By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In a show of solidarity with Dresden, Environmental Defence Canada denounced the Ontario government’s decision to fast track the York1 landfill project on Irish School Road.
The advocacy group released a statement April 22, condemning the Ford government for attempting to remove the environmental assessment it put on the property last year, saying that passing Bill 5 will cause “devastating impacts” to the Sydenham River’s species-rich waterway.
“Moving forward with this bill would pollute sensitive waterways and make it easier than ever to destroy and displace Ontario’s species – which is short-sighted and ultimately bad policy,” the statement read.
The proposed dump site is adjacent to Molly’s Creek, which flows directly into the Sydenham River. Well-documented as a biological hotspot, the river is home to at least 33 species at risk and if the dump is built, toxins could leach into the water.
“By removing the environmental assessment requirements, Premier Ford is revealing his government’s ‘pave-it-over’ approach that prioritizes harmful infrastructure projects over environmental protection,” the statement read. “Premier Ford is giving Ontarians the false impression that we must choose between the economy and the environment – but in reality, Ontario’s economy, health and sovereignty is directly linked to a thriving, healthy environment.”
In response to questions about the legislation, newly re-elected Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Conservative MPP Steve Pinsonneault said the decision does not sit well with him.
“I understand that our community is upset and am myself disappointed in this decision,” he said.
But in a statement also released April 22, Pinsonneault said in order to “stand up for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex and our province, we must ensure we have the tools and resources to respond to any unpredictable decisions from the Trump administration.”
He added he will work with the Minister of the Environment to “make sure every concern is being acknowledged, and discussions are underway.”
Before he was elected MPP, Pinsonneault spoke against the York1 project when he was a Chatham-Kent councillor representing East Kent.
