St. John's 
Parks Canada and the City of St. John’s have initiated efforts to establish a national urban park in St. John’s.
Participants at the announcement for the potential new national urban park in St. John’s. Photo: Joshua Jamieson, Parks Canada
This collaboration aims to enhance access to nature and greenspace for residents and visitors, promoting well-being and biodiversity while mitigating climate change impacts.
Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen have signed a Statement of Collaboration to explore options for the park.
The project will provide recreational spaces, create jobs, and boost the local economy and tourism. Additionally, it aims to amplify Indigenous voices and stories.
Over the next few years, potential sites for the park will be assessed, with possible connections to existing heritage places like Signal Hill and Cape Spear Lighthouse being considered. The park is envisioned to serve as a habitat for wildlife, including species at risk, and act as a natural solution for urban climate challenges, such as cooling cities and absorbing rainwater during extreme weather.
The project aligns with Canada’s climate objectives by sequestering carbon and contributing to the goal of conserving 30% of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030. The collaborative effort will involve local and regional organizations and landholders to ensure the park protects nature, connects people with nature, and supports Indigenous reconciliation.
Similar initiatives are underway in other Canadian cities, including Victoria, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Windsor, and Halifax, with discussions also taking place in the Greater Montreal Region.
