Planning Page Pilot Evaluation

Planning Page Pilot Evaluation

The City of St. John's finalized an evaluation of the pilot planning page at EngageStJohns.ca. Evaluation included a review of site analytics and promotions of the new page; a public survey conducted in May 2023; a survey of Council; and internal meetings to discuss the page. Generally, response to the page has been positive.

Pilot Overview

The pilot began in June 2022. The page was designed to provide an online space for information and solicit feedback on planning applications. It includes Municipal Plan and Development regulation amendments such as rezonings and text amendments, but does not include development applications, discretionary use applications, or non-conforming use applications.

Key Findings

• The number of emails and requests for information decreased for applications included in the pilot, which is believed to reflect an improved ability to access information online.
• Overall, staff believe that reaching beyond the immediate neighbourhood for a proposed project is good for community engagement and land use planning.
• While the site has a measure of public awareness, a comprehensive strategy to communicate the page is needed if the pilot becomes a permanent feature of the site.
• Council found the page useful and liked the summaries provided when making decisions on an application.
• When asked to indicate how they typically learning about planning applications, 58% of public survey respondents indicated they do so through sign up notifications, website or this page; 85% supporting continuing the page.

Read the complete Pilot Review document.

Staff recommended on July 24 at the regular meeting of Council that we make this pilot a permanent feature of EngageStJohns.ca and Council approved the recommendation.