Rezonings Followed Planning Process

Mayor Dennis O’Keefe and Councillor at Large Tom Hann are responding to a recent CBC report based on draft briefing notes leaked to the media.

“First of all, let me reaffirm my full support for the Glencrest development,” says Mayor O’Keefe. “Council voted unanimously to approve the rezonings as the first step towards a development which will be a major boost to the economy.”

The Glencrest rezonings are on lands above the 190-metre contour. The rezoning process for these lands and similar properties on Kenmount Road actually got underway in 2012 when the Municipal and Regional Plans were amended to permit development above the 190-metre contour after more than a year of work at the staff level. Since that time, applications to rezone certain properties have been received from Glencrest, as well as two separate property owners in the Kenmount Road area.

“The rezoning applications from all three separate and independent landowners were dealt with in the exact same manner and subject to the exact same process,” says Councillor Hann. “Council has had a number of discussions about the Kenmount and Glencrest development over the past six months or so. The rezoning applications certainly were not rushed through the process.”

With regard to the Glencrest rezonings in particular, there has been extensive discussion with the proponent regarding issues related to infrastructure, traffic, wetland protection, open space, walking trails, density and many more issues. The proponent has gone to great lengths and considerable expense to address the City’s concerns and develop a comprehensive land use plan.

Glencrest comprises approximately 2,200 acres in the Southlands area. The recent rezoning considered by Council dealt with only about 236 acres, or just over 10 per cent of the total lands. This initial stage of development is located on or adjacent to existing road networks and can be serviced with existing water/sewer systems and will not require any significant infrastructure investment by the City.

For further information:
Jennifer Mills
Communications Officer
City of St. John’s
Phone: (709) 570-2037
Cell: (709) 690-7586
E-mail: jmills@stjohns.ca

Dennis O’Keefe
Mayor
City of St. John’s
Phone: (709) 576-8477
E-mail: dokeefe@stjohns.ca