I am writing as a concerned…

I am writing as a concerned resident deeply troubled by the Ford government’s attempt to bypass a full environmental assessment for the proposed York 1 waste processing facility located just 1 km outside of Dresden, Ontario. This facility poses an alarming risk to our community, local ecosystems, and downstream municipalities, including Wallaceburg and the Walpole Island First Nation.

There are already confirmed reports that the proposed site is leaching hazardous chemicals into nearby rivers and creeks. These waterways are vital for our drinking water, agriculture, fishing, and recreation. If the site continues to develop without proper assessment and oversight, our region could face irreparable harm from pollutants such as asbestos and other toxic substances.

This is not just a local issue—it is an environmental justice issue. Indigenous and rural communities should not be sacrificed for the sake of corporate convenience or political expediency. A full Environmental Assessment is the minimum due diligence required to understand the scope and impact of this project on our land, water, and health.

I respectfully urge the Ministry to mandate a full Environmental Assessment before any further action is taken on the York 1 site. The people of Dresden, Wallaceburg, and Walpole deserve transparency, protection, and a voice in decisions that will affect our future for generations.

Sincerely,
A concerned Dresden local.