Should St. John's Expand Heritage Protection Beyond Buildings?
Official title: Heritage Plan
St. John's is drafting a 10-year Heritage Strategic Plan that goes beyond protecting old buildings. It would also cover cultural heritage, festivals, oral traditions, place names, and public art. The city wants to know if the vision and goals are right before finalizing the plan.
Why This Matters
Live in St. John's? This plan will shape what gets protected in your neighbourhood for the next decade. Care about more than just old buildings? The plan includes festivals, stories, and public art too. Residents are already weighing in on whether Council will actually follow through.
What Could Change
The city could adopt five new heritage priorities covering built heritage, cultural landscapes, and intangible heritage like oral traditions. A communication plan would increase public awareness. However, this is a strategic plan, not a bylaw—it guides Council decisions but isn't legally binding.
Key Issues
- Is the vision statement inclusive enough for all residents?
- Should the city conduct a built heritage inventory?
- Does the city have enough staff and funding to achieve these goals?
- How can built heritage be better protected through development approvals?
How to Participate
- Review the Draft Heritage Strategic Plan to understand the proposed vision and goals.
- Share your feedback on the consultation page by commenting on the vision statement and proposed actions.
- Attend the open house on June 25, 2025 from 6-8 PM at City Hall (Foran Greene Room, Fourth Floor) for a presentation and engagement session.
Events
| Date | Event | Location | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 25, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Heritage Strategic Plan Open House | Foran Greene Room, Fourth Floor, City Hall |
Submit Your Input
Questions Being Asked (1)
- Do you have any suggested changes to the vision statement?