News Release: Province Announces Clean Up of Downtown Hamilton Property

For Immediate Release
June 13, 2002

Province Announces Clean Up of Downtown Hamilton Property

HAMILTON — The Ontario Government will invest approximately $5 to $7 million to clean up contamination at a former GO Transit property in downtown Hamilton, Transportation Minister Norm Sterling and Stoney Creek MPP Brad Clark announced today.

"It is difficult to ascertain when this property was contaminated and who is responsible," said Sterling. "Regardless of this, the province is taking a leadership role in cleaning up this property and making it attractive for investment in the future."

The property, located at 60 Catharine Street North, most recently served as a GO bus garage. Former occupants of the site also include the City of Hamilton.

The Ministry of Transportation conducted an environmental investigation on the property prior to the transfer of GO Transit to the former Greater Toronto Services Board. The testing confirmed there were no immediate human health and safety impacts to local residents, but that there was historical contamination on the property, and the contamination had migrated, affecting nine surrounding properties.

The ministry will work with the City of Hamilton and the Ministry of Environment and Energy to move forward with environmental remediation of the site. The province is acquiring the contaminated properties through the Ontario Realty Corporation or through agreement with the City. Remediation is expected to take from one to three years to complete.

MTO's plan is to excavate the contaminated soil, treat it, and dispose of it in an appropriate landfill, making the site suitable for a wide range of redevelopment options.

"Once the remediation process is complete, the City will be able to redevelop the site and promote local economic growth," Clark said. "It is an example of our government's commitment to working with municipal partners to help them succeed."

"This clean up is taking place in an environmentally responsible manner," said Environment and Energy Minister Chris Stockwell. "It demonstrates our government's belief that environmental protection and urban renewal go hand-in-hand."

"Redevelopment of brownfields will be a key component of our City's growth in the years ahead," Hamilton Mayor Bob Wade said. "This project could serve as a model example of redevelopment in the downtown core."

In November 2001, the government's Brownfields Statute Law Amendment Act was passed. When proclaimed, the legislation will set out clear rules for the cleanup of contaminated Brownfield sites to ensure environmental standards are met and public health and safety protected. The legislation also streamlines planning processes to expedite brownfield projects and help municipalities provide financial support for cleanup costs.