First Nation chief downstream of proposed rural Ontario dump calls out province

Chief of Walpole Island First Nation Speaks Out Against Proposed Dresden Landfill

The ongoing battle over a proposed landfill site in rural southwestern Ontario has once again come to the forefront, with concerns being raised by Chief Leela Thomas of the Walpole Island First Nation. The landfill site, located in Dresden, has been a point of contention for both local residents and Indigenous communities in the area.

Last summer, residents in Chatham-Kent celebrated a victory when the Conservative government announced that any plans to reopen the landfill would require a full environmental assessment. However, the introduction of Bill 5 — the Protect Ontario By Unleashing Our Economy Act — has raised red flags for Chief Thomas and others opposed to the project.

Chief Thomas has called the proposed bill “devastating” and believes that it ignores the constitutional rights of Indigenous communities. She emphasizes the importance of protecting the land, environment, and livelihoods of all people, not just those within her own community. Chief Thomas also expresses concerns about the lack of proper planning when it comes to landfill capacity in the province.

The proximity of the landfill site to the Sydenham River, which runs through the traditional territory of the Anishinabek people, is a major point of concern for Chief Thomas. She worries about the potential environmental and health risks posed by the landfill, especially since it is located near a vital spawning ground and home to numerous endangered species.

Human rights advocacy group Amnesty International has also voiced their opposition to the project, citing potential threats to Indigenous rights and environmental protections. The fast-tracking of the landfill project through Bill 5 has raised questions about the government’s commitment to upholding these rights and protections.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has defended the government’s decision to expand the landfill, citing capacity issues and concerns about reliance on the United States for waste disposal. However, opposition leader Marit Stiles of the NDP has criticized the government for breaking promises and potentially engaging in corrupt deals related to the landfill project.

The potential impacts of the proposed landfill on the surrounding environment and communities are significant. Chief Thomas and others are calling for rigorous environmental and health assessments to be conducted before any further progress is made on the project. The concerns raised by Chief Thomas and others highlight the need for a balanced approach that considers the well-being of all those affected by the landfill proposal.