The British Columbia (B.C.) government is giving close to $1 million through its Brownfield Renewal Funding Program to 14 organizations for brownfield redevelopment projects.
As part of the investment, Western Forest Products Inc. will receive $104,832 to redevelop the former ore roasting and smelter property in Ladysmith.
Redevelopment of this site, which has been dormant for 70 years and is in the heart of Ladysmith's development area, will enhance the use of existing infrastructure and may contribute to the revitalization of neighbouring properties.
Other funding recipients include:
-Port Moody Joint Venture - receiving $160,950 to redevelop Shoreline Station in Port Moody
-Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation - receiving $121,500 to redevelop the vacant industrial lands of the Squamish Oceanfront
-679895 B.C. Ltd. - receiving $106,400.50 to redevelop the former non-permitted landfill in Honeymoon Bay.
Since 2007, the Brownfield Renewal Funding Program, which is part of the B.C. Brownfield Renewal Strategy, has provided more than $3.4 million to 44 brownfield redevelopment projects in 32 B.C. communities.
Redeveloped brownfields increase local tax revenue from underused properties, reduce greenhouse gases from urban sprawl and generate sustainable land stewardship.
"These 14 projects represent redevelopment opportunities that respond directly to needs in communities and families," said B.C. Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson. "The Brownfield Renewal Funding Program supports community organizations, private businesses and local governments to look at derelict sites as untapped potential and provides the necessary funding to begin the process of remediation."
This news item first appeared in EcoLog News (6/10/11). To learn how to subscribe, visit www.ecolog.com