Brownies FAQ

We thought it would be useful to post answers to some frequently asked questions.

Who can submit a Brownie nomination?

Any organization involved in brownfield redevelopment in Canada can submit a nomination - municipalities, utilities, developers, consultants, property owners, non-governmental organizations, regulators, etc. - either on behalf of someone else or for its own work.

What are the categories?
  • REPROGRAM: Legislation, Policy and Program Initiatives
  • REMEDIATE: Sustainable Remediation
  • REMEDIATE: Technological Innovation
  • RESTRATEGIZE: Partnerships and Community Engagement
  • REBUILD: Project Development at the Building Scale
  • RENEW: Project Development at the Neighbourhood Scale
  • REFOCUS: Vision of Alternative Benefits to Brownfields Remediation
  • Brownfielder of the Year
Does the project/program I nominate have to meet all the detailed criteria?

Nominated projects/programs should meet the majority of the criteria for the category in which they're nominated. However, we recognize that outstanding performance in one area can outweigh criteria a project/program doesn't address. In addition, it is rare for a nominated project to score ten out of ten on each of the relevant criteria. We encourage you to nominate a project, even if it doesn't, in your opinion, address all the criteria in its category. 

I think my nomination is in the correct category, but what happens if I'm wrong?

The awards judges have the ability to change the category of a nomination if they feel the project/program fits better in another category. They may either make the change themselves or, if they think the nomination should be rewritten to better address the criteria for the new category, ask you to re-submit.

Does the project/program have to involve a CBN member, either as manager/leader or part of the team?

In a word, no. Nominations are open to everyone involved in Canadian brownfield redevelopment.

What is the cost to submit a nomination?

Effective with the 2018 Awards, there is no nomination fee.

When are nominations due?

Nominations are now open and may be submitted by September 12, 2024. The online nomination form can be found here.

What is the judging process for the awards?

Starting in 2020, we changed to a two-stage judging process. First-round nominations, based on a simplified preliminary nomination, are due September 12, 2024. In the 2nd phase, projects/programs that are shortlisted will be invited to submit a more detailed form along with supporting exhibits. The winners will be selected and announced at the Brownie Awards Gala.

What recognition is given to nominated projects?

The list of short-listed projects/programs will be published on the Brownies website and the CBN website. Additionally, a short description of the winning projects will be posted to The Environment Journal and CBN website.

Winners will have the opportunity to give a short overview of their projects at the Brownie Awards Gala. They will also be able to include “Brownie Award winner” and CBN/Brownie Awards branding in their marketing and communications.

What are the criteria for the Brownfielder of the Year?

The Brownfielder of the Year award is given to recognize an outstanding individual in the industry.

When are the 2024 Awards being held?

The 2024 Brownies are being held on Monday, November 18, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto, 75 Lower Simcoe Street, Toronto. To join us as a sponsor, please contact Vanessa Watson at vanessa@actualmedia.ca. Tickets may be purchased here.

Do you have more questions about the Award process?

If you have any questions about the process or criteria, please contact the Operations Administrator at admin@canadianbrownfieldsnetwork.ca or by phone at 647.873.5873.


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