August 31, 2011
Safer, Cleaner, Greener - Brownfield Renewal Funding For Salmon Arm
SALMON ARM – The former chrome plating facility can begin the necessary steps towards redevelopment, thanks to more than $27,000 in provincial funding. Sixteen successful projects across British Columbia were awarded more than $730,000 in total through the Brownfield Renewal Funding Program.
Why this matters:
The site is the location of an irrigation supply business but contamination from operations of the former chrome plating facility prevents the site from being sold. The Province is providing $27,900 to 293930 BC Ltd. for a site investigation to determine how best to manage contaminants, allowing the site to be fully utilized once again.
- The Brownfield Renewal Funding Program is designed to encourage more brownfield redevelopment across British Columbia. Brownfields are abandoned, vacant, derelict, or underutilized commercial and industrial properties, where past actions have resulted in actual or perceived contamination. These sites have great potential for redevelopment when the issue of contamination is addressed.
- Redeveloped brownfields increase local tax revenue from previously underutilized properties, reduce greenhouse gases from urban sprawl and generate sustainable land stewardship.
Quotes:
“When contaminated sites like this are cleaned up the entire community benefits from environmentally safe spaces and more business opportunities. I’m pleased to see responsible owners taking the necessary steps to address on-site contamination.”
Shuswap MLA George Abbott
“We need to look at brownfields as opportunities. Once contamination issues have been addressed these overlooked spaces have the potential to revitalize our neighbourhoods and contribute to local economies.”
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson
Quick Facts:
- Since its creation in 2007 the Brownfield Renewal Funding Program has provided more than $5.2 million to support brownfield redevelopment.
- This program has funded 75 projects in 44 communities across B.C.
- The B.C. Brownfield Renewal Strategy has been recognized with two Brownie Awards from the Canadian Urban Institute for leadership in brownfield renewal.
Learn More:
B.C. Brownfield Renewal Strategy: www.brownfieldrenewal.gov.bc.ca
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