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

Additional Terms

Public Realm Improvements

Public realm improvements are enhancements to public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, plazas, and streetscapes, often funded or contributed by. more

Mortgagee in Possession

A mortgagee in possession is a lender who takes control of a property after borrower default, but before foreclosure or power of sale. The lender. more

Lease Surrender Agreement

A lease surrender agreement is a negotiated contract between a landlord and tenant that ends a lease before its scheduled expiration. Terms may. more

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure refers to natural or engineered systems that manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve sustainability in developments.. more

Escrow Holdback

An escrow holdback is a portion of funds withheld at closing and held in escrow until specific conditions are met, such as completion of repairs,. more

Underused Housing Tax

The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is a federal annual 1% tax on the value of vacant or underused residential property owned by non-resident,. more

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