project and she encouraged council to consider the benefits of an accessible apartment building for seniors.

A number of councillors also spoke in support of the project. Council voted to adopt the development regulation amendment and forward it to the province’s Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs for registration, to accept a staff report in lieu of a land use report and a parking report, and approved parking relief of 50 parking spaces. 

Road closures for New Year’s events

Council approved road closures and a noise by-law extension request associated with the City of St. John’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks, and the George Street Association’s New Year’s Eve Event. Fireworks are scheduled to take place at Quidi Vidi Lake on Tuesday, December 31 at 8 p.m., with an inclement weather date of January 1. 

The following road closures were approved for that event:

• The Boulevard (7:30 – 8:30 p.m.) from Legion Road to East White Hills Road
• Lake Avenue (6:30 – 8:30 p.m.)
• Carnell Drive (6:30 – 8:30pm)
• Clancey Drive (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
• Lakeview Avenue (6:30 – 8:30 p.m.)

The George Street Association also got approval for road closures and a noise bylaw extension related to its all-ages New Year’s Eve event on George Street on Tuesday, Dec. 31. A noise bylaw extension request until 12:30 a.m. was approved, as well as a road closure on Duckworth Street between New Gower and Bates Hill from 11p.m. – 12:30 a.m. 

Wrapped up with a Christmas poem

This meeting is the final regular council meeting of the year and Coun. Greg Noseworthy took the opportunity to show off his poetry skills.

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through city hall, 
not a councillor was stirring, 
not even a developer of the Village Mall. 

Their permits all hung with precision and care, 
so that Councillors Burton and Hickman would not d​​are part a glare. 

In Ward 1, the dump promised not to stink, 
such that Councillor Bruce could enjoy a Christmas drink. 

In Ward 2, the pedestrian mall had been closed,
another successful season, 
which let Councillor Ravencroft 
get some much needed rest squeezed in. 

In Ward 3, the residents had not stirred,
In the Cowan Heights Facebook group, 
only greetings were heard. 

Now, let’s not forget how the trees were all hung,
laced with ornaments and glitter, 
and for two Danny’s grace,
in a roundabout, not a single tree had been placed.

And doubly so, all trees, 
they were real, 
or else, 
Deputy Mayor Sheilagh may have launched a court appeal.

In chambers, Councilor Ellsworth could not be heard
for stating his views would constitute a conflict of interest,
so the council was reassured. 

In Ward 4, Councilor Davis was happy that little had been stirred,
except for the excessive height of a Christmas tree,
from the seagulls and the birds.

In Ward 5, Councilor Ridgeley made sure that sidewalks were clear, 
even where there were none.
Residents slipping were not part,
of his holiday fears.

To city staff, I give my thanks. 
Residents. I wish you all well.
And to Councillor Hanlon,
on behalf of all of us, 
we hope that soon you’ll be here.

Merry Christmas to all,
and happy holidays to the rest. 

From myself and all at city hall,
I wish you all the very best.

Davis spoke up when Noseworthy finished the poem, saying his colleague could have done a better job on his own verse:

‘Twas the night before Christmas 
and all through the town, 
Councilor Greg Noseworthy was settling down, 
with his long flowing hair and a law book in sight,
He planned for the future all through the night.

In Ward 3, he championed,
both day and night,
for a city that flourished,
so vibrant and bright. 

By day he lead councils
By evening, he’d play,
A pickleball champion making strides every day.