FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Are Canada Lands Company's projects commercially viable?
A. In its projects, Canada Lands Company places an emphasis on commercial viability. Often, commercial or financial value arises from the creation of community value. For example, themed developments with heritage monuments and beautiful public open spaces typically lead to more desirable neighbourhoods which, in turn, create both greater community and financial value.
Q. Who is the minister responsible for Canada Lands?
A. Canada Lands reports to Parliament through the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Lawrence Cannon.
Q. Has Canada Lands been successful?
A. Since its inception, Canada Lands has become a working example of what government can accomplish with a little creative thinking. Canada Lands has demonstrated:
- significant enhancement of the quality of life in local communities; in a balanced manner;
- a genuine commitment to public consultation;
- respect for community values and local heritage
- environmental stewardship; and
- a proven ability to obtain both good financial and community value in projects simultaneously.
Q. Can you provide specific examples of Canada Lands' success in economic development?
A. The company's activities to date, along with estimates for sold properties, will lead to the following benefits for local communities and Canadian taxpayers:
• $313 million distributed to the government as dividends, cash acquisitions and payments for properties;
• $4.4 billion in stimulated private sector development expenditures;
• 35,600 person years of direct construction employment;
• $61 million in environmental remediation investment;
• 20,200 new or refurbished residential units at all affordability levels;
• 18.2 million ft2 (1.7 million m2) of non-residential construction; and
• green urban spaces and lasting legacies for all Canadians.
Q. How many people does Canada Lands employ?
A. Canada Lands employs approximately 460 full time employees across the country. This includes approximately 368 employees at the CN Tower in Toronto. Due to the fact that the hospitality industry is of a seasonal nature, the number of employees at the CN Tower fluctuates throughout the year.
Canada Lands carries out much of its work through hiring local consultants, contractors and engaging in partnerships with the private sector.
Q. Describe the process for acquiring federal properties.
A. Canada Lands buys federal lands, at market value, that are no longer required by Government of Canada departments and agencies. The company takes the necessary steps to increase the land's value and marketability and then prepares the land for sale. Visit the " How we Acquire Properties " section of our Web site for more details. Canada Lands also provides disposal expertise to Crown corporations on a fee-for-service basis.
Q. Is Canada Lands subsidized in any way?
A. No. Canada Lands is completely, financially self-sufficient and receives no government subsidies and pays all applicable taxes at all levels of government.
Q. Do you make your intentions to purchase/acquire land public before you buy?
A. Generally not. As with both public and private sectors, the details of on-going negotiations involving properties are not normally public information.
Q. Do you receive any kind of tax benefit from the provinces or the federal government?
A. No. We pay all taxes and abide by development processes at all levels of government: municipal, provincial and federal.
Q. How much land collectively do you own in Canada?
A. As of March 31, 2006, the company had title to approximately 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares).
Q. How do you select the developer for the site?
A. Broad-based marketing - signs, brokerage, community, Internet, RFPs, and contracting work.
Q. What benefits are received by the communities where Canada Lands does business?
A.
- Private sector investment
- Job creation
- Municipal revenue enhancement
- Creation of residential housing
- Provision of parks and recreational facilities
- Preservation of heritage properties; and/or
- Environmental benefits
Q. Describe some of the ways in which Canada Lands benefits the Government of Canada.
A. Canada Lands assists Government of Canada departments and agencies by helping to deal with their strategic real estate challenges. Properties that are no longer required for program purposes are transferred to Canada Lands, related carrying costs for the Government are eliminated and the properties are put back into productive use. Canada Lands also generates substantial community and financial value for its sole shareholder, the Government of Canada. Canada Lands also provides disposal expertise to Crown corporations on a fee-for-service basis.
Q. Describe some of the ways in which Canada Lands benefits Canadians.
A. Canada Lands harmoniously integrates properties no longer required for program purposes by the Government of Canada into their surrounding communities through extensive public consultations. The end result is a sustainable development that consists of land uses that the community needs and strongly supports.