New uses for old land
Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing leads government action on brownfields.
On March 22, 2007, the Ontario government announced reforms that would help clear the way for more brownfield redevelopment in the province.
Brownfields are former industrial lands, now vacant or underused, that are found in all municipalities in the province.
In the last century, many industries in Ontario operated within the city core and along waterways. Some of these industries included mills, factories, railway yards and service stations. Many have since closed or moved away. The lands left behind – brownfields – lie idle and often are contaminated.
The reforms apply to municipalities and those doing cleanup work on brownfields. The brochure Taking Action On Brownfields highlights these changes and how they protect municipalities and developers when cleaning up brownfields as well as public health and safety.
Cleaning brownfields cleans the environment. It reuses the land to make way for new sustainable communities with houses, offices, schools and recreation centres close to public transportation and other services.
Learn What's New about brownfields:
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Multi-Sector Workshops on Brownfield Reform
Four multi-sector workshops on brownfield reform will be held starting the end of June 2008. These sessions will assist in the drafting of implementing regulatory amendments (O. Reg. 153/04) related to the off-site liability, updated standards, Tier 2 streamlined risk assessment, and review process - reforms passed as part of the 2007 budget.
To register, click here.
- Milestones - 2007
Significant events that have marked the year for brownfield redevelopment in Ontario.
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Progress Report on Brownfield Redevelopment in Ontario
A summary of what has been achieved in brownfield redevelopment in Ontario.
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A Practical Guide to Brownfield Redevelopment in Ontario 
(PDF 1.41MB)
This is an easy-to-follow guide to remediation and redevelopment including useful tips, resources and practical information on how to get started.
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Helping Municipalities Redevelop Brownfields
An introduction to the Brownfield Financial Tax Incentive Program and government action in Ontario to support brownfield redevelopment.