August 4, 2010
Potential Showpiece for Harbour City Becoming Reality

NANAIMO–  The Nanaimo Shipyard revitalization is moving forward thanks to new funding under the Brownfield Renewal Funding Program.

“I’m pleased the province is contributing funds for environmental assessments, to ensure the protection of these lands as development options are considered,” says Parksville-Qualicum MLA Ron Cantelon.

The Nanaimo Shipyard is receiving $40,000 to support preliminary site investigation. This 6.49 acre site was once home to a fish cannery, boat and car repair and most recently a marine shipyard which conducts refitting, conversion and repair of marine vessels. Located on Nanaimo waterfront, the site is envisioned for future mixed use residential and waterfront public space.

“Nanaimo Shipyard is very pleased to have received this funding for the Phase II study of our waterfront property.  We could not have carried out this study without the support of the Brownfield Renewal Funding from the Province of B.C.,” says Nanaimo Shipyard Group President Ron van Wachem. “We applaud the government for their commitment to the environment, especially in such a sensitive area. The property has tremendous potential to be a showpiece for our Harbour City and our beautiful province.”

The Province is making $800,000 available through the Brownfield Renewal Funding Program to stimulate land development and economic activity by encouraging remediation of brownfield sites. Brownfields are abandoned, vacant, derelict, or underutilized commercial and industrial properties, where past actions have resulted in actual or perceived contamination. These are sites that have great potential for redevelopment when the issue of contamination is addressed.

In March 2007, the Province announced its Brownfield Renewal Strategy, which included the multi-million Brownfield Renewal Funding Program. In April 2010, the Province announced the third intake for the program and applicants were invited to apply by May 19, 2010. Last year the program approved 17 projects totalling over $1.6 million.

The B.C. Brownfield Renewal Strategy is designed to encourage more brownfield redevelopment across British Columbia. The strategy helps reduce risk and uncertainty in brownfield redevelopment.  The funding program supports the initial environmental work by providing up to $40,000 for preliminary site investigations and up to $125,000 for other types of environmental work. Eligible applicants include First Nations, local governments, non-profits, private companies and individuals.

For more information on the the BC Brownfield Renewal Strategy, please visit www.brownfieldrenewal.gov.bc.ca.

For more information about Ron and the Parksville-Qualicum constituency visit www.roncantelonmla.bc.ca

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