Brownfield Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Programs

Purpose: Support property owners that require a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and the development of a Remediation Action Plan to proceed with redevelopment.

Eligibility: For property owners redeveloping a brownfield site where a Phase I ESA was completed and concluded a Phase II ESA is required.

Incentive: Up to $30,000 per study, or 50% of the cost of the ESA, whichever is less. Maximum eligibility for two studies per property totals $45,000.

Additional Considerations: Based on the principle of achieving maximum leverage of non-City funds, applicants who identify other sources of financial assistance for environmental site assessments will be given preference in the allocation of funds.

*This program is eligible for additional top-up funding from Program 15: Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) of up to $10,000 for a single ESA study (at the City’s discretion). City staff will review eligible applications and allocate HAF funding as available. For further information, see Program 15 below.

View the Program 11 Summary Page and Checklist for full details.

Purpose: Assist brownfield property owners in offsetting the cost of redevelopment.

Eligibility: For property owners redeveloping or renovating a brownfield site in need of remediation.
Incentive: Up to 50% building permit fee rebate, up to the cost of remediation, with a maximum rebate of $60,000.

Additional Considerations: Although the building permits fees are rebated, they are not waved outright. Fees are to be paid in advance and are to be reimbursed upon successful completion and approval of an application. Fees associated with any other municipal processes, or outside agencies are not subject to the rebate.

*This program is eligible for additional top-up funding from Program 15: Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) for a rebate of up to 10% of the building permit fees (at the City’s discretion). City staff will review eligible applications and allocate HAF funding as available. For further information, see Program 15 below.

View the Program 13 Summary Page and Checklist for full details.

Through the City’s federal funding under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), all allocated monies must be used by December 18, 2028, to achieve the City’s HAF housing targets. To support this objective, an Enhanced HAF Funding Program will provide additional financial incentives beyond the base funding offered through applicable housing and brownfield programs. This enhanced funding is intended to further encourage the creation of new housing units. The program will expire on December 18, 2028.

Eligibility for Enhanced HAF Funding is limited to applicants who have applied for one or more of the following programs:

• Program 2: Accessory Dwelling Unit Rebate
• Program 3: Accessibility Top-Up Rebate
• Program 4: Missing Middle Per-Door Grant
• Program 5: High Density Residential Municipal Fees Rebate
• Program 11: Brownfield ESA Rebate
• Program 13: Brownfield Building Permit Fees Rebate

City staff will review all eligible applications and allocate HAF funds as available. Funding amounts will vary depending on the applicable program and the number of new housing units proposed. Staff anticipate the use of HAF funds will significantly contribute to the development of new housing units in the City. Access to Enhanced HAF Funding may become unavailable if all funds have been allocated. At their discretion, City Staff may approve only a portion of the requested funding should remaining HAF funds be limited.

*Please note, this program is applied as a top-up to other programs while funding from the Housing Accelerator Fund lasts.

View the Program 15 Summary Page for full details.

All applicants must schedule and attend a pre-consultation with the City’s Policy Planning section to confirm application requirements for the incentive programs in this CIP.

Request and submit a completed pre-consultation form to planning@belleville.ca in order to meet with City staff.

Submission Requirements for Housing and Brownfield Applications (Programs 2-6, 11, 13, 15):

1. Housing and Brownfield Application Form
2. Program Summary and Checklist (see each program dropdown above)

Submit your Housing or Brownfield application through the CityView portal. 

• City staff to evaluate application and supporting materials and may conduct a site visit. Applicants will be notified if their submission is complete and whether the application has been approved or denied.
• For applications that are approved, a Financial Assistance Agreement may be prepared and executed.

Notes:

• Please refer to each program summary and checklist for approval requirements (see above under each program dropdown).
• Any program commitments may be cancelled if work does not commence within six months of approval of an application of if a project is not undertaken or completed in accordance with the Financial Assistance Agreement. 
• City staff may grant an extension for community improvement works following receipt of a written request by the owner setting out the reasons for the extension and providing a new date of completion. 
• Should the applicant fall into default or any of the requirements of the incentive program or to the requirements established by the City, incentives may be delayed, reduced, or cancelled. Applicants may be required to repay benefits to the City. 

Upon project completion:

• The applicant must provide a statement with supporting invoices and proof of payment to the City.
• The work will be inspected by the City and, if approved, Notice of Completion will be issued and the financial assistance will be initiated.