By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Pearl
Progress is being made on the City of Mount Pearl’s municipal plan update, says Mayor Dave Aker, but it’s been with the Province for around 18 months and he’s eager to learn when it will be back to the City for implementation.
Operating without an updated plan that reflects modern realities hinders Mount Pearl’s goals about density and developing the community, he said. “Because it’s got to come back here for adoption and then there has to be another hearing, I think, in order for it to be written into law. And listen, it’s hurting us,” said Aker.
Aker, in response to a question from councillor Mark Rice during a roundtable discussion at the May 26 public meeting, said the technical part of the update is pretty much finished, noting he spoke with Municipal Affairs Minister Chris Tibbs about it at the recent Municipal NL symposium.
Scott Batt, the City’s director of planning, told council there is ongoing dialogue with the Province on different items, but the approval is out of the City’s hands for now.
“We’ll have to wait and see when we receive final approval,” Batt said.
Mount Pearl submitted its plan in January 2025. Other municipalities on the Avalon are also awaiting approval from the Province, including Bay Bulls, which submitted its plan in early 2023, as well as Petty Harbour and CBS.
Sherri Breen, the media relations manager for Municipal Affairs, said that as of May 29, there are 48 new municipal plans and sets of development regulations in various stages of review and four have been completed this year. There are also 66 municipal plans and sets of amendments predating the new ones still with the department at various stages, with 25 completed since January.
“There are a number of factors that will contribute to the timeline for review, including the complexity of the amendments and the number of full reviews or amendments being requested,” Breen said.
She added the department has all six planning staff positions filled.
“A full plan review for a new municipal plan and development regulations will be a longer process than an amendment to a municipal plan, development regulations, or a stand-alone amendment to development regulations,” she said.
“For instance, a full plan and development regulation could take a year or more. A stand-alone amendment to development regulations could take several weeks to months. As such, it is difficult to place a timeline, as it may vary depending on the type of review and the municipality.”
Breen said after the provincial review, next steps include a council resolution to adopt the plan, a public hearing with a commissioner, a council resolution to approve it, a final provincial review and registration through the Department of Municipal Affairs and, finally, a public notice in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette.