In 2008, the Government of British Columbia announced the BC Brownfield Renewal Strategy, which was designed and implemented by a cross-ministry team.  Significant research, analysis and stakeholder involvement has guided Strategy development and implementation.

The Strategy removes barriers to brownfield redevelopment by reducing risk and uncertainty using a four pillared approach:

1. Strengthening public policy for environmental liability and risk management.

2. Applying strategic public investments to encourage redevelopment.

3. Building capacity and awareness of redevelopment tools and opportunities.

4. Leading by example through redevelopment of key Crown brownfield sites.

The Strategy was developed to ensure that outcomes are responsive to stakeholder needs and coordinated across the complex provincial regulatory fabric. 

The $10 million Brownfield Funding Program is a unique approach to investing in private sector projects. The program design considered best practices from across North America, the legal/ operational framework in BC and the needs of stakeholders. Funding is available for local government, First Nations or private sector applicants to fund environmental investigations and related activities, intended to encourage remediation and redevelopment.  On projects that the Province has funded under the BC Brownfield Renewal Funding Program, every $1 invested by the Province is reported to result in an additional $2 invested by the private sector applicant for investigations.

Modifications to the BC Environmental Management Act and Contaminated Sites Regulation have streamlined some investigative works and processes. The Brownfield Information Line provides a direct link to provincial government staff to address brownfield related questions.