Greyfields revitalization strategy

What is a greyfield?

Greyfields can generally be described as previously developed commercial sites that are vacant or underutilized, and/or in a state of neglect or disrepair. Greyfields are viewed as lands where there are opportunities for revitalization because they have access to existing public services, infrastructure, and utilities and, unlike brownfields, are not perceived to be subject to environmental contamination.

• Council-adopted Greyfields Community Improvement Plan

The Greyfields Community Improvement Plan aims to support the revitalization of greyfield sites across the Built-Up Area, as shown below, by helping property owners make improvements to their properties or redevelop their properties into mixed use developments (with both commercial uses and residential uses). It is envisioned that these revitalization projects will provide for a variety of types and tenures of residential units, including affordable housing, support existing and new commercial uses, and facilitate the transformation of clusters of greyfield sites into attractive and thriving commercial areas.

Amendments for a new Vandalism Prevention Program

City of Brantford Council is seeking to create a new grant program offered under the Greyfields Community Improvement Plan called the Vandalism Prevention Grant. This new financial incentive is proposed to be available to small businesses, faith-based organizations, and non-profit organizations who have been victims of vandalism. The Vandalism Prevention Grant will provide financial support for the following:

• Completion of prompt repairs after an act of vandalism
• Completion of a Safety Audit with City Staff for the property that identifies projects and measures that may prevent future acts of vandalism and which improve safety and security
• Implementation of projects that contribute to the overall safety and feelings of security that in turn supports the Downtown serving as an economic, civic, cultural, and tourism hub.

You can refer to Report 2025-546 for background information.

City of Brantford will consider the amendment to add the Vandalism Prevention Grant program to the Downtown CIP during a statutory public meeting held on February 10, 2026 at 6:00 p.m at Council Chambers, 58 Dalhousie Street, Brantford.

If you have comments to share, you may:

• Submit your comments in writing by email to City of Brantford Clerks Department (clerks@brantford.ca)
• Attend the meeting in person by requesting delegation status using the online request form
• Attend the meeting virtually by requesting delegation status using Zoom (https://brantford.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-smIkZbXRCSwq-ct0o5eNQ)

Read the full details of the proposed amendment to add the Vandalism Grant Program as outlined in Amendment No. 2: Vandalism Prevention Grant.

The existing Greyfields CIP includes three financial incentive programs intended to facilitate private sector investment in greyfield sites, supporting their improvement or redevelopment, as follows:

• The Property Tax Increment-Based Grant is intended to promote the transformative redevelopment of greyfields into new mixed use developments that will increase a property’s assessed value. Depending on the provision of affordable housing units in a redevelopment project, the grant may be enhanced to provide a greater financial incentive;
• The Commercial Façade, Landscaping and Connectivity Improvement Grant is aimed at facilitating improvements to the appearance and accessibility of existing commercial and mixed use properties in Target Greyfield Revitalization Areas; and
• The Mixed Use Building Improvement Grant supports the conversion of existing buildings into mixed use buildings in Target Greyfield Revitalization Areas.

For more information or to apply to a program, please contact:
Planning Department
City of Brantford
58 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, Ontario N3T 2J2
T. 519-759-4150
E-mail: developmentincentives@brantford.ca