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What brownfields are

Brownfields are usually former industrial lands that are now vacant or underused but have the potential to be redeveloped for new uses. Brownfields may be contaminated due to past or present activities. Some examples are:

• closed factories
• gas stations
• waterfront lands formerly used for commercial port operations

Why brownfields can be an environmental concern

Left unmanaged, brownfields may pose risks to the environment and human health because of potential contaminants that may be found in the soil and groundwater as a result of past activities at the site.

Why brownfields redevelopment is good

Redeveloping brownfields is good for the environment. It reuses land to make way for new sustainable communities with houses, offices, schools and recreation centres close to public transportation and other services.

Redeveloping brownfield properties:

• improves air, water and soil quality
• curbs urban sprawl
• protects valuable green spaces and agricultural lands
• supports local economies by promoting urban intensification
• encourages efficient reuse of lands, buildings and infrastructure

What Ontario is doing to regulate brownfields redevelopment

Ontario is continually taking action to ensure that brownfield sites are properly redeveloped to meet environmental and health standards and, therefore, can be used for other purposes. We invite you to explore the rest of this section to learn all about:

• What redevelopers and those involved with redevelopment need to know
• How to file or view a record of site condition