The regular meeting of the St. John's Municipal Council was held in the Council Chamber, City Hall, at 4:30 p.m. today.

Mayor Andy Wells presided.

There were present also Deputy Mayor White, Councillors Miller, Duff, Wyatt, O'Keefe, Hanrahan, Galgay, Coombs, Colbert and Dinn.

The Chief Commissioner/City Solicitor, City Clerk, Associate Commissioner/Director of Engineering & Planning, Director of St. John's Regional Fire Services, and the Manager, Corporate Secretariat were also in attendance.

Ms. Jennifer Fitzgerald, Co-op Student from Bishop's College was also in attendance.
 

...Councillor Coombs

Councillor Coombs then referenced a meeting with the Sisters of Mercy regarding the Belvedere Property and he referenced the minutes of November 8, 1999 where the Planning Department was asked to look at the buildings being designated as Heritage buildings. He then referenced the concerns expressed by the delegation at the special meeting regarding safety and the sale of the buildings and he suggested that it was time to move forward.

SJMC2000-01-17/033R

It was then moved by Councillor Coombs; seconded by Councillor Miller: That the property of Belvedere Orphanage and St. Michael's Convent NOT be designated as Heritage Buildings.

Discussion ensued with Councillor Duff, speaking as Chair of the Heritage Advisory Committee, acknowledged that the buildings are a hardship to the Sisters of Mercy; that they did receive one of the highest designations ever in the City; that it would be a mistake not to do it; and that efforts should be made to find an adaptive use.

Speaking in support of the motion, His Worship the Mayor referenced the meeting with Sister Helen Harding and the Legal Counsel for the Congregation and noted that they have done everything possible to find a use for the buildings by contacting the School Boards, various Government Departments and private developers and contractors, all to no avail. He questioned why they should be forced to keep the buildings and waste their money on them. He suggested that it is unfortunate and agreed that the buildings are of significance but it comes down to who is going to pay and the Sisters do not want any further hindrances in trying to deal with the property.

Deputy Mayor White noted that there was no opportunity to consider a joint approach because there was an application on the books and she concurred with Councillor Duff that it is difficult to make a decision not to designate the buildings but considering what the Sisters have endured she would agree with the motion. She also suggested that the City should take the opportunity to write the Province, do what we can to help and keep in mind the concerns of the Sisters.

Further discussion ensued with respect to the liability, safety and vandalism as well as the cost involved to maintain the buildings.

Following further discussion the motion being put was carried with Councillor Duff dissenting.