The program offers 50% of the cost of an eligible study up to a maximum grant of $15,000.

The owner proposes to redevelop the site for office use, which does not require the filing of a Record of Site Condition (RSC) with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. The owner has completed a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) study, which identifies areas of potential environmental concern and recommends a Phase II ESA study be completed to assess the soil and groundwater quality and delineate the extent of any contamination. The Phase II ESA study is being completed as due diligence prior the redevelopment of the property.

Clearly identifying the type and delineating the extent of any contamination is an essential step in moving forward with redevelopment plans. Upon completion the City would retain a copy of the final study report.

CIP Goals

City staff is supportive of the application as it meets all of the eligibility requirements specified within the Brownfield Redevelopment CIP. The proposed study of the subject site also supports the following CIP goals:

• To promote the remediation, rehabilitation, adaptive re-use and redevelopment of brownfield sites throughout the City of Windsor in a fiscally responsible and sustainable manner over the long term;

• Improve the physical and visual quality of brownfield sites;

• Improve environmental health and public safety;

• Provide opportunities for new housing, employment uses, and commercial uses;

• Increase tax assessment and property tax revenues;

• Promote Smart Growth, including the reduction of urban sprawl and its related costs;

• Increase community awareness of the economic, environmental and social benefits of brownfield redevelopment; and

• Utilize public sector investment to leverage significant private sector investment in brownfield remediation, rehabilitation, adaptive re-use, and redevelopment.

Policy Support

The study of brownfield sites to support clean up and redevelopment is supported by policies within the 2020 Provincial Policy Statement, the City’s Official Plan and the City’s Environmental Master Plan.

Risk Analysis:

As with all brownfield sites, there is a degree of risk associated related to the potential presence of contamination. In this case there is also a risk of the property remaining in a derelict state, which negatively affects the surrounding properties. The proposed study will assist in mitigating these risks. The City would retain a copy of the study for future reference.