A Comparative Analysis Of Brownfield Redevelopment In Niagara Falls, New York And Niagara Falls, Ontario

23440 A Comparative Analysis of Brownfield Redevelopment Policies in Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Ontario Hallie Rulnick Mentors: Kathleen Dallaire & Jean-Daniel Saphores

The Great Lakes basin contains thousands of brownfields, chronic sources of toxic pollution, where manufacturing operations once thrived. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, brownfields are abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. Restoring brownfields in both Canada and in the United States has become a national priority, and numerous studies have assessed the obstacles to and benefits of brownfield redevelopment. However, few research projects directly compare Canadian and U.S. brownfield sites at the regional and local levels. The goal of this study is to compare and contrast obstacles to and benefits of brownfield redevelopment in Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Ontario. We find more similarities than differences, with the exception of land-value and public financial incentives. Comparing and contrasting state and provincial brownfields redevelopment programs not only gives a sense of how Great Lakes jurisdictions are attempting to promote brownfield redevelopment, but also offers a snapshot of how the Great Lakes region as a whole is addressing brownfields. Moreover, it helps to identify gaps and potential needs for state and provincial program improvements.