Downtown Pedestrian Mall: Now Open
Today, members of City Council were joined by representatives from the federal government, Downtown St. John’s, and the George Street Association to officially celebrate the opening of the Downtown Pedestrian Mall.
The City undertook extensive public engagement with the community and business owners following the 2020 Pedestrian Mall pilot project. This year, with COVID-19 restrictions beginning to lift, the City is partnering with community and non-profit organizations to enhance the mall with pop-up musical and theatrical performances, interactive games, and collaborative art projects.
“I am thrilled to take part in the opening of the Downtown Pedestrian Mall alongside our community and government partners,” said Councillor Debbie Hanlon. “The timing is perfect as our province is starting to open up to visitors from other parts of Canada, and we are excited to see how many businesses are taking part in the Parklet program to expand their outdoor space.”
The Government of Canada, through Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), has provided funding for the 2021 Downtown Pedestrian Mall to support local businesses in their recovery from pandemic challenges.
“Who can forget what a hit the Downtown Pedestrian Mall was! So good to see it back, supporting the downtown businesses that make St. John’s stronger and even more vibrant. I’ll see you there this summer,” says the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
The Downtown St. John’s Business Commission continues to work and enhance the visitor experience to downtown and its business members. Beautification projects such as colourful outdoor street furniture for seating and eating, flowerpots and hanging baskets, overhead LED string lights and pole lights are featured throughout the downtown commercial core.
Byron Murphy, Chair of the Downtown St. John’s Business Commission encourages residents and visitors alike to come and explore everything downtown has to offer.
“Check out our awesome locally owned businesses and services, the amazing sights and sounds and beautiful historical landmarks. All of these things and more await you here in historic Downtown St. John’s,” says Byron Murphy.
New this year is the addition of George Street and two sections of Duckworth Street to the Pedestrian Mall event.
“On behalf of the members of the George Street Association, we are thankful for the collaboration and adornments like new lighting features for visitors of the entertainment district of our pedestrian mall," says Don-E Coady, Communications and Marketing Director for the George Street Association.
A map outlining transportation and parking details for the Downtown Pedestrian Mall is available on the City’s website.