By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative, The Pearl
Mount Pearl council has approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with BDK Contracting Ltd./Avalon One Residences Ltd. that will pave the way for a new development at the old pool site on Stapleton Road.
The MOU outlines a sale price of $500,000 for the land at 11 Stapleton Road, and the city estimates around $69,300 in new property tax revenue once the development is occupied. The city also projects economic stimulus for nearby businesses due to the development, which is projected to include 55 units with 10 per cent of those being accessible. Locke said council saw artistic rendering of the buildings at committee last week.
“They are beautiful, they are modern,” said councilor Jim Locke said, adding that the city did some consultation with neighbouring properties to discuss concerns about sightlines. “In working and communicating with BDK there were some changes made that alleviated some of the concerns of the residents there.”
The MOU received unanimous approval from council at the June 23 public meeting.
City obligations outlined in the MOU include subdividing and surveying the land parcel, continued maintenance of public access points and public parking leading to the adjacent baseball field, conveyance of 7,700 square meters of land and leasing of an additional 2,530 square meters to BDK upon approval of the development permit.
BDK is responsible for servicing, sanitary and storm, and water and storm pipes through city land to the proposed new building, though the city will engage in further discussions regarding potential municipal participation or assistance.
BDK will also relocate and donate the playground to the city and lead implementation of a communications plan to keep residents informed and highlight key project milestones. Mount Pearl commits to assist BDK with those communication efforts.
The MOU represents the latest step in a process that began back in 2024 with demolition of the old pool.
“This was the site of the previous pool where I swam in and did my lessons in all these years ago,” said councilor Jim Locke, adding that the pool was demolished after it became an eyesore and after consultation with residents.
The city began a municipal plan amendment process in 2024 that led to the vacant land being rezoned from open space to high-density residential, a process that concluded on April 24 of this year. The city invited proposals in 2025 for high-density development proposals and BDK’s proposal was selected to advance discussions.
Locke said the development aligns with the city’s strategic and economic development plans, as well as provincial and federal housing priorities.