FAQs

The intent of a Neighbourhood (sometimes called Secondary) Plan is to adapt and implement the objectives, policies, land use designations, and planning approach of the Municipal Plan to a local or neighbourhood context. It is a document that includes a land use planning framework and detailed local policies to guide growth and change in a defined area.

The Envision St. John's Municipal Plan defines a vision for St. John’s including goals, objectives, and policies to guide the city’s growth and development over the next decade. As the City’s primary planning document, the Municipal Plan focuses on the entire city as a whole. 

The intent of a Neighbourhood Plan is to adapt and implement the objectives, policies, land use designations, and planning approach of the Municipal Plan to a local or neighbourhood context.

The Neighbourhood/Secondary Plan is an opportunity to establish a forward-thinking policy framework for a dynamic Downtown that will establish:

• The desired mix of land uses;
• The height and density of development;
• The transportation network (both on-street and off-street);
• The open space network;
• Protection of natural and cultural heritage assets.

The Plan will be an important tool for City of St. John’s Council and Staff when evaluating new or proposed development, re-development or infill within the Downtown area. It will allow for appropriate progress and revitalization to occur, yet ensure that it is balanced with the unique, character-defining elements of Downtown and the overall vision set out by the Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan.

The following stakeholders will be engaged on this project:

• Council
• City Staff
• City's Advisory Committees
• St. John's Port Authority
• Metrobus and GoBus
• Downtown Business Owners
• Downtown Building Owners Management Association

In addition, there are two Focus Group sessions planned with invited representatives of the following stakeholder groups:

• Tourism operators
• Special events coordinators
• Arts and culture
• Indigenous community
• Not-for-profit and other non-governmental organizations
• Memorial University 
• Seniors
• Grand Concourse Authority
• Inclusion NL
• Downtown St. John's
• Destination St. John's
• St. John's Board of Trade
• George Street Association
• Hospitality NL
• Hoteliers & Restaurant Owners
• Provincial Government