By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
October 27, 2023 Edition
Plans to develop the area north of Topsail Road in Mount Pearl are underway, and the City is set to issue a request for proposals for an “owners advisor” for the project.
The owners advisor will consist of a team that will advise the City in planning, engineering, business, legal and other matters related to developing the area.
The so-called “Northlands” between Kenmount Hill and Topsail Road is the last significant area of developable land within the boundaries of Mount Pearl. When development of the area was first announced during the last term of council, it drew a long list of questions, concerns and objections when council held a public meeting with residents in the area to discuss the idea.
The City estimates approximately 1,800 homes can be built there, potentially boosting the population by 15 per cent, and consisting of approximately $100 million in infrastructure.
Councillor Bill Antle said the request for proposals will be advertised broadly to ensure the project's success.
“It’s certainly going to bode well for housing,” Antle said
Mayor Dave Aker was curious about “marketing, sales, and assembling land,” in regards to the project.
Chief administrative officer Dana Spurrell assured the Mayor that the request for proposals references skills and credentials for business development and marketing.
“We’ve been very cognizant of that,” said the CAO. “It’s not just an engineering firm we’re looking for, it's not just a developer we're looking for, it's a team of expertise that will help us develop that last tract of land in Mount Pearl.”
Development of the area north of Topsail Road was included in the Mount Pearl Strategic Plan 2023-2027 released earlier this year.
A plan to attract investment into the area was also mentioned in the strategic plan.
