The Shared-Use Path from Columbus Drive to Carpasian Road is complete. The final phase of this project, between Carpasian Road and Bannerman Road, is scheduled to begin the week of June 8, 2026 and continue through October 2026.

The route will run alongside Empire Avenue and Rennie’s Mill Road, through Bannerman Park, and onto Bannerman Road. Kelly’s Brook Trail will remain open to pedestrians during construction; however, temporary trail detours or diversions will be required at times to allow work to proceed safely.

The work is being conducted concurrently with the City’s annual street rehabilitation program, which will see reconstruction of a portion of Empire Avenue between Carpasian Road and Rennie’s Mill Road. Motorists and pedestrians should expect traffic delays and lane reductions in the area.

Description

The Kelly’s Brook Shared-Use Path will extend from Bannerman Road to Columbus Drive, creating a continuous east–west active transportation corridor through the city centre.

Much of the route previously existed as a granular walking trail connecting multiple neighbourhoods. Upgrades will formalize this corridor into a high-quality, accessible 4.3 km shared-use path that largely follows Empire Avenue.

Once complete, the pathway will serve as an inviting greenway linking parks, neighbourhoods, and key destinations. Designed for people of all ages and abilities, it will support a wide range of active transportation uses, including walking, running, cycling, and rolling, while strengthening connections between communities and amenities along the corridor.

This multi-year project began in October 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2026.

Background

Council approved the Bike Master Plan in 2019. Its vision is to create “a safe, inclusive, and convenient cycling network that is well-connected, attractive and reflective of the City’s unique topography and climate. As part of an integrated mobility network, this is supported by policies and programs that promote a cycling friendly culture.”

The Kelly's Brook Shared-Use Path is a catalyst project coming from the Bike St. John's Master Plan.

Public Engagement

The City of St. John's engaged a highly qualified team of professionals to complete the detailed design of the shared-use path while working closely with city staff. The design team provided a series of public engagement opportunities for residents and stakeholders to share their input to inform design decisions around elements such as lighting, surface materials, path alignment, trailhead and rest areas, wayfinding, and other features that emerged during the process.