By Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Chatham-Kent council has unanimously reaffirmed its opposition to a proposed landfill near Dresden, following the passage of Ontario’s controversial Bill 5.
At a council meeting on June 10, elected officials directed municipal administration to continue efforts to oppose the York1 Environmental Waste Solutions Ltd. project at 29831 Irish School Rd.
The motion outlines a multi-pronged approach that includes engaging provincial and federal agencies, commissioning independent environmental and traffic impact studies, and formally requesting a federal review under the Impact Assessment Act.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said the message from residents has been overwhelmingly clear.
“The people of Dresden, Indigenous Nations, and our entire community have spoken with one voice: this project is not welcome in our community,” Canniff said.
“Council stands 100 per cent united in our opposition, and we will continue working to ensure that environmental protections, community health and Indigenous rights are not disregarded.”
Canniff added that while Chatham-Kent remains open to investment, the potential environmental and social consequences of the project are too great to ignore.
“Chatham-Kent has a history of being welcoming and open to investment, but this project will undoubtedly have negative impacts on our residents, infrastructure and environment, so we cannot support it,” he said.
The municipality’s formal position now includes a request for the Ontario government to reverse its decision to exempt the project from a full environmental assessment. Failing that, council is asking the province to require the same level of studies and public consultation as would occur under the Environmental Assessment Act.
These include studies on environmental, geotechnical, air quality, noise, socio-economic and traffic impacts, as well as formal engagement with affected Indigenous Nations.
Council also resolved to pursue a federal review under the Impact Assessment Act, which allows the federal government to assess the potential environmental and health effects of major projects that may have interprovincial, national or Indigenous implications.
The renewed opposition comes shortly after the Ontario government filed Ontario Regulation 284/24 on June 28, 2024, mandating a comprehensive environmental assessment for the landfill project before it can proceed.
Under this regulation, the proponent must identify potential impacts, propose mitigation measures and demonstrate meaningful public consultation before receiving approval from the minister and the lieutenant-governor in council.
According to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, a comprehensive environmental assessment for a project of this scale includes the submission of a detailed terms of reference, which outlines the scope of the assessment, consultation methods, proposed alternatives and rationale.
Once the terms of reference are approved, the proponent must conduct the full assessment, evaluating effects on groundwater, surface water, species at risk, air quality and climate change. It must also address socio-economic concerns such as traffic, noise, odour, agriculture and property values.
The assessment must consider impacts on the built and cultural environment, including Indigenous archaeological resources, land use compatibility and transportation networks. Public and Indigenous consultation is required at multiple stages, including public comment periods and opportunities for mediation or hearings.
The landfill proposal has sparked widespread concern across Chatham-Kent and beyond. Local residents and advocacy groups, including Indigenous communities, have expressed alarm over potential health risks, traffic increases, groundwater contamination and the broader environmental footprint of the project.
Public opposition has coalesced around the online platform www.DefendDresden.ca, where residents can access information, submit comments and stay informed.
Chatham-Kent council will now work with legal and environmental experts to determine all avenues of appeal and public challenge, including legal opposition to Bill 5 and related regulatory exemptions. The municipality is also exploring opportunities to align with other jurisdictions facing similar waste disposal proposals.
In reaffirming its stance, council emphasized that a comprehensive environmental assessment is not just a regulatory formality but a critical safeguard for community health, environmental protection and Indigenous consultation.
Municipal officials have committed to keeping residents informed as the matter progresses, with updates to be shared through the municipal website and other official channels.
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