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.

FINANCIAL MATTERS:

The cost estimate (excluding HST) for completing the proposed structural feasibility study is $27,500. If approved the Feasibility Study Grant program would provide $7,500 to offset part of the study cost.

The cost estimate for completing an initial Phase 2 ESA study is $30,000. If required, the cost of a second Phase 2 ESA study to delineate the extent of any contamination is estimated to cost $18,000. If approved, the maximum grant would total $24,000 (50% of $48,000) toward the two Phase 2 ESA studies. Should the actual costs of the study be less than what has been estimated the grant payments would be based on the lower amount. The grants would be paid out of the Brownfield Strategy/Remediation Account (project # 7069003), which has a current uncommitted balance of $621,611.

CONSULTATIONS:

The development and approval of the Brownfield Redevelopment CIP was subject to extensive stakeholder and public consultation, which sought input from a wide range of stakeholders and internal City departments.

Planning staff have consulted with the applicant prior to accepting the application for the Environmental Study Grant programs. Staff from the Planning, Finance, and Legal Departments were consulted in the preparation of this report.