Icon Fox Towers Brownfield Remediation and Redevelopment, City of Edmonton

Type of initiative FCM Green Municipal Fund - Capital Project
Sector Brownfield
Project value$2,970,000
Project Type Capital Project
Sub Sector Remediation and risk management initiatives
Grant amount$0
Program type GMF
Municipality City of Edmonton, AB
Loan amount$2,525,000
Status Fully Disbursed
Population 1,010,899
Project timeline 2012 - 2013
Project number 12071

Description

With a view to increasing urban density and promoting walkable, complete communities, the City of Edmonton is partnering with Icon Fox Developments Ltd. to remediate the petroleum-contaminated site of a former automotive garage and service facility. The 3,500-square-metre site is strategically located in the heart of downtown Edmonton near the central transit station and other amenities, and is currently under-utilized as a surface parking lot. The remediation will be conducted in two phases, the first of which is the subject of the current application. Phase I will see the remediation of half of the site, which will involve the excavation of approximately 6250 m3 of contaminated soil and the on-site treatment of approximately 2075 m3 of contaminated groundwater, as well as the installation of a geomembrane liner around the perimeter of the excavated area. Icon Fox Developments has conducted a Phase II ESA and Remedial Action Plan (GMF 12038) to complement past environmental assessments carried out by the site’s former owners. Two mixed-use high-rise towers will be constructed on the site, one following each phase of remediation. The planned redevelopment will help Edmonton meet the objectives of its “The Way We Grow” Municipal Development Plan and “The Way We Green” Environmental Strategic Plan, including remediating contaminated lands, increasing urban density within the city’s core, and linking growth with public transit. The city will provide financial support for the site remediation through a grant under its Contaminated Gas Stations Strategy. (Project description from original funding application)

Project results

  • 8878 cubic metres of media (soil, groundwater and sediment) managed
  • 0 hectares of land reclaimed

Environmental outcomes

  • Improved groundwater quality
  • Promotion of eco-friendly transportation
  • Brownfield restoration
  • Urban sprawl management
  • Reduced odour pollution

Social outcomes

  • Protection/improvement of public human health
  • Increased public safety and security
  • Increased opportunities for recreational activities
  • Improved public space
  • Community revitalization
  • Development of local programs

Economic outcomes

  • Innovative financing
  • Increased tourism
  • Increased municipal attraction
  • Local business development or local economy stimulus
  • Local spending/consumption
  • Use of feasibility tools
  • Improved demand management
  • Partnership development

Lessons learned

  • Initiative support
  • Stakeholder and community engagement
  • Resources
  • External factors
  • Technical – Project specific

Applicant

Icon Fox Developments Ltd., AB