By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
No matter who owns it, North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville wants to make sure Chatham-Kent remains officially opposed to expanding the so-called Dresden dump on Irish School Road.
The councillor said she’ll bring forward a motion at the April 28 council meeting directing staff to inform the new owner that Chatham-Kent is not a welcoming host and remains opposed to changes at the dormant landfill.
The 85-acre property, located one kilometre north of Dresden, changed hands in February. Ontario government records indicate it was purchased by Whitestone Fields LP from Mississauga-based York1 Environmental Solutions Ltd. for $2,527,965. There is a link between the two companies, as York1 president and COO Brian Brunetti is also listed as one of the owners of Whitefield.
News early in 2024 that York1 proposed building a recycling plant, a leachate ponding system, and to expand the site’s landfill capacity, launched a vigorous community-driven fight against the plan.
The battle against the York1 proposal led to the Ontario government’s decision to conduct a full-scale Environmental Assessment (EA) on the initiative.
Experts say an EA could take anywhere from three to 10 years. Costs of the EA will be borne by the developer.
