Land Quality and Brownfields

We are actively involved in monitoring land quality and brownfields to protect the health of our community.

Brownfields Sites

Brownfields are abandoned, vacant or underused commercial and industrial properties – like old factories, dry cleaners or gas stations, where past actions have resulted in actual or perceived environmental contamination.

Brownfields are usually located within previously strategic areas of the community, close to or in downtown cores and waterfront areas. Today, these have the potential for a range of uses including residential, commercial, retail and mixed use development. 

A notable brownfield in Belleville is associated with historical industrial activities in the general inner harbor area (east of Victoria Harbour and south of the CPR rail line). Past industrial activities and uses included open-pile coal storage, canning operations, scrap metal storage, coal gas manufacturing, rail lines, and bulk oil and gasoline storage. A Health and Safety By-law applies to a specific portion of lands within this area. The by-law can be found in the City's Document Centre in four parts:

• Bylaw 2020-169, amending Bylaw 2020-21
• Bylaw 2020-21
• Bylaw 2020-21, Part I: Schedule A
• Bylaw 2020-21, Part II: Schedule A