The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is continuing to voice strong opposition to the implications of Bill 5 and the proposed expansion of the Dresden Waste Disposal Site, reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection and community well-being through ongoing advocacy with the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
Councillor Jamie McGrail raised this issue at ROMA, where she sits on the board, which resulted in this being brought forth to AMO, Municipal officials say.
As a member of AMO, Chatham-Kent fully supports the association’s recent submission to the Province, which urges a more balanced and responsible approach to environmental approvals, particularly those affecting waste disposal infrastructure, local officials added.
AMO’s letter raises significant concerns about the precedent set by Bill 5, which removes the requirement for a comprehensive environmental assessment (EA) for the Dresden landfill, despite the site’s proximity to residential areas, agricultural land, and sensitive natural habitats.
“I sincerely appreciate AMO for standing with Dresden and, more broadly, with rural Ontario on this important issue,” said Ward 4 Councillor Jamie McGrail, in a media release.
“With AMO’s support, I strongly believe it is time for the provincial government to take a step back and re-evaluate its position—considering the real and lasting impacts this decision could have on small-town and rural communities across the province. There is a better solution out there, and together, we can find it.”
“First and foremost I would like to thank my colleague, Councillor Jamie McGrail for bringing this issue forward to ROMA which resulted in AMO’s submission to the Province. This only demonstrates that there continues to be many organizations and citizens throughout Ontario who are against Bill 5​, and specifically, bringing a landfill to Dresden without a comprehensive environmental assessment completed,” stated Councillor Rhonda Jubenville, in a press release.
“I, along with all of Chatham-Kent Council continue to advocate for Dresden and surrounding areas to oppose Bill 5. Our Municipality will continue to work on this issue in order to hopefully arrive at a positive outcome. I continue to respectfully offer an invitation to Premier Doug Ford to visit Dresden and the potential landfill site.”
“The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is not supportive of the Dresden landfill expansion,” said Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, in a press release.
“This project would dramatically increase the landfill’s capacity and introduce new industrial activities less than a kilometre from homes, farms, and water systems, all without the full environmental review that such a proposal would normally require.”
While Chatham-Kent recognizes the need to increase Ontario’s landfill capacity to support growth, the municipality, AMO, and many other concerned organizations stress the importance of proper environmental and community review processes to prevent long-term negative impacts.
AMO’s position echoes the municipality’s concerns that relying on outdated Environmental Compliance Approvals (ECAs) fails to account for the scale and complexity of today’s proposed projects.
The municipality supports AMO’s call for a modernized, risk-based landfill approval process that maintains strong environmental protections while facilitating responsible growth.
Chatham-Kent’s continued involvement with AMO ensures its voice is part of a united municipal front, advocating for legislation and policies that reflect both the needs of the province and the rights of its communities, Municipal officials added.
For more information on the municipality’s advocacy efforts and updates on this issue, visit www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/DefendDresden.
