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Minister seeks interest in review of St. John�s Urban Region Regional Plan Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, announced today that he has asked for input from Northeast Avalon municipalities in a wide-scale review of the St. John�s Urban Region Regional Plan. This is an over-arching planning and policy document guiding development and land use for the Northeast Avalon Peninsula as far as Holyrood and Witless Bay and including Bell Island. "The St. John�s Urban Region Regional Plan has been in existence since 1976 and although there have been several significant amendments over the years, there has not been an intensive review of it in 28 years," said Minster Byrne. "The Northeast Avalon has changed a great deal over the years since the adoption of the plan and it is time that we look at it comprehensively to address the changing needs of the region. We need to recognize the growth that has happened in the past and to use that knowledge and information to plan for the future." By reviewing the plan now, government aims to address deficiencies in the regional land use planning framework so that the area can meet future growth potential. This would include planning that will capitalize on economic growth and planning for the tourism potential of the area. In addition, there is a need to plan various types of municipal infrastructure to meet future residential, industrial and commercial needs. It is estimated that the review will take two years to complete and will cost approximately $500,000. The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs is prepared to provide 50 per cent of the cost because the plan will address both provincial and regional issues and interests. The St. John �s Urban Region comprises 15 municipalities - St. John�s, Mount Pearl, Conception Bay South, Paradise, Portugal Cove-St. Phillips, Torbay, Wabana, Holyrood, Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, Pouch Cove, Flatrock, Witless Bay, Bay Bulls, Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove and Bauline - and each has been invited to take part in the review and contribute to the cost of this plan. In addition to consulting with municipalities, the review will require consultation with other government departments to ensure provincial interests are protected and input from the general public and public interest groups will be necessary as well. "I look forward to hearing from all 15 municipalities as I believe they all have an important role in reviewing this plan," said Minister Byrne. "The earlier we can start this review, the better this region can take full advantage of the opportunities that exist to aid future development for current and future residents as well as visitors to the Northeast Avalon region." Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-1983, 682-6593 BACKGROUNDER The St. John�s Urban Region Regional Plan was approved in 1976 and is based upon the results of the Federal/Provincial Urban Region Study and the Henley Commission of Inquiry. The current regional plan sets a framework for development by:
As a major policy document, the regional plan reflects a number of provincial interests such as:
The current regional plan has served the Northeast Avalon Peninsula well over the years, however, the time has now come to reflect on the growth and development which has occurred over the past 30 years, to consider current development issues and challenges, and to consider how the region can be expected to grow into the future. The result of this exercise should be a comprehensive planning and development control document which will serve as a blueprint for the future. 2005 01 11 10:50 a.m. |
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