Council approves film crew’s downtown parking meter rental
No consultation with businesses ahead of decision
There will be fewer parking spaces in parts of downtown beginning Wednesday.
At its regular meeting Tuesday evening, St. John’s city council approved parking on a stretch of Water Street, Duckworth Street and Clift Bairds Cove for the “Rex” TV show film crew.
They’ll be filming in the area Wednesday through Friday and have rented 56 parking spaces from the city for $1,995.
The roads will be open to drive through the area, but parking will not be available on both sides of Water Street between Ayres Cove and Clifts Bairds Cove on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as on Duckworth Street between Church Hill and Mcbrides Hill from Wednesday to Friday, and on Clifts Bairds Cove from Wednesday to Friday.
A public service announcement issued by the city noted alternate parking is available at the parking garages located at 351 Water St. and 330 Duckworth St.
Mayor Danny Breen said council just had time enough to make the decision, and therefore did not consult with businesses in the area before approving the film crew’s request.
Bob Hallett owns Tavola restaurant on Water Street.
While he said he respects and understands the need of film crews to affect parking, he was not impressed with the last-minute nature of the decision.
“Once again there was zero notice given to area residences and businesses. On-street parking is vital to passing trade downtown, a privilege for which we are taxed very heavily. Having it removed with no warning or mitigation whatsoever is a bit much.”
The request was made to the city by Pope Productions Inc. on Oct. 3. City staff asked if the crew could instead park on Harbour Drive to lessen the impact on neighbouring businesses and the public.
However, the crew needed production support vehicles in close proximity to the shoot, and Harbour Drive was too far away.
The decision note posted to the city’s website acknowledged the bagged meters “may have a negative impact” on businesses, but stated there will also be about 100 staff and crew with the production company in the area who will avail of nearby amenities.
Council voted on the decision via an epoll before the Tuesday evening council meeting, with all voting in favour except Coun. Wally Collins, who did not vote.
At the meeting, Coun. Hope Jamieson said she “reluctantly” supported the decision, expressing concern with the short timeline council was given to decide, as well as the potential effect bagged parking meters would have on nearby businesses.
Breen said such film shoots bring in important business for the city overall.
“These are tremendous economic generators and they also raise the profile of the city and raise the profile of downtown – that’s good for the city, and we do have parking available in the downtown in the parking garages, so it’s something that we think is worth proceeding with.”