Blake Ellis/The Independent

Lambton-Kent District School Board Trustee Angela Richards might have another way to prevent York1 Environmental from developing its recycling and landfill project, just outside of Dresden.

The Mississauga company plans to expand a former landfill site, situated less than a kilometre outside of Dresden, from a two acre site to 20 acres, and bring up to 4,000 tonnes of construction waste and soil a day.

At the Oct. 28 meeting, Richards, who lives in and represents the Dresden area, pointed to a situation in Stoney Creek where plans for the construction of an elementary school have been stopped under direction of the Ontario Ministry of Education. According to CBC, the reason was the foul odours coming from the nearby GFL Stoney Creek Regional landfill.

Richards asked that a letter be written to the Ministry of Education asking for the same considerations given to Stoney Creek, be given to students and staff in Dresden.

“It is not safe for the students in Stoney Creek, why is it safe for Dresden?,” asked
Trustee Jane Bryce, who framed it as a equity issue.

Trustee Greg Agar also agreed with Richards about her concern for student and staff in Dresden.

The school board directed Board Chair Kelley Robertson send a letter to the Ministry of Education outlining the school board concerns.