New uses for old land
Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing leads government action on brownfields.
Brownfields are former industrial lands, now vacant or underused, but with potential for redevelopment. They 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 brochure Stepping up Ontario’s Action on Brownfields: New Regulations and Standards provides an overview of proposed regulatory changes. In spring 2007, the Ontario government announced comprehensive reforms that reaffirm the government’s commitment to put more brownfields into productive use while safeguarding 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 more about brownfields:
Contact: e-mail
Brownfieldsontario@ontario.ca