Carbonear Plan Review

In the summer of 2022, UPLAND was engaged by the Town of Carbonear to review and update their Municipal Plan and Development Regulations. Located along the eastern shore of the Bay of Verde Peninsula, the Town of Carbonear is home to just under 5000 residents. The Town is characterized by its historic properties, connection to the water, rich culture, surrounding rural areas, and the presence of regional services.

We began our review in the discovery phase, focusing on connecting with the town’s staff, collecting relevant documents, and conducting a detailed analysis of the existing conditions in the town. This was followed by an extensive engagement process that included stakeholder surveys, interviews, community workshops, as well as creative outreach approaches. All of this was summarized in our detailed What We Heard Report.

Our engagement formed the backbone of the new planning documents, reflecting the needs and goals of the community. Residents identified infrastructure, health and social services, and improving landscaping among others as pressing issues in the town. The regulations developed by our team addressed transportation needs, housing stock, and the challenges that climate change presents. Throughout the drafting and finalization of these documents, community engagement remained at the
forefront.

Highlights of the Municipal Plan and Development Regulations include establishing basic architectural requirements in the town’s heritage main street area; introducing a new Residential Higher Density Zone to enable more diverse housing options in the town; and a heavy focus on ensuring the documents are internally consistent, easy to administer, and easy to understand.