ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — People who like to dine out will see more outdoor eating and lounging areas in the downtown and Churchill Square areas of St. John’s this year.
In city council’s weekly meeting Monday, councillors voted to approve a discretionary use application for the parklets, with all application and permit fees being waived for the use of city and private land.
“This is pretty much following suit to what we did last year,” Coun. Debbie Hanlon said during the meeting. “However, this year, the (Water Street) parklets will be allowed to go in earlier and, of course, there’s also (the addition of) Churchill Square.”
Related
- Square pegged? The City of St. John’s reveals concept for a revamped Churchill Square
- More than 20 outdoor patios approved for restaurants in downtown St. John’s
She noted fees will also be waived for existing parklets. More than 20 were approved for restaurants in the downtown area in 2020.
The use of the city land this year will extend from May 22 to Oct. 31, with hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
The outdoor eating areas will be located along applicable sidewalks, parking areas and laneways in Churchill Square and in the downtown area.
Those downtown areas are from the Temperance Street at Duckworth Street intersection to New Gower Street at Hamilton Avenue intersection and along Duckworth Street and New Gower Street to St. John’s Harbour; and from New Gower Street at Hamilton Avenue intersection to Leslie Street at Blackhead Road intersection along Water Street, within any commercial zone where these uses can be considered.
The City is accepting applications from business owners in the downtown and Churchill Square who are planning to build...
Posted by City of St. John's on Tuesday, March 23, 2021
The use of these spaces will be subject to a lease agreement with the city, which will outline the size of the space and other applicable requirements.
There were 15 submissions received from the public on the subject.
Many of the submissions were in favour of allowing parklets on city land for the 2021 season.
The main concerns were maintaining accessibility and ensuring that sidewalks are not obstructed.
“Please ensure sidewalks are kept open to those disabled and to also ensure access ramps to outside areas are included so that those in wheelchairs have access,” one person, whose name was redacted from council documents, wrote to the city clerk.
“Ensure, too, that impediments such as merchandise racks do not block those in wheelchairs.”
Another submission read, “Yes, yes, yes!! What an optimistic application! Hope it’s approved. As a resident in the Churchill Square area, and former resident of downtown on Gower Street, I welcome the proposal.”
“The goal to make Churchill Square a community gathering place would be enhanced greatly.”
Another read, “This is an excellent idea. These establishments need all the help they can get.”
Businesses wishing to avail of the space must make an application to the city by May 31.
Retail businesses can also make use of parklet space and will also need to make an application for lease of city land.
Rosie Mullaley is a reporter in St. John's covering municipal affairs
[email protected]
Twitter: @TelyRosie
