Get rewarded for redevelopment. Brownfield sites across the region that have served as the location for commercial or industrial development in the past are eligible for some healthy incentives to help update them for a more sustainable future.
Overview
Updating commercial and industrial lands to help propel Niagara into the future plays a key role in ensuring a bright future for the region’s economy. There are three incentive program options available for organizations that want to develop a Brownfield site.
Brownfield Tax Assistance
Developing a Brownfield site is an investment in Niagara. Eligible projects may qualify for up to a three-year freeze or cancellation of municipal and education property taxes during remediation or redevelopment.
Brownfield Tax Increment Grant
Redeveloping a Brownfield site will undoubtedly increase its property value over time. Annual grants are available for eligible projects through the local and Regional incentive programs that will reimburse the property owner for up to 100% of the municipal property tax increase created by the new development for up to 10 years.
Environmental Assessment Study Grant
Developing a site that has been used for industrial or commercial purposes in the past can drive the need for environmental studies and assessments. Grants of up to $10,000, and in some cases more, are available to help offset the price of these studies.
Incentive programs described above are subject to cancellation and/or modification at any time. Applicants should contact Niagara Economic Development and/or their local Niagara municipality to obtain the most up-to-date information on incentive programs.
What is a Brownfield Site?
The term Brownfield generally refers to lands that have been previously used for industrial or commercial purposes. In Niagara, it includes lands where industrial or commercial development have since been demolished. Sites must be located within the boundaries of the approved Community Improvement Plan areas, as set out in Schedule “D” to this By-law may be amended from time to time, or within the boundaries of the urban areas as defined from time to time in the Region’s Official Plan.
Learn more about Niagara Region’s Brownfield Development Charge Reduction Program.
Tax freezes during redevelopment
Financial assistance
for environmental studies
Access rebates
to help offset increases in property taxes
News & Media
$6+ in industrial incentives
$256.3 million /1,125 acres in 2022 vacant land sales
2022
$195.3 million /1.3 million square feet in 2022 industrial sales
2022
$683.2 million 2022 non-residential building construction
Statistics Canada, 2022
$674.0 million 2021 non-residential building construction
Statistics Canada, 2022
2nd most cost-competitive centre for business in Ontario
2022