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City of New Westminster - Westminster Pier Park - From Brownfield to Greenfield

Type of initiative FCM Green Municipal Fund - Capital Project
Sector Brownfield
Project value$33,125,000
Project Type Capital Project
Sub Sector Remediation and risk management initiatives
Grant amount$0
Program type GMF
Municipality City of New Westminster, BC
Loan amount$2,000,000
Status Fully Disbursed
Population 78,916
Project timeline 2009 - 2012
Project number 10338

Description

The City of New Westminster will remediate a 3.2-hectare former industrial site at Westminster Pier on the Fraser River in order to transform it into an urban riverfront park with connections to regional trail and greenway networks.
Through previous site investigations, the City has identified the presence of PAHs, VOCs, metals and PCBs in soil, groundwater and/or sediment on the site, which if redeveloped would pose an unacceptable risk to human health and to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Due to the depth of groundwater contamination and other site constraints, the City has chosen to manage the contamination using a combination of physical remediation and risk management approaches, which were analyzed thoroughly to minimize life cycle costs. The municipality has been accepted for a Notification of Independent Remediation (NIR) approach by the BC Ministry of Environment for this project and is carrying out a risk assessment and detailed site investigation (GMF10275) in tandem with the site remediation. Ongoing monitoring according to provincial Certificate of Compliance requirements will confirm that site conditions are acceptable for park use.
Approximately 3,500 cubic metres of contaminated soil and 1,800 cubic metres of contaminated sediment will be removed and disposed offsite. Risk management measures include an engineered sediment cap and soil vapour barriers, while groundwater will be contained using a subsurface jet-grout containment wall. The City of New Westminster’s planned redevelopment for the site will create a waterfront park with pedestrian and bicycle pathways, children’s play areas, public art, programmable open spaces, and natural riparian habitat areas. The municipality has committed to LEED Gold standards for all structures to be built in the park. In addition to enhancing ecological services, the new green space will revitalize the neighbourhood and create a new economic base for the municipality. The project also aligns with several of New Westminster’s key planning documents, including the City’s Downtown Community Plan, its Parks, Culture & Recreation Comprehensive Plan, and the sustainability objectives of its Strategic Plan.
(Project description from original funding application)

Project results

Environmental outcomes

  • Reduced or avoided GHG emissions
  • Promotion of eco-friendly transportation
  • Brownfield restoration
  • Urban sprawl management
  • Minimal environmental impact

Social outcomes

  • Protection/improvement of public human health
  • Increased opportunities for physical activity
  • Increased opportunities for recreational activities
  • Greater civic pride and ownership
  • Improved public space
  • Community revitalization
  • Development of local programs
  • Recognized as an exemplary project/municipality

Economic outcomes

  • Increased service life
  • New or improved revenue streams
  • Increased business attraction
  • Increased municipal attraction
  • Partnership development

Lessons learned

  • Stakeholder and community engagement
  • Communication & coordination
  • Data and reporting
  • Resources
  • External factors

Applicant

City of New Westminster, BC