May 17, 2025 To Whom It May…

May 17, 2025

To Whom It May Concern,

I wish to express my concerns regarding Bill 5 which includes an order to remove the requirement for an environmental assessment of the property located on Irish School Road near the community of Dresden, within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Last year, a proposal was submitted to revise the original permit for this landfill in order to expand the facility and its purposes. The proposal was put on hold when the requirement for a full environmental assessment was announced.

In addition to the Dresden Landfill, York1 purchased neighbouring agricultural lands. Since the original purchase of the property, ownership of one or more of the properties has changed from the business, York 1, to the business owner, Mr. Guizzetti. What are the intentions of York1 and/or Mr. Guizzetti in relation to the landfill and neighbouring properties in light of the potential removal of an environmental assessment?

In addition to my request to reject the initial 2024 proposals, I for a full review by the Integrity Commissioner, any and all connections between the current and former owners and executives of York1, York1 affiliates and Members of Provincial Parliament, including the Premier who have sat on committees to propose changes to legislation regarding environmental regulation and/or waste management site zoning regulations. The coincidences were too great to ignore. I commend and thank MPP Ted Hsu who has submitted a formal request to the Integrity Commissioner regarding these concerns.

York1's interest in the reactivation and expansion of the waste disposal site near Dresden, Ontario goes beyond the reclamation and recycling of demolition materials. If the expansion is approved, a larger waste management site holds the potential to offset the current disposal challenges faced by large scale developers in the GTA. Premier Ford continues to push through his agenda that favours the financial interests of large-scale developers including but not limited to York1. Oddly enough, the housing market has shifted within the last year. The GTA is reporting vacancies and a slowing market. Conservative cries to the federal government to limit immigration were heeded, yet those same conservatives continue to push the narrative of a housing crisis in order to benefit their own executives and shareholders.

Removing environmental protections like the Endangered Species Act is reckless and short-sighted. The long term consequences of unchecked development in the province of Ontario will be difficult to recover from. The destruction and potential elimination of unique and sensitive ecosystems such as the Sydenham River as well as the harm to water systems that our communities rely on is a terrible legacy for the Ford government. The Dresden community, Indigenous peoples and other Ontario regions should not have to suffer the consequences of Premier Ford’s desire to advance the financial interests of his wealthy donors. In light of this potential disaster, I urge the Integrity Commissioner to acquire copies of any and all communication between the Ford Government, his business affiliates and donors for future review. An environmental disaster and potential loss of life will undoubtedly lead to a full inquiry and potential legal action against the Government of Ontario.

A small community in Chatham-Kent, or anywhere in Ontario should not bear the burden of water, air and soil pollution, habitat loss and infrastructure wear and tear while GTA developers record profits year over year. Premier Ford continues to prioritize legislation that seeks to remove environmental protections while paving the way for large scale developers to acquire properties and avoid the scrutiny of environmental monitoring and protection. Publicly, owners and executives of GTA based developers continue to call for the removal of "red tape" regulations that slow down development. Legislation that protects the land, water and air in Ontario protects all of Ontario. What would be the point of living in a million-dollar home with fantastic views, if that same “red tape” removal results in the destruction of that view?

I understand that construction and property development presents a significant disposal challenge. To take over and expand a small dormant landfill in the St. Clair Region watershed, just outside the rural community of Dresden, Ontario is a short-sighted and lazy solution that will create an even more significant long-term challenge - irreversible damage to the environment as well as the people who depend on it. The potential for harm to the St. Clair Region watershed, as well as the many species of concern and species at risk in the Sydenham watershed far outweighs the benefits of the disposal of non-reclaimable or non-recyclable demotion waste and contaminated soil. Furthermore, the expansion of the site into agricultural land is contrary to sustainability initiatives for Ontario and Canada.

I look forward to a response to my comments and concerns. I will await the news of the rejection of the Bill 5 proposal and the rejection of any future proposals to expand or repurpose the waste disposal site at Irish School Road near Dresden, Ontario.

Regards.