Connecting with our Guiding Principles

The visualizations demonstrate the following guiding principles, showing how their application sets an aspirational vision for future improvements in these specific places and also informs policy changes to encourage widespread adoption throughout St. Thomas.

Sustainability and Stewardship

  • Adapt green infrastructure to filter and reduce runoff from the Tutu Park Mall area, improving downstream Turpentine Run gut conditions

  • Adopt development standards to filter, store, and conserve water

  • Consider the effects of climate change in infrastructure upgrades and development standards

  • Include sidewalks, shade trees, and stormwater infrastructure in upcoming DPW Smith Bay Road and community park improvements

  • Expand urban and community forestry programs to plant more trees

    Connect People, Commerce, and Places

  • Improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure as part of upcoming DPW Smith Bay Road improvements

  • Redesign the Smith Bay Road and Coki Point Road intersection to improve pedestrian safety and add community space

  • Investigate better pedestrian connectivity and VITRAN transit within the Tutu Mall area, especially to provide access the Turnbull Library

  • Include green stormwater infrastructure and street trees as part of street reconstruction, public spaces, and private development/redevelopment standards

    Provide Homes for Everyone

  • Introduce a range of housing types as part of an expanded mix of uses within the Smith Bay and Tutu Park Mall area

  • Improve accessibility to local retail, healthcare, and other community needs by locating housing in mixed-use centers and corridors

    Protect natural resources

  • Prioritize redevelopment over new development in areas such as the Tutu Park Mall area and Smith Bay, maximizing preservation of sensitive natural and cultural resources

  • Continue implementation of the Smith Bay Watershed Plan and other watershed plans, and utilize them as a guide to policy and development standards

    Improve & Maintain Quality of Life

  • Require new buildings front public streets with parking behind, utilize frontages for expanded planting, sidewalks, and public space

  • Maintain and improve existing valued community spaces, and add new community spaces serving local needs