City of St. John’s Considers Expanding Parklets in Downtown and Churchill Square

The City of St. John’s is reviewing a discretionary use application that could see expanded use of parklets for outdoor dining in the downtown core and Churchill Square over the next three years.

The proposal would allow restaurants and lounges in designated areas to operate parklets—outdoor seating spaces—on city-owned land, including select parking spaces, sidewalks and laneways. The plan applies to the Downtown Neighbourhood Planning Area, a portion of Water Street west of Leslie Street, and the Churchill Square area.

If approved, parklets would be permitted to operate annually from the Friday of the Victoria Day long weekend through to the end of October in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Daily operating hours would run from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with construction allowed to begin up to one week before opening.

Businesses located in appropriately zoned areas would be eligible to apply to use the space, subject to a lease agreement with the City outlining size, location and other requirements.

The City is inviting public feedback on the proposal. Comments must be submitted to the Office of the City Clerk by 9:30 a.m. on April 7, 2026.

Submissions will be included in the public record and considered as part of the decision-making process.

City council is scheduled to make a final decision on the application on April 21, 2026.