March 30, 2021 - CBN News

Government Relations Committee (GRC) Update: March 2021

By: Rob Hoffman

Committee Members:

Rob Hoffman, Canadian Fuels Association (Committee Chair)
Christopher De Sousa, Ryerson University (CBN President)
Ian Collins, GHD
John Georgakopoulos, Willms & Shier Environmental Lawyers
Ellen Greenwood, Greenwood and Associates
Andrew Macklin, WSP

The Government Relations Committee (GRC) keeps a close eye on policy development and updates from government and strategic stakeholder partners to further develop solutions that promote brownfield redevelopment across Canada. The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted all of our lives, and the work of the GRC is no exception.  Governments and businesses alike were largely focused on pandemic response and recovery through 2020, which resulted in delayed policy development in many sectors including those affecting brownfields. Still, in early 2021 we have seen an uptick in previously deferred consultations and policy development in some jurisdictions.

CBN members have been in attendance at recent virtual meetings with ENV ministry staffers in BC, SK, AB and ON. 

Some of the recent program announcements by jurisdiction include:

British Columbia

• Stage 13 amendments came into effect on Feb 1, focused on changes to the process for identifying contaminated sites in BC, including updates for 10 regulatory protocols, following extensive consultations over the last several years
• In January, BC released its soil relocation Intentions Paper, which proposes amendments to the Contaminated Site Regulations on updating rules for soil relocation and establishing a new notification system. Public comment period was open until March 15

Alberta

• A new Site Specific Risk Assessment guidance document was published in January

Ontario

• In January, three draft updates to their provincial brownfield guidance were released, including updated records of site condition guide, risk assessment guidance, and soil vapour intrusion. Public comment period is open until April 4.

The GRC strives to have strong representation in all regions of the country. Any CBN members interested in joining us to strengthen our connections and representation with government officials would be most welcome at the GRC table!  Contact us at: admin@canadianbrownfieldsnetwork.com