The Ontario government isn't changing its stance on the proposed Dresden Landfill.
The controversial project has been heavily scrutinized since it was first announced, however, public opinion hit a new low last month after the province tabled legislation that would remove environmental assessment (EA) requirements for the project.
A statement from the Office of the Premier claims the project needs to move forward as fast as possible.
"Ontario exports nearly 40 per cent of its waste to the United States and it is anticipated our landfills, as they stand, will be full within the next decade. The York 1 waste project, located just outside of Dresden, is the landfill that can mobilize the quickest to increase internal waste management capacity to ensure long-term stability and reduce reliance on international systems, as it already has waste permissions and is not considered a new landfill," read the statement.
The province also states they don't plan on ignoring any environmental impacts the project may have.
"We have been clear, the project will still undergo extensive environmental processes and remain subject to strong provincial oversight and other regulatory requirements, including Environmental Compliance Approvals under the Environmental Protection Act and the Ontario Water Resources Act," read the statement.
Lawyers hired by the municipality to fight back against the landfill argue the EA requirements are more important, specifically for those against the project. This is because they would force York1 Environmental Waste Solutions, the company proposing the landfill, to undertake several studies, consider other alternatives, and allow the public to share their thoughts.
"The people of Ontario have spoke loud and clear, they want a government that will do whatever it takes to protect Ontario, to build a province that is more resilient, self-reliant, and able to withstand anything that comes our way. That is exactly what our government will deliver," read the province's statement.
People have until May 17, 2025, to share their concerns about the project through the Environmental Registry of Ontario.