St. John's council to vote on exception to downtown development parking rule

The City of St. John's is rethinking its requirement that all new downtown developments must create new off-street parking spaces.

City staff are proposing an amendment to the current regulation, in light of a new proposal from a local non-profit organization.

The John Howard Society wants to build 10 affordable housing units at 7 Garrison Hill in the downtown area of the city.

However, under city rules, the society would have to create four new off-street parking spaces for the project to be approved.

The proposed amendment to the regulations would allow council to make exceptions for organizations like the John Howard Society, which helps people with criminal backgrounds reintegrate into society.

St. John's councillors are expected to vote on the change Monday.