Developer: Noyar Developments Inc.

Location: Part Lot 4, Concession 1, Plan 52R-5344, South side of Montreal Road

Site Area: Approximately six acres (2.4 hectares)

Project Significance: Former industrial land (manufacturing rayon materials between 1928-1992) abuts St. Lawrence River in eastern Ontario. Ministry of the Environment clearance required because part of the project had been grand fathered under the 1989 Guidelines. Subdivision process was complex because there were at least three major pipes originating from the fibre mills, running under the existing parking lot, out to the river.

Proposed Use: 44-lot residential subdivision

Site Condition:

• Estimated 18,375 sq. metres contained black course sand/cinder
• Some areas contained higher levels of arsenic
• Stormwater run-off considered; associated contaminants included suspended solids, total dissolved solids, nutrients (e.g., phosphorous and nitrogen), oil and grease, toxic chemicals (e.g., phenol and floatable debris)

Cleanup:

• Use of storm water interceptor or oil/grit separator prior to storm water out letting to the river
• Removal of arsenic (levels now acceptable for residential and parkland use)
• Soils containing cinder were covered with a substantial layer of topsoil

Costs:

• Cost of land - appraised value
• Cleanup costs - unavailable

Approvals:

• Approximately three-year process
• Rezoning from Manufacturing 20 to Residential 10 along the waterfront
• Major public open space along the waterfront
• Official Plan designation - Urban Residential
• No appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board

Benefits:

• Site cleanup
• Demonstrates brownfields sites can serve as viable redevelopment properties in Cornwall
• Future tax revenues
• Employment opportunities for local contractors
• Provision of additional housing

Reasons for Success:

• All issues were dealt with clearly and precisely, with utmost attention
• Courtalds wanted to give something back to the community in thanks for the time the company spent in Cornwall as one of the city's largest single employers - remediation work was conducted by the company

For more information:
Mary Joyce-Smith, MCIP, RPP
City of Cornwall
Planning and Recreation Services
Planning Department
340 Pitt Street, 3rd Floor
Cornwall, ON K6H 5T9
Telephone: (613) 932-6252 (ext. 2335)