ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Revised plans for the 68 Queen’s Rd. heritage building, Cathedral Parish Hall, and its grounds, require public engagement, but for the first time at the city for a development proposal, that engagement will be done solely online.
“This would normally be referred to a second public meeting, but the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated matters,” reads a decision note prepared by city staff.
Staff recommended the city hold two online public meetings chaired by an independent facilitator — one in the afternoon, and one in the evening.
However, Coun. Maggie Burton, development lead on council, said during Monday’s council meeting that she has heard from many people who have concerns about not including an in-person option.
Coun. Ian Froude said there’s limitations of technology, literacy and access, and he worried that holding meetings solely online would leave people out of a process that is democratically necessary.
Burton motioned to hold a simultaneous online and in-person meeting, giving people an option to engage in either manner. She said the in-person meeting could follow public-health guidelines, and that even though the province recommends people meet by video or teleconference when possible, the city’s planning department was also told by the province that it would not oppose an in-person meeting if the guidelines are respected.
Coun. Debbie Hanlon suggested the city work with public libraries to ensure people have an option to attend virtually with the library’s help.
Coun. Jamie Korab said that under the current circumstances, he doesn’t support in-person public meetings.
Burton’s motion was lost, with only herself, Froude and Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary in support.
Council ultimately decided to go ahead with staff’s recommended option, with Burton and Froude dissenting.
Burton suggested people be provided with a way to leave feedback on the development with the city’s planning department by phoning 311, and see if the libraries can provide a satellite location where people can meet in person to attend the virtual meeting.
These suggestions may or may not be included once city staff organize the public engagement.
