Saint John Common Council will review a proposal to rezone a portion of land along Rothesay Avenue, potentially opening the door for new commercial development on property currently designated as parkland.

The Proposal

The application focuses on an 8,360-square-meter section of land identified as part of PID 55183875. This parcel sits within the Fernhill Cemetery grounds. The public notice issued by the City outlines three specific amendments:

• Municipal Plan (Schedule A): Redesignate the land from Park and Natural Area to Employment Area.
• Municipal Plan (Schedule B): Redesignate the land from Park and Natural Area to Commercial Corridor.
• Zoning By-Law: Rezone the area from Park (P) to Commercial Corridor (CC).

City staff indicate the reason for this change is to subdivide this specific portion of land along Rothesay Avenue for “future commercial uses.” The remainder of the site will remain as Fernhill Cemetery.

Public Hearing Details

Common Council intends to consider these amendments at its regular meeting. The session takes place in the Council Chambers on Monday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m.

Residents who wish to object to the amendment can submit their concerns in writing or speak verbally at the Public Hearing. You must contact the Office of the City Clerk to register or submit documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the land located?
The land is a portion of 358 ½ Rothesay Avenue, which is part of the Fernhill Cemetery property facing the street.

Will this affect the entire cemetery?
No. The proposal states that only the 8,360-square-meter portion along the avenue is up for rezoning. The remainder of the site will remain as the cemetery.

How can I voice my opinion?
You can submit written objections or register to speak at the hearing by contacting the Office of the City Clerk via email at city.clerk@saintjohn.ca or by phone at (506) 658-2862.