Sprawling retirement development coming to East Fonthill

Work will begin early next year on the Park Place North development geared toward seniors on land located west of the Meridian Community Centre after final subdivision and site plan approvals were granted to Mountainview Building Group-FRAM-Slokker, joint proponents of the project.

“It’s a very exciting development … because it does allow so many different opportunities for age in place for our current residents and for new residents, too,” said Shannon Larocque, manager of planning for Pelham.

Work should begin first phase of the project – a five-storey, 176-unit residential retirement home named the Summersides Retirement Residence – sometime in the first quarter of 2025, she added.

“I would say before the end of March,” Larocque said.

When complete, the development will also feature two five-storey apartment buildings intended for seniors, one with 60 units and the other with 66. The location puts the development not far from shopping at nearby plazas and recreation and program opportunities at the MCC 

“It's really forward thinking in terms of all of the amenities that are being provided and its proximity to all of those amenities in town, too,” Larocque said.

The retirement home will feature amenities for residents including fitness room and a golf simulator, yoga studio, pool and change rooms, an activity room, bar and games room, kitchen and craft rooms, library, theatre/media room, bistro café, main and private dining areas, tuck shop wellness centre, spa and lounges. 

“It's innovative in the way that it really considers people's needs as they move through different stages of life,” Larocque said. “They've accounted for the needs for apartment living, which is more independent, but where people still might want to take advantage of some services.”

The development will also include underground pedestrian bridges connecting the apartments to the area of the retirement home where the amenities will be located, she added.

Proponents first came to council with the project back in 2021.

Asked when the entire development will be finished, Mountainview's vice president for commercial and development, Nick Colamartini, told PelhamToday that 2029 was the target.

"We plan to have Phase 1 open and occupied in 24-30 months," said Colamartini, "with the other two phases being complete within the next four years."

Mayor Marvin Junkin, meanwhile, called the development one that was “very exciting” for the town.

“I believe it will be well received by our residents,” he said.

When the development is finished, Mountainview-FRAM-Slokker will retain ownership of all three buildings. Colamartini said that while an official registration page/waiting list is not yet established, the company will follow up with potential tenants who contact the company via email at [email protected].