For Immediate Release

August 14, 2006

Province Cancels Taxes For Two Kingston Properties

Brownfields Redeveloped For Residential Use

KINGSTON – The McGuinty government has approved two bylaw applications for matching education tax assistance for two brownfield properties in the City of Kingston.

“This is good news for the City of Kingston,” said John Gerretsen, MPP, Kingston and The Islands, and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Kingston has been a leader in brownfields remediation in the province. Making unproductive lands useful again will spur economic development and strengthen our community.”

Under the Brownfields Tax Incentive Program, the province can cancel all of the education taxes associated with a property for three years.

Construction is now underway at 85 Ontario Street (Block D), for a high-rise residential development owned by Homestead Land Holdings. Occupancy is anticipated for fall 2006. Heavy industrial uses operated on this site until 1969 and included the manufacture of locomotive engines by the Canadian Locomotive Company.

A four-unit townhouse residential development is also planned at the former industrial site owned by Bajus Consulting Inc. at 300 Wellington Street.

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