Council thaws Quidi Vidi Village development freeze

Councillors in St. John's have lifted a two-year-old ban on development in Quidi Vidi Village.

Council put a freeze on construction in the Quidi Vidi area in 2013, following concerns from residents that the neighbourhood's historic character was under threat from development.

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However, after Monday's vote, people can once again apply to the city for building projects in the village.

Coun. Tom Hann expects to see more construction along the water as a result of the change.

"I think you'll see some development around the core of the harbour," he said.

"If you're familiar with the plantation, I think you'll see some applications come through for development right on the harbour."

In 2013, the city hired a consultant to study development in the village. From that came the Quidi Vidi Overlay Study that was approved by council last week. It set out a series of guidelines that will govern future projects in the area.​

Hann, who chairs the city's planning and development committee, insists restrictions will ensure the unique character of Quidi Vidi Village will be preserved.

"The new overlay study which council adopted last week has some very specific guidelines on what could go there, how it's built and how it's designed," he said. "It looks at the zoning in the area, so that any future development is controlled."

Admits council made mistake allowing previous development

Hann said he understands why people in the area are so worried, given the previous failure of council to prevent a number of large houses from being constructed, a move which upset many residents.

"Yes, it was a mistake, and I guess that's what forced us to start thinking about the future of the village and what we wanted to see — but more importantly what the residents want to see," he said.

He said the city is planning an information session, where they will explain the details of the new guidelines. He feels that once residents see those regulations, any concerns about future developments will be put to bed.

"What we have now is a study and a plan — and staff can look through the eyes of that plan and make sure that any future development is done in conjunction with that whole plan," he said.

"A lot of the suggestions that came from the residents of the village were incorporated in the final draft. It controls how the buildings look, the height, and more importantly it protects the centre core of the harbour."

Hann said the new criteria should ensure that any future development in Quidi Vidi Village will be part of a well thought out, long-term vision.

"We consulted extensively, and we heard what they had to say about development in the village," he said. "We heard what they wanted to see the village look like 10 years from now."