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Email this pageEncouraging Revitalization and Intensification with Brownfield Redevelopment

Brownfields are derelict or under-used industrial and commercial facilities and lands where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.  Despite the complexity of developing these properties, they are often in desirable and strategic locations – in the heart of urban communities, on scenic waterfronts, in or near downtowns. They have the advantage of having infrastructure in place and a variety of potential uses which can contribute to urban intensification, community revitalization, economic development and jobs, and/or new housing to take the pressure off greenfields. As a result, in Ontario, there has been growing interest among municipalities, owners, developers and environmentalists to find ways to clean up these sites and put them to new use.

Provincial Land Use Planning Framework

  • The Planning and Conservation Land Statute Law Amendment Act, 2006 now gives municipalities additional tools to help stimulate and encourage brownfield redevelopment. Through Community Improvement Plans (CIPs), municipalities now have increased flexibility to approve financial assistance to the private sector for costs associated with new building construction and energy-efficiency.
  • Provincial Policy Statement, 2005
    The Provincial Policy Statement is the complementary policy document to the Planning Act. It provides policy direction to decision makers on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. The new Provincial Policy Statement (2005) took effect on March 1, 2005. 

    The new policies give more support and priority to brownfields redevelopment. They include: identifying brownfield sites as opportunities for redevelopment; recognizing the important role that intensification and redevelopmentplay in meeting land-use requirements; requiring upper-tier municipalities to set targets for intensification and redevelopment, as well as targets for minimum densities along important transit and other corridors; and linking the achievement of intensification and redevelopment targets to urban boundary expansions.

  • Brownfields Statute Law Amendment Act, 2001
    The Brownfields Statue Law Amendment Act, 2001 and companion regulations came into full effect as of October 1, 2004. This legislation removed barriers relating to regulatory liability, financing and planning.

Resources

Related Programs

  • Development Permit System (DPS)
    The DPS is a land use planning tool which helps to promote development, enhance environmental protection and facilitate key priorities of Ontarians such as community building, brownfield redevelopment, greenspace preservation and environmental protection. The DPS combines the zoning, site plan and minor variance processes into one application and approval process.
  • Places to Grow Act, 2005
    The Places to Grow Act enables the Ontario government to plan for population growth and economic expansion, along with the protection of the environment, agricultural lands and other valuable resources, in a co-ordinated and strategic way. The legislation is provincial in scope and allows for growth plans in any part of Ontario.

  • Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006
    On June 16, 2006, the Government of Ontario released the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2006, representing the development of the first growth plan under the Places to Grow Act, 2005. The Plan sets out clear standards for growth and development, while giving local governments the flexibility they need to address local circumstances.