Mount Pearl re-envisions its central core
Vision includes enhancing Waterford River, St. David’s Park, Centennial Square
Mount Pearl is looking to pump new life into its heart.
In an effort by council to reinvigorate the centre of the city, a new longterm renewal plan was announced Tuesday at Mount Pearl City Hall.
“Find Your Centre” outlines strategies for public and private investment, which councillors hope will continue to encourage the core area to grow and thrive.
From enhanced trails systems, parks and a new pedestrian bridge to new riverside small businesses and taller buildings, including restaurants and craft shops, the plan expresses “a bold vision” for a variety of mixed-used environments rooted in the three Rs — retail, recreation and relaxation.
While exact details of the plan haven’t been ironed out, Mayor Dave Aker said it focuses on the Mount Pearl’s “great city assets” — Centennial Square, St. David’s Park and the Waterford River over the next 25 to 30 years.
“That doesn’t mean the rest of Mount Pearl is not top of mind,” Aker said during the launch. “It means we’re creating a destination in the city, and the core area of Mount Pearl has always really been the valley.”
The initiative comes from a 2019 feasibility study, and from the 201923 strategic plan, “On The Horizon,” which identified seven strategic pillars that included economic development and urban renewal. It also highlighted the value of prioritizing a revitalization of the Waterford River area.
The “Find Your Centre” plan was developed over the past year based on community engagement and input from many stakeholders, both public and private.
Residents participated in the process through the project website, online surveys, a phone-in hotline and a virtual open house. Key stakeholders included Conservation Corps NL, the Grand Concourse Authority, Inclusion NL, the Business Innovation Advisory Group, the Waterford Valley Rotary Group, and private developers and businesses.
Once fully implemented, Aker said, “Find Your Centre” has the potential to deliver over 3,700 jobs and generate $375 million in GDP. It is also expected to generate $270 million in total household income and $109 million in total government tax revenue.
Aker said it will take work from all departments of the city to provide flexible planning, including parking, usage and working with businesses to redevelop the area. He said on the corporate side, the city will need to be flexible with taxation and create incentives.
“This is the bigger picture,” Aker said. “This is an umbrella that we’re placing over future strategic plans and budgets and the planning model.”
Since the city’s borders are confined, focusing on the core part of the city for revitalization will be important, Aker said.
Aker, along with Deputy Mayor Jim Locke, Coun. Bill Antle and Coun. Isabelle Fry, helped unveil a 3-D model rendering of the overall vision. The model was created by Mills & Wright, the plan’s author and project partner.
Other partners include the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the province’s Department of Industry, Energy and Technology. Aker couldn’t say how much each group contributed.
Fry said she’s most excited about enhancing the development of the Waterford river.
“It’s really a hidden gem,” she told The Telegram. “People walk by it, but it could be so spectacular. It can be a jewel of the city.
“More foot traffic will make it appealing for small business, whether it’s a kiosk or a fine-dining restaurant. The possibilities are endless.
“This plan helps us work towards creating a place that residents can really be proud of.”
The city is looking for the public’s feedback.
Starting this week, visuals will be shared on the City of Mount Pearl’s social media profiles. On June 24, the city, along with Mills & Wright, will host a virtual citizen-engagement session detailing the plan. Registration details will be announced at a future date.
More information is available online at www.findyourcentre.ca.