Development is a hot topic in any municipality because it represents economic growth and physical changes to the environment. Proposed developments must go through a process of consideration and approval, often out of site of the public, despite attempts to engage all stakeholders.
The Scope has an article about the planning process in St. John's.
Here are some planning development regulation resources from the City of St. John's planning department.
Urban Design involves the design and coordination of all that makes up cities and towns. Buildings, public spaces, streets, transport systems, and landscapes. Check out a description of the elements of urban design at UrbanDesign.org.