An exploration of brownfield reclamation and housing development in southern Ontario

Approximately 50,000 brownfield sites in Canada have been identified to date. Many of these sites are in urban areas and with remediation are potential locations for residential infill development. Unfortunately complex issues of ownership, costs, remediation techniques, and market-driven development practices have limited the number of brownfield reclamation initiatives. The goal of this research was to identify the factors that influence potential reclamation efforts by examining selected sites that have been reclaimed and developed for housing. Four cases from Southern Ontario were selected based on their industrial history and location within city centers. Cases were assessed using a framework of factors based on a literature review and key informant interviews. A systematic comparison among case factors suggested that urban brownfield redevelopment for residential use is contingent on relatively few factors. The results suggest that urban brownfields can be successfully developed for residential use.