Dresden, Ont. residents protest new landfill backed by Bill 5. Critics urge Ontario to repeal law that bypasses local environmental protections.
Residents Mobilize Against Proposed Dresden Landfill
Dozens of Dresden residents, local leaders, and environmental advocates gathered Thursday to protest a controversial landfill project moving forward under the authority of Ontario’s recently enacted Bill 5. The demonstration highlighted growing unrest over the provincial government’s decision to override local and environmental regulations.
New Legislation Sparks Controversy Across Ontario
Bill 5, passed by the Ontario legislature on June 4, grants the Doug Ford government broad powers to suspend provincial and municipal laws for infrastructure projects in areas considered economically significant. Critics argue the bill strips local communities of their right to participate in decisions that directly impact their environment, health, and livelihoods.
Farmers Fear Impact on Land and Community
Local farmer Al Kominek, whose property borders the proposed landfill, voiced strong opposition to the plan. “Toronto doesn’t care about our community, but we do,” he said. Though a self-described Conservative, Kominek recently wrote to the Premier to express his deep dissatisfaction with both the bill and the landfill proposal. “It’s disheartening to see decisions forced on us without consultation,” he added.
Company Asserts Compliance, Downplays Risk
York1 Environmental Waste Solutions Ltd., the Toronto-area company behind the landfill, confirmed that early-stage work is underway. In a written statement, York1 emphasized that the project complies with its existing Environmental Compliance Approval. The company also clarified that the landfill will handle non-hazardous construction and demolition waste, not household garbage.
Residents Voice Fears for Health, Recreation, and Nature
Dresden resident Ashley Khouathip spoke passionately about the landfill’s potential effects on family life and the local environment. “The kids play out here, they fish, we kayak — this dump threatens everything we value about living here,” she said. Khouathip remains hopeful that procedural or legal barriers could still prevent the project from advancing.
NDP Leader Joins Protest, Calls Out Government
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, visiting the Windsor area, joined Dresden C.A.R.E.D. members and Chatham-Kent municipal councillors at the protest. She criticized Premier Ford for breaking promises and undermining local authority. “This is not just political — it’s personal for residents,” she said. Stiles pledged to continue challenging Bill 5 at Queen’s Park.
Unions and Indigenous Allies Condemn Bill 5
Lyle Gall of the Public Service Alliance of Canada also spoke at the rally, calling Bill 5 a “direct attack” on workers, Indigenous sovereignty, and environmental protections. “We stand in solidarity with First Nations leaders opposing this assault on treaty rights,” he said. Gall urged the province to immediately repeal the legislation.
Ongoing Fight as Preparations Continue
Though prep work has begun, protestors say their fight is far from over. Organizers plan to continue legal challenges and community mobilization. “Bill 5 might have passed, but we’re not done fighting,” said Khouathip.
The Dresden landfill debate has become a flashpoint in the broader battle over environmental policy and democratic oversight in Ontario, with implications that could reach far beyond this small southwestern Ontario town.
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