As a resident of Dresden,…

As a resident of Dresden, Ontario, I strongly oppose the proposed exemption of the landfill site north of town from a full Environmental Assessment.

Even before any construction has begun, this proposal has already caused real economic harm. In our community, property values are declining, and the local real estate market has stalled. Homes that once represented family security and future investment are now sitting unsold, devalued simply because of the looming risk of a hazardous waste facility moving in next door.

We are being asked to carry the financial burden of a project we never asked for — with no clear plan, no operational controls, and no consultation.

This is not just about garbage. This is about:
• The erosion of local home equity
• The loss of generational wealth for families
• The uncertainty and stress of living near a proposed hazardous waste site that includes asbestos and explosive methane gas, without any proper review

If this landfill is approved without a full Environmental Assessment, who will compensate Dresden residents for the financial losses already being felt?

Will York1 take responsibility?
Will the Ministry compensate those whose home values continue to drop?
Will the Province help the residents who may no longer be able to sell or refinance their homes?

If this proceeds and harm continues, I believe many local residents may begin exploring legal options — including a class action lawsuit to seek compensation for financial losses. That is not a threat. It’s a reflection of the real fear and frustration being felt by people here, who are losing the value of their homes without ever being consulted.

We are not anti-development. We are pro-community, pro-safety, and pro-transparency.

I respectfully urge the Ministry to:
• Reject the exemption under Bill 5 for this site
• Require a full Environmental Assessment
• Acknowledge and address the economic impact already affecting local homeowners
• Ensure the people of Dresden are not left to pay the price for a private company’s project

This process must be fair, thorough, and rooted in respect for the people who live here — not just those who profit from it.