Montreal offers subsidies for land decontamination and green buildings

The City of Montreal has announced twonew programs aimed at protecting the environment and stimulating the economy.

Land decontamination subsidies will be available for both municipal and private projects until the end of 2022, covering up to 70 per cent of their cost. The Quebec government promised $75 million for this program last spring.

"Today, we mark the beginning of the redevelopment of contaminated lands of the metropolis," Montreal MayorValriePlantesaid in a statement.

Plantemade the announcement Tuesday alongsideChantalRouleau, the provincial minister responsible for Montreal.

She said the city will also be receiving $200 million earmarked for decontamination projects east of Pie-IX Boulevard.

No timeline was given for theadditional funding.

Depending on the type of decontamination, the project could be eligible for subsidies of 15 to 70 per cent of its cost.

More money will begiven to projects that decontaminate the land on site, instead of trucking off contaminated material elsewhere.

Eligibility requirements for developers looking to access the subsidies will be submitted to city council later this month.

"By putting together our resources and expertise, we are contributing to stimulating the economy to the benefits of citizens and businesses,"Rouleausaid in a statement.

Another program, funded by Quebec's Ministry of Economy and Innovation, is providing $43.6 million for sustainable construction projects until 2030.

About $7 million will be available per year for the first three years of the program.

To be eligible for that subsidy, the project must have a sustainable development certification such as LEED.