The City of Langley received a prestigious national award for its brownfield redevelopment strategy, during the Canadian Urban Institute’s 13th annual Brownie Awards ceremony in Toronto last month (Oct. 23).
Held in conjunction with the CUI’s Canadian Brownfields Still Making Great Places Conference, the awards celebrate excellence in brownfield redevelopment by transforming contaminated sites into “great places.”
“We are extremely proud of our brownfield redevelopment strategy,” said acting Mayor Ted Schaffer.
“To be recognized nationally by the Canadian Urban Institute and a jury of architects, planners, geoscientists, and other experts in the field is a great honour.”
The strategy is the first of its kind at the local government level in British Columbia and to date has resulted in $192.9 million in new construction value and more than 850 jobs.
“The purpose of the strategy is to act as a catalyst for generating new investment and to create additional vitality in the City of Langley,” added acting Mayor Schaffer.
“It builds on the city’s downtown master plan, as well as the economic development strategy, which positions the city as a partner in the continued redevelopment of our community.”
The CUI recognized winners in seven categories from across Canada for their leadership, innovation and commitment to building sustainable communities. The City of Langley’s “Brownie” was awarded in the communications, marketing and public engagement category.
“Even though the technical aspects of brownfield redevelopment have largely been overcome since the CUI Brownie Awards were launched, successful execution and implementation still requires a high degree of skill,” said Glenn Miller, vice president of education and research with the CUI. “This year’s finalists and winners come from five different provinces and are a tribute to the high quality of design and technical expertise across the country.”
The CUI Brownie Awards jury comprises representatives from the Canadian Brownfields Network; the Canadian Institute of Planners; Ontario Association of Architects; Ontario Professional Planners Institute; Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario; Federation of Canadian Municipalities and ReNew Canada.
