St. John’s releases neighbourhood plans for Rennie’s River, Central and Mundy Pond

The City of St. John’s has released new neighbourhood plans for Rennie’s River, Central and Mundy Pond, outlining how the areas are expected to grow and change in the coming years.

The plans provide direction on land use, heritage, building types, transportation, housing and park improvements.

The Central and Mundy Pond areas are addressed together because of their close proximity and shared characteristics.

Councillor Tom Davis, the City’s Planning lead, says residents and businesses helped identify what they value about their neighbourhoods and where improvements are needed.

The City says the neighbourhood plans take the broader goals of its Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan and apply them at the local level.

The plans are legally binding, meaning future development in the designated areas must align with their policies.

Rennie’s River

The Rennie’s River plan identifies five key strategies for the neighbourhood.

The City plans to focus the highest-intensity mixed-use development around the existing Torbay Road and Macdonald Drive intensification area. The plan calls for more housing close to neighbourhood services, along with improved walking, active transportation and transit connections.

Elizabeth Avenue is also identified for a transition from a primarily vehicle-oriented commercial and office area toward a more walkable, street-oriented mixed-use corridor. The City says this work will be coordinated with planned pedestrian and bicycle improvements.

Improvements to the Rennie’s River Trail and surrounding parks are also planned, including better wayfinding, trail amenities and accessibility while maintaining the area's natural character.

Churchill Square is identified as a neighbourhood hub. The plan supports existing businesses, additional mixed-use redevelopment and the formalization of an outdoor community gathering space in Churchill Park.

The plan also includes the Georgestown and Ecclesiastical District, where the City says heritage buildings could be adapted for new uses while maintaining their heritage character. The strategy also supports local commercial uses and medium-density residential development in Georgestown.

Central and Mundy Pond

The Central and Mundy Pond plan identifies eight strategic areas for growth and redevelopment.

LeMarchant Road is identified as a neighbourhood centre, with opportunities for commercial, service and community uses alongside residential development. Higher-intensity mixed-use development along the road is intended to support commercial renewal in Central.

The plan also calls for expanded mixed-use development along Ropewalk Lane, along with improvements to the public realm and connections between Wishingwell Park and Mundy Pond.

Adams Avenue is identified for additional housing choices, parks and open-space access and local commercial opportunities.

The City also identifies the Empire Avenue brownfield redevelopment site as having potential for future commercial, recreational and institutional uses, as well as other community needs.

Blackmarsh Road, Crosbie Road and Empire Avenue are identified as employment areas where further business redevelopment and growth is encouraged. The plan calls for the City to manage the transition between residential, industrial and commercial uses.

Three areas are identified as mixed-use hubs: the Cookstown Road commercial area, Freshwater Road and Water Street West.

The plan also supports higher-density residential development in areas including Empire Avenue, Buckmaster’s Circle and Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation lands. The City says this could provide additional housing options close to established services and amenities.

Further improvements to parks and open spaces are also planned, with an emphasis on year-round use and accessibility.

The City says community engagement will continue as specific improvements to parks and other public spaces are developed.