Catalytic Brownfields, Final Report

Students from Ryerson University, under the guidance of the Canadian Brownfield Network (CBN), have created a consulting team to develop analysis based on brownfield development in order to actualize the catalytic effect. The Catalytic Brownfields Consultants (CBC) have committed to conducting thorough research for the purposes of developing cohesive and common factors that have led to brownfield redevelopment projects being catalytic within a community.

Through our research, we have identified themes that encompass the catalytic nature of development that can be applied to brownfields across Canada. The revitalization of brownfields in a city will not only improve the area that is being redeveloped but will allow for new housing choices, a better quality of life, mitigation of health risks and the creation of new job opportunities. A vacant and contaminated site can account for a significant loss in property taxes and diminished value in land. Most brownfield development processes are time-consuming, and in most areas, undetermined, the need for environmental remediation is evident. Therefore, finding a set of successful brownfield redevelopment projects which have an effect of being the catalyst for surrounding development will encourage brownfield sites to be remediated. CBC’s research will work to determine how to reduce the barriers to redevelopment and revitalization of brownfield sites and how to put underutilized or vacant land to efficient and productive use.