Brownfields plan good for land developers

The city is planning to offer tax breaks and grants to developers who wish to build on contaminated property.

The tax breaks and grants, under the proposed Brownfields plan, would stand for three years and would be matched by the Province.

The Brownfields improvement plan, which was presented to council on Monday night, aims to help developers foot the cost of environmental cleanup.

Although the plan largely deals with privately owned land, the city owns the ex-Kenroc/Uniroc site on Memorial Drive.

Council said the incentives would only be available to developers who can help with the revitalization of the downtown.

Other notable Brownfields lands that will be available upon the approval of the plan include the former Canadian National Railway property and a group of properties on Jet Avenue.

Both properties qualify for the program if the resulting project is for affordable housing or residential use.

City staff recommended a budget of $300,000 over three years.

Staff said the final budget figure might change depending on the success of the plan.

Many council members felt that without a plan like this many of these lands could sit unused.

10 interested parties are attending an open-house on Monday. The Brownfields plan will be up for adoption next week