When the original proposal…

When the original proposal was brought forward roughly two years ago, the justification was that recyclable materials would be shipped to the United States. Dresden was considered a convenient location for this because of its close proximity to Highway 401, making cross-border transport easier. The reasoning at the time was that this would help reduce the volume of waste accumulating in Ontario. Now, with growing economic uncertainty in the U.S., the new justification is that we can no longer depend on exporting waste, so we must handle it here instead. This shift in reasoning is deeply concerning. It reveals a contradiction in the project’s purpose. The very argument used to sell this project to the public is now being reversed. We cannot continue approving developments based on unstable or conflicting logic. Decisions with such long-lasting impacts must be grounded in long-term thinking, not short-term convenience.

We must also consider the true value of this land. The proposed expansion is located in one of Ontario’s richest agricultural regions. Expanding a landfill here increases the risk of contaminating our food supply, which could have devastating effects not only on local farmers and communities, but on the province’s economy as a whole. Food recalls are already at an all-time high. Adding environmental risk in such a vital food-producing area is short-sighted and dangerous. It is not just the farmland at risk. The surrounding ecosystem, biodiversity, and future food security are all tied to the health of this land.

There is also the serious concern of invasive species being unintentionally transported through increased waste and hazardous material shipments. For example, hammerhead worms are a highly destructive species that prey on beneficial earthworms, which are essential to soil health. Their spread can devastate agricultural productivity and disrupt ecosystems in ways that are incredibly difficult to reverse. The movement of waste from outside regions without proper containment or inspection creates a direct pathway for such ecological threats to enter and spread through this area.

In addition, the risk of water contamination from overflow or leaks from the proposed ponds cannot be ignored. These ponds may appear manageable on paper, but in reality, accidents happen. Overflow into Molly Creek would send pollutants directly into the watershed. These waterways are used by many local farmers to irrigate their crops. This method is not only practical but cost-effective, and essential to maintaining viable farm operations. If water contamination increases due to an accidental release, the fallout could result in massive crop losses, elevated production costs, and long-term food insecurity for our region and beyond.

We cannot afford to take this risk. The health of our land, water, food systems, and communities must come before the convenience of waste disposal. Decisions made in haste for economic reasons often lead to long-term damage that costs far more to fix — if they can be fixed at all. Once the soil is contaminated, once biodiversity is lost, and once public trust is broken, we cannot go back.

Please reject this proposal and commit instead to safeguarding the environmental, agricultural, and public health interests of southwestern Ontario. We deserve thoughtful, sustainable planning that puts our future first.