Cleanup of soil, groundwater contamination planned at former Kitchener bus terminal
The Region of Waterloo is set to begin the process of environmental remediation at the former Charles Street bus terminal in Kitchener.
Councillors signed off on a recommendation from staff to move ahead with a risk assessment at a Planning and Works Committee meeting on Tuesday morning.
It comes after an engineering consulting firm found concerns in both the soil and groundwater at the site.
The former terminal at 15 Charles Street West is in the early stages of being redeveloped as a community hub.
“I think there’s great anticipation in the community about this project,” Coun. Jim Erb told the meeting Tuesday. “And the sooner we can move it along, it just satisfies a whole range of opportunities for us.”
A risk assessment is a scientific study that outlines the possible dangers to humans, animals and the environment from exposure to a contaminant.
Staff say the results of the assessment are not expected to put significant restrictions on redevelopment, but could include a health and safety plan for construction workers, considerations for how contaminated materials would be removed and stored, or restrictions on putting residential units or a daycare on the first floor of a future building.
A community-wide survey in 2021 determined the redevelopment’s main priorities would be affordable housing, climate action, equity, diversity and inclusion, and a thriving economy.
In 2022, MTE Consultants Inc. completed an environmental and geotechnical analysis of the site as part of the redevelopment process.
The analysis found shallow soil contamination from lead and hydrocarbons and deeper soil contamination from waste from past demolition of buildings. It also found road salt impacts throughout the soil and groundwater contamination from chlorinated solvents, metals and acid/base/neutrals compounds.
The risk assessment approved Tuesday will be the first step towards environmental remediation at the site.
A working group has been set up to allow the region and City of Kitchener staff to work together on the project.
The third and fourth phases of community engagement are expected to continue over the coming months as stakeholder groups are identified and design workshops are held.
The decision to move ahead with the risk assessment is expected to receive final approval at the next regular regional council meeting.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.