Measuring the public costs and benefits of brownfield versus greenfield development in the Greater Toronto area

This paper summarizes the findings of a study comparing the environmental, social, and economic costs and benefits accruing to the public from redeveloping brownfields versus developing greenfields for both industrial and residential uses. With data taken from relevant projects in Toronto, Canada, four prototypical development scenarios were constructed for the purpose of a cost-benefit comparison. A quantitative model was then used to calculate the various public costs and benefits associated with the different scenarios. The findings shed light on the true costs and benefits involved in development and redevelopment projects, helping policymakers better assess the feasibility of brownfield redevelopment vis-a-vis greenfield development.