Community members in Dresden, Ont., are outraged over the cancellation of an environmental assessment for a large landfill project north of the town. The decision has raised questions about why York1’s landfill expansion was singled out in a controversial omnibus bill introduced by Premier Doug Ford’s government.
Concerns from Local Activists
Stefan Premdas, chair of the Dresden Concerned Citizens Group, expressed frustration over the cancellation, stating:
"I don’t understand why this particular project got priority treatment. We’re not against waste management or recycling; we just want it done properly."
Premdas’ group has been opposing York1’s plans to expand its landfill since 2018, raising concerns about potential health risks and environmental impacts on nearby communities.
Government’s Justification
The Ontario government announced last week that it would cancel the environmental assessment for York1’s proposed expansion, citing national security concerns as the reason. Critics, however, argue that this justification serves as a smokescreen to avoid conducting proper assessments and public consultations.
Premier Ford’s Position
Premier Ford denied knowing who owned York1 and stated that he did not consider ownership before making his decision. He argued that having an existing site like York1 ready for use would help prevent disruptions in waste disposal services, especially if Canada lost access to U.S. markets.
According to Ford, Ontario sends about 40% of its waste to the United States. He warned that President Trump could refuse to accept this waste if trade disputes escalated, particularly under circumstances involving tariffs or other trade barriers imposed on Canadian goods.
Summary
- Community Reaction: Outrage over the cancellation of the environmental assessment for York1’s landfill expansion.
- Local Activism: Concerns raised by the Dresden Concerned Citizens Group about health risks and environmental impacts.
- Government’s Rationale: Cited national security concerns for the cancellation, criticized as a smokescreen.
- Ford’s Comments: Denied knowledge of York1’s ownership; emphasized the importance of existing waste disposal sites in light of potential trade issues with the U.S.
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