Big sign, big controversy: St. John's pauses plan for Bannerman Park landmark sign

A plan to place a large, landmark St. John's sign in Bannerman Park is on pause after backlash from residents.

In a statement on Tuesday, St. John's Mayor Danny Breen said council will work with residents to find the ideal location for the sign.

"While we had hoped to unveil the sign ahead of the 2025 Canada Games to showcase St. John's on a national stage, we fully respect the community's desire to have a voice in its placement and look forward to those conversations," he said.

According to a council decision note, the 38-foot long, six-foot tall sign will cost $84,374.64, and is considered a Canada Games "legacy project." The sign will have the capability to change colours for special occasions.

Last week, St. John's city council unanimously voted in favour of a proposed location in Bannerman Park — a stretch of grass across from the playground, near The Loop.

According to St. John's spokesperson Jackie O'Brien, staff considered multiple locations before recommending Bannerman Park for factors including space, pedestrian access, electrical access and proximity to tourist attractions.

Since that decision, however, the city has received "considerable feedback."

On Tuesday, a small crowd gathered outside of city hall to protest the location of the sign.

Jennifer Guy, one of the protestors, called the sign "an absolutely awful intrusion."

"We strenuously object to the location. It's going to remove all of the peacefulness and serenity and glorious historic ambience of Bannerman Park," she said.

Shannie Duff, a former mayor of St. John's, said she would have liked to see more public consultation.

"I think this was a very spontaneous, ill-considered decision, which will damage one of our jewels, one of the real assets of this city," she said.

Guy and Duff were co-chairs of the Bannerman Park Foundation, which led a multi-year renovation of the park.

Duff said she believes the city has done a good job with maintaining the park since the renovations were completed in 2015.

"I have to give them credit for that. So I don't want them to put a blot on their record," she said.

Some city councillors met with the protestors outside.

In an interview, Breen said he didn't anticipate the conflicting reaction to the sign, but he understands why residents are concerned.

"We do need to do a bit more engagement on the sign, what the sign means, what the sign does for the city, why we're putting one up, regardless of the location," he said.

According to the city's statement, it will re-examine alternative locations for the sign and ensure community consultation is part of the process.

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