My entire family strongly…

My entire family strongly opposes this proposal.

The assertion that this site qualifies as a “pre-existing landfill” under Bill 197 is misleading. Historical records indicate that the original landfill operations ceased decades ago. Subsequently, the site was repurposed as a gun range and bomb disposal area for police training. This significant change in use effectively nullifies its status as an active landfill, rendering the application of Bill 197 inappropriate.

The current proposal by York1 Environmental Waste Solutions Ltd. entails constructing an 8-hectare engineered landfill cell and expanding waste processing operations from 0.8 hectares to 25 hectares. This massive scale-up is not a mere resumption of previous activities but constitutes a fundamentally new project. As such, it should be subject to a comprehensive Environmental Assessment, as initially designated under Ontario Regulation 284/24. The attempt to revoke this requirement through the proposed Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, undermines the environmental safeguards established for such developments.

The site’s proximity—just over 800 meters—to the town of Dresden, including two schools, raises serious health and safety concerns. The potential risks associated with increased truck traffic, air and noise pollution, and possible contamination of local water sources cannot be overlooked. These factors could adversely affect property values and the overall well-being of the community.

While the threat of U.S. tariffs on waste is cited as a justification for expedited approval, this speculative concern does not warrant compromising the health and safety of an entire community. Decisions of this magnitude should be grounded in thorough environmental assessments and robust public consultations, not driven by hypothetical economic pressures.

Dresden is renowned for its close-knit community and small-town charm. The proposed development threatens to disrupt this fabric, instilling fear and uncertainty among residents. It is imperative that we prioritize the health, safety, and voices of the people over speculative economic considerations.

I urge you to uphold the requirement for a comprehensive Environmental Assessment for this project. If the project cannot meet the necessary environmental standards, it should not proceed.