Subject: Concerns Regarding…

Subject: Concerns Regarding Bill 5 and the Sudden Abandonment of Environmental Safeguards

I am writing to raise serious concerns regarding the sudden and unexplained reversal of government policy reflected in Bill 5 — The Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025 — specifically as it relates to the proposed landfill expansion on Irish School Road in Dresden.

Until very recently, provincial authorities supported the full Environmental Assessment (EA) process for projects of this nature. Such a requirement was not only reasonable, but essential to safeguarding the public interest, ensuring environmental integrity, and upholding transparency in decision-making. The abrupt decision to revoke Ontario Regulation 284/24 and eliminate the EA process raises troubling questions about the real motivations behind this legislative change.

The optics are deeply concerning. When a major regulatory safeguard is suddenly withdrawn — with no new environmental data, no clear economic justification, and no meaningful public consultation — it invites speculation that private interests may be exerting inappropriate influence behind closed doors. Whether intended or not, this creates a strong appearance of cronyism: favouring select developers or operators at the expense of the public good, environmental health, and taxpayer protection.

The people of Ontario deserve better. Decisions with profound long-term consequences must be based on science, evidence, and due process — not political expediency or special access. Bypassing proper environmental review not only undermines public trust, but also exposes the province to costly liabilities that far outweigh any short-term economic gain.

I urge you to immediately reconsider the application of Bill 5 to the Irish School Road landfill proposal. Reinstate the full Environmental Assessment process to ensure that decisions are made in the open, based on facts and public interest — not backroom dealings.

The reputation of this government, and the trust of the people it serves, depend on it.