Brownfields in waterloo region

B r o w n f i e l d s i n wat e r l o o r e g i o n
Brownfields
Property that contains environmental contamination either in the ground or in buildings due to the operational
activities of a previous land use, where the extent of the contamination rendered the property vacant, under-used,
unsafe, unproductive or abandoned.
B r o w n f i e l d s i n Wat e r l o o R e g i o n
Revitalization
Brownfield redevelopment opens the door to new economic and residential growth, and the
creation of additional recreational spaces. Revitalizing these sites will provide strong financial
opportunities and compelling public and media relations recognition, and will assist in bringing
new life to the community.
Opportunity
Brownfields represent opportunity – for owners, developers, municipalities and the public in general.
In many cases, these sites have exceptional potential, offering prime locations, existing infrastructure
and a solid return on investment.
Investment
Brownfield remediation requires a commitment from all parties. As part of our dedication to making
it work, we offer ongoing, one-on-one assistance throughout the development process, financial
incentives to minimize your risk, and assistance in communicating with municipal departments to
get your project completed successfully.
Reclaiming
the past to
shape the
future…
Partnering with us
will help to ensure
you realize the
maximum R.O.I.
on your brownfield
project in Waterloo
Region. We are
committed to
keeping things
simple, working
one-on-one to
eliminate confusion
and ensuring
deadlines are
met or exceeded.
The Region and
Area Municipalities
are committed
to assisting with
brownfield and
reurbanization
projects to
achieve successful
conclusions – and
new beginnings.
C i t y o f Wat e r l o o
Waterloo’s Seagram Lofts showcase an adaptive reuse of an existing brownfield site in the
heart of Uptown Waterloo’s core. Key goals throughout the redevelopment were to give the
site new life and preserve its 150-year history.
• The City of Waterloo waived Development Charges and offered free road and utility
infrastructure and assistance
• The City provided assistance in identifying and overcoming environmental concerns
• As the owner of the site, the City offered a much-lower purchase price to the developer
T o w n s h i p s o f N o r t h Du m f r i e s , W e l l e s l e y a n d w i l m o t
The Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley and Wilmot focus on infill and redevelopment to
ensure strong economic opportunities for developers and to aid in community growth.
• The Townships assist in accessing available funding for redevelopment projects through
their available programs or with the Region of Waterloo
• A focus on streamlining processes and one-on-one communication allows the Townships to assist in expediting redevelopment, and meeting or exceeding deadlines
City of Cambridge
City of Kitchener
In the past 10 years, more than 400 new residential units
and 9,000 square feet of new commercial and institutional
space have been built on remediated brownfields in
Cambridge’s three downtown core areas.
• The City of Cambridge employs dedicated staff support
and expertise for brownfield and general redevelopment
• The City has developed its own financial incentive
programs to assist with redevelopment projects
• The University of
Waterloo School of
Architecture project
was the winner of
a 2004 “Brownie”
Award
• The Millcreek by
the Grand townhouse
project was the
winner of a 2005
“Brownie” Award
The Kaufman Footwear factory redevelopment
required special attention as both a brownfield site
and a designated heritage building. The creation of
270 living units breathed new life into the area while
preserving the heritage building.
• A City of Kitchener staff representative was on hand
to guide the development through project approvals
• The City and Region
waived all Development
Charges
• The City rebated all
Planning and Building
Permit Fees
• The Kaufman Lofts was
the winner of the 2005
National Brownfield
“Brownie” Award for
Best Overall Project
T o w n s h i p o f W o o lw i c h
The consolidation of five small commercial properties in the Elmira core into a new,
16,000-square-foot Shoppers Drug Mart required both the removal of existing structures on
the site and remediation. The new store will provide Elmira residents with a modern
drug/retail store and an anchor in downtown.
• Township staff worked closely with the developer to address various site plan
issues and expedite processes
The BrownfieldS Financial Incentive Program
The Region of Waterloo’s Brownfields Financial Incentive Program offers financial assistance through the
development process and can be used to complement existing programs and supports available in each of
the Area Municipalities. Throughout Waterloo Region, brownfield developers can access Phase II Environmental Site
Assessment (ESA) grants and exemptions from Regional Development Charges. A Joint Tax Increment Grant (TIG)
Program is also available through the City of Cambridge and the City of Kitchener.
Through this program the Region and its partners are committed to:
• Working with you to obtain financial assistance for environmental assessments, site clean-up and other costs
related to brownfield remediation and redevelopment;
• Informing you of additional financial assistance that may be available;
• Consulting with you to minimize your financial risk when pursuing remediation; and
• Assisting you to ensure a quicker return on investment.
For more information on brownfield redevelopment or additional assistance available in Waterloo Region,
visit www.region.waterloo.on.ca/brownfields.
w w w. r e g i o n . wat e r l o o . o n . c a / b r o w n f i e l d s
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