A bid to rezone land for an apartment building and new housing in the centre of St. John’s would seem a no-brainer given the current housing crunch. But whether it all has to be affordable was up for debate among councilors yesterday.

Stonemount Enterprises wants to put up a new apartment building and a row of eight townhouses at 57 Margaret’s Place—between Brother Rice junior high and Holy Heart of Mary high school.

They also plan to renovate the historic 200-year-old St. Michael’s Convent Belvedere building, one of the oldest heritage structures in the province, for residential use.

The project came before the city’s Committee of the Whole yesterday, where the focus was clearly on making the most of any opportunities that arise.

“We can’t be talking out of both sides of our face in the sense of what we’re doing on affordability, at the same time we do have to protect the heritage, I get that,” said Councillor Ron Ellsworth. “Do we know that this would be affordable housing?” asked Sandy Hickman. “Whether it’s designated as affordable housing or not, it adds to the supply and capacity. So it’s a good thing for the housing market,” said Mayor Danny Breen

The project next goes before council for debate and eventually a vote.