Brownfields Redevelopment  Toolbox

Step 2 - Evaluation

 Step 2 - Evaluation (sub-directory)


Develop a Business Case

The municipality or Municipal Team should now have enough information and resources to Develop a Business Case that analyzes the economic, social and environmental benefits of brownfield redevelopment and be prepared to present it to council.

 Evaluating the Municipal Perspective

The Municipal Team should evaluate the current perception of council and public. The municipality must be convinced to address brownfields as a resource and an important component of sustainable community improvement. This involves research, preparation, education, outreach and awareness, marketing and public consultation/feedback.

Evaluate the Nature & Extent of Impacted Areas

Generic Impacts

  • Vacant lands & shells of buildings
  • Sites which may contain chemical contamination
  • Unsafe community areas - no public surveillance
  • Increased Municipal costs - Fire, Police & Bylaw Inspection
  • Low level of assessment & tax generation
  • Increased greenfield servicing costs
Specific Impacts
  • Aggregate amounts of under-utilization by area (ha)
  • Using tax data and planning policy directions (Official Plan-Zoning), determine lost municipal revenue
  • Relate to infrastructure
Potential Impacts (Generic & Specific)
  • Available sites for new Infill development
  • Strategically located on major thoroughfares with good access and exposure to traveling public
  • Fully serviced with Hard Services (sewer, water, hydro)
  • In established communities with Soft Services (recreation, libraries, schools, etc..)
  • Previously planned - Official Plan & Zoning Bylaw requirements in place
Evaluate the Municipalities’ Brownfield Readiness
  1. Has a Brownfield Advisory Group or Municipal Team been formed?
  2. Has the Team conducted and reviewed research?
  3. Have all Local Issues been identified?
  4. Has the municipality formed a Definition of Brownfields?
  5. Is there a shift in Policy Direction and Resources assigned to address the problem?
  6. Have Alternative Approaches been identified?
  7. Has an Official Strategy been put in place (via the Official Plan, CIP, by-laws or creation of new Strategy?
  8. Has Public Input been received?
  9. Does the Municipality have Plan approval?
  10. Is the Municipality ready for Implementation of official brownfield Incentives, Strategies and Marketing?
Evaluate Municipal Brownfield Assistance Required

Professional Assistance
  • Attitude shift in Municipal Staff from regulators to partners
  • Municipal focus on key sites
  • Pro-active & Pre-investment advice and consultation
Research & Marketing
  • Appointment of key municipal expert and advocate to each site.
  • Detailed property file
  • Marketing plan to find investment
Financial Incentives
  • Façade Improvement Loans
  • Special Study Grants
  • Elimination of Disposal Costs
  • Direct grants
  • Tax Incremental Financing
  • Reduction of Park Dedication Fees
  • Exempt Sign Bylaw Fees
  • Freezing or cancelling of Municipal Taxes
 Establish a Capital Budget 

Establish a working “Capital Budget” to develop and implement the Municipal Brownfields Redevelopment Strategy and Community Improvement Plan. 

Include expenses occurred and anticipated for:

  • Staff and Resources (Brownfields Coordinator and Municipal Team);
  • Research required;
  • Creation of Inventory;
  • Creation of Implementation Tools;
  • Development and implementation of Loans, Grants and other Financial Incentive Programs;
  • Education, Outreach and Awareness (Public Input and Meetings);
  • Marketing Strategy Development;
  • Slush Funds;
  • Risk Management Costs;
  • Economic Development Costs;
  • Anticipated/Projected Revenue (Municipal Property Taxes, Fees, Employment, etc.)
Use models to calculate the anticipated revenue generated by new development as opposed to the status quo and demonstrate that over a long term program (i.e. every $1 of public funds generates approximately $ private funds over 10 years, 20 years, etc). 

The overview on Developing a Business Case is adapted from “Almost everything you need to know about launching a Brownfields Remediation Program: The Municipal Perspective”, by Terry Boutilier, City of Kitchener (January 2005)