Pleasantville

Pleasantville is the site of a former U.S. and Canadian military base in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador that was first constructed during the Second World War.

The approximately 64-acre (25.9 hectare) site is located in the city’s east end and enjoys a number of amenities, including a nearby golf course and views of Quidi Vidi Lake.

In early 2006, Canada Lands Company (CLC) acquired the federal government’s share of the property from Public Works and Government Services Canada, although the Department of National Defence (DND) continues to lease space on the property for housing and defence-related purposes.

CLC is working closely with DND throughout the development of Pleasantville, ensuring continuous operation of the department’s existing facilities during construction of a new multipurpose building to be constructed by DND on a portion of the existing property.

Shortly after it acquired the property, CLC began its comprehensive site planning. This process has included three public meetings (June and October 2007) to solicit input from local residents about possible land use options for the property.

The public unveiling of a draft development concept for the property was held in November 2008. This concept reflects numerous meetings between CLC, stakeholders and the City of St. John’s. In February 2009, the City of St. John’s held a Public Meeting regarding rezoning and plan amendments for the Pleasantville property. The city approved rezoning for the Pleasantville Redevelopment plan in March 2009.

CLC’s vision for the property calls for a primarily residential development with a mix of housing types including townhomes, single family homes and apartment/condominium units. Local commercial opportunities to complement the residential uses are also being considered as components of the new ‘community’ approach at Pleasantville.

CLC has hired NL Design Engineers from St. John's to prepare the engineering design for the new infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, water, sanitary and storm systems) for the eastern portion of CLC's site. The approved design will be completed by early Spring with the tender process for the installation of new infrastructure to follow.

This schedule anticipates land sales to builders by early to mid 2010.