Importance of Brownfield Redevelopment

In 2009 the City’s Planning Department identified 137 brownfield properties (i.e. 226 hectares or 559 acres) that are candidates for redevelopment. While the inventory is not exhaustive, it illustrates the significance of Windsor’s brownfield stock and the need to work with land owners to put these properties back into productive use.

Historically, there has been little interest in redeveloping brownfield sites due to the uncertainty surrounding the extent of contamination and the potential cost of clean-up. The Brownfield Redevelopment CIP provides financial incentives to undertake the necessary studies and remedial work necessary to redevelop brownfield sites and reduce the potential negative impacts to the City's environment and neighbourhoods.

The benefits associated with brownfield redevelopment go far beyond the boundaries of the property. For example, they are often strategically located within existing built up areas of the City where services and other infrastructure, such as roads, schools, community facilities and public transit are already available, therefore additional infrastructure costs are not incurred to service these areas. The redevelopment of these sites also remove the negative stigma often associated with brownfield properties, which increases the value of the subject property and adjacent properties.

Brownfield sites also represent a significant underutilization of the land base. According to the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (2003), every hectare redeveloped through a brownfield project saves up to an estimated 4.5 hectares of greenfield land from being developed (i.e. agricultural land on the edge of the City); and for every dollar invested in a brownfield redevelopment, it is estimated that $3.80 is invested in the economy.

Site Background

The vacant site is located at 6160 Tecumseh Road East—just east of Jefferson Boulevard (see Location Map). The property is approximately 0.8 hectare (2 acres) in size and is currently vacant. The property was first developed in 1947 and used by Ajax Building Supplies until approximately 2010. All of the former buildings have been demolished. Historical surrounding uses include manufacturing, railway, fuel service station, and lumber supply.

The subject property is zoned Manufacturing District (MD) 1.4, which permits a range of light industrial, office, and service commercial uses. The principal owners of 2236278 Ontario Inc. are Richard J. Farrow and Brad Vollmer.

Discussion:

Environmental Site Assessment Grant Program

The Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Grant Program offers a matching grant to property owners of brownfield sites to conduct environmental studies that provide information on the type and extent of contamination and potential remediation costs.