MUST READ: Collecdev-Markee Launches Missing Middle Portfolio In Toronto

Environmental Assessment

Explore environmental assessments in Canadian real estate — what they include, when they’re needed, and how they guide development and land use decisions.

Environmental Assessment

June 06, 2025


What is an Environmental Assessment?

An environmental assessment is a formal process used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a proposed real estate development or land use change.

Why Environmental Assessments Matter in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, environmental assessments are often required for large developments, infrastructure projects, or when contamination is suspected.



Assessments include:
  • Phase I (historical use review)
  • Phase II (sampling/testing for contaminants)
  • Phase III (remediation planning if necessary)



These studies help ensure environmental safety, protect public health, and determine land suitability for intended use. They also influence zoning, permitting, and financing decisions.



Understanding environmental assessments is critical for developers, buyers, and lenders evaluating potential risk or liability.

Example of an Environmental Assessment in Action

Before purchasing an industrial site, the buyer commissions a Phase I environmental assessment to identify potential soil or groundwater contamination.

Key Takeaways

  • Required for many developments
  • Identifies contamination and risk
  • Conducted in three escalating phases
  • Impacts zoning and financing
  • Promotes safe, sustainable land use

Related Terms

  • Zoning
  • Floodplain
  • Soil Conditions
  • Property Use History
  • Site Remediation

Additional Terms

Sellers' Market

A sellers' market occurs when demand for real estate exceeds available supply, giving sellers more negotiating power and often leading to higher. more

Special Assessment

A special assessment is a one-time fee levied on condominium owners to cover unexpected or underfunded major repairs, upgrades, or emergencies.. more

Condominium Bylaws

Condominium bylaws are the rules and regulations set by a condo corporation that govern how residents, owners, and the condominium board must use and. more

Building Maintenance

Building maintenance refers to the routine upkeep, repair, and inspection of a property’s systems and structure to preserve functionality, safety,. more

Tenant Rights

Tenant rights refer to the legal protections and entitlements that tenants have under provincial residential tenancy laws in Canada.. more

Tax Deduction

A tax deduction is an expense that can be subtracted from gross income to reduce the total taxable income owed to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).. more

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