Fort Erie Brownfields Community Improvement Plan

The Town of Fort Erie views the rehabilitation of its brownfield lands as critical to achieving a more sustainable environmental and social future. The objective of this project is for the Town to develop a comprehensive Brownfields Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to provide a framework to promote and stimulate the environmental remediation, rehabilitation and redevelopment of its brownfield sites. The CIP will consist of a brownfields redevelopment strategy, a customized financial incentives package, an environmental due diligence procedure, development of an economic monitoring program, a municipal leadership strategy, updated brownfield information packages, and public consultation. It will use a systems approach that takes into consideration land use, infrastructure and transportation requirements and it will focus on properties with the greatest likelihood for brownfield redevelopment. In addition, the CIP will promote innovative remediation approaches and technologies, e.g. risk assessment and in-situ treatment such as bio-remediation, and will consider the implications of incorporating Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDTM) standards for building construction on remediated brownfield sites. Shaped by the Region of Niagara’s recently adopted Smart Growth Program and the Province of Ontario’s planning framework for strong communities, the CIP will lead to improved environmental conditions, employment opportunities, and reduce urban sprawl.