St. John's city council has taken significant steps toward addressing the housing crisis by approving plans for the redevelopment of part of the Village Mall parking lot. This newly sanctioned project involves constructing six stories of residential units, which will provide over 110 new apartments.
The unanimous decision, made on Tuesday, marks a moment of optimism for the community, which has been facing increasing demand for housing. According to the council, the building will include 50 one-bedroom units, 40 two-bedrooms, and another 20 classified as two-bedroom plus den units. This range aims to cater to diverse residential needs.
While the specifics about whether the apartments will be for rent or purchase remain unclear, many council members emphasized the importance of addressing the city’s housing deficit. Councillor Carl Ridgeley noted, "The city does not regulate the type of ownership or the price at which developers choose to rent or sell units." This ambiguity has raised questions about the future accessibility of these units for residents.
Leading up to the vote, council members cited community feedback as overwhelmingly supportive, particularly pointing out how the development aligns with the city’s push for urban intensification. Councillor Greg Noseworthy highlighted his engagement with constituents during recent elections, stating, "The vast majority of people are overwhelmingly in favour of this project."
The approval, described as preliminary, grants Village Shopping Centre (2006) Inc. the ability to advance its designs and development strategy, though the council has not set a timeline for when final plans must be completed.
Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary expressed her backing of the project. "This type of development is beneficial for the community and meets changing needs," she said. O’Leary also pointed out the underutilization of the parking lot, advocating for its potential to serve the population more effectively.
Similarly, Mayor Danny Breen underscored the project’s positive attributes, commenting, "If you can replace part of a parking lot with over one hundred units of housing, then I think you just did something good." Many city officials agreed, emphasizing the necessity for more living spaces as St. John's continues to grow.
The Village Mall site is considered advantageous due to its proximity to accessible public transport, making it easier for residents to commute and engage with the wider community. O’Leary added, "There’s fantastic accessibility here, and it’s positioned well for potential residents who rely on Metrobus service. This site is ideal for residential growth."
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the proposal, some public concerns have emerged. Some residents voiced worries about how the new building might affect privacy on nearby streets and whether it could detract from the mall experience. Ridgeley’s report indicated the city received 29 submissions about the application; most supported the new housing development.
Public engagement was also flagged as a concern by councils, particularly from newly elected representative Noseworthy, who mentioned potential gaps in notification processes for community members about upcoming developments. "It’s important for us to improve engagement and keep residents informed," he remarked, noting his intention to advocate for greater involvement as plans progress.
For many within the community, the Village Mall redevelopment symbolizes more than just new housing; it serves as part of the larger narrative of combating the housing crisis facing St. John's and many areas across Canada. Ongoing discussions around zoning, land use, and future growth will inevitably shape not only the residential offerings but also the urban fabric of the city.
The Village Mall itself is expected to remain unchanged, as reassured by city officials. This development aims to coexist with the traditional retail setting, promoting both residential living and commercial activity. Yet, for now, the focus remains firmly on how these new homes will contribute to alleviating the pressing need for more housing options.
The affirmation of plans for the new apartment building marks significant progress—one small step toward potentially reshaping the housing market for residents struggling with the current limitations.
