What we Heard released

During April and May, members of the public were invited to submit feedback on the heritage by-law through a variety of mechanisms, including:

• virtual and in-person public meetings, including a specific meeting for residents of the Battery and a meeting with representatives from some churches in the heritage areas
• presentation to the City’s Built Heritage Experts' Panel
• an online discussion forum at engagestjohns.ca
• email and written submissions

Some sections in the Heritage By-Law have raised concerns with the public and Council will reflect on these, including:

• How Council could apply its discretion in terms of heritage protection and preservation

• The boundaries of the new Heritage Area 4 (Battery neighbourhood)

• Considerations prior to demolition

• The intended use of heritage reports and public consultation on development in heritage areas

• Exemptions from heritage standards and the design of tall buildings

• The terms of reference for the City’s Built Heritage Experts Panel

Read the full “What We Heard” in the documents library.

At the August 25 meeting of the Committee of the Whole, Council will consider the feedback received and make any necessary adjustments prior to the approval of the Heritage By-Law. The intention is to coordinate approval of the new By-Law with the Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan and Development Regulations to avoid any gap in heritage protection.