Chatham-Kent residents who want the latest information about a proposed landfill just outside of Dresden can get up to date on Thursday.
Dresden C.A.R.E.D. (Dresden Citizens Against Reckless Environmental Disposal), a community run not-for-profit organization, will be hosting an information session at 6 p.m. at the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Center.
"The community's really hoping for answers and are looking for the facts," said Martha Fehr, an executive member of Dresden C.A.R.E.D.
"We have a presentation to inform and bring clarity to the community," Fehr explained. "We've spent the last two months sorting through all of the information that's available to us and siphoning out the facts."
Fehr said attendees will hear about the history of the property, the history of the amalgamation, what the current permits allow for, what York1 is proposing, and the new proposal from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
"We just want to bring clarity to our community, because that's the very least that they deserve," Fehr said.
She added that there is a feeling of hope due to the complete support of the municipal government.
"Obviously we have a long battle in front of us and a lot of work, but was a group we feel really encouraged," Fehr stated.
"We've only been a group for two months. So, to get the full support of not only our mayor but our municipal council and also Mayor Alan Broad and now this proposal that the Ministry of the Environment put out... that kind of progress is something that I wasn't expecting," Fehr said. "To have that amount of support within two months is absolutely astronomical."
Fehr reiterated that the organization's top priority is clarity and knowledge. "The main thing we're doing is just giving our community the facts and giving them the resources to do what they believe is true and what they believe they want to do," she said.
In addition to the presentation, Dresden C.A.R.E.D. will have a station to help those who would like to comment on the Environment Ministry's proposal but are confused about where to go or what to say.
Everyone is encouraged to submit their thoughts about the Ministry requirement of a comprehensive environmental assessment.
Comments can be made here, they will accepted until May 10.
At Monday night's council meeting, municipal staff made clear that asking for an environmental assessment doesn't equal support for the project.
More information is available at the municipality's dedicated Let's Talk Page.