St. John’s is changing, yes, and growing. With growth comes population density, and with that comes the physical and visual transformation of a city.

Handled right, that can be a positive thing for an old town like ours, whose citizens think having a neighbourhood cafe is a privilege, not the norm.

Happy City has partnered with the St. John’s Board of Trade and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association to talk with both citizens and the private sector on what this growth will mean for St. John’s.

They’re inviting you to share your thoughts on how you think the city should change in the coming years – including what to do with spaces like the Village Mall area? The intersection of Torbay Road & Newfoundland Drive? The site of the Old Grace Hospital? Ropewalk Lane?

The survey aims to gauge what you want your St. John’s neighbourhood to look like. Do you want a park? A cafe? A school? A bus stop? Yes, but how close to your house?

And what’s important in your neighbourhood: a sense of community? Amenities? Ease of parking? A Backyard? What are your fears about increasing population density in the city?

Share all those thoughts and more on this survey: happycity.ca/density.

The results will be presented at a series of three evenings focused on different parts of the city:

  • East End : Tuesday, December 2nd, 7-9 PM, Wedgewood Park Community Centre
  • West End: Wednesday, December 3rd, 7-9 PM, Cowan Heights United Church
  • Centre City: Thursday, December 4th, 7-9 PM, Wesley United Church

These evenings will feature a panel discussion with leaders from the development community, a presentation of ideas utilized around Canada and the world, and a chance for attendees to draw out their own ideas.

As St. John’s Board of Trade Chair Sharon Horan says, “If we are going to build more dense neighbourhoods, it is important that it is done right, and citizens and businesspeople have a say in how our city looks in the future.”