September 2, 2011
SAFER, CLEANER, GREENER – BROWNFIELD RENEWAL FUNDING FOR MISSION

MISSION – The automotive repair shop at 7189 and 7197 Horne Street can begin the necessary steps towards redevelopment thanks to more than $43,000 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:

• Once contamination is addressed, redevelopment could spark revitalization elsewhere in the neighbourhood.
• The $43,512.70 the Province is providing for investigation work will to move the repair shop closer to being redeveloped.
• 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:

Randy Hawes, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission –
“Our government continues to be committed to making our communities healthier, more sustainable, more desirable places for families.  Having a better understanding of the on-site contamination will help the owners take the necessary steps to redevelop the site.”

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations –
“We need to look at brownfields as opportunities. These overlooked spaces have the potential to revitalize our neighbourhoods and contribute to local economies once contamination issues have been addressed.”

Quick Facts:

• Since its creation in 2007 the Brownfield Renewal Funding Program has provided more than $4.2 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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