Expanding the narrative on brownfield initiatives in Canada

The rehabilitation and remediation of brownfield sites across Canada has been a community success story for many years. Yet how often do we learn about these successes in the media, in the community, or even within our own business?

Bringing together experts in media, communications, and community engagement, the Canadian Brownfields Network (CBN) recently facilitated a virtual discussion to focus on the current brownfield narrative, and the challenges and opportunities to expand and improve it.

Moderator Andrew Macklin, Senior Advisor, Media and Public Affairs at WSP in Canada, engaged panelists to provide real solutions for how to better utilize success stories, educate people across Canada of the accomplishments of our national brownfield professionals. Panelists included: Brian Eastcott, Vice-President, Marketing at ERIS; Johnpaul Loiacono, Senior Project Manager, Commercial Districts and Small Business Economic Development Division at the City of Hamilton; and, Connie Vitello, Editor of Environment Journal.

Macklin kicked things off by asking if municipalities, companies and media are doing a good enough job-sharing content related to brownfields.

Vitello explained that remediation and brownfield redevelopment initiatives is a key focus areas on the EnvironmentJournal.ca and how she is proud to be involved in organizing the Brownie Awards, a celebration of outstanding brownfield projects and champions across the country. This annual program is presented in conjunction with CBN and Actual Media Inc., Environment Journal‘s parent company. A recent edition focused on the Brownie Award projects and featured articles from thought leaders in the brownfields space.

“Through this important partnership, there’s a unique opportunity to learn about the hard-working project teams who are committed to cleaning up their local gas stations, waterfronts and factories,” said Vitello. “I’m always excited to find out about environmental innovation and it has become a mission of mine to share with readers how novel approaches and a little optimism can turn once-depleted sites into new opportunities for economic growth while prioritizing environmental stewardship.”

Everyone acknowledged that it can be a challenge to make sometimes very technical information into a story that appeals to a broader audience. Or to gather information on sometimes confidential project details.

“We can always do better, but I have to give a shout out to Environment Journal. I think they’re doing a great job of reporting on the industry. I always look to them for news, so kudos to you,” said Eastcott, who is co-chair of CBN Communications committee. He added that ERIS regularly circulates content from Environment Journal and other sources.

To view the one-hour video, click here.

Some action items that were raised during the webinar:

• Join the conversation! Send your brownfield case studies, success stories, and other article ideas to Connie@actualmedia.ca.
• The Brownie Awards nominations are due by September 5^th.  To submit your nomination(s), click here.
• The 2025 CBN National Conference will be held on June 17th. For further information, click here.
• The CBN has launched a new Working Group that will look at expanding the public discussion of brownfields nationwide. To get involved, click here.

Featured image credit: Getty Images