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Provincial funds for brownfield projects
Cranbrook and Elkford are getting provincial government funds from a brownfield renewal funding program to invest in industrial land redevelopment.
The B.C. Government announced today (July 12) is is investing up to $96,000 to help clean up two brownfield sites in Cranbrook and Elkford. The funds are coming from a $1.5 million brownfield renewal funding program, which supports 19 projects in 13 B.C. communities. It is helping to turn former industrial sites into usable property.
The bulk of the funding ($94,288) is going to Tembec Inc. in Cranbrook to help redevelop the site of a closed sawmill.
The District of Elkford is getting up to $2,125 to help turn a decommissioned waste water treatment facility until a community recreational area.
“Brownfield sites lower property values, provide minimal tax revenues, and impact the growth of communities. They can even pose health risks,” says Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett. “This funding and the ensuing redevelopment is a step toward a healthier community, as well as economic spinoffs for the people of Cranbrook and Elkford.”
Since its creation in 2008, the brownfield renewal program has provided close to $6 million for 101 projects in more than 50 communities. The funding is available to private property owners including local governments, First Nations, non-profit agencies and businesses. The program assists projects in their initial stages by funding site contamination studies and research, to develop options for site restoration and redevelopment.
A brownfield is an abandoned or underused industrial or commercial property, often contaminated and with strong redevelopment potential. Renewing brownfield properties can increase commercial space, create employment, improve safety, enhance green space and reduce pressure on existing land.
The Province estimates that there are between 4,000 and 6,000 brownfield sites, including urban, rural and waterfront locations across British Columbia.
Learn more
B.C. Brownfield Renewal Program: https://www.brownfieldrenewal.gov.bc.ca .
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