NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2011FOR0185-001223 Sept. 28, 2011

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

 

Fuelling redevelopment: Former Service Station Toolkit

 

VICTORIA – Former gas stations are the most common type of brownfield in B.C. Today the Province is releasing a new toolkit to help local governments address these often overlooked and underutilized sites.

 

Former service stations are often centrally located and highly visible. When left undeveloped they can become an eyesore, negatively affecting surrounding property values, pride of place, investment and tourism. But once onsite contamination is addressed, they represent an excellent opportunity for redevelopment, fuelling economic development and job creation.

 

The new B.C. Former Service Station Toolkit is a website with resources for local governments and anyone interested in the reuse and redevelopment of former service station sites. Tools included are:

 

·         Brownfield Guide for Local Governments.

·         BC Brownfield Roadmap: Legislation and Funding Programs.

·         Contaminated Site Registry information and tips.

·         Case study examples for interim uses for former service station sites.

·         Directory of company contacts.

·         Summary of available brownfield funding sources.

 

 

Quotes:

 

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations –

 

“We need to look at brownfields, such as former gas stations, as opportunities. The Province wants to help local governments tap into brownfield potential to revitalize neighbourhoods and contribute to local economies.”

 

Barbara Steele, president of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities –

 

“There is a lot of uncertainty in addressing brownfield cleanup – the extent of the contamination, how much will it cost. This new toolkit provides local governments with the information and access to funding they need to address onsite contamination issues.”

 

 

Ken McRae, mayor of Port Alberni –

 

“We would never have been able to move forward on the revitalization of our industrial waterfront without the support from the Brownfield Renewal Strategy. Many of the resources in this toolkit were developed out of lessons learned on projects like ours.”

 

 

Quick Facts:

 

·         Brownfields are abandoned, vacant, derelict or underutilized commercial and industrial properties, where past actions have resulted in actual or perceived contamination.

·         Redeveloped brownfields increase local tax revenue from previously underutilized properties, and can increase surrounding property value by an estimated five to 15 per cent.

·         Every dollar spent in the Canadian economy on brownfield redevelopment generates approximately $3.80 in total economic output.

·         Since 2007, the Brownfield Renewal Funding Program has supported 21 local governments and regional districts to begin brownfield redevelopment projects.

 

Learn More:

 

B.C. Toolkit for Former Service Station Sites: www.brownfieldsbc.com

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

B.C. Brownfield Renewal Information Line: 1 877 787-9730

 

 

Contact:

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

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect