Brownfields in waterloo region - Region of Waterloo
Brownfields in waterloo region - Region of Waterloo
Brownfields in waterloo region - Region of Waterloo
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B r o w n f i e l d s i n w a t e r l o o r e g i o n
B r o w n f i e l d s<br />
Property that conta<strong>in</strong>s environmental contam<strong>in</strong>ation either <strong>in</strong> the ground or <strong>in</strong> build<strong>in</strong>gs due to the operational<br />
activities <strong>of</strong> a previous land use, where the extent <strong>of</strong> the contam<strong>in</strong>ation rendered the property vacant, under-used,<br />
unsafe, unproductive or abandoned.<br />
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<br />
Revitalization<br />
Brownfield redevelopment opens the door to new economic and residential growth, and the<br />
creation <strong>of</strong> additional recreational spaces. Revitaliz<strong>in</strong>g these sites will provide strong f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
opportunities and compell<strong>in</strong>g public and media relations recognition, and will assist <strong>in</strong> br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g<br />
new life to the community.<br />
Opportunity<br />
<strong>Brownfields</strong> represent opportunity – for owners, developers, municipalities and the public <strong>in</strong> general.<br />
In many cases, these sites have exceptional potential, <strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>g prime locations, exist<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />
and a solid return on <strong>in</strong>vestment.<br />
Investment<br />
Brownfield remediation requires a commitment from all parties. As part <strong>of</strong> our dedication to mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
it work, we <strong>of</strong>fer ongo<strong>in</strong>g, one-on-one assistance throughout the development process, f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
<strong>in</strong>centives to m<strong>in</strong>imize your risk, and assistance <strong>in</strong> communicat<strong>in</strong>g with municipal departments to<br />
get your project completed successfully.
Reclaim<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the past to<br />
shape the<br />
future…<br />
Partner<strong>in</strong>g with us<br />
will help to ensure<br />
you realize the<br />
maximum R.O.I.<br />
on your brownfield<br />
project <strong>in</strong> <strong>Waterloo</strong><br />
<strong>Region</strong>. We are<br />
committed to<br />
keep<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
simple, work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
one-on-one to<br />
elim<strong>in</strong>ate confusion<br />
and ensur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
deadl<strong>in</strong>es are<br />
met or exceeded.<br />
The <strong>Region</strong> and<br />
Area Municipalities<br />
are committed<br />
to assist<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
brownfield and<br />
reurbanization<br />
projects to<br />
achieve successful<br />
conclusions – and<br />
new beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
C i t y o f Wat e r l o o<br />
<strong>Waterloo</strong>’s Seagram L<strong>of</strong>ts showcase an adaptive reuse <strong>of</strong> an exist<strong>in</strong>g brownfield site <strong>in</strong> the<br />
heart <strong>of</strong> Uptown <strong>Waterloo</strong>’s core. Key goals throughout the redevelopment were to give the<br />
site new life and preserve its 150-year history.<br />
• The City <strong>of</strong> <strong>Waterloo</strong> waived Development Charges and <strong>of</strong>fered free road and utility<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure and assistance<br />
• The City provided assistance <strong>in</strong> identify<strong>in</strong>g and overcom<strong>in</strong>g environmental concerns<br />
• As the owner <strong>of</strong> the site, the City <strong>of</strong>fered a much-lower purchase price to the developer<br />
T o w n s h i p s o f N o rt h D u m f r i e s , W e l l e s l e y a n d w i l m o t<br />
The Townships <strong>of</strong> North Dumfries, Wellesley and Wilmot focus on <strong>in</strong>fill and redevelopment to<br />
ensure strong economic opportunities for developers and to aid <strong>in</strong> community growth.<br />
• The Townships assist <strong>in</strong> access<strong>in</strong>g available fund<strong>in</strong>g for redevelopment projects through<br />
their available programs or with the <strong>Region</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Waterloo</strong><br />
• A focus on streaml<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g processes and one-on-one communication allows the<br />
Townships to assist <strong>in</strong> expedit<strong>in</strong>g redevelopment, and meet<strong>in</strong>g or exceed<strong>in</strong>g deadl<strong>in</strong>es
C i t y o f C a m b r i d g e<br />
In the past 10 years, more than 400 new residential units<br />
and 9,000 square feet <strong>of</strong> new commercial and <strong>in</strong>stitutional<br />
space have been built on remediated brownfields <strong>in</strong><br />
Cambridge’s three downtown core areas.<br />
• The City <strong>of</strong> Cambridge employs dedicated staff support<br />
and expertise for brownfield and general redevelopment<br />
• The City has developed its own f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>centive<br />
programs to assist with redevelopment projects<br />
• The University <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Waterloo</strong> School <strong>of</strong><br />
Architecture project<br />
was the w<strong>in</strong>ner <strong>of</strong><br />
a 2004 “Brownie”<br />
Award<br />
• The Millcreek by<br />
the Grand townhouse<br />
project was the<br />
w<strong>in</strong>ner <strong>of</strong> a 2005<br />
“Brownie” Award<br />
C i t y o f K i t c h e n e r<br />
The Kaufman Footwear factory redevelopment<br />
required special attention as both a brownfield site<br />
and a designated heritage build<strong>in</strong>g. The creation <strong>of</strong><br />
270 liv<strong>in</strong>g units breathed new life <strong>in</strong>to the area while<br />
preserv<strong>in</strong>g the heritage build<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
• A City <strong>of</strong> Kitchener staff representative was on hand<br />
to guide the development through project approvals<br />
• The City and <strong>Region</strong><br />
waived all Development<br />
Charges<br />
• The City rebated all<br />
Plann<strong>in</strong>g and Build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Permit Fees<br />
• The Kaufman L<strong>of</strong>ts was<br />
the w<strong>in</strong>ner <strong>of</strong> the 2005<br />
National Brownfield<br />
“Brownie” Award for<br />
Best Overall Project<br />
T o w n s h i p o f W o o lw i c h<br />
The consolidation <strong>of</strong> five small commercial properties <strong>in</strong> the Elmira core <strong>in</strong>to a new,<br />
16,000-square-foot Shoppers Drug Mart required both the removal <strong>of</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g structures on<br />
the site and remediation. The new store will provide Elmira residents with a modern<br />
drug/retail store and an anchor <strong>in</strong> downtown.<br />
• Township staff worked closely with the developer to address various site plan<br />
issues and expedite processes
T h e B r o w n f i e l d S F i n a n c i a l I n c e n t i v e P r o g r a m<br />
The <strong>Region</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Waterloo</strong>’s <strong>Brownfields</strong> F<strong>in</strong>ancial Incentive Program <strong>of</strong>fers f<strong>in</strong>ancial assistance through the<br />
development process and can be used to complement exist<strong>in</strong>g programs and supports available <strong>in</strong> each <strong>of</strong><br />
the Area Municipalities. Throughout <strong>Waterloo</strong> <strong>Region</strong>, brownfield developers can access Phase II Environmental Site<br />
Assessment (ESA) grants and exemptions from <strong>Region</strong>al Development Charges. A Jo<strong>in</strong>t Tax Increment Grant (TIG)<br />
Program is also available through the City <strong>of</strong> Cambridge and the City <strong>of</strong> Kitchener.<br />
Through this program the <strong>Region</strong> and its partners are committed to:<br />
• Work<strong>in</strong>g with you to obta<strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial assistance for environmental assessments, site clean-up and other costs<br />
related to brownfield remediation and redevelopment;<br />
• Inform<strong>in</strong>g you <strong>of</strong> additional f<strong>in</strong>ancial assistance that may be available;<br />
• Consult<strong>in</strong>g with you to m<strong>in</strong>imize your f<strong>in</strong>ancial risk when pursu<strong>in</strong>g remediation; and<br />
• Assist<strong>in</strong>g you to ensure a quicker return on <strong>in</strong>vestment.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation on brownfield redevelopment or additional assistance available <strong>in</strong> <strong>Waterloo</strong> <strong>Region</strong>,<br />
visit www.<strong>region</strong>.<strong>waterloo</strong>.on.ca/brownfields.
w w w . r e g i o n . w a t e r l o o . o n . c a / b r o w n f i e l d s<br />
Developed <strong>in</strong> partnership