As of September 2024, 159…

As of September 2024, 159 municipalities in southwestern Ontario have passed resolutions stating their unwillingness to host new industrial wind power sites under current installation standards. This stance stems from a lack of changes to regulations, leaving municipalities feeling they have no viable alternatives. Additionally, the Ford government has proposed removing Environmental Assessment Requirements for the York1 Waste Disposal Site, a project situated atop a vulnerable aquifer in our traditional territory. This raises significant environmental and community concerns.

The 159 municipalities unifying and raising concerns of the broader issue of aquifer protection, highlights the shared environmental and community concerns in Southwestern Ontario. The municipalities' resolutions against industrial wind power sites reflect a growing awareness of the need for sustainable practices, which aligns with the urgency of protecting aquifers from landfill developments. Aquifers are vital for water security, agriculture, and biodiversity, making their protection a priority for both local communities and the environment.

Schedule 3 of Bill 5 seeks to revoke Ontario Regulation 284/24, which currently requires the Dresden Landfill to undergo a full environmental assessment under the Environmental Assessment Act. This process, typically spans 6–7 years, and ensures thorough environmental review, public engagement, and consultation and accommodation with First Nations rights holders. The proposed “EA Lite” process, would reduce the assessment to one year, circumventing essential safeguards, and would ignore the complexity and long-term risks associated with landfill developments, such as leachate contamination near vulnerable aquifers.

If approved, the Dresden Landfill would process up to 6,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste per day, with 700 truckloads traveling through residential areas daily. This proposal adds to the cumulative burden already borne by Bkejwanong and surrounding communities, which are impacted by:
- Clean Harbours in Lambton,
- Waste Management in Watford, and
- Ridge Landfill, the largest in Ontario.

Community Concerns:
- Violations of the constitutional duty to consult and accommodate under Section 35 of the Constitution.
- Irreparable environmental and health impacts stemming from cumulative landfill developments.
- A lack of transparency, with no baseline environmental study shared with affected communities.
- Misleading justifications concerning U.S. waste export restrictions.
- Threats to aquifers and water wells, including those within the proposed landfill site, which are critical to the region's water security.

Local Context and Threats:
The site’s proximity to the Dresden town line (less than 500 meters) and nearby schools and businesses raises significant safety concerns. It also endangers Molly’s Creek and the Sydenham River, which flow into Wallaceburg and E-mshkomijwang (Chenaille Ecarte) of direct impact to Walpole Island First Nation community (31 km away from Dresden and 5 km west of Wallaceburg). Walpole Island (including our surrounding islands) is a First Nation’s Territory near Wallaceburg in the St. Clair River delta.  The island has examples of Carolinian forest, tall-grass prairie, oak savannah and prime marshland. Very rare plants exist here, some of which are found nowhere else in Canada.  It contains over 700 species of plants, 90 of which are provincially rare.  Rare birds are also found on the island and in our surrounding marshes. Many birds such as grebe, coot, duck (inc. Redhead and Canvasback) nest in the marshes.  It hosted the last stronghold of Northern Bobwhite in Canada, but the species is probably extirpated at this point. The area is home to over 88 endangered species, which sit within a flood zone, and is surrounded by rich agricultural land that supports local economies and our food security.

Call to Action:
I implore all members of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to take decisive action to:

1. Reject Bill 5: Preserve Ontario Regulation 284/24 and uphold the requirement for thorough, long-term environmental assessments for landfill proposals, including the Dresden Landfill.
2. Halt the Dresden Landfill Project: Prioritize the protection of aquifers, lands, and waters critical to the health and well-being of Bkejwanong Territory and surrounding communities.
3. Engage in Meaningful Consultation: Respect the constitutional duty to consult First Nations Rights holder communities under Section 35 of the Constitution and honour the treaty and inherent rights of Bkejwanong unceded Anishinaabeg Territory.
4. Support Environmental Stewardship: Advocate for sustainable waste management practices that protect the environment, public health, and the future of all residents within Ontario’s borders
5. The voices of our First Nation community, municipalities, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens must be heard and respected in this matter. I encourage you to stand with us in defence of Ontario’s natural heritage and fundamental rights. The decisions made here will shape the legacy we leave for generations to come.

Conclusion:
I urge the Ministry and Legislative Assembly to halt the Dresden Landfill proposal and to apply responsible jurisprudence and ensure full environmental assessments under the Environmental Assessment Act. Protecting aquifers, upholding Bkejwanong (and all) First Nations rights, and prioritizing long-term environmental sustainability must be at the forefront of Ontario’s policies. Decisions made today will reverberate for generations—let us ensure they reflect the values of justice, responsibility, and stewardship.

Miigwech - Thank you for considering these urgent concerns. I look forward to your response and a commitment to protecting the rights and future of all communities impacted by this proposal.