DDC Revitalization Projects

I. Agreement History

On December 6, 1993, St. John’s City Council voted in favor of a four year cost share agreement between the City and the Downtown Development Commission to provide for capital works improvements in the downtown core. The agreement was to be for a four year term. This agreement provided $300,000.00 per year, with $240,000.00 provided by the City and the DDC to contribute the remaining $60,000.00.

The project was deferred in 1997 to minimize disruption during the 1997 Cabot Celebrations. The capital works projects scheduled for 1997 were completed in October, 1998.

II. Projects Completed to Date

1994 Duckworth Street from Prescott Street east to Cochrane Street, north and south sides redone with new concrete, bands of paving stones, installation of trees, planters and decorative garbage receptacles.

1995 Water Street from Beck’s Cove east to Prescott Street, south side; Water Street from Beck’s Cove east to Solomon’s Lane, north side; upgraded with new concrete, bands of paving stones and installation of underground electrical conduit.

1996 Water Street from Solomon’s Lane east to Prescott Street; Water Street from Waldegrave Street east to Adelaide Street, south side; upgraded new concrete, bands of paving stones and installation of underground electrical conduit.

Duckworth Street from Cochrane Street east to Cavendish Square, north side, upgraded new concrete and bands of paving stones.

1997 City Council and the DDC agree to defer scheduled work to minimize disruption during the 1997 Cabot Celebrations. The DDC invest approximately $28,000.00 in new street furniture for Water Street. City Council agrees to direct $14,000.00 in surplus from 1996 toward this purchase. Over $40,000.00 of new decorative garbage containers, benches and outdoor flower planters are purchased for placement throughout the downtown.

1998 Water Street from Queen Street east to Prescott Street, both sides; installation of fifty new decorative lamp poles, traffic poles at intersections.

1999 George Street Adelaide Street to Queen Street, both sides; installation of new concrete bands of paving stones, underground electrical conduit and decorative lights poles.

Solomon’s Lane upgraded with new steps and walkway, decorative lighting, paving stones and decorative railing.

Water Street Prescott Street east to War Memorial, north side; new concrete, paving stones, underground conduit and decorative light poles.

Downtown Sidewalk Snow Clearing and Ice Control Pilot Project

The Downtown Development Commission (DDC) will be assisting downtown businesses and property owners within the Business Improvement Area (BIA) with the burden of keeping downtown sidewalks clear of snow and ice this winter season.

Each winter the downtown area struggles to keep sidewalks passable, especially in areas where vacant properties exist and at major intersections. The pilot program was designed and initiated to keep these vacant areas clear, and intersections open to allow pedestrian traffic to flow easily in all areas.

The program will not abolish businesses or property owners of their responsibility to remove snow and ice from their sidewalk. Its goal is to help ease the load of snow clearing on the sidewalk prior to the start of business. The City of St. John’s will still be responsible for the removal of the snow from the sidewalks and streets to include the windfall and curb areas once it reaches impassable amounts.

As sidewalks are being cleared, the contractor will distribute salt along a five foot wide pass. The sidewalk is to be cleared within 12 hours of a major snowfall and, where possible, before 7:00 am on business days.

Once again, the pilot project is funded by the Downtown Development Commission. The purpose of the program is to assist businesses and property owners with the clearing of downtown sidewalks within the Business Improvement Area (BIA). The business and property owner will still be responsible for ensuring that their sidewalk is kept clear of snow and ice, and cleared within 24 hours of a snowfall. The DDC is simply trying to ease the burden of snow clearing and to address areas where the sidewalk is bordered by vacant buildings and land.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact the DDC office at 579 4139, or email us at info@downtownstjohns.com

Thanks, and remember, a clear sidewalk, you’ll find it Downtown!