By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
York1 hasn’t made contact with either Walpole Island First Nation or the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, but work at the Dresden landfill project is set to begin.
“They haven’t contacted us,” said C-K communications co-ordinator Eric Labadie following the news that equipment rolled into the Irish School Road site the morning of June 23. “There’s been nothing so far.”
Walpole Island First Nation Bkejwanong Territory leadership is the same boat, with officials saying York1 hasn’t reached out since the initial meeting in 2024.
Reaction on social media June 23 to the pictures of trucks carrying an excavator and small construction booth was swift, with many condemning the action.
Later the same day, North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville raised the issue at Chatham-Kent council.
“I have been contacted by quite a few residents from Dresden today, who have shared some pictures and concerns with me,” Jubenville told council. “It appears there was a lot of activity at the York1 site today and many people have asked if we have any knowledge, authority or governance over what is currently happening there.”
In response, chief administrative officer Michael Duben said C-K officials were aware of the activity, but said it was “hard to say” if the municipality has any authority.
“They have the right to use their property legally like anybody else does,” Duben explained. “We will be keeping an eye on them. I encourage people to share with councillors, or us, if they see any activity that is beyond what they are entitled to do.”
According to the CAO, C-K enforcement staff will be stopping by the site periodically.
The CAO reiterated that Chatham-Kent has not heard from York1 or the province on the matter, noting the community will be informed of any new developments.
In an emailed statement June 26, York1 spokesperson Laryssa Waler said the company has mobilized a small crew and several pieces of heavy equipment to carry out housekeeping, prep work and safety work on the Dresden property.
“The tasks underway – grounds clean‑up, grading, removal of legacy debris and installation of basic environmental controls – are all activities that are expressly permitted under the site’s existing Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA), which was originally issued to Waste Wood Disposal Ltd.,” Waler stated.
She added no new material will be transported to, stored or landfilled at the site, noting the goal is to “stabilize and modernize” the site, adding York1 will apply to amend the ECA for waste transfer and processing later this year in order to create a new regenerative recycling facility to handle non-hazardous and demolition materials.
Waler said construction on that facility could “potentially start” in 2027.
The controversial project, that came to the attention of the public 17 months ago, will see York1 expand the dormant landfill and build a recycling facility to deal with non-hazardous construction waste.
A comprehensive environmental assessment placed on the project by the former environment minister was removed with the passage of Bill 5 in June.
