Concerns regarding the remediation of a former wood treatment plant site in Calgary’s downtown have intensified following the city council’s recent approval of rezoning a nearby area where traces of creosote, a toxic substance, were discovered. The wood treatment plant, which operated for several decades from 1924 to 1962, utilized creosote to preserve wood products, contributing to the contamination of the site. The findings indicate that creosote has migrated into the bedrock beneath the Bow River and reached areas north of the river. Frank Frigo from the City of Calgary’s environmental management department highlighted that when the plant was operational, there were insufficient containment measures, resulting in widespread migration of chemicals. The city, in collaboration with provincial authorities, installed a containment wall and groundwater collection system in 1995 to manage ongoing risks.
Despite the monitoring efforts since the late 1990s, city officials have confirmed that no plans exist for immediate site remediation. The City of Calgary purchased the land for $37 million in 2009, which remains largely undeveloped, particularly after the closure of a Greyhound bus station. Mayor Jyoti Gondek emphasized the importance of considering all potential options for the site due to the city’s growth, although no updates on plans have been provided. Previous discussions about site remediation have largely faded, particularly after the cancellation of the CalgaryNEXT arena project, which proposed a substantial cleanup budget estimated at up to $300 million.
Provincial regulations stipulate that the original polluter holds responsibility for remediation, complicating future redevelopment possibilities. In a 2020 study, provincial officials identified potential vapor impacts and groundwater contaminants closer to the topsoil on the south bank of the Bow River. Frigo expressed that any future redevelopment would necessitate careful consideration of soil management, with some areas potentially requiring complete removal to facilitate development. This complex regulatory landscape suggests significant obstacles remain for any plans to redevelop the west end of downtown.
The timing of such redevelopment remains uncertain and could be delayed significantly, according to Ward 9 Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra, who predicts it might take three decades to see tangible progress. However, he noted that if Calgary’s expansion continues at its current pace, that timeline could shrink to 15 years. Carra discussed the potential implementation of a Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) to encourage development in the area, similar to what has been executed for other neighborhoods like the East Village. This financial strategy enables the city to borrow against future tax revenues to fund necessary infrastructure improvements.
There are concerns regarding the potential financial ramifications of simultaneously investing in multiple districts. Carra pointed out the risk of “cannibalizing” the financial resources needed for the East Village while attempting to initiate projects in the west end. This dilemma complicates the allocation of funds and creates uncertainty regarding the timeline for significant redevelopment efforts, indicating that many years could pass before the site is adequately addressed comprehensively.
Ultimately, more than a century could elapse from the closure of the wood treatment plant before a full cleanup is realized. Meanwhile, the provincial Ministry of Environment continues to collaborate with the City of Calgary to manage potential risks in the surrounding areas, particularly on the south side of the Bow River. As discussions about the future of the site and its associated challenges persist, the complexities intertwined with historical contamination and urban development are expected to remain a focal point for the city’s planning efforts moving forward.
