Many underutilized or obsolete industrial properties have the potential to be transformed into vibrant new communities. Redevelopment of these “brownfield” sites offers opportunities for more efficient use of existing urban infrastructure, and reduced pressure for urbanization of rural lands. As a result, it has become a cornerstone of “smart growth” planning policies. However, concerns over market, economic, and municipal finance issues must be addressed. Clayton Research provides clients with solid information on:

Market analysis for industrial redevelopment of underutilized or vacant industrial sites.

Market studies for commercial and residential uses, used in the preparation of marketable. redevelopment plans

Potential implications of the redevelopment of a brownfields area for municipal taxation and finances, the local economy, stability of remaining industrial areas, and future commercial/residential markets.

Implications for community services and infrastructure, including impacts on schools.

Potential contribution of brownfield redevelopments towards addressing future housing requirements and other municipal and provincial housing objectives.

Clayton Research has been involved in many consulting assignments related to the redevelopment of under-utilized or abandoned industrial sites, including:

This mixed-use community is located on a site where Honeywell Limited once manufactured automated systems. Clayton Research prepared reports for the developer that analysed the potential economic implications of the redevelopment of this site for residential and commercial uses and assessed the potential impacts on community services and schools.

Clayton Research prepared a series of reports regarding the redevelopment of the former Dominion Bridge manufacturing plant. The first report examined the market prospects for industrial redevelopment of the site and the potential economic implications of redeveloping the site for high-density residential and mixed-use buildings. Subsequent work undertaken by Clayton Research included an analysis of potential implications for school enrolment and an analysis of a revised, low-density residential plan.

This developing residential community once housed heavy industrial users such as Johns-Manville Limited and Canadian General Electric. Clayton Research undertook a number of studies for landowners in this area including a report that demonstrated that the area was no longer viable as an industrial district, a "highest and best uses" study, a housing market analysis, and a residential land valuation analysis.

Clayton Research examined the potential economic implications of the redevelopment of the former Dominion Envelope plant in the Don Mills area. The study assessed the short and long-term prospects for industrial or office redevelopment of the lands and the potential impacts of residential development on the viability of the remaining employment uses in the area.

A manufacturer of unique, high fashion clothing proposed to build an earth-integrated structure for its manufacturing and office activities in an abandoned gravel pit. Clayton Research evaluated the market need for the lands to redesignated as a Rural Employment Area to permit this innovative project.

Frank Clayton, President, and Jeannette Gillezeau, Vice-President, spearheaded in most of the "brownfields" assignments undertaken by Clayton Research. With their economic, market and municipal finance expertise, combined with a solid appreciation of the land use planning framework, they can fully address the complex issues associated with brownfield redevelopment. Read more about Frank Clayton, Jeannette Gillezeau and other senior staff members.