Elections
Hamilton has a large number of contaminated brownfield properties that present a risk for investors. What, if anything, will you do to make it easier to remediate brownfields?
Responses to the question: "Hamilton has a large number of contaminated brownfield properties that present a risk for investors. What, if anything, will you do to make it easier to remediate brownfields?"
In This Page:
4 Candidate Responses (top)
| Hamilton East-Stoney Creek | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Brief Response | Full Response |
| Bob Green Innes | Yes | The problem is not so much contaminants in the ground, though they do exist, as it is a problem of a legal regime that makes it impossible for investors to take an interest in a property. Most people just think that, as with everything else, free money is the answer - in this case, money for a huge cleanup. Please see my answer to the first question for why free money is no longer appropriate.
Technically, the basic answer is simple - capping the site provides a paved surface for parking that also keeps rain infiltration from leaching contaminants away. Though an absolute guarantee is probably impossible, I believe the Toronto Hydro site on Commissioners St. in Toronto is a good example of what can be done. Removing the threat of lawsuits is the first step in remediation therefore, I believe that the Provincial and Federal governments should do more to remove the basic liability issue that drives investors away. As a side issue, we should review the whole business of liability - Canada is becoming paralyzed by the threat of lawsuits just as in the US. This is another example of how the three big parties that represent Big Business, Big Government and Big Unions and their lawyers have abused ordinary people to line their pockets. |
| Mark Cripps | Yes | I think the federal and provincial governments should partner with the cities and developers to find solutions to remediate brownfield properties. |
| Paul Miller | Yes | Brownfield re-development is an important component of the NDP intensification plan. The NDP would assess a range of regulatory, property assessment and tax changes to encourage brownfield development. |
| W. Peter Randall | Yes | Provincial and Municipal incentives in these areas can be paramount to the restoration and reclamation of these areas. Through property tax credits and reductions and other such programs.
Waive land transfer tax fees? Reduce building permit fees? Create low interest clean up loans? |
Response Summary (top)
| Brief Response | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 4 | 100.0% |
| No | 0 | 0.0% |
| Maybe | 0 | 0.0% |
4 Candidates Have Not Responded (top)
| Hamilton East-Stoney Creek | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gregg Pattinson | ||
| Nancy Fiorentino | ||
| Philip Doucette | ||
| Silas Khokar | ||
