Whereas the contaminated site remediation process is required when an application is made for many types of redevelopment; And whereas the environmental remediation process is so onerous and costly for small scale commercial development that it can delay development: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province to reassess the contaminated sites provincial legislation to alleviate the negative economic impacts for small scale commercial redevelopment and provide more options for economic development opportunities on these properties.
Ministry of Environment and Parks The ministry is mandated to protect our environment and the health and safety of British Columbians, now, and for future generations while supporting economic growth. Contaminated sites legislation is in place to ensure contaminated sites are remediated before redevelopment, so the land, air and water is safe for the new user. The existing legislation has built in flexibility, such as the removal of restrictions associated with municipal permitting, to allow development to proceed while the remediation process is underway. The ministry supports brownfield redevelopment and is continually looking for ways to improve and streamline remediation processes and to reduce application service times, for example by prioritizing important housing projects. Beyond the existing legal requirements for investigation and remediation of contaminated sites, and local government authority to take action on nuisance sites provided under section 64 of the Community Charter, communities can consider ways to incentivize remediation such as providing tax incentives and working with property owners to find new ways to utilize the property.