Ojibwa Landing Phase II ESA Site Investigation, in Penetanguishene

The Town of Penetanguishene, situated on the southeast tip of Georgian Bay, will conduct a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of a prominent 3.7 hectare brownfield site, Ojibwa Landing, as a first step in remediating and redeveloping the site. Ojibwa Landing is located within Penetanguishene’s urban core, along the lake waterfront, next to a park and a Provincially Significant Wetland. Currently vacant, the site is a priority for redevelopment as part of the town’s overall economic development strategy. Ojibwa Landing was originally a municipal landfill and public works yard, and then served as a campground until 2007. In addition to household waste, the landfill may contain industrial chemicals and solvents, as well as large metallic objects such as vehicles and appliances. The proposed Phase II ESA will identify the contents of the landfill and any impacts on the soil and water, and will make recommendations for remediation. Penetanguishene will take soil samples, test the groundwater and surface water, and conduct a legal survey of the site. Based on the study’s recommendations and the extent of contamination, the town will subsequently draft a remediation plan, conduct a series of public consultations on the use of the site, and either complete the remediation itself or sell the land to a local group, which would then be responsible for remediation. Several groups have expressed interest in redeveloping the site, including the Georgian Bay Métis Council. The Council would build a Métis Cultural Centre on the site, with indoor sports facilities, daycare, office space, training rooms, a Métis shop, and a museum artifact display area. Remediation of this site will help to restore the ecosystem, improve water quality, increase park space along the waterfront, make the site available to the public and contribute to tourism and economic development. This project will set a precedent for the remediation of other brownfield sites in town. (Project description from original funding application)