I am writing to object to…

I am writing to object to the government's reversal of a promise made in writing to the people of Dresden, adjacent municipalities, and communities downstream along the Sydenham River (e.g. Walpole Island First Nation Bkejwanong Territory, Wallaceburg), for a full environmental assessment to be conducted prior to approval of the York1 proposal to expand the Dresden landfill.

The proposal threatens the environment of the region and town, the watershed and over 88 endangered species at risk. Molly's Creek in Dresden, and surrounding ponds, function as a wetland and is home to to turtles, fish and a nesting population of woodcocks. York1 plans to use the three ponds for leaching liquid waste, which will end up in the creek which flows into the Sydenham river.

The proposal has already been rejected by the people of Dresden, the Chatham-Kent council, and the Municipalities of Dawn-Euphemia and Lambton County, as well as the council of Walpole Island First Nation and Southwestern Council of Chiefs. If the Environmental Assessment is exempted, First Nations lose the right to consultation.

Bill 5 is a direct attack on Ontario’s environmental laws, Indigenous rights, and democratic process. By attempting to repeal the Endangered Species Act and replace it with weaker legislation, Ford is dismantling long-standing protections for wildlife and ecosystems. The bill also proposes using land—including wetlands—for industrial development without proper environmental assessments or public input. This violates legal and constitutional obligations, especially the duty to consult Indigenous communities as required by Canadian law and international agreements.

Yes, we need a solution to waste management in Ontario, but this proposal for a landfill expansion is in the wrong location. Ontario needs to seek long term alternative means of waste disposal and recycling.

Please follow through with the promises made to the people of Southwestern Ontario and retain the requirement that York1's Dresden landfill project undergo a full environmental assessment.

Please revoke Bill 5 in its entirety. This bill will set a dangerous precedent that puts profit before people, wildlife and the planet.