What We Heard: Future of the Downtown Pedestrian Mall

The City of St. John’s has released a What We Heard report summarizing findings from engagement with both visitors and non-visitors, as well as the downtown business community. The findings will help inform the long-term plan for the Downtown Pedestrian Mall for 2026 and beyond. The findings will be presented to Council at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on April 15 at 3 p.m.

Since launching the Downtown Pedestrian Mall in 2020, the City has worked to enhance the experience for both users and businesses. The current format is approved to continue through the end of the 2025 season.

View Report

Highlights of What We Heard

• Visitor Support: Most visitors felt the Downtown Pedestrian Mall (DPM) was a positive addition and want it to continue.
• Business Support: Many downtown businesses support continuing the DPM, though some noted benefits depend on location.
• Safety Concerns: Issues like panhandling, crime and general safety were raised across all engagement groups, with requests for more security or police presence, including foot patrols.
• Suggested Improvements: Participants recommended adjusting the season length or hours, adding more events and amenities, increasing public seating and improving promotion of the DPM.
• Cleanliness and Beautification: Both businesses and the public expressed concerns about cleanliness and the need for enhanced beautification downtown.
• Need for Supports and Revitalization: Businesses highlighted the need for broader downtown supports to help all businesses thrive.
• Parking Challenges: Many cited a lack of parking and accessible parking, with the closure of Water Street adding to challenges in the area.

Engagement with visitors and non-visitors took place from August 14 to September 29, 2024. Engagement with the downtown business community and organizations took place from January 7 to February 9, 2025.

Promotional efforts resulted in 4,500 visits to the project page on EngageStJohns.ca. In total, more than 4,000 people provided feedback through either surveys, the project page, email, phone, pop-up events or meetings. Representatives from community groups and City committees and working groups were also consulted.

Using feedback from this engagement progress, along with other information such as research and jurisdictional scans, City staff will make recommendations to Council on the future of the Downtown Pedestrian Mall.

Related Links

• What We Heard Report
• Media Release – Visitors and Non-Visitors
• Media Release – Downtown Business Community
• Visit the Engage page