Members of Council voiced their support of the reduction in parklet fees, which had been identified as a concern by restaurant owners and the board of Downtown St. John's for a number of years. The new fee structure would make the parklet program more equitable and feasible for restaurants across the city and would ideally encourage additional businesses to apply for the program.
Councillor Davis argued that the reduction in fees was not equitable, as the amendment to the fee structure would only benefit restaurants that could install a parklet on paid parking spaces. He further noted that the Downtown Pedestrian Mall (DPM) created an unfair advantage to downtown businesses and that should other businesses apply for parklets, it would result in additional parking revenue loss.
Councillor Ellsworth informed Council that as cautious supporter of the DPM, he also felt that there would be limited benefit to restaurants and businesses outside of the downtown area. He did agree with Council that the reduction in fees was a good gesture to support economic development and small businesses, adding that the difference in cost would likely not be enough to keep struggling businesses afloat. He further noted that he would continue to advocate for an increase in the number of accessible parking spaces downtown, as it is an issue of concern, and that he would recommend that the footprint of the DPM be reduced for the 2026 season.