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Benefits of brownfield redevelopment
Properties that used to be commercial or industrial sites—like old factories, dry cleaners or gas stations are called brownfields. They’re often vacant, underused or even abandoned, and redevelopment can be complicated by real or perceived environmental impacts.
Guelph is taking action to restore local brownfields to create healthy, attractive and thriving neighbourhoods. Cities that offer financial incentives to encourage brownfield redevelopment typically experience environmental, economic and social benefits as more sites are restored.
Environmental benefits
- Removes actual and potential sources of land, water and air contamination
- Helps conserve greenfield land which may be productive farmland or environmentally significant land
- Renews desirable locations, allowing for smart growth and urban intensification
Economic benefits
- Makes room for new development opportunities, new industry and jobs
- Makes use of existing municipal infrastructure and services like transit and waste collection; development is less costly than connecting new utilities to greenfield sites
- Increases property values, and municipal tax revenue
Social benefits
- Enhances neighbourhood appearance, community pride and wellbeing
- Removes or renovates abandoned and derelict buildings, decreasing the risk of injury, vandalism and arson
- Can provide greater housing and/or commercial opportunities
- Can preserve historic buildings and heritage architecture and increase community/public space
Financial incentives for brownfield redevelopment
Guelph’s Brownfield Redevelopment Community Improvement Plan includes tax assistance and grant programs to help investors and developers offset the cost of studying, remediating and redeveloping local brownfield sties.
Restoring brownfield sites reflects our community’s values, and supports Guelph’s strategic plan.
For more information
519-837-5616
[email protected]