About CBN | Advisory Panel | Support Organizations
Achievements and History
2008
- March 2008
- A Review of Canada's Progress in Response to the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy's 2003 National Brownfield Redevelopment Strategy
OCETA, on behalf the Canadian Brownfields Network (CBN) and in collaboration with the NRTEE conducted a market research study to identify the actions that have been undertaken in response to the recommendations in the NRTEE Brownfield Strategy including initiatives and activities since 2003, current market leaders, and relevant barriers.
A summary of this report is available here (PDF).
2007
- December 2007
- Jurisdictional Review of Contaminated Site Qualified Persons (QP) Programs
OCETA, on behalf of the CBN, and in conjunction with the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute (CPPI), the Cement Association of Canada, Kilmer Brownfield Equity Fund L.P., and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters conducted a Jurisdictional Review of the Contaminated Site Qualified Professionals Programs. The jurisdictional review of the contaminated site QPs provides an overview and analysis of the QP programs currently in place to identify "best practices". The outcomes from this review can be used by government and industry stakeholders in Canada that are developing or redesigning their QP programs.
A summary of this report is available here (PDF). - October 2007
- Greening the Canadian Urban Landscape - The Brownfield Network
( View the full press release ) - September 2007
- Review of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund Brownfield Request for Proposal Experience
OCETA, on behalf of the Canadian Brownfields Network and in conjunction with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), conducted a review of FCM's Green Municipal Fund Brownfield Loan Request for Proposal (RFP) experience and results to date. This review included a survey of municipalities, developers, and consultants as well as a review of the previous Brownfield Loan RFPs that FCM issued in 2005 and 2006. Opportunities were identified to improve the "value proposition" of the Brownfield RFP as well as to streamline the process. A report on the results of this study and recommendations has been provided to FCM. - June 2007
- Building Capacity in Ontario's Municipalities: Brownfield Training Workshops, June 2007
The Canadian Brownfields Network (CBN) collaborated with the Province of Ontario to develop and deliver three highly interactive Brownfield Training Workshops in the return of the very successful workshops that were offered last spring. This year, the workshops were held in Barrie, Burlington, and Ottawa. These workshops were once again facilitated and chaired by OCETA.Designed exclusively for municipal staff, these 1½ day training workshops provided participants with the practical knowledge required to encourage redevelopment activities. Participants learned the latest on brownfields, including legislative and regulatory developments; municipal financing tools; and the use of technology as a decision-making tool. These workshops were well received, with much positive feedback.
Networking receptions were hosted for participants to enjoy and network. Special thanks to our sponsors CMHC, EcoLog ERIS, OREA, and the Cement Association of Canada for helping to make this event possible.
Members of the Canadian Brownfields Network may download the workshop presentations by logging in at www.canadianbrownfieldsnetwork.ca .
- February 2007
- Joint Submission to Province of Ontario (Joint
Submission in PDF)
In keeping with its vision to advocate brownfields redevelopment, the Canadian Brownfields Network (CBN) coordinated a joint submission to Premier Dalton McGuinty and Ontario Provincial Ministers to indicate support for the principles of the legislative changes outlined in the Province of Ontario's Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) posting # AF07E0001 Proposal - Potential Components for legislative Brownfield Reform. Signed by 16 organizations, the joint submission commends the Province of Ontario on their initiative to prepare this Legislative Brownfield Reform Proposal and to identify the potential components of a reform package. It notes that the proposed legislative changes identified in the EBR posting do not respond to all barriers that have been identified by stakeholders but the group supports the intent and direction of the legislative changes proposed at this time. The group urges the government to ensure that this matter is placed on the legislative agenda and earmarked for passage in the spring session. - January 2007
- Two major pieces of legislation that support brownfield redevelopment
became law.
(1) The Planning and Conservation Land Statute Law Amendment Act, 2006 (Bill 51) now gives municipalities additional tools to help stimulate and encourage brownfield redevelopment. Through Community Improvement Plans (CIPs), municipalities now have increased flexibility to approve financial assistance to the private sector for costs associated with new building construction and energy-efficiency.(2) The Municipal Statute Law Amendment Act, 2006 (Bill 130) removes provincial Crown liens where a municipality chooses to assume ownership of a property that has failed a tax sale. Municipalities are now also able to advertise eligible brownfield properties as "free and clear" of all provincial crown liens upon sale. This legislation also removed provincial oversight on CIPs to reduce excess time delays in getting municipal incentive programs in the plan.
2006
- October 2006
- Highlights of CBN Achievements (CBN Achievement Table in PDF)
- September 2006
- Joint Submission to Province of Ontario (Joint
Submission in PDF)
The CBN coordinated a joint submission to the Province of Ontario with 16 other stakeholder organizations advocating brownfield redevelopment as a critical component of building strong, healthy and sustainable communities. Focused on three key barriers: liability, financing and technical. - June 2006
- Building Capacity in Ontario's Municipalities: Brownfield Training
Workshops (London,
Burlington, and Kingston)
The CBN collaborated with the Province of Ontario and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to develop and deliver three highly interactive brownfield training workshops. These training workshops were a unique opportunity designed exclusively for Ontario municipal staff interested or involved in brownfield redevelopment as well as consultants who assist municipalities with developing brownfield strategies and financial incentives. - February 23 - March 27 2006
- Ontario Brownfields Knowledge Workshop Series: Building Capacity
for Brownfields Redevelopment and Revitalization (Sudbury,
Kingston,
Sarnia/Lambton,
and York
Region)
The CBN and aboutREMEDIATION.com hosted informative and motivating workshops on brownfields redevelopment in Ontario. These workshops were designed to increase awareness and build local capacity to engage in remediation activities and successful redevelopment projects. - February 3, 2006
- Brownfields Workshop: Transforming Brownfields into Productive
Community
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), aboutREMEDIATION.com and the CBN provided, as a part of FCM's 2006 Sustainable Communities National Conference and Trade Show, an informative and motivating workshop on brownfields redevelopment in Canada. The workshop provided attendees with practical information on how to start the brownfields redevelopment process, and how to develop programs and policies that result in successful redevelopment projects.
2005
- November 7, 2005
- CBN Letter of Advocacy to Minister of Finance, The Honourable Ralph Goodale, regarding "Deductibility of Interest and Other Expenses"
- November 2005
- CBN made a joint submission with the CUI to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance recommending the deductibility of remediation expenses from other income;
- Nov 18, 2005
- Brownfields Workshop: Making it Happen, Redevelopment and Revitalization in Saint John, NB
- October 19, 2005
- Banff Brownfields Workshop, in association with the 2006 RemTech Conference hosted by ESAA.
- October 13-14, 2005
- 2005 Canadian Brownfields Conference - Ottawa, Ontario
The 6th Annual Brownfields Conference and Tradeshow, plus the fifth annual Brownie Awards.
The event included the 2nd Annual General Meeting for Canadian Brownfield Network (CBN) members - October 2005
- CBN along with the Canadian Real Estate Association and other stakeholders submitted a letter to Finance Minister Goodale to recommend removal of proposed restrictions on the deductibility of interest and other expenses.
- September 1, 2005
- Launch of the first Canadian Brownfields Chronicle in the August/September issue of HazMat Management Magazine
- August 3rd
- Revitalization Institute and International County/City Management Association become support organizations.
- July 25
- New Brunswick Environmental Industry Association becomes a support organization.
- June 22
- Royal Architectural Institute of Canada becomes a support organization.
- June 21
- CBN establishes a partnership with HazMat Management magazine. The magazine will include a supplement called the Canadian Brownfields Chronicle and all CBN members will receive a complementary subscription.
- June 20
- CBN advisory panel conference call. Todd Latham of We Communications Inc. and Jim Brennan of the Canadian Real Estate Association join the CBN advisory panel
- May 27
- CBN Advisory Panel Chair Angus Ross chairs a brownfields session at Environment and Energy Conference (EECO) 2005.
- May 24
- Ontario Municipal Brownfields Toolbox becomes available (developed by aboutREMEDIATION.com in partnership with the CBN).
- April 6
- CBN delivers a workshop, Development of the Green Municipal Fund's Financing Concept for Brownfields Redevelopment (Ontario Pilot Project), on behalf of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
- March 10
- CBN advisory panel conference call. Doug Salloum of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Dave Harper of Jacques Whitford join the CBN advisory panel.
- March 9
- CBN and the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) host a workshop on Strategic Solutions for the Removal of Liens and Tax Arrears Workshop.
- March 1
- CBN supports Thunder Bay Brownfields Knowledge Workshop (hosted by OCETA).
- February 24
- CBN supports Cornwall Brownfields Knowledge Workshop (hosted by OCETA).
- February 23
- CBN begins publishing an e-newsletter for members.
- February 7
- Release of the Final Report of the CCME Task Group on Contaminated Site Liability and Brownfields. CBN panel members Angus Ross, Sylvestre Fink and Adolfo Silva participated in the Task Group.
- January 27
- CBN supports North Bay Brownfields Knowledge Workshop (hosted by OCETA).
- December 7
- Conference call with panel members and Infrastructure Canada.
- November 25
- Submitted recommendations to the federal government to include financing for up-front costs of qualified brownfields in the budget.
- October 29
- CBN supports Niagara Brownfields Knowledge Workshop (hosted by OCETA).
- October 22
- Inaugural meeting of CBN members and advisory panel.
- October 21
- CBN co-hosts 5th Canadian Brownfields Conference with the Canadian Urban Institute.
- September 9
- CBN advisory panel conference call.
- July 29
- Appointment of CBN advisory panel.
- March 9
- OCETA and Ecolog (founding organizations of the CBN) send letters to the Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and their local MPs to advocate changes that would promote brownfields redevelopment.
- March 1
- Official launch of the CBN.
- February 24
- Mr. Angus Ross agrees to chair the advisory panel.
Announcement of the formation of the CBN at the NRTEE Information Session, Toronto, ON. - January 30
- Announcement of the formation of the CBN at the NRTEE Information Session, Ottawa, ON.
- February 10
- Release of the NRTEE's National Brownfield Redevelopment Strategy, recommending the creation of a Canadian national brownfields association for the purpose of increasing national awareness of the benefits to brownfield redevelopment.