Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman Releases A Statement On Province's Legislation

Thursday, 9 July 2020 12:45

Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman released a statement today following the Province's proposed legislation which, if passed, would allow local municipalities to have a say in approving new landfill sites.

WOODSTOCK – As part of the proposed COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, the provincial government announced this week that municipalities will have a say in the future placement of landfill sites.

If it were to get passed, this legislation would provide municipalities more involvement in environmental assessments by requiring their support in order for new landfills to receive approval. This is part of a larger plan to modernize the environmental assessment process and fulfills a direct election commitment made in 2018.

MPP for Oxford Ernie Hardeman says local municipalities should decide if they want the landfills in their community.

“Our government believes landfills should be located in communities that are a willing host. This is an issue our community and I have been trying to address for many years and I want to commend the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Jeff Yurek for proposing to modernize the environmental assessment process and giving municipalities more say in landfill locations. We believe that local municipalities are able to make decisions that are best for their communities and I’m happy to see Premier Ford fulfilling this campaign promise.”

The proposed legislation would enact a key part of the Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations: A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan and allow towns a say in where landfills belong if they are located within the municipality or in a municipality next to them if the location is within 3.5 kilometers of town lines.

This will help to empower municipalities by making sure that their concerns are addressed when it comes to waste management and is an important step towards a safe and sustainable future.

Hardeman added he's been proud to work with Ingersoll Mayor Ted Comiskey on this issue.

“I have heard first-hand from constituents and local volunteers about how important this is as a local issue and have been proud to work alongside Ingersoll Mayor Comiskey to advocate for this change. I am proud to be part of a government that gives municipalities a real say in the needs of their communities.”