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 site is located in the Wyandotte Town Centre Business Improvement Area on the north side of Wyandotte Street East between Marentette Avenue and Parent Avenue (see Location Map). The property is approximately 0.16 hectare (0.4 acre) in size and is currently vacant. The former building was destroyed by fire in 2016 was recently demolished in 2019. Prior to the fire the building housed Le Chef Restaurant and the Downtown Auto Service. The property has been used for a number of auto-related uses since 1927 (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Downtown Motor Sales and Car Rentals (1957-1988)