Downtown Pedestrian Mall: Accessibility Features
The City of St. John’s strives to create programs and services that welcome all residents and visitors. In collaboration with the Inclusion Advisory Committee and Downtown St. John’s, the following accessibility features have been included in the planning process for the Downtown Pedestrian Mall.
Accessible Parking, GoBus and Metrobus Stops
Approximately 20 accessible on street parking spaces and 36 accessible parking spaces within private parking garages are available in the mall area.
Metrobus customers can take Route 3 on an accessible low floor bus which stops at Aryes Cove/Harbour Drive near the mall. Route schedules can be accessed through Metrobus.
GoBus stops are located near the middle, and both ends of the mall. GoBus customers may reserve their ride by contacting GoBus directly. The Parking and Transportation map outlines the locations of accessible parking and GoBus stops.
Barrier Free Routes
To help maintain an accessible sidewalk, there is a requirement for businesses to always maintain a 2-meter barrier free sidewalk, both inside and outside of the mall area. This barrier free sidewalk is outlined in the parklet application checklist that businesses use when they apply for a parklet.
Accessible Picnic Tables
Approximately 10 accessible picnic table are placed in various areas throughout the Downtown Pedestrian Mall.
Parklet Accessibility Design
The Parklet Checklist includes accessible design conditions for exterior and interior design as outlined in the Canadian Standards Association B651-18 Accessible Design for the Built Environment Guidelines.
Inclusion and Accessibility Orientation for Businesses.
A free inclusion and accessibility orientation is available virtually for business who are interested in learning how to create welcoming, inclusive and accessible spaces for customers and visitors. The orientation includes many low and no cost ways that businesses can reach more diverse audiences.
The free on-demand webinar can be accessed on the city’s Business Resources webpage. Live sessions may also be held virtually, or in-person based on interest.
This resource has been made possible through a partnership between the city’s Inclusion Advisory Committee members, staff in the City of St. John’s recreation division, Downtown St. John’s and Destination St. John’s.
Wayfinding and Navigation
In collaboration with CNIB and Frontier Accessibility, the BlindSquare Event App, a wayfinding and navigation technology, is being piloted for pedestrians with low vision, no vision or any pedestrian who may benefit from a wayfinding tool to navigate the mall safely. The app is self-voicing, delivering location information for points of interest. iOS Smartphone users can download the BlindSquare Event app from their app store for free or find the QR code that will be posted on signage inside the Pedestrian Mall. Further details are available here.
Planning Your Visit
Accessibility features of businesses in the downtown vary and are regulated by current provincial legislation. Pedestrians are encouraged to contact businesses of interest for more information when planning a visit.
Provincial Legislation and Next Steps
Staff in Special Events and Community Services continue to work with the Inclusion Advisory Committee and Downtown St. John’s to advance inclusion and accessibility of the pedestrian mall. The City also looks forward to working with the Provincial Government as they update legislation that will provide an accessibility framework for municipalities and businesses.
Accommodations and Feedback
The City of St. John's strives to create accessible and inclusive programs and services where possible. To request accommodations, learn more or provide feedback or suggestions, please call 709 576 4450 or email inclusion@stjohns.ca.