Fox Towers Phase II Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation Plan, City of Edmonton

With a view to increasing urban density and promoting walkable, complete communities, the City of Edmonton is partnering with Langham Developments Ltd. to conduct a site assessment and develop a remedial action plan for a former automotive garage and service facility with widespread petroleum contamination. The 3500-square-metre site is strategically located in the heart of downtown Edmonton near the central transit station and is currently under-utilized as a parking lot. This study will confirm the extent of the contamination identified though previous site assessments. The current study will include soil and groundwater sampling and, in particular, will assess the feasibility of treating impacted groundwater on-site as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional pump and disposal methods. The study will also assess groundwater hydraulic conductivity and flow direction to evaluate the potential risk for migration of contaminants. The planned remediation of the site will allow for redevelopment to include two mixed-use high-rise towers ― 27 and 32 stories, with retail and office spaces and residential condominiums ― in accordance with existing zoning. The proposed 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 partnership between Langham Developments and the municipality has resulted in streamlined municipal approval processes, access to support mechanisms, and will embed two-way accountability for overall redevelopment and respective standards and goals. The city will also provide financial support for the study, through a grant under its Contaminated Gas Station Strategy. (Project description from original funding application)