and Rehabilitation Grant Programs in accordance with all applicable policies, requirements, and provisions contained within the Brownfield Redevelopment Community Improvement Plan to the satisfaction of the City Planner as to content, the City Solicitor as to legal form, and the CFO/City Treasurer as to financial implications; and,
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V. THAT the CAO and City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to sign the Brownfield Tax Assistance and Rehabilitation Grant Agreements; and,
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VI. THAT the approval to participate in the Business Retention and Expansion Grant Program EXPIRE if the grant agreement is not signed by applicant within one year following Council approval. The City Planner may extend the deadline for up to one year upon request from the applicant.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
BACKGROUND:
Brownfield Redevelopment Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
Brownfield sites are properties that may be contaminated due to previous industrial or commercial uses such as a manufacturing facility or gas station. City Council approved a Brownfield Redevelopment CIP at its April 19, 2010 meeting for the purpose of encouraging the study, clean-up, and redevelopment of contaminated properties. The approval of the CIP was the result of nearly five years of study and consultation, which began in October 2005.
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 landowners 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.