Public Works

Public Works strives to improve the quality of life for residents of the City of St. John’s through responsive, efficient and effective delivery of essential services such as the collection of garbage and recycling materials, waste diversion, snow clearing, ice control, road maintenance, provision of potable water and the removal of waste water, to every neighborhood.

It maintains public City buildings and non-profit housing units. It develops, enhances and maintains City parks, playgrounds, trails, open spaces and sports facilities including ball fields, soccer pitches and tennis courts, to provide opportunities for recreation and leisure for residents. The Department also maintains all public trees in the urban forest.

In support of these activities, the City operates and maintains a diverse fleet of specialized vehicles. These vehicles are maintained by the Department.

The Department of Public Works with the City of St. John’s is responsible for:

Public Works Organizational Chart

Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Public Works head office is located at the Municipal Depot on Blackler Avenue.

Contact us at:
Public Works – City of St. John’s
P.O. Box 908, St. John’s, NL  A1C 5M2
Phone: 311 or 709-754-CITY (2489)
Email: publicworks@stjohns.ca

Environmental Services
The Environmental Services Division includes the City’s Water and Wastewater as well as Waste Management teams.

Water and Wastewater is responsible for the protection of the environment and the public health of residents through its major activities.

This division treats raw water from the City’s supply reservoirs and the Bay Bulls Big Pond Regional Water reservoir, to provide clean and safe potable water. The treated water flows through the distribution system to provide drinking water for residential homes and businesses and for fire suppression. The activities of this division are related to the operation and maintenance of all water treatment plants, pumping stations, water mains, service lines, fire hydrants, valves and related infrastructure. The division is also responsible for promoting water conservation in the City.

The Water and Wastewater team oversees a network of sanitary, storm water and combined sewers for the conveyance of wastewater and rainfall runoff. The team is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all related infrastructure including mains, service lines, outfalls, manholes, pumping stations, catch basins and the Riverhead Wastewater Treatment Facility. This facility treats sanitary wastewater from several municipalities in the St. John’s Metropolitan region. The division is also responsible for response to service requests and other road, water or sewer problems occurring outside normal working hours.

Waste Management is responsible for provision of curbside garbage, and recycling collection services for residents and businesses of St. John’s. The operation is based at the Robin Hood Bay Regional Waste Management Facility, a modern and environmentally-sound integrated waste management complex, servicing Clarenville to St. John’s in the Eastern Region of the province.

Roads
The Roads Division is responsible for the maintenance of the City’s street and sidewalk network in order to provide for the safe and efficient movement of pedestrians, motorists and cyclists. Conducting maintenance activities such as street sweeping, asphalt and concrete repair, line painting and pavement marking make this possible.

During the winter, the division performs snow plowing, snow removal, sidewalk plowing and ice control activities. It is also responsible for the inspection and monitoring of pole installations by utility companies and street excavations by the private sector.

Fleet
The Fleet Division function supports other City operations and services. It provides for the acquisition, management and maintenance of the City’s fleet of heavy equipment and automotive vehicles. This Division manages vehicle rentals and is responsible for fleet replacement.

Parks and Open Spaces
The Parks and Open Spaces Division improves the livability and vibrancy of the City by providing places and opportunities for residents to gather for relaxing, quiet and healthy enjoyment. This division is responsible for developing, enhancing and maintaining City parks, monuments, playgrounds, trails, open spaces and sports facilities including ball fields, soccer pitches and tennis courts. The Division also maintains all public trees in the urban forest.

During winter it provides snow clearing, ice control and maintenance to City buildings, parks, parking lots, the Loop, sliding hills, as well as selected steps and laneways throughout the City. It also services salt boxes and pedestrian activated signalized street crossings.

City Buildings
The City Buildings division provides a supportive service to the organization by maintaining City owned buildings in a manner that adheres to safety, health and environmental standards. It is responsible for ensuring facilities meet applicable laws, codes and regulations. It is also responsible for the maintenance of the structures and the repair and operation of the plumbing, electrical and heating and ventilation systems within these facilities.

The division maintains the City’s non-profit housing units in order to provide quality affordable housing to low and moderate income individuals and families.