City, Province Issue Update on Ongoing Safety Concerns at Cochrane Pond Park

The City of St. John's and the Newfoundland and Labrador government say Cochrane Pond Park will remain closed to the public as authorities continue to respond to ongoing safety concerns and a series of recent incidents at the property.

In a joint statement released Tuesday, officials said the park, located on Crown land, had previously been operated by a private company under a licence agreement for many years. The provincial government terminated the licence to occupy the site in November 2025.

The city said it issued an order to vacate the property in April 2025 after identifying serious life-safety concerns that posed risks to occupants, visitors, emergency responders and the surrounding environment.

According to the statement, the operator was given opportunities to address the deficiencies identified by inspectors, but the required corrective measures were not completed. The city subsequently launched court proceedings alleging violations of municipal bylaws and the Fire Code.

Authorities said safety concerns at the property have persisted. The St. John's Regional Fire Department has responded to numerous incidents at the park, including eight fires reported since June 20.

The RNC has increased patrols in the area and is working alongside the St. John's Regional Fire Department and the Resource Enforcement Division of the Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands as a broader response plan is carried out.

Residents who witness suspicious activity are being asked to report it to the RNC or the province's Resource Enforcement Division. Emergencies and crimes in progress should be reported by calling 911.

Cochrane Pond Park remains closed and entering the property is prohibited.