Candidates vying to represent the Lambton-Kent–Middlesex riding recently weighed in on the proposed recycling/landfill facility that would operate just north of Dresden.
Mississauga-based York1 is seeking to revive the dormant site on Irish School Road.
The plan for York1 is to accept non-hazardous waste to repurpose for the building industry 24/7.
Keith Benn, New Blue
Once elected, my first effort would be to intervene with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MOECP) to suggest, in the strongest terms, that no consideration should be given to awarding the requested amendment to the existing Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) for the Irish School Road site.
One argument for not doing so is that the existing ECA dates from, I believe, four decades ago and it is not at all clear that York1’s proposed facility is of the type for which the ECA was awarded. Therefore, the ECA should be, I believe, considered invalid for the York1 proposal.
Further, as the MPP representing Lambton-Kent-Middlesex I would most strongly urge the MOECP and the Ontario PC government to not give any consideration to allowing the proposed facility to be built prior to completion of a full Environmental Assessment (EA). In my opinion, the absolute need for an EA is evident in view of the proposed facility’s location proximal to a tributary of the Sydenham River watershed, within the St Clair Region Conservation Authority. Importantly, the Sydenham River Watershed is home to more than 20 species of fish, mussels and reptiles that are listed as species at risk.
Cathy Burghardt-Jesson, Liberal
Since coming to power, Doug Ford and his Conservatives have consistently operated behind closed doors and failed to consult with everyday Ontarians while bulldozing across rural Ontario. I understand the concerns that have been raised by residents in Dresden. As your MPP, I would champion local issues and meaningful consultation to ensure those who call Lambton-Kent-Middlesex home always have their voices heard.
I agree that we need to protect our environment and prevent local drinking water sources from becoming contaminated by new landfill projects or expansions. At Queen’s Park, I will fight to strengthen Ontario’s environmental protections.
Kathryn Shailer, NDP
The proposal of York1 to expand the former landfill in Dresden is clearly a major concern to local residents and people throughout the region. If elected, I will work proactively on behalf of the affected communities to ensure that their voice is heard and concerns addressed, and encourage both the Chatham-Kent and Lambton County councils to do whatever they can to protect local resources and the watershed.
It is not acceptable that the Ontario government can legally bypass the wishes of the impacted municipalities. As the elected MPP, I will petition the legislature to give them and their constituents a voice in opposing landfill expansion proposals that ignore potential short and long-term negative environmental and safety consequences for rural Ontario communities.
GTA waste needs a made-in-the-GTA solution.
To be clear, more recycling facilities should be encouraged, but the selected site is too close to sensitive waterways, and the proposal entails taking over prime farmland.
The search by GTA waste management companies for new or expanded landfill sites in rural Ontario shines a light on the growing waste crisis in Ontario and the failure of the Ford government to meet the stated goals of their own made-in-Ontario environment plan. In fact, this government needs to strengthen its targets for recycling and recovery to reduce the need for landfills in the first place.
I would further petition the legislature to restore funding to conservation authorities throughout the province. It is unacceptable that the local experts of the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority are not allowed to publicly share their evident concerns about the expansion of the Dresden landfill.
Steve Pinsonneault, Conservative
I back the residents of Dresden and share all of their concerns.
This has the potential for real environmental issues because of the drain that runs around the property. It’s the 4th Concession drain that feeds into Molly’s Creek which ends in the Sydenham River.
There are several species at risk in that river.
I have a real concern with the traffic as well, with 160 trucks per day going through our municipality.
I have spoken to officials from Dawn Euphemia and Lambton County and they are also concerned about the damage to their roads.
The community is not in favour of this and this project is not a good fit for Dresden. The community has to be a willing host, which it is not, so I would suggest that York1 look elsewhere for another site, and scrap this idea.
