Frequently Asked Questions - general

Canada Lands Company harmoniously integrates properties that are no longer required for program purposes by the Government of Canada into their surrounding communities. The company engages in extensive public consultations prior to starting any work. The end result is a sustainable development that consists of land uses that address community needs.

Canada Lands Company helps federal government departments and agencies deal with surplus strategic real estate. When properties are no longer required for program purposes by the federal government, they are transferred to CLC and related carrying costs for the government are eliminated. Canada Lands Company also generates substantial community and financial value for the Government of Canada through the sale of properties. Finally, CLC provides disposal expertise to Crown corporations on a fee-for-service basis.

The efforts of Canada Lands Company provide significant benefits to communities where the company operates, including:

• 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

No. We pay all taxes and follow the normal development processes set out by the municipal, provincial and federal governments.

No. Canada Lands Company is completely, financially self-sufficient and receives no government subsidies and pays all applicable taxes at all levels of government.

Generally not. As with both public and private sectors, the details of on-going negotiations involving properties are not normally public information.

As of June 30, 2007, the company had title to approximately 2,303 acres (932 hectares) of land.

Canada Lands Company buys federal lands, at market value, that are deemed to be surplus to the real estate needs of the Government of Canada. View How we Acquire Properties for more details.

Generally, Canada Lands Company selects developers through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Other means of selection may include broad-based marketing, (such as signs or advertising), or in consultation with brokerage firms or the community. Visit the Tenders page to view current opportunities.

Canada Lands Company employs approximately 305 full-time employees and 150 part-time employees across the country. The hospitality industry at the CN Tower is of a seasonal nature, so the number of employees at the CN Tower fluctuates from these numbers throughout the year.

The company's activities to date, along with estimates for sold properties, will lead to the following benefits for local communities and Canadian taxpayers:

• $372 million distributed to the government as dividends, cash acquisitions and payments for properties;
• $4.4 billion in stimulated private sector development expenditures;
• 35,100 person years of direct construction employment;
• $61 million in environmental remediation invested by CLC and purchasers*; and
• 12 million ft² (1.1 million m²) of non-residential construction.

*This is based on anticipated results of our present projects upon completion.

In its projects, Canada Lands Company places an emphasis on commercial viability. Often, commercial or financial value is realized hand-in-hand with the creation of community value. In many of its projects, CLC creates heritage monuments or beautiful public open spaces, which typically lead to more desirable neighbourhoods. Creating more desirable neighbourhoods, in turn, leads to both greater community and financial value.

Yes. Canada Lands Company has demonstrated:

• that it provides a 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 its projects simultaneously.

Read more about our success in communities across the country.

Canada Lands Company reports to Parliament through the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.