Currently it's an underutilized seniors housing site in need of repair and upgrades. But thanks in part to more than $47,000 from the Brownfield Renewal Funding Program, this site will soon be an up-to-date seniors social housing development for Chilliwack.

The Province is funding early environmental investigative work on the four lots situated at the intersection of Braun Avenue and McCallum Lane. This is the first step toward building a $6.4-million 62-unit housing project, providing safe and affordable housing to seniors.

The Brownfield Renewal funding will help the Lynnhaven Society and its partner Algra Brothers Development revitalize the site and surrounding community.

Artist rendering: http://flic.kr/p/9Mr6E2

The Lynnhaven Society project is one of 14 successful projects awarded close to $1 million through the Brownfield Renewal Funding Program, part of the BC Brownfield Renewal Strategy.

The B.C. Brownfield Renewal Funding Program is designed to encourage more brownfield redevelopment across British Columbia. Brownfields are abandoned, vacant, derelict, or underutilized commercial and industrial properties, where past actions have resulted in actual or perceived contamination. These sites have great potential for redevelopment when contamination is addressed.

Quick Facts:

• Since its creation in 2007, the Brownfield Renewal Funding Program has provided more than $3.4 million to support brownfield redevelopment.
• This program has funded 44 projects in 32 communities across B.C.
• To date, 97 per cent of funded environmental investigation work has been completed.
• Redeveloped brownfields increase local tax revenue from underutilized properties, reduce greenhouse gases from urban sprawl and generate sustainable land stewardship.
• The B.C. Brownfield Renewal Strategy has been recognized with two Brownie Awards from the Canadian Urban Institute for leadership in brownfield renewal.

Learn More:

B.C. Brownfield Renewal Strategy: www.brownfieldrenewal.gov.bc.ca

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Cheekwan Ho
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

BACKGROUNDER

Recipients of brownfield renewal funding

Through the Brownfield Renewal Funding Program the Province is awarding close to $1 million to 14 projects across British Columbia today.

Algra Brothers Development with the Lynnhaven Society - $47,129.95

Chilliwack

This project is a partnership between Algra Brothers Development and Lynnhaven Society. This project will help find solutions for current challenges faced by the Lynnhaven Society, including age of housing stock, maintenance costs and tenant safety. In addition, it will create some infill development resulting in a higher and better use for the site.

Former Alberni Plywood Site, City of Port Alberni - $19,225

Port Alberni

Funding is being provided for a remediation plan. This plan will help Port Alberni take an approach to site redevelopment that will revitalize derelict areas of town, stimulating job creation and investment.

Former Ore Roasting and Smelter Property, Western Forest Products Inc. - $104,832

Ladysmith

Ladysmith's commercial area is undergoing development. This site has been dormant for 70 years and is in the heart of the development area. Redevelopment of the site will enhance utilization of existing infrastructure and may contribute to the revitalization of neighbouring properties.

Northern Gateway Brownfield Project, Town of Ladysmith - $12,852.85

Ladysmith

This property is currently for sale. However, the high cost of environmental investigatory work needed is preventing a sale. With this funding the Town of Ladysmith can complete the required groundwater investigation.

Former Non-Permitted Landfill, 679895 B.C. Ltd. - $106,400.50

Honeymoon Bay

There is the potential for contaminated material from the former landfill to impact water quality in Lake Cowichan. Remediation will eliminate potential human health and environmental risks and free up a parcel of land for redevelopment within Honeymoon Bay.

65 Cowichan Lake Road, Greca Holdings Ltd. - $78,178.50

Lake Cowichan

This site has high redevelopment potential, but has not been sold due to the high cost of environmental investigative work required. Funding will assist the landowner with the steps necessary to remediate and sell the site for redevelopment. Site redevelopment will result in an aesthetic improvement to the core of Lake Cowichan as well as provide jobs.

Corbin's General Store, City of Kelowna - $41,300

Kelowna

The proposed project will benefit the local economy by facilitating the redevelopment of an abandoned roadway and underutilized commercial land. This site is well suited for either residential development or commercial use within an expanding Kelowna neighbourhood.

Marysville Benchland Site, City of Kimberley - $21,700

Kimberley

Funding for this site will help identify any risks related to the location of contamination. Redevelopment of the site would result in greater trail network connectivity, increased tax revenue and the potential for affordable housing or industrial development.

Former "Sew-it Yourself" Site, City of Fort St. John - $14,170

Fort St. John

This project will lead to the beneficial re-use of a valuable property which is underutilized due to contamination. Redevelopment of this site will help revitalize Fort St. John's downtown core.

Co-Op Former Service Station Site, City of Terrace - $40,000

Terrace

While numerous development proposals have come forward in recent years, contamination has prevented the site from being redeveloped. Funding to assist early stage environmental investigative work will help the city redevelop this site for a mix of community and commercial use.

7320 Canada Way, Kamcon Construction - $23,900

Burnaby

This site has sat vacant for 20 years due to contamination challenges. Redevelopment will result in community revitalization through the creation of commercial and residential space.

Shoreline Station, Port Moody Joint Venture - $160,950

Port Moody

The redevelopment of this site will result in further redevelopment of surrounding light industrial properties. Site redevelopment will also reduce illegal activity on the site such as garbage-dumping.

Squamish Oceanfront Development GBA Site Renewal, Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation - $121,500

Squamish

The redevelopment of this brownfield will revitalize the vacant industrial lands of the Squamish Oceanfront and will play a larger role in revitalizing downtown Squamish.

2065 Burrard Street, Orr Development Partnership #1 - $114,900

Vancouver

Funding will assist site owners in determining on-site contamination, leading towards site redevelopment. Once the project is complete, the community will benefit from more rental housing and commercial space.

Contact:

Cheekwan Ho
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261