By Kate Porter, CBC News Ottawa, December 27, 2022
The City of Ottawa has approved more than $150 million in
tax breaks for developers who clean up contaminated sites since the program began 15 years ago, although it has paid out far less than that.
City council voted to pause the brownfields grant program earlier this month while it awaits a review. Some council members including Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Coun. Shawn Menard want to make sure the city doesn't offer subsidies to encourage the redevelopment of former gas stations, print shops and other derelict sites where developers would likely build anyway.