Ottawa – Today, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities launches the 2021 Brownfield Roadmaps.
There are tens of thousands of brownfield sites across Canada — almost every municipality is home to at least one. From improving the quality of air, soil, and water to increasing property values and reducing health risks and revitalizing neighborhoods, redeveloping these sites is one of the most promising ways to promote the environmental, economic and social health of communities.
Thirteen roadmaps, updated according to current provincial and territorial legislation, provide critical information to municipalities on the process of bringing contaminated or abandoned sites back to productive use.
Each roadmap offers timely, step-by-step guidance in identifying the best solutions for brownfield remediation. They provide an overview of the process, policy and funding considerations for each province and territory. They also break down the typical steps in the process to help avoid potential delays or extra costs; clarify the policy by summarizing provincial and territorial laws and requirements; and outline funding opportunities and how to access them.
Developed by FCM’s Green Municipal Fund, the Brownfield Roadmaps are among a series of five tools that aims to help Canadian municipalities identify the most promising sustainability solutions for their local context.
The Roadmaps are an initiative of the Green Municipal Fund, a $1 billion program funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Quotes
“We are investing in tools to create good, middle class jobs, and build cleaner communities. GMF’s Brownfield Roadmaps will help do exactly that and contribute to our climate goals.”
– The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources
“Reclaiming contaminated sites in older urban areas can improve the air, water and soil of your community and provide a lasting legacy for neighborhoods where families live, work and play. Whether it is for new biking trails, urban parks or commercial sites, all Canadians stand to benefit from great initiatives like this. By working together, we can create jobs across the country, protect the environment and build stronger communities.”
– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“Canadians want cleaner air and cleaner water for their children and grandchildren. By investing in cleaning up contaminated sites in communities across the country, we are building a healthier and more prosperous planet for future generations.”
– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“For 20 years, GMF has helped municipalities switch to innovative sustainable practices faster. Maximizing results requires more than funding. No matter where they are in the process, the Brownfield Roadmaps offer the up-to-date, step-by-step, location-specific guidance to help municipalities across Canada take the next step to bring contaminated or abandoned land back to productive use.”
– Garth Frizzell, FCM President
Quick facts
- Through its unique mix of training, resources, and funding, the Green Municipal FundTM (GMF) builds communities’ capacity to design and implement sustainability initiatives.
- Since 2000, GMF has helped bring over 1,360 projects to life – making life better for millions of Canadians.
- GMF-funded projects have avoided 2.7 million tonnes of GHG emissions – the equivalent of taking 608,000 cars off the road.
- GMF supports local innovation that can be replicated and scaled up across the country to tackle Canada’s climate challenges.
- GMF has created over 11,657 jobs across the country.
- The Green Municipal Fund is a $1 billion program delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.
Associated links
Brownfield Roadmaps
Green Municipal Fund
Leadership in Brownfield Renewal Network (LiBRe)
Contacts
FCM Media Relations
613-907-6395
media@fcm.ca