What We Heard: University Area Neighbourhood Plan

The City of St. John’s has released a What We Heard reports summarizing findings from public engagement which took place in November and December of 2024 on the development of a land use plan for the University Area neighbourhood.

Highlights of What We Heard include:

1. Housing need is growing in the neighbourhood: There is rising demand for affordable rental housing for students, newcomers, and small households, with a need for smaller, high-quality homes as enrollment and infrastructure grow.
2. Parks, trails, and recreation are top amenities: Residents value greenspaces like Kelly's Brook and Pippy Park, with a desire for more parks, dog parks, playgrounds, and community gardens.
3. A mobility shift is needed in the area: Traffic and parking issues highlight the need for improved transit, snow clearing, safer crossings, and expanded active transportation paths.
4. Intensification is key to help support sensitive growth: Support for increased density along Elizabeth Avenue and Freshwater Road, with added services, parks, and grocery access.

The City of St. John’s has a strategic direction to be a Sustainable City, planning for land use while preserving and enhancing the natural and built environment for residents. The University Area neighbourhood plan play a key role in advancing this direction.

The What we Heard for Cowan Heights Neighbourhood plan is also available on that project page.