Summer is quickly approaching here in Atlantic Canada and in St. John’s, that means it’s almost time for the Pedestrian Mall to re-open for the season! A few things are changing this year
What is the St. John’s Pedestrian Mall?
In the summer of 2020, the city of St. John’s decided to close off part of Water Street in its downtown to vehicles for 9 weeks in order to allow businesses to expand their space outdoors and to allow people to use the public space while maintaining social distancing and gathering indoors. It was a huge hit. Many bars and restaurants created patios, shops had sidewalk sales, and the downtown was alive with all the folks who came to see what it was about. The city also added a number of picnic tables and seats along the street so that people could stop and enjoy the street without needing to spend money, if they so wished.
When does the St. John’s Pedestrian Mall start in 2023?
The 2023 Pedestrian Mall is scheduled to run from June 22 to September 4 from noon to 10 p.m. daily.
Outside of designated hours, traffic will be allowed for deliveries and commercial access only.
What’s included for 2023?
In 2021, two sections of Duckworth Street were included in the pedestrian mall but for 2023, the mall will only include Water Street. Downtown businesses that are outside of this zone can avail of the city’s parket program to expand onto sidewalks and parking spaces so expect to see a lot of patios again this summer!
Entertainment planning is in the works so expect to see buskers and concerts scheduled throughout the summer.
Road Closures
Water Street – from Adelaide Street to Prescott Street
George Street – from Adelaide Street to Prescott Street
Where can I park to visit the Pedestrian Mall?
While you won’t be able to park on the sections of street that have been closed you can make use Metro Park on Duckworth (accessible via Church Hill or Cathedral St), AP Garage or 351 Water Street accessible via Harbour Drive, one of the private lots available after 6pm and on weekends, or one of many parking metered spots in downtown.
Accessible Parking
Approximately 30 accessible spaces are in place for the mall.
Accessible parking will be marked in several designated areas including on Clift’s-Baird’s Cove, New Gower Street (across from City Hall), corner of Duckworth Street and Bates Hill, corner of Duckworth Street and Prescott Street, Water Street near St. John’s Lane, Water Street near Adelaide Street, corner of George Street and Adelaide Street, and on the west side of Adelaide Street.
Private parking garages also have accessible parking; six spaces at Alt Hotel, 12 spaces at MetroPark on Duckworth and 18 spaces at 351 Water Street (entrance on Harbour Drive).
Free Parking Options
Free parking for 140 vehicles is available at the City Hall Parking Garage (10 New Gower Street) weekdays after 6 p.m. and all-day during weekends on levels one, three and four.
Free parking is available after 5 p.m. weekdays and all-day during weekends at three parking lots near Duckworth Street:
- Corner of Holloway and Duckworth (across from Haymarket Square) – 21 spaces
- Corner of Prescott and Duckworth (Across from TD Building) – 31 spaces
- 18 Prescott Street (behind Blue Drop building) – 60 spaces
Will dogs be allowed on the outdoor patios?
I’m interested for the answer. Following.
Are dog allowed on the pedestrian mall outdoors..other than resturants!?
Are there wherlchairs available at the pedestrian mall?
oh yes definitely
We don’t believe there are any available to borrow but the city has made it more accessible than in the first year.
oh yes.
It’s so unfortunate the city of St. John’s still hasn’t done anything to extend the success of this lovely event to the small businesses on Duckworth that are unintentionally harmed by this exclusive event year after year.
Duckworth Street was included last year, but it wasn’t very popular. Unlike Water Street you can’t shut down all of Duckworth (there’s a parking garage in the middle) so that makes it more challenging.
Have a sidewalk sale and promote it. Talk to other businesses about it too. There are spots to park .
Is the pedestrian mall pet friendly?
Yes, it is. :)