It won’t be long until pedestrians take over Water Street in downtown St. John’s

The Water Street pedestrian mall will go ahead July 3rd until September 7th, from Bishop’s Cove to Job’s Cove, from noon to 10 p.m. every day.

St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen says the city has been working under a tight time frame to prepare and it won’t be anything “fancy.”

However, he says it will allow businesses, restaurants and pedestrians to share the space.

Breen says businesses are interested in taking maximum advantage of the new setup.

He thinks it will be successful. He says businesses are looking forward to it, but also nervous as they begin to reopen and work through unknowns.

Breen says they will roll with the punches and make changes as issues arise. Once the street returns to normal in the fall, the city will be able to evaluate how well it worked and if it is something they would consider doing again or on an annual basis.

He says there has been an interest from businesses on Duckworth street to do the same thing, he says that could be an option to consider for next summer.

Breen says there is a great appetite from the public for this idea, he asks those who pushed for it to get out and support local businesses.