Downtown Pedestrian Mall 2021

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People walking in the centre of Water Street with patio decks on either side flanking the buildings

The City of St. John's opened the Downtown Pedestrian Mall (the Mall) on July 2, 2021. The Mall ran every day during the summer from 12 to 10 p.m. with the area inside the footprint closed to traffic. Based on the success of the 2020 Pedestrian Mall and feedback from the public and the business community, several changes were put in place for 2021. These included:

  • the inclusion of sections of Duckworth Street and George Street in the Pedestrian Mall footprint
  • changes to outdoor decks and patios to improve sidewalk accessibility
  • animation within the footprint including performers and organizations with pop up events

The Mall was open from July 2 to Sept. 6 with many businesses making changes to their outdoor spaces to accommodate increased foot traffic/patrons.

There are many stakeholders who will be consulted throughout this engagement process. This page is primarily designed to solicit feedback and perspective from consumers -- people who visited the Mall or those who chose not to visit the Mall. Take a few minutes to review the content on this page and provide your input.

Businesses, property owners, and other stakeholders in the Downtown will be consulted via survey and stakeholder meetings as well. A final report with recommendations will be shared with Council later in the fall.

The City of St. John's opened the Downtown Pedestrian Mall (the Mall) on July 2, 2021. The Mall ran every day during the summer from 12 to 10 p.m. with the area inside the footprint closed to traffic. Based on the success of the 2020 Pedestrian Mall and feedback from the public and the business community, several changes were put in place for 2021. These included:

  • the inclusion of sections of Duckworth Street and George Street in the Pedestrian Mall footprint
  • changes to outdoor decks and patios to improve sidewalk accessibility
  • animation within the footprint including performers and organizations with pop up events

The Mall was open from July 2 to Sept. 6 with many businesses making changes to their outdoor spaces to accommodate increased foot traffic/patrons.

There are many stakeholders who will be consulted throughout this engagement process. This page is primarily designed to solicit feedback and perspective from consumers -- people who visited the Mall or those who chose not to visit the Mall. Take a few minutes to review the content on this page and provide your input.

Businesses, property owners, and other stakeholders in the Downtown will be consulted via survey and stakeholder meetings as well. A final report with recommendations will be shared with Council later in the fall.

Consultation has concluded

  • What we heard for 2021 released

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Today the City of St. John's released its What we Heard document regarding this project for 2021. The document incudes information on what was heard from public and business community stakeholders as well as the inclusion community and transportation sector. Highlights of what we heard include:

    • Generally, there is a view that the Downtown Pedestrian Mall is well liked and used by the public; this perspective differed, depending on which section of the mall was discussed.
    • Both the businesses on Duckworth St. and users of the mall felt the Duckworth St. addition did not add significantly to the mall and many business owners felt it negatively impacted business on the street.
    • While the animation added for 2021 was seen as a positive addition, some noted it was spotty and not always well promoted. Some suggested hiring professional event organizers. These comments were made by both businesses and members of the public.
    • Many public people suggested increasing the timelines of the mall or adding a winter/holiday mall. This was also noted by some business operators.
    • While improvements in accessibility were noted for 2021, there were still challenges on sidewalks where the 2m width was infringed upon.
    • Many people noted the increase in the number of panhandlers in the area and some raised concerns about safety.

    Staff tabled the document at the Nov. 17, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting.

  • Public engagement kicks off

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The goal of the Pedestrian Mall was to stimulate the downtown economy while providing businesses with expanded operating space. To provide your feedback on the 2021 Pedestrian Mall event:

    • Complete a survey (one for the public and one for businesses) or share your thoughts on the idea board

    • Send an email to engage@stjohns.ca

    • If you are unable to participate online, call Access St. John’s at 311 or 754-CITY (2489)

    Focus groups are being planned with business and stakeholder organizations and the City’s Inclusion Advisory Committee as well.

    Following the public engagement process, a ‘What we Heard’ document will be produced and shared with stakeholder groups, the community, staff and Council later this fall. This document will help inform Council decisions about the future of the Pedestrian Mall.