Chatham-Kent is encouraging residents to voice their concerns to the Ontario government, as a Mississauga-based waste company makes new proposals to reopen a dormant landfill near Dresden.
The municipality and neighbouring residents have received written notices that York1 Environmental Waste Solutions Ltd. has submitted two applications to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) related to operations at 29831 Irish School Rd.
The notices outline York1’s plans for a waste transfer and processing facility that would receive, transfer, sort, and process non-hazardous waste, construction and demolition waste, wood waste, and soils. If approved by the ministry, the facility would be permitted to receive up to 3,000 tonnes of material per day.
A separate application proposes the creation of an eight-hectare landfill for non-hazardous solid waste that cannot be beneficially reused. The application is requesting a maximum receiving rate of 1,000 tonnes of primarily construction and demolition waste per day, or 365,000 tonnes annually. If completed in 2027, the landfill would reach capacity in 2035.
Both proposals state that operations at the Irish School Road site would run from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
York1’s notices also state that the company has identified and addressed several environmental concerns in the design of the waste facility and landfill, such as noise, atmospheric emissions, pests, vehicle traffic, and untreated stormwater.
York1’s plans have been met with significant opposition from local residents since they were made public in early 2024. Chatham-Kent Council and municipal administration also oppose the project in any form.
The municipality has retained an independent expert to review York1’s applications to ensure Chatham-Kent’s submissions to the province are supported by technical expertise and evidence.
CK officials are “strongly” encouraging residents who receive a notice to submit their own comments and concerns as part of the provincial application process. York1 stated that comments must be submitted within 15 days of receiving the notice. For the appropriate contact information, visit the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent website by clicking here.
The municipality is currently involved in a legal battle with the waste company over the landfill site. Municipal officials maintain that York1 requires land use planning approvals from CK Council, including zoning and official plan changes, to move forward with its proposals at the Irish School Road site.
York1 disagrees and has filed a court challenge in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
The next hearing on the matter has been scheduled for September 21.
